Need new Windows. Where to buy?

[FondestBianca]

We need some new windows. We'd like to get high quality for clear reason but, don't want to get screwed. Honestly, I'd like to have them installed as well. I know it's an extra cost but, in allows warranty, gets done quick, and leaves no pain for me.

We want to take advantage of the tax rebate so we need windows that qualify for that. Any old Energy Star window doesn't nessesarily qualify... thus another vote for higher quality windows.

We've gotten one estimate so far and will be getting another later this evening. We'll probably end up only doing half now and the rest when we can afford it.

So what companies do you suggest that will give me quality without a completly insane price tag? I know they'll be expensive but, still looking for the best deal. I'm in eastern Washington state. Also, does anyone know if the 'cash for junkers' ($200 per window for your old windows) is a wide spread thing or just something one company is offering?

[Jane91]

Why are the new windows needed? According to the energy efficiency specialist we just had come and evaluate our house, energy efficient windows are just a scam by the window industry.

According to him, good storm windows, especially insulated storm windows are better than new windows, and much cheaper.

[FondestBianca]

Originally Posted by Jane91

Why are the new windows needed? According to the energy efficiency specialist we just had come and evaluate our house, energy efficient windows are just a scam by the window industry.

According to him, good storm windows, especially insulated storm windows are better than new windows, and much cheaper.

None of my windows seal (home inspection proved this). A couple let enough air in to make the curtain blow in the wind. A couple have cracks. NONE have screens and our attempt to add screens proved that the screen slot was about twice the width of screen frames and replacing all of the screens would actually be quite spendy. This means that in our house with no AC and overinsulated attic we can't open windows for fresh air and cool night air in the hot summers. Cats would jump out, kids would fall out, and bugs would get in. One or two of the bedroom windows won't lock. Windows have to be taped shut and covered in plastic during the winter. Windows downstairs (split level house) have to have an extra layer of blankets hung on the curtain rod just to help insulate during winter and keep the suns heat at bay during the summer. 2 windows have a broken seal between the two panes and have mositure inside them 24/7 (asking for mold). In the summer I can't even open the curtains because they let in so much heat.

I've actually watched a demo (and felt for myself) on new windows where one side is heated and the other side stays cool. This happens when filled with dense gas between the panes and when the panes are connected with no conductive material.

I'm sure there is a bit of a scam in just about everything on the market but, in my case I think it would make a big difference. It makes enough of a difference that my power company will write me a check for $3 per square foot of replaced windows and the gov will give me a tax break of 30% of the cost up to $1500.

In actuality this is more a move for safety, comfort, and ease of use than it is for saving money on our heating bill. We don't pay all that much for energy because we cut a lot of corners.

[nd_deadhead]

yep, it sure sounds like you need new windows!

I can't help with your questions, though, since I haven't gotten too far in my own search for replacement windows. I don't think we can afford it until fall, but I am looking at the tax rebate as an incentive to do it this year.

We need new windows in 3 lower level rooms because carpenter ants have eaten much of the frames; there's water damage in the living room window, and the windows were cheap to start with, 20 years ago. We live in North Dakota, where cold and wind are significant factors in the winter - we put plastic on the windows, and the plastic in our bedroom "breathes" in and out when it's windy (which is most of the time).

[mnnice]

I'm pretty sure most windows (except for the really spendy brands like Pella) are regional. The brands I could buy in WI are not going to be available in WA and vice versa.

[sunflower.mama]

We had Anderson windows installed. Since we changed the opening size (from aluminum sliders to more traditional double hung) we used a local contractor who ordered and installed. He came well recommended which is why I never worried about scams/getting screwed. We were able to use windows very similar to what a neighbor put in, so knew what to expect. I am sure cost is regional, but we paid about half of what Sears wanted to charge us for straight out replacement windows - so steer clear of them. We've been so so happy with the job - both from an energy efficiency perspective and a quality of life perspective (the old ones literally were covered w/ice on the inside and we couldn't see out. The first day we watched the snow fall from the inside of the new windows was so wonderful!)

[Thystle]

Check places like Lowes and Home Depot for discounted windows that were ordered and then not picked up or returned. They mark those down quite a bit.



Also see if there are any Habitat for Humanity ReStores in your area. They sometimes have new windows too.

[SleeplessMommy]

Originally Posted by FondestBianca

.....Also, does anyone know if the 'cash for junkers' ($200 per window for your old windows) is a wide spread thing or just something one company is offering?

something the company made up

Originally Posted by FondestBianca

This means that in our house with no AC and overinsulated attic we can't open windows for fresh air and cool night air in the hot summers.

probably your attic needs more ventilation... you can't have too much attic insulation, assuming it is installed properly.

from an energy reduction point of view, the upstairs windows will save you more energy than downstairs.

if you can identify the window manufacturer, you may be able to order replacement windows or panes (and screens) leaving the casings in place. huge cost savings there! ask for argon-filled lowE windows.

Where you have window drafts and heat loss as the only problems, i strongly recommend weatherstripping + cordless cellular blinds. about $60 per window: Weatherstripping fixed many drafts for us.

I would go with a reputable local contractor over a "specially" window replacement company. We got quotes on gutter guards + gutter repairs as follows:
* gutter guards specialist company (they do windows too!) Took 2 hours for quote + sales pitch. $6000 A today-only special price!!!
* local roofing contractor. took 15 minutes for quote. $2000
* competent small contractor $1400

Window replacement has some scams out there ... the biggest is promises of a specific energy savings, even "80% reduction in your heating bill" ... not going to happen. (I am a residential energy auditor, btw. it is my job to know where heat leaves the house!)

