[Georgepag]

I am going to have new windows installed for a house in S. Yarmouth, MA. The current windows are original wood windows that need to be completely replaced so I am looking for new work windows. I’ve just started navigating the new window maze and have a bunch of questions Costs, types of windows, working with builders and dealers and other things I probably haven’t thought of yet.

I am going to look at Marvin, Anderson and Pella windows. My plan is to visit the showrooms and have them quote the cost of the windows and installation. Do all dealers for a particular brand charge the same cost for the windows? For example, if I decide on a Marvin window and get a quote from one dealer, does it make sense to shop another Marvin dealer to see if they quote a better price?

Once I have decided on the windows I want is it better to use the dealer installer or an independent contractor for installation? I know of a few contractors I trust, I probably wont know the dealers installer at all. Are there warranty considerations if using an independent contractor? Is there a cost benefit to one or the other?

The house siding is unpainted cedar shingle. Would that have any influence on the type of window I should select – wood, vinyl, composite, etc.?

Thanks


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[chandler48]

The window brands you mention are good ones. One other that I have installed a lot of in the past is YKK, yes the zipper company. They make sound windows that install easily and very few call backs. We lost the ability of getting them here in the South because they moved their manufacturing and marketing to the Northeast. Now, I am not sure exactly where, but you could do a search to see if they are available in your area. If so, look into them.

 

[Windows on Wash]

I wouldn't put Pella in the class of those other two.

 

[Georgepag]

I wouldn't put Pella in the class of those other two.

Because they are better or worse?


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[SW Dweller]

Every manufacture builds to a price point. As long as you are compairing similar featured windows you should get similar quotes.
I like to have all the eggs in one basket with ONE person to ***** at. Buying the windows and and having your guy install when it does not come out right who is to blame?
Having the companies do the install and furnish the window gets you to the place I want to be. If there is a problem hold all of the money until they fix it.

I did my home the other way and have 2 windows that the first installer did not do, done by another contractor. They look different. My fault I knew the first installer had a schedule window open and I did not get the extra windows delivered in time. No one will ever know, but I do.
If the company does the install what is the warrantee?
I went with metal frames and 20 year vynal on the exterior surfaces. Am hoping that was the right choice for Arizona sun.

 

[oberon476]

Because they are better or worse?

Not to speak for anyone else, but it's not because they are better.

 

[Windows on Wash]

Because they are better or worse?

Not to speak for anyone else, but it's not because they are better.

What he said. Trust a couple of "window washers" that have been in this game for a good long while.