I'd consider casements for egress requirements and fixed for other locations. This could reduce the total bid to a level where fiberglass might be in budget or close. Call

Houston Window Experts - YouTube

window companies can be very regional, where are you located?

We are located in North West GA (just outside Chattanooga TN)

Have you looked at 100 series Andersen?

Andersen 100, Marvin Essentials are good products.

Agree that both of those are good options.

I was remiss in not mentioning the Essentials as well. Both would be a major improvement in quailty and performance overall than the brands you mention.

Thank you for your guidance - I will check-out Andersen 100 and Marvin Essentials.

I can't recommend a specific brand, but I have some general thoughts:

- Windows are a make-or-break item. You don't need to go for the tip-top, all the bells-and-whistles models, but cheap windows will make the house look cheap.

- Go tall with your windows. You'll appreciate that extra bit of natural light.

- Do consider getting tilt-in windows. I LOVE my mom's -- they're so much easier to clean.

- What size is the actual door in that 12' center slider? Don't skimp on exterior door width.

To add to the list above- if you don’t want to get sdl just skip the grids completely. Also try to avoid the ‘bug eye’ look- houses look better when the face of the window is behind the trim not flush with it.

Thanks for the advise -
The windows are nice and tall - the 12’ sliding glass door is a total of 12’ with 4 panels - the two center panels will open.
We have seen this door in several open houses we have visited- and it will work perfect headed out to our 38x18 covered patio with a Mountain View (there is another full lite standard 36” door headed out from the kitchen to the deck).
I agree on the tilt windows (though we are not very diligent on cleaning the ones we own now) -
We are skipping the grid - we have gridless now and have enjoyed them.
Thanks for the heads up on the trim around window.