New windows for your home.

[FordMan08]

My house has very old windows and they are drafty and not very attractive. I've decided to get new ones. I've got a couple estimates so far but wanted to hear some opinions from you guys or gals that have bought new windows.

My best estimate so far has been from Window World.

And if you want a real laugh, call Unique...lol
They gave me an estimate last year on siding for a small one story house..$32,000.00

Sooooo, if anyone has an opinion on new windows, let's hear it.

 

[cburnworth]

unique sales guy never bothered to show up for an appointment @ my sisters house, I couldn't be there so my father had to drive an hour.
As far as windows go, I am sure there is someone on ingo that can do that job for a reasonable rate. just make sure they seal the windows correctly. wrap,caulk & insulate before they put the trim on.

 

[E5RANGER375]

PM sent. " I know a guy" that will treat you right

 

[FordMan08]

what I liked about Window World was the warranty. They will replace your window free of charge if they get broken or fog up FOR LIFE.

 

[Vince49]

Remodeling Contractor.

This is what I do for a living. Not installations so much as factory warranty work. IMHO you should try to find a local, reputable remodeling contractor. A contractor has access to replacement as opposed to new construction windows that are not available to the public (not for retail sales). It has been my experience that the reputable independent contractors do far superior work at a fraction of the price charged by the so called window specialists like Bee,Unique etc. I would also stick with a proven brand of replacement window such as Polaris, Andersen or Marvin.

 

[mtk469]

I replaced all the windows in my house 2 years ago. After getting quotes from 4 local sources (pella, Anderson, and 2 others) I ended up doing them myself and I went with Jeld Wens. There warranty was good, they are energy effecient and the had a ton of different sizes to order from. I ended up saving about $4k over the cheapest quote I got. I shoped around for them but ended up getting them through Menards so that I could buy them a couple at a time over the course of about 4-5 weeks. Anyways, if you aren't doing them yourself, find a reputable local contractor/remodeler and see what they can do for you..
Just my $.02
Matt

 

[spec4]

When I built a house many years ago, I "upgraded" to Jeld Wen. After 11 years, the wood in most of them was rotting away. I called the factory and they said if I could prove I bought therm, I would get a full refund. Sent them the original paperwork and got a check for about $10K from them. Went to Home Depot and bought replacements from them, not cheap but excellent windows with a transferable warranty. Had a minor adjustment problem and they came right out. Guy gave me his cell number and said to call with any issues. Went to Home Depot originally because I wanted a deep pocket if there were issues.

 

[irishfan]

I have a buddy that is an installer for Unique. He offered to put my windows in on the side for cash and gets his discount for them from Unique. The price was still through the roof at his cost.

 

[Mike H]

There can be a lot of money made on replacement windows both in material and labor. As always its buyer beware.
It is not hard to do if you have any building skills at all.
That said.... if you decide to hire it out I would get several estimates from local reputable contractors. Check with the BBB,or the local homebuilders assn. for quality people you can trust.
If your old windows are double hung [slide up & down] they use counter balance weights on each side. That space usually has no insulation. I would want that fixed.
I have installed a bunch of them and the average window takes about 1 hour from start to finish. Waste removal should be considered.
Wait till it warms up a little though!
PS. I forgot to add...make sure your windows use Low E glass [reduces fabric fading from UV light]and that the space between the panes is filled with Krypton or similar gas. [reduces conductance between panes of glass]

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I've sold and installed replacement windows for champion, pacesetter and air tite.....When we did our windows I went with the Loews windows. Find a local contractor/handyman with some experience in replacement windows to get the measurements right and place your order with any of the home improvement stores. DO NOT buy off the rack, they won't fit. The big box stores offer the same warranty as any of the other guys and don't charge much. As said earlier, make sure they are in square, stuffed with insulation (DO NOT use the spray in foam), caulked well then trim or wrap them and caulk again. Be sure to get the low E if there is even an option anymore, and triple pane if you can. DO NOT get aluminum vinyl clad or wood vinyl clad IMO as they really don't solve the wood/alum problems but rather just cover them up. Go with vinyl or fiberglass frames but not clad. Oh, and my personal opinion is to go with double hung or sliders but STAY AWAY from anything crank out....

 

[FordMan08]

I have a buddy that is an installer for Unique. He offered to put my windows in on the side for cash and gets his discount for them from Unique. The price was still through the roof at his cost.

I'm convinced that Unique makes it's money off of uninformed elderly people that don't know what things should cost. Every time I see their commercial on tv and see that smug guy holding the coffee cup I just wanna hit him in the teeth with it.

But thanks for the Lowes gift card.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I'm convinced that Unique makes it's money off of uninformed elderly people that don't know what things should cost. Every time I see their commercial on tv and see that smug guy holding the coffee cup I just wanna hit him in the teeth with it.

But thanks for the Lowes gift card.

Most of the "window companies" will finance in house and attach a lien to your home if you don't pay their exorbitant prices. I've heard of people and estates losing their homes do to this practice. DO NOT use them, or at least not their in house financing.

 

[TB1999]

i used to work for unique.. they do have top quality products but not worth the $$

 

[FordMan08]

Most of the "window companies" will finance in house and attach a lien to your home if you don't pay their exorbitant prices. I've heard of people and estates losing their homes do to this practice. DO NOT use them, or at least not their in house financing.

I have my own "in house financing " it's called cash, lol
I learned along time ago that buying anything on credit will only lead to paying twice what it's worth.
If I want something, I save for it. I've been married for 5 years, we don't have credit cards. It's a good feeling to not owe anyone a dime other than our mortgage, but that's a whole other thread...lol

 

[bigdawgtrucks]

My house has very old windows and they are drafty and not very attractive. I've decided to get new ones. I've got a couple estimates so far but wanted to hear some opinions from you guys or gals that have bought new windows.

My best estimate so far has been from Window World.

And if you want a real laugh, call Unique...lol
They gave me an estimate last year on siding for a small one story house..$32,000.00

Sooooo, if anyone has an opinion on new windows, let's hear it.

Unique quoted me $20,000 about 5-6 years ago for siding, my dad and I did it for around $3,500.

 

[bigdawgtrucks]

A guy that I work with used Windows and Doors, Replacement Windows, Custom Doors - Air-Tite Home Products, I think he paid around $6-$7,000 for his. There nice windows and they did quality work but that seems like to much money. For size reference he lives on Glendale around the corner from Vince.

 

[theweakerbrother]

Tagged for interest.

Do you think it is worth replacing the windows in your house if you don't plan on staying there more than 5 years?

 

[slmlrd]

I just had 10 windows replaced in a rental property. I ran Window Man and Window World against each other. Window Man ended up being about $400 higher but threw in the low E windows. Their salesman had experience as an installer and seemed much more knowledgeable than the guy from Window World.

I got window man to come down $700 off their first estimate before I agreed to buy from them. I was very happy with their installation.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Tagged for interest.

Do you think it is worth replacing the windows in your house if you don't plan on staying there more than 5 years?

I do. Windows, kitchen and bath will all 3 increase value and sale-ability of a home. Landscaping will not. Oh, new roof and siding also help with value and turn over.

 

[FordMan08]

I just had 10 windows replaced in a rental property. I ran Window Man and Window World against each other. Window Man ended up being about $400 higher but threw in the low E windows. Their salesman had experience as an installer and seemed much more knowledgeable than the guy from Window World.

I got window man to come down $700 off their first estimate before I agreed to buy from them. I was very happy with their installation.

Window world and window man have been by two best estimates, window man has come down $1,250 just to beat window world. The only reason I'm thinking of going with window world is because they will likely be around longer. I've seen window man windows, they look nice.