Replacing windows-budget question

[krystalleigh1]

Ok, so we've budgeted some money to replace 7 of our windows. We want to get some that are decently priced, but also engergy efficient. Of course budget is important but we want good, quality windows and workmanship. So we'll go over our budget if we have to so we can get a good result.

1. Are all brands of windows created equal? Anyone recommend a certain brand and why it's great?

2. Is it important to replace the WHOLE window or will inserts be just as efficient?

3. Vinly windows-my DH is set on white vinyl inside and out. I don't like the look of the white interior vinyl (but it is cheper). The other option is the oak laminate over the vinyl. But DH's heard that it can scrape off/peel off and look horrible in the long run. Wood interior is too expensive for us right now. Anyone know about this?

4. What types of windows qualify for the tax credit? Any specifics on that would be great too.

I'll probablly think of more questions. TIA

 

[MKCP5]

quickly--NO not all windows are created equal. There are huge differences in quality.

Yes your inserted replacements will be just as good as a full tear out window and much less cost. You do lose some light however as they are inserts taking up space in the current space.

Vinyl is vinyl is vinyl is vinyl. You'd better love it because you can never paint it, color it or change it. It's gonna be white vinyl forever.

Oak laminate overlay is nasty and cheap looking.

I sold replacements for Pella for years. You may not be able to afford Pella or Andersen, but Pella makes a great window that is sold at lowes pretty inexpensively. If your DH is handy it is the BEST solution cost wise, quality wise and the look is beautiful. If not, make sure you really check out the vinyls. There are SOOOOOOOOOOOO many scam artists out there in the vinyl business. Be careful!

 

[krystalleigh1]

Thanks for the advice. We've had several people give us estimates and everyone is selling vinyl windows. I agree that vinyl is not that visually appealing. I hate even thinking about it (white vinyl especially). Is it possible to get wood windows for the same price that are still decent quality? Or is it a lot more expensive?

 

[krystalleigh1]

Oh, and DH is not a handy man . . . . . AT ALL!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Definitely not created equal. We had several estimates and chose a local company that offered a 20 yr transferable warranty. Their windows ranged from simple double panes to triple pane, low-e and argon filled. The windows themselves were very good; the installation was not what a really conscientious homeowner might wish (they put the windows in over degraded wood and simply covered it with a decent quality aluminum cladding. I would have specified differently - and paid for it - had I thought to ask).

You will pay more for better windows and better installation. The best brands are Pella and Anderson, as a pp said. You will find some other windows that are very good, just be sure that you and installer are on the same page when it comes to installation and what is covered in the pricing.

 

[MKCP5]

Thanks for the advice. We've had several people give us estimates and everyone is selling vinyl windows. I agree that vinyl is not that visually appealing. I hate even thinking about it (white vinyl especially). Is it possible to get wood windows for the same price that are still decent quality? Or is it a lot more expensive?

Well, alot is relative. There are vinyl compnaies charging $200 per window and vinyl companies charging $1100. per window. What kin dof $$ are you talking?

 

[natmurr]

My windows are white vinyl on the inside and there not so bad. Mine aren't glossy/shiney and with the frames/casing painted white its not so noticeable.

We are awaiting the installation of new windows in our family room. Replacing wood Pella (not so great in my limited experience). The new windows will be white vinyl on the inside and grey vinyl to match on the exterior. We elected to go with a less expensive window installed by a really GREAT local company. I've used them at previous house and I was blown away by their professionalism.

Now, upstairs in our house we have inserts. I'm not crazy about them - as one of the PP mentioned you lose glass surface and to me they just look a little odd. Our plan is to replace a couple windows a year once we get through the major downstairs reno.

The one upgrade we did do for the new windows is to increase the Low E value. This is supposed to help keep the heat in/out.

 

[MKCP5]

My windows are white vinyl on the inside and there not so bad. Mine aren't glossy/shiney and with the frames/casing painted white its not so noticeable.

We are awaiting the installation of new windows in our family room. Replacing wood Pella (not so great in my limited experience). The new windows will be white vinyl on the inside and grey vinyl to match on the exterior. We elected to go with a less expensive window installed by a really GREAT local company. I've used them at previous house and I was blown away by their professionalism.

Now, upstairs in our house we have inserts. I'm not crazy about them - as one of the PP mentioned you lose glass surface and to me they just look a little odd. Our plan is to replace a couple windows a year once we get through the major downstairs reno

The one upgrade we did do for the new windows is to increase the Low E value. This is supposed to help keep the heat in/out.

I hope you checked out Pella warranty before you replaced. It's a lifetime warranty.

 

[krystalleigh1]

DH went to the Pella store today. He really liked the windows and feels they'll be the best quality. Sooooo we're going to ask family members if they've ever replaced windows and see if someone's willing to come by and help him get started replacing the windows himself. Really, the installation is about the same price as the windows we're looking at. So we could save a LOT of money installing ourselves. Then we could go with the Pella windows and be sure we have a quality window.

 

[MKCP5]

DH went to the Pella store today. He really liked the windows and feels they'll be the best quality. Sooooo we're going to ask family members if they've ever replaced windows and see if someone's willing to come by and help him get started replacing the windows himself. Really, the installation is about the same price as the windows we're looking at. So we could save a LOT of money installing ourselves. Then we could go with the Pella windows and be sure we have a quality window.

You can also have your own guy install them instead of Pella. It is usually less $$ that way. You buy from Pella but hire your own installer

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Just another option on the interiors- our Anderson windows are vinyl outside (we opted for a color vs white) and actual wood on the inside. We figured interior requires a real minimum maintenance vs outside where the vinyl is an asset.

One thing to consider too- if you DIY, be forewarned picture units are HEAVY. Make sure you have plenty of help. 2nd story picture (or bay or multiple units) are extremely difficult. Next time, I'd have hired someone to at least do that one.

 

[natmurr]

I hope you checked out Pella warranty before you replaced. It's a lifetime warranty.

I tried that - we aren't the orginal owners and trying to find a Pella dealer/service was difficult at best. The closest was over 2 hrs away. After a lot of phone calls I gave up! Plus the windows we have now are crank-outs - that crank-out right onto the deck area What were they thinking??

 

[xmlguy]

I highly recommend the Pella Thermastar Series 20 replacement vinyl windows sold by Lowes. Lowes works with local contractors to do the installation, but Lowes does such a high volume of business that these contractors have a big incentive to keep the customer and Lowes happy. The contractors also usually have a lot of experience doing window retrofits, at least the ones I used on two different occasions did.

I would still watch them like a hawk, to ensure that the work was done properly though. Be sure that they take the effort to insulate the air gap around the entire frame on the interior, leaving no holes for drafts. They should also use a high quality flexible silicone caulking.

Warning: the Pella Window stores sell the exact same Series 20 windows at a MUCH HIGHER price, in both parts and labor. They also lied to my parents about the quality of the SAME Pella Windows from Lowes, claiming they were not as good. The Pella stores do sell a wider variety of models and custom sizes, but I would be very careful about believing what they say and compare all quotes they give with at least two other local sources.