cost of replacement windows for home? homeowners please reply!

[GangGrel]

Hi,


I am looking around for some replacement double hung windows for my home. For example one window measurement is ~50" H x 70" W(double hung). I was looking at installing the Anderson wood windows or the Marvin Clad ultimate double hung windows. both include window frames and sill and metallic exterior.
I was quoted price of $700(window only) for my size opening.
The installer is outsourced by company I got above quote from.
The installer came a few days later and quoted a price of $600.
Are these prices resonable.
All experienced homeowners please help me out.
I feel like I am getting ripped off on installation. $600 seems way too much for installing a double hung.

Thanks,
Mustafa

 

[MISTER 2 U]

GangGrel,
with out looking at the job it is hard to say.
you should get at least 3 bids min then dedcide.
The order of window quality is wood = best clad = better aluminum = worst
then there is a issue of glazzing and were you are located.
are you sure the window is 4'-2" X 5'-10" (50x70) is this a double wide window???
or is it a 5'-10" x 4'-2" (70x50) most of the time the height is more than the width for a single window.

 

[Wangel]

Stay away from Anderson. Too expensive. I would suggest an all vinyl double pane window. Try Home depot or similar store. If you go to a home remodeler, they will stick it to you. Some windows can be ordered over the Internet. I've installed quite a few. They are not that hard.

 

[Ornery]

Ah, those cheapy vinyl replacements are a pet peeve of mine. I frequently see them replacing better quality windows that merely needed TLC.

What kind do you have now? Think about tweaking them back into shape first. Do they simply need storms? Are they aluminum casements? I could see replacing those with "good" vinyl units.

Those cheap vinyl inserts can be slapped in, in about 30 minutes per window. I think they only cost about $40-$100 each, so you tell me what a "fair" installed price should be. To replace a window with a non-insert type would require a couple hours each. And the windows would cost much more. The prices you got would be more in line if this was the case. However, I don't see any way you would ever recover that cost in fuel savings. Most heat is going out the ceiling.

 

[GangGrel]

Hi,

Thanks for all responses.
Ok , let me give you guys the details.
It is "one" opening with "two" windows side by side.
The window price was for two windows which would go together in one opening(jointed).
Width=70" Height=50"
I was quoted a price of ~$670 for the Marvin clad ultimate double hung window which has wood interior and metal exterior. A beautiful peice of workmanship. The best I think. this includes low e and argon gas coating. I did not think "Anderson" windows was all that.
My home has brick exterior.
The installer quoted a price of ~$600 for installing this type of window. Is this reasonable? I didn't know it could cost so much to install a wood type window.
It gets pretty cold on the second floor and since wood is best at preventing air from creeping in I chose this type. NO VINYL PLEASE!.
I have vinyl right now and it sucks. also my roof is insulated too.
I can feel air coming in through window. I want the wood style because it looks good.

Thanks,
Mustafa

 

[Ornery]

Sounds like you just need to track down another installer. It's not going to be a full day's work. Just figure a fair price for someone to take home for the day. $600.00 is quite a haul for a few hours work!

Perhaps they could recommend someone from the place you buy the windows from. If that's the going rate, I'm in the wrong business!

 

[jaxbs]

$600.00 for labor only is high. A Marvin Twin Double hung wholesales (contractor cost) for about $550.00. Labor should be about $250.00.

 

[MISTER 2 U]

I think that the expense is the window being on second floor the installer would have to set up staging???
It is also a large window that would need two people to install.
If you have any building experience it is not that hard to do (except being on second floor)
Being a brick exterior, get window with brick mold remove existing window and replave with new
if it is the same size as existing ther should be no exterior work other than caulking??????
and you can do interior work by your self.
Does the new window or old window have a "stud pocket" were they are joined???

 

[GangGrel]

Hi,

thanks for all who responded!

Ornery,
I will try to get installation price from two more installers.
just to get an idea of going price.
The installer tried to give me line about how his work is gauranteed and how he is licensed and insured. haha. He said if I go with the not insured installer, I might have problems later on. I don't believe it since the window is what keeps the air out. I am sure any installer will put insulation on the sides and chaulk it etc..

jaxbs,
I know what you mean, I was very surpised he quoted such a high price.
I will go have a talk with window dealer. The price of window seems more in line because I understand they need to make some money too and the window is of very high quality.

If you want to add any info please do so.
I will let you know how it goes.
ps. I am not installing this window myself. Are you crazy? haha

Thanks all,
Mustafa