I don't think mixing window models on a given elevation is a good idea. Some folks may be able to tell the difference, others not so much.

I suggest you look at the windows yourself and bring a tape measure. It isn't super complex to look at the units side by side.

Agree with WOW.

I get questions like this often. The differences are relatively subtle. More from the inside than out, thus don't mix in a side by side situation. Two different elevations shouldn't be an issue. Probably only going to bother you so don't give it a second thought.

Thanks @Windows on Washington Ltd and @East Bay 10. I have checked the two models in person. Given the configuration of my house, I will not mix models inside a given room, as the interior differences would be noticeable. But if I want to mix double-hung models (which I might need to do due to budget issues), I might indeed go with Ultimate in the first floor and Elevate in the second, so I am more concerned about differences in the exterior.

This is a two story brick center colonial. The configuration of windows in the first and second floors of the side and rear elevations are different enough that I might get away with the mixing. The issue in in the front elevation, where things and more symmetric and where it might more noticeable. In case it matters, the house in on a hill and there is a bit of a distance from the street -- about 70 feet -- which hopefully minimizes the issue given that the exterior differences between Elevate and Ultimate seem very subtle. I am therefore inclined to do the mixing. Also, the 1st floor windows of the front elevation are much taller than the 2nd floor windows, so hopefully this already "dissipates" any differences between 1st and 2nd floor front windows.

I know it is difficult to give additional insights without actually looking at the house, but I would welcome to hear the experience of others.

Difference between all Ultimate and all Elevate: $7K. If I mix, I would save about $3,500

Personally..I wouldn't do it over the differential. I'd rather just run all Elevates if it were me and budgetary constraints were the driving factor.

Hi @maestrope! May I ask which windows you decided on? We are building a colonial and are trying to decide which windows to choose! I like the look of a wood interior but am still deciding if the price of the Ultimate is worth it.

Thank you!

Hello @micaelala We went with the Elevates. Very nice windows, anf they are wood in the interior. if i hadn’t had any budgetary constraints, i would probably have used the Ultimates. Also, i would probably have also looked into the Andersen Woodwrights. But overall very happy with the Elevates.

@maestrope thank you so much for the feedback. The window choices feel so overwhelming but it’s so helpful to have your insight!

@micaelala Just one more thing: if you really, really want a ”classic” look — as if the windows were ”vintage” pre-WW2 windows — keep in mind that the Elevates have a slightly more ”modern”, stramlined, clean look (for instance, the frames are a tiny bit thinner, and the hardware is minimalist). The Ultimates look more ”vintage” — the hardware and the jambliner in particular. I had a preference for a more vintage look, but the Elevates were good enough. The Andersen Woodwright looks a bit more vintage than the Elevate, but I discovered it after I had placed my order. Otherwise the Woodwright would have been a contender. If, however, you are going for a more ”clean” look, you can’t go wrong with the Elevates. But you definitely want to look at all of them in person.

@maestrope our house is a new build but we are definitely going for a more vintage or historic look. I had thought about possibly mixing the Elevates and Ultimates but I think we’d prefer to stick with one style if we can. We need to see all the windows in person but our contractor initially recommended the Anderson 400 series which I think may include the Woodwright. Thank you for pointing out the differences between the Ultimates and the Elevates! Again, incredibly helpful information. Very grateful!