How do I efficiently shop windows and siding???

jaredbros:

Well the cost estimates have varied so drastically between vinyl, fiberglass, and woodclad, which is why I am posting on the site.

I could choose any of the windows, from Milgard to Marvin, I am just trying to figure out the smartest route at the best price. I will definitely check the pricing website mentioned above.

Right now, I am expecting to spend 13-26k for windows depending on my choice of material and brand name. So the closer to cost I get, the happier I'll be.

On top of that I am having trouble understanding what part of the window will be replaced...the inside of the window, or the entire casing/trim. So many choices, it's tough not to get overwhelmed.

Right now I am leaning on going for Marvin Fiberglass replacement windows, or Jen-Wel. Doublehung.

I have about 20-26 windows to replace.

jaros bros. said:

First you need to set budgets for your projects. This will narrow down the choice of products that you will be able to select. For example, you might only be able to afford vinyl siding and wood siding might be out of your price range. Or again, maybe you have enough money to buy Anderson or Marvin Windows and don't want to be a knock off vinyl window. When you have settled on a product you like, go to a lumberyard that you trust and get a quote. If this is too much and you aren't able to differentiate between products and quantities then you need to get a good contractor you trust, or find one through references, one on one meeting, etc.

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dignan99 said:

My big question is, how do we know the margins that window suppliers and contractors are paying for any type of window?

I have a couple friends who are contractors, would it be worth asking them to purchase windows for me at cost?

... do I spend the money to repair the cedar, or go with a product like hardiplank???

Opinions and help appreciated.

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1. Material markups vary. Not every contractor is the same as the next one, so their markups can vary. And one contractor might get one price for a window, and a different contractor could get a different price from the same exact supplier. And one supplier in one state could sell at price X, and the same window in another state could sell for price Y. In my opinion the thing to concentrate on is getting the best window/installation you can at the best price, which in my mind is getting competitive supply-and-install prices.

2. It doesn't hurt asking them. I personally wouldn't just supply the material, because I'd have no control over the installation. If a problem surfaced, no matter what your good intentions are, I'd get dragged into resolving the issue with the installer or with the window company because I bought the windows on my corporate account. So instead of a simple favor, there's a small risk I'm taking that this could end up costing me time to resolve the issue.

3. That's a budget and material choice only you can answer. I like Hardieshingle, personally. I probably wouldn't try to repair what's underneath the asbestos, but I doubt there'd be cedar underneath asbestos. It's possible I guess, but that cedar would probably be very old.

Well...whoever i hire will help me measure before I order the windows. I don't mind triple checking.

I checked out 1stwindows.com, and priced out what I need, or was thinking about. Milgard Ultra Fiberglass windows, and the total came out to about 12k, plus install will put me to a total of 14-16k, which will save me 4-5k from using a local window installer.

I am going to hire a license and bonded local carpenter to install the windows, but he and i will need to agree how it will be replaced and make sure they end up insulated etc...

I am certainly new to DIY, or any home improvements...but I don't mind learning as I go and am not in a rush. I've read a few things on here regarding windows, that sometimes companies simply nail in a new window into the old windows place, which isn't the best install.

The frame needs to be insulated? I need to know what to ask for in each window install.

Ron6519 said:

There will probably be a limited number of contractors who will put in your windows. It's clear that you have no experience in this area, so the likely hood you measure correctly is for whatever catagory you chose is slim.
Prices vary with different catagories of windows just like prices vary with cars. Some windows are higher quality the others.
Personnally, I think the Andersen 400 series is a good window for new construction.
Ron

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It get's tricky when you involve friends who are contractors. They might view buying windows for you at cost as helping their buddy out or they might view it as you taking advantage of the friendship. After all, any time they spend on this job they can't spend on a "real" job making some money to pay their family bills. Even if they are just buying the windows that will eat into some of their dollar making time. If they've offered then you should be ok. If not tread very lightly.

You could also just ask them (and others) for a quote for them to acquire and install the windows. Explain you really need to keep the cost under control but don't want to take advantage of them. Leave it up to them whether they'll markup the window cost. After all what really matters is the final installed cost and quality not whether one charges more for labor or less for window markup. If someone else gives you a better quote then you'll have to just be upfront with the friend and tell them.

Would you be willing to help your friend install them on weekends/evenings in an as-time-permits schedule. They might get you their best deal if you give them a hand and are flexible enough to let them use your job as a time filler. Make sure he still makes some money on the deal or it may never get finished.

As far as installation details, since you are not knowlegeable in window installation details you really shouldn't spec the details. You should only deal with reputable installers who already know and insist on good installation techniques. This is not an area to be looking for low-ball bids. The trick is, of course, to identify those good contractors. I think it is reasonable to ask the installer if he follows the window manufacturers installation directions and if he will provide a copy of them if you accept his bid.

I installed myself the Marvin Integrity fiberglass windows in my house. Its been an ongoing project since last year but so far they have been good windows. I had wooden frame windows and most of them had started to rot so I used new construction windows. I have cedar siding also, so using the new construction windows meant tearing off shingles around the window and removing the interior trim, then taking out the entire window, frame and all. The new window had a nailing fin that was used to mount it. I then used window flashing tape and caulk around the outside to seal it, insulated teh gap on teh inside between the window and framing, installed new exterior trim around the windows and then installed new shingles to fill in where I had torn out. I had a few windows that I had to alter my rough opening because the window wasnt exactly the right size to fit the opening due to manufacturer dimensions available. In my case I had some rot that had to be replaced and involved residing part of the house...look at my post for some pics

http://www.diychatroom.com/f49/window-project-turned-into-bit-more-23577/