[dignan99]

Hi all. First time poster, attempting to save money while replacing siding and windows.

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

Whether it be Milgard, Marvin, vinyl, fiberglass, or wood...it seems that the estimates I get are just out of thin air, whatever they can guess I might pay.

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

My second questions is:

I have asbestos siding possibly(about to get it tested.) I am going to remove it either way. When I am finished and it reveals cedar underneath, do I spend the money to repair the cedar, or go with a product like hardiplank???

Opinions and help appreciated.

 

[integlikewhoa]

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

Silly question. No its better to pay a high mark up.
But seriously are you instilling them yourself, or are you talking about buying them then having someone come out and install them for you?

Try this for online pricing. http://www.1stwindows.com/
Just pick window brand, style and size add to cart and you will see the price instantly.

 

[jaros bros.]

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.

 

[12penny]

dignan....IMO, no, dont ask your contractor friends to get you windows at cost and then cut them out of the install. If they really are friends they'll take care of you.

 

[dignan99]

Penny12:

I would have them install them, or hire an installer after the purchase. I'm not trying to cut them out, simply trying not to have things marked up to the umpteenth degree.

 

[dignan99]

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.

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.

 

[Aggie67]

Penny12:

I would have them install them, or hire an installer after the purchase. I'm not trying to cut them out, simply trying not to have things marked up to the umpteenth degree.

If you go the route of your friend buys them at cost, and you find someone else to install them, prepare yourself mentally that if any problems crop up, you could have a bit of a hornets nest going on if the installer blames the window, and your contractor friend blames the installer. There's a small chance it could get hairy.

 

[Aggie67]

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.

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.

 

[Ron6519]

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

 

[dignan99]

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.

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

 

[jogr]

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.

 

[dsq]

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.

IS a carpenter the same as a window installer?

I think the best route is make sure you have a garanty with the installation.I think with floors you buy from the installer and have the whole job garanteed at once.I would think the same for windows,like you buy from an outfit that sells and has a dedicated team that installs windows.I dont know if that exists.I know sears and home depot subcontract out to mickey mouse people so you really have to be on top of it.The whole home repair industry needs to be regulated to high hell.It is so hard to find competent people and so much damage is being done and money lost to handyman clowns.

I know somebody who had a mickey mosue handyman incorrectly install windows.Its a joke.The house will leak like a sieve.

 

[creamaster]

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/

 

[texas115115]

On you asbestos siding, in texas as long as you dont use power tools you can remove it any way you want. And dispose of it in any mannor you want. Call you states health department if you have not already and find out the law there. Could save you a lot of money.