You will be very lucky to see 10% savings from windows. improved attic ventilation + screens will do better for comfort.

[WorldsBestMom]

How about trying the famous Home Depot or maybe a hardware store in your area. Search the directory and make some calls to find out who has the lowest price for good quality windows.

[rainyday]

My advice is to figure out which type of window you want (brand and style, all specifications). I'd do this by having several window people out to talk to you and give estimates and by looking at Home Depot/Lowes. Talk to the different representatives about what they include with their prices because they seem to include very different things. (We found that some include new exterior trim, flashing, etc. and some don't.)

Then, once you know whic exact window you want, have a bunch of different companies out to give you estimates on removing your old windows and installing the new ones. Specify EXACTLY what you want them to estimate - style of window (e.g. Pella Architect series with this style of grid) plus any trim, flashing, etc. Then you'll end up with a bunch of prices that you can really compare because they're for the same thing. We found that prices varied an unbelievable amount. We got estimates that were as high as three times the lowest price for the exact same windows and installation specifications.

And call the references that the company you want to choose provides. Drive by and look at the work.

And then enjoy having windows that actually work!

[umarider]

When we lived in SoCal we replaced some windows with windows from "Great Lakes" company. I was really happy w/ them! Where we lived we got coldish temps (31-35) at night in winter and very hot in summer. The windows did a great job! You could put your hand on them and barely feel the cold/heat from outside.

In our current house (VA) we have Anderson windows... I don't like them. They're drafty to the point where when I covered one of them w/ plastic you can see the plastic bow into the room w/ the pressure of the draft! When you put your hand on them it's like sticking it in the fridge! They let that much heat/cold transfer!

My neighbor custom built his house and used "Great Lakes" windows. You can really notice the difference. So I'd try Googling "Great Lakes" and then find a local installer.

[FondestBianca]

Originally Posted by Thystle

Check places like Lowes and Home Depot for discounted windows that were ordered and then not picked up or returned. They mark those down quite a bit.



Also see if there are any Habitat for Humanity ReStores in your area. They sometimes have new windows too.

Checked Home Depot and Lowes and prices installed are still pertty high... not to mention that the returned are typically custom sized and would require a lot of frame or chopping away at my house.

Also check Habitat. They have some awesome prices but no install and I didn't find any within a couple years old unfortunatly. However, when I'm ready to put more windows in my house like above my front door or in the side of my house where there are now no windows I think I'll be going there. They had a lot of cool, custom, windows!

[FondestBianca]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

something the company made up



probably your attic needs more ventilation... you can't have too much attic insulation, assuming it is installed properly.

from an energy reduction point of view, the upstairs windows will save you more energy than downstairs.

if you can identify the window manufacturer, you may be able to order replacement windows or panes (and screens) leaving the casings in place. huge cost savings there! ask for argon-filled lowE windows.

Where you have window drafts and heat loss as the only problems, i strongly recommend weatherstripping + cordless cellular blinds. about $60 per window: Weatherstripping fixed many drafts for us.

I would go with a reputable local contractor over a "specially" window replacement company. We got quotes on gutter guards + gutter repairs as follows:
* gutter guards specialist company (they do windows too!) Took 2 hours for quote + sales pitch. $6000 A today-only special price!!!
* local roofing contractor. took 15 minutes for quote. $2000
* competent small contractor $1400

Window replacement has some scams out there ... the biggest is promises of a specific energy savings, even "80% reduction in your heating bill" ... not going to happen. (I am a residential energy auditor, btw. it is my job to know where heat leaves the house!)

You will be very lucky to see 10% savings from windows. improved attic ventilation + screens will do better for comfort.

We're also looking into putting better ventilation in the attic and adding a fan up there was well. The roof is newer and some extra venting was added but not enough I'm affraid!

I didn't believe for a second when they said 50% energy savings. I fugured 10ish. We aren't really upset about what we're currently paying. So that was a major factor for us anyway. I wanted the safety, less heat in the summer, and no wind INDOORS in the cold months.

[FondestBianca]

EVERYONE- Thank you all for suggestions, tips, and ideas. We talked to people we know and asked for references. We found a local company that manufactors everything right here within 20minutes of my house. They have windows that appear better than the first fly by night estimate we got from another company and we were quoted about half the price. They showed us more of the product, explained things more clearly, answered every question well, didn't make us feel like we were burdening them with questions or wasting their time.

We signed a contract for ALL 10 windows (only could have done 4 with the first company) and they were just measured by the installer today. Our windows will be made and installed within 2 weeks. The warranty is better (double life) and covers accidental breakage unlike the first pricey company. So when my son throws a baseball through it they replace it and install it for no charge! I even read the warranty to make sure.

Today I'm mapping out grid patterns (as I get to choose any I like for no additional charge) on my old windows to relay to the installer on Monday.

I am soooooooo thrilled to be getting new windows. Thanks to tax returns and hubby's new second income for making this possible!

[annekevdbroek]

Window are expensive - depending on size the cost for the window + installation can run from $400 or so upwards - per window. I would strongly suggest getting a membership to Angie's list in your area and checking the reviews there. Many windows are made locally, and certainly are installed locally. There are replacement windows, which fit in the existing outer frame (along with some new insullation) and then there are windows that are completely new, including the frames (more work to install and generally more expensive). Get some quotes from reputable places, ask your neighbors for recommendations.

We had one old window in our basement replaced nad it made a huge difference in the warmth of the room (plus we then had a functioning window_