Replacement Windows?????? update post 23

[Evi]

This post caught my attention because we too are looking to replace windows and because of an issue my mother had when she had her windows replaced I am very cautious and a bit weary of who we choose. My mother chose renewal by anderson and though the windows look beautifull they were not fit correctly. The responce she received from Renewal was very bad they wanted to come in and add inulation tapes and the like for weatherstripping to better fit the windows. Something that I and she found to be rediculous when your paying those prices for what is supposed to be custom fit windows. Unfortunatly she never has had resolution and so I'm now veering away from them. I am considering pella and harvey windows. We are replacing basement casement windows. Since we truly are trying to budget but also want the best product we can get any advice would be great.

 

[Promomx2]

Has anyone used Window World for windows?

 

[riley2008]

I was the original poster and I know that several people also had questions about this.

What I've found out - there are as many window tint, gas fill, style, etc, options as there are opinions as to what is the best!

There are 3 options when replacing windows - 1. leaving the frame and replacing the sash and window panes; 2. replacing the window (pull out the old and the window slides in) and then 3. a "new construction" window (tear out the window and everything around it before replacing the window).

Here is a good brochure that describes the three options:
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/articles/get-right-replacement-windows.aspx

Option 1 is definitely the cheapest installed for us - quotes are $6500-$8600 installed - 19 windows (9 72"h double, 1 triple - thirty windows in all); However, for this option we have not been able to find a dealer for us to be able to do it ourselves.

Option 2 - windows that qualify for the tax credit have been quoted as only about $400-$600 more, so that's what we'd do. Our quotes for windows alone range from $5800 - $6800 (Single hung with no grilles). Quotes for labor and haul away range from $3000-$4000. We can do these ourselves too, but more costs involved in renting scaffolding for our second floor windows and finding a place to dispose of glass panes (recycler will take the alumin frames and we don't have to scrape the caulk off - just 5 cents less per pound) (No glass recycler around here - 2 hour drive).

Option 3 - not an option for us at this time.

Also, on youtube there was a "tool" that someone developed to help remove the old frames (for Option 2 above). Can't find the link now.

So, this evening we have another contractor coming to bid.

We should make a decision this weekend and hopefully have new windows by the end of March.

Hope this information is helpful to someone.