" Thoughts on Pella wood versus Renewal by Andersen fibrex windows? "

Renewal by Andersen is the much better choice in this comparison. I would never recommend anything Pella.

@dennisgli What is the difference between "Andersen 400" and Renewal by Anderson?

Andersen 400 window exteriors are vinyl-clad. In our DC historic neighborhood, vinyl windows are prohibited.

In 2017, we replaced 90+ windows in our non-historic building in a DC historic neighborhood. We replaced our wood casement windows with Enerlux fiberglass windows which have performed well. Your windows are probably double-hung which Enerlux doesn't offer. One of my neighbors obtained a quote for Renewal by Andersen and the price was exorbitant. Even though the Andersen was the lower of the two quotes, you might get a quote from Marvin for its Essential or Elevate fiberglass windows for comparison.

Of course you want to purchase windows that meet the minimum Energy Star U-factor and SHGC factors for your climate zone.

Andersen manufactures windows - the "400" series is one of the lines of windows that they make.

Renewal by Andersen is a franchise offering that offers window installation services - who you deal with will vary with the franchisee that serves your location - where are you located?

@dennisgli We are in Boston

Holy smokes! More complicated than in DC!

"In broad terms, a property owner seeking to make an exterior change on a property subject to a historic district commission should consult that district’s specific design standards and undertake to make any renovations in compliance therewith. Once the design is finalized, an application must be filed, and the Landmarks Commission staff will determine whether the project is exempt from review. If not exempt, a property owner may need to attend a public hearing before the applicable historic district commission to obtain approval. Once the project is determined to meet the guidelines and is approved by the historic district commission, the property owner receives a Certificate of Design Approval." -- Boston’s Historic District Commissions

Boston Historic Districts

Historic Beacon Hill District

• Beacon Hill Guidelines

@wdccruise Thanks for this. I should have been more specific. We are actually in Brookline (right next to Boston). It is not as complicated in Brookline, but they are still particular. The contrators we have talked to are experienced in dealing with the town and will get the paperwork done to specs. Both of the proposed jobs will conform with Brookline rules. My main concern is: will we regret it if we opt for composite on the inside instead of wood?

" My main concern is: will we regret it if we opt for composite on the inside instead of wood? "

What do you want the interior to look like? If staiining you want wood. If painted white, composite is fine. I would not use Pella on a dare, regardless of the interior finish.

@millworkman The interior will be painted white. Why do you dislike Pella?

"My main concern is: will we regret it if we opt for composite on the inside instead of wood?"

You may be asking the wrong question. The question should be what finish do you want. You can buy those Renewal windows in solid color (e.g. white) or three wood veneers. Marvin Essential windows are only available in three solid colors while Marvin Elevate windows are available in two solid colors, factory-finished pine, and unfinished pine that you'd stain (or paint) yourself.

" Why do you dislike Pella? "

Notorious poor customer service and quality control. Lack of proper fit and finish. Performance is barely adequate.

We replaced all our windows (20+) in fall 2022 with RBA. Some sliders, some casements.

It was/is my understanding that the 400 series is "new build only", and RBA is for replacement windows. Interior framing was unfinished pine, that we had our painting contractor stain to match our hardwood floors/baseboards. Unless they've changed, I don't think they offer interior "colors" but I could be wrong (I would imagine if that were so, the interior framing would also be FIbrex as they would "bake" the color into it as they do with the exterior framing). We wanted the wood to match what was previously there and to match the flooring.

We live in western Massachusetts and the RBA group/installers came out from north of Boston every day for 4 days! God love them driving on the Pike back and forth... They were fabulous. They were even able to match some mitered details above our family room windows that had been there previously.

Expensive? OMG yes. However, I will tell anyone who listens that their "one stop shopping" for consult/manufacture/purchase/installation was, to me, worth every penny. We had a couple of minor issues post-installation, and they came right out to address them. No chasing the manufacturer vs. the installer to remedy the problem.

We couldn't be more pleased.

As millworkman said, wood vs Fibrex on the inside depends on the look you want. Compare samples.

• It was/is my understanding that the 400 series is "new build only", and RBA is for replacement windows.

Oh my - who told you that? I'm sure it wasn't Andersen corporate.