We have the estimates...Now, how to decide?

[KimRaye]

I'm sooooo incredibly confused.

We're having a new roof, gutters and, new windows done. I feel like I'm number-numb right now. And, it isn't about JUST the prices but, the people and materials that each are different about.

We haven't MET any of the roofing people. They come by and, mail an estimate. How to choose? I ruled out the lowest bidder so far, based upon the BBB report but, we're using their 'info' to critique the other, higher, bidders.

We've met 3 of the 4 window people, 4th coming Friday. If it isn't about price then, HOW do we chose? All these windows seem comparable but, who knows??? There are SOOO many window companies to choose from.

The guy tonight took 1-1/2 hrs and, I wasn't especially happy with HIM only because HE didn't like what I wanted. Tough! It's MY house for pete's sake!!! He was more worried about the outside look (for my neighbors) than about MY happiness with the inside look! Of course, he suggested the more expensive casement windows and, like any salesman, they all have an ulterior motive with money, don't they?

Anyone have any comments about windows from Republic, Alside or, Feldco?? TIA

 

[catsrule]

I don't know, but I can tell you when we moved into this house 4 or 5 years ago, the first thing we did was get all new Guilkey (sp?) windows (found out Dan M. got the same kind, so they must be good ). Last year we got all new gutters and gutter guards (never have to clean the gutters again ) from Mastershield. Last week we got new high efficiency furnace/air conditioning, replacing the original in our 1965 house.

 

[KimRaye]

But Mary Jo, how did you decide on WHO did the work? I presume you had more than one estimate?

Thanks!

 

[catsrule]

Yes, we had a couple. Although Guilkey wasn't the cheapest, we liked their windows the best, and their service was good also, and we also liked the lifetime (as long as we owned the house, which we have no plans to move) guarantee, no matter how the windows or screens (cats) got damaged, they are fixed/replace at no cost. We went with Mastershield, again not the cheapest, we like the product the best. We also liked the local family owned company that did are funace/air, as we have used them before for a new water heater and to check our pipes.

 

[mommytotwo]

Sorry I haven't had any situations like this, but I would go ahead with your gut instinct on the window person. If you are able to go to your neighborhood Home Depot, and ask their opinion about the windows, that may help you with your decision.

 

[mrsv98]

We have had almost the exact same work done in the last 6 months, Kim.

For the roof-gutters-siding, we went with the people our insurance adjuster recc.(they did his house, too) There was a couple of other companies in the area, and one especially did many houses (this is all due to last year's hail storm with insurance paying for everything). I didn't like the salesman from the company doing the majority of the houses and I also figured they would be backlogged because of all the houses they were doing. So I went with a gut feeling there and am happy with the result. There were a few bumps along the way, but I think that probably happens with all companies.

The windows we are paying for ourselves. I had several of the window companies give estimates, but I also had a local contractor with a good rep come and in the end, we decided to go with them. Not only are the prices better, but the guy was very professional and he will coordinate the whole project - we are also having the exterior facia and soffits clad in alluminum - so I have one person to yell at if I need!

So far, everything is going very well. Our guy called yesterday and the windows are ready so they start Mon! I guess all I can say is that we went with who made us feel comfortable coupled with a good price.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Don't know any of those companies, but DH is in the business and I can tell you if you aren't comfortable with the sales guy you won't be happy with the process. They should be looking for what makes you happy. Also, don't just go with price. Look for their service record. Ideally you will never see their service technicians, but sometimes a roof nail goes in wrong and you might get a small leak, or they got a faulty window from the manufacturer without knowing it. If that happens (and it happens to ALL the companies, believe me) you want to know that your concerns are addressed promptly.
As for checking prices at Home Depot, they will tell you that they will install windows for you for a price that is lower than anything you take in to show them, but the product isn't as good as an Anderson or Certainteed or Pella you will get from a contractor, so I wouldn't advise that.
Robin M.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We were having the same issue, except it is with replacing the flooring in my house. We just kept getting estimates (6 months) and then low and behold my SIL recommended a friend she knew that does good work and his price ended up being way lower with a higher quality product. He only installs hardwood.

Carpet, we are going with Lowes because of the financing.

Good Luck it is so hard to figure it out.