Need help on window research!

4 years ago

Hi,

We are remodeling (almost a gut reno) a 1970s house and replacing all the windows and doors + adding a lot of new ones. The current plan is for all casement and I think it will be around 40 windows all told. We are only considering either all wood or wood + clad.

Since this is likely to be one of our biggest ticket items, plus one of the longest lead time items (but we have time!), any advice on the best way to begin researching and comparing brands? I've read a number of threads here about Marvin, Kolbe, Loewen, Pella, Sierra Pacific et. al. For each one, I've read good and bad. Price is definitely going to factor as our budget is very tight as it is. We want windows that will look great, but also function well, are easy to deal with window screens and cleaning. When we updated our last 1920s home, we ended up with double-hung, mid-priced Andersens which we didn't love (didn't slide well, hard to clean and get screens in and out), but they stayed in good shape, (looked fine enough to get a good price on house when we sold it!) Personally, when I went househunting this time around, I only noticed the windows if they were exquisite - like a mid-century reno. we saw that had these lovely German casements.

Currently, our architect has mentioned Marvin, Kolbe, and Pella (Pella as lower cost, but still decent??) But I know there are many more companies. For a $2-3K difference, I'm not sure we'd care so much, but if the price difference between brands is more a long the lines of a $10K+ difference, that would def. matter to us. Not sure if/how concerned I should be with warranties, for example (vs. simply paying someone to repair if need be.)

I appreciate any advice on how to even get started with this!

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Comments (6)

BT
4 years ago
It is not the manufacturer it is series. Everyone has low end and high end windows. In general I take Andersens casements any day before I touch Pella again.

LOL the price difference is NOT $2-$3k. Some could be as high as 30 - 50 - 100k. Those lovely german casements may take a very very long time to get and at the high expense. I would not be "starting" any reno if you plan to get the certain windows. Your house may not be habitable for years.

Talk to a dealer. It may take 8 months to get the windows, get local cost. Our Kolbe dealer always offers some great prices.
Seabornman
4 years ago
We've been very pleased with Marvin Elevate. All of our windows are casement. They were in the neighborhood of $500/ea. 2 years ago. I assume you are using new construction windows and not replacements.
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millworkman
4 years ago
"(Pella as lower cost, but still decent??)"

Definitely no to this being a decent product in any series and not even really lower cost. Marvin and Kolbe are two of the best production wood clad windows on the market today. You may want to look at LePage if those are out of your budget.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
4 years ago
If you are looking for a quality window with a real wood interior, I'd agree with the other pros that the Marvin and Kolbe options are a cut above (at least) the other options that you've mentioned. The Marvin Elevate is pretty fairly priced for what you get.

If you aren't set on a wood interior than that opens the discussion to many other options including composite, vinyl, fiberglass, etc.
res2architect
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You haven't told us what we need to know to help you.

What is the climate, nearest city and the style and cladding of the house? Will they be double hungs, casements, etc.? rural, semi-urban or urban? mullion patterns and special features (latching, tilting, special screens, fall prevention devices, frame and/or sash colors/finishes, tilt wash).

Give us the size of a typical window and a budget for it before taxes.
millworkman
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
"I use their windows for a year."

A year is not a good judge of time in my opinion. What makes them good? What series and operator type window did you use? What sort of Energy Values do they offer? What type glazing? Who installed the windows?