Replacement Windows

[Raizinman]

I’m in the market for replacement windows. Do you see dollar signs on my forehead? If not you are not looking hard enough. All the window sales people who came to my house for a free estimate saw the dollar signs. I almost had to physically throw these people out as after 3 hours of their window presentation they just got more comfortable on our sofa and kept asking us to sign their contract basically refusing to leave until we signed.


We looked at Pella, Anderson, Wonder Windows, Champion, Universal and others. Each one just looked and felt like a scam. I’m speaking about $900 to $2000 per standard window. I looked at Home Depot and Lowes and similar to better grade windows which can be purchased in the $200 to $300 range each window. Youtube shows an installation of about 45 minutes to an hour each window.


It’s gotten to the point where it is much simpler and cost effective to just put a large plastic (heat shrink) over the interior of the window to prevent air leakage.


Perhaps in the spring I’ll order some windows from Home Depot or Lowes and try and tackle the installation myself. It doesn’t appear that difficult. What does everyone do?

 

[Greenman]

I’m in the market for replacement windows. Do you see dollar signs on my forehead? If not you are not looking hard enough. All the window sales people who came to my house for a free estimate saw the dollar signs. I almost had to physically throw these people out as after 3 hours of their window presentation they just got more comfortable on our sofa and kept asking us to sign their contract basically refusing to leave until we signed.


We looked at Pella, Anderson, Wonder Windows, Champion, Universal and others. Each one just looked and felt like a scam. I’m speaking about $900 to $2000 per standard window. I looked at Home Depot and Lowes and similar to better grade windows which can be purchased in the $200 to $300 range each window. Youtube shows an installation of about 45 minutes to an hour each window.


It’s gotten to the point where it is much simpler and cost effective to just put a large plastic (heat shrink) over the interior of the window to prevent air leakage.


Perhaps in the spring I’ll order some windows from Home Depot or Lowes and try and tackle the installation myself. It doesn’t appear that difficult. What does everyone do?

Pay the money or do it yourself. If you're talking about wood windows, those prices aren't bad at all.
If they're vinyl hack outs, you're going to end up with a mediocre job at best from the replacement company, so do it yourself and spend the money you save on hookers and blow.

 

[PowerEngineer]

FWIW, we went through the hassle of replacing our original windows using a local contractor. My recollection is that the cost ran about $600 to $1400 per window depending on size and nature. The replacements are a step (or two) better than the originals. We bit on the new coatings to improve performance. I was surprised how much of a difference the new windows made in comfort and in heating/cooling costs.

We also endured pressure sales tactics from some "big name" vendors. You might have a better experience if you work directly with a local contractor. We were happy with the work done by the local contractor we chose.

 

[NutBucket]

You didn't mention Milgard. Whoever you go with, make sure the manufacturer is established as the double pane units will eventually fail. I just called Milgard yesterday as a panel had lost its seal and fogged up. Installed them in 2007 and no questions asked it will be fixed in a few weeks.