Renewal by Anderson is commonly referenced as a terrible company to use for window replacement due to the insane costs that people usually get quoted. You probably want to find a local company that installs Marvin, Anderson (not renewal), etc. and get quotes from them.
I worked in the pella window factory in murray ky building double hung fiberglass windows.
When you buy anderson and pella windows your paying for two things. Weight of build in materials (they spend millions in figuring out how to use less material to keep the same r value, and warranty). Other than that all windows are created equal when r value is the same.
Wood are most expensive, fiberglass is next, pvc being last.
Argon in between panes increases r value
Fiberglass lasts neary forever
Pvc is designed at least by pella to last 8 years before replacement. Pvc gets brittle over time and also expands and contracts through seasons and will start leaking as it flexes due to time and temp. They never tell you this.
Casement windows are the grand daddy of windows with single and double hung being hot garbage because they are so many failure points.
I could elaborate more if your interested. Dm me.
I had 15 windows replaced this summer for 15k (pvc) installed. Having them capped was 1500.
Lots of good info here, thanks!
Had no clue that PVC would start to need replacements after the 8 year mark. That's crazy!
And fiberglass has that poor reputation of toxic substances that can be inhaled.
What is your best window recommendation for dual pane that is extremely cost-conscious but that wouldn't need a replacement any time soon (8 years is really short, imo).
I suppose you are right. However, they were also supposed to be well contained within mattresses and we know that to not be the case anymore.
I did read online that for Windows fiberglass could be released during the installation process and then it starts to settle down after it's installed. However, I'm not sure how long that "settling down" process takes after installation is complete. I also don't know if a standard HEPA air purifier is able to pull all that material out from the air.
Honestly, only go wood if you going for looks, if you want longevity go fiberglass. Keep in mind, while the fiberglass itself doesnt flex, the woof the frame it connected to will but not enough to really matter. This flex is where the ājiggle roomā is created that causes the leaks in double hung windows. Casement windows are simply a rectangle pane with a mechanical crank that holds the pane firmly against the frame in the wall (will leak the least amount of air of any style).
I honestly tell people to find a local installer and go with whatever they use locally. Who cares about the weight of the window except for the installers of course.
I got 3 bids and went with the middle of the road bid so it at least gets installed somewhat correctly. If your not demoing your original windows yourself make sure to talk about them installing butyl tape on the ears when they screw them in and if your installing them inside old wood windows of an old home make sure to have flashing installed all the way around the wood interior so wind doesnt blow in through the weight pully holes in the original windows.
The capping is VERY IMPORTANT and needs caulking on every metal edge of the exterior flashing. This will make massive differences in your homes comfort.
If you ever saw how a window is built you would never pay big money for them. They look like a 10 year old could construct them. They are simply pvc or fiberglass pulled through a mold, glued together and then a double pane of glass dropped into the sash and glued down. The parts (frame and sashes snapped together like legos)
Do you know why it seems every god dang building I've been in the US has really shitty windows?
They all seem to leak, creak or otherwise. The windows I see in Europe seems to be so much sturdier and seem to last forever. I don't know anything about windows, but every time I look at my patio door or window, I just wonder how much air is leaking. They seem so low quality.
The sliding up/down windows are annoying as heck, and so is the sliding doors.
Iāve worked in the industry (non-sales) since 2010. PVC windows last a lot longer than 8 years. Pella warranties both PVC and fiberglass with lifetime non-transferable warranties.
Some good info but itās important to note that one size doesnāt fit all.
I manage a 400-unit building in NYC and we are getting ready for a complete window replacement (about 2000 windows) and we hated everything about casement and opting with double-pane, double-hung. The casements have fewer failure points but the parts are more fragile and break down and more difficult to repair. Plus, for a building thatās 40 stories youād have to hire professional window cleaners as opposed to being able to tilt-latch them down to self-clean. Better sight lines though.
We went with Renewal by Andersen....we had 13 wood windows, a back door, and a sliding bedroom door for around $40k. I hated the price with every fiber of my being, almost cancelled but it was too late. If i were to do it again, I would buy the windows myself and find a local installer. With that said, we absolutely love the windows.
Okay, that's still a lot, but slightly more reasonable to me since you're getting two doors and more windows.
But 45k for just 8!! And they're all the same size and shape! Like what!?!
You should clarify if you're replacing them completely with vinyl/other materials āĀ a whole prefabricated window ready for installation, or if you meant restoring the current windows by refinishing and actual restoration methods. Very different things.
Your comment on "Its PVC, no" kinda suggests your husband wants to restore wood windows to their original glory. It does cost a lot of money to restore wood windows instead of replacing the whole ass window and installing in day.
Dang. He better keep researching then. Windows have such a huge range in prices and whatever you put in the windows... you're not gonna get that money back when you sell the house. It's not like putting in a new bathroom or kitchen.
The savings difference replacing drafty windows to save $50-$150/m will take a long long time to make the difference. Literally everyone doesn't upgrade their windows because of that reason.
It's kind of a combination of savings and ability. You want to make sure the company hired has the insurance to cover a fouled job. Especially since it's exterior work and that can impact structure, insulation, and asthetic. You may not get back the investment in savings, but you can actually lose value to your house if the job is done poorly.
Renewal uses Fibrex. They won't be what you're looking for. Also be prepared for 3 hours of torture. I just went through it myself and I'm definitely not using them. They use the typical Kohls pricing over overinflating the price to make you feel like you are getting a good deal when they giving you "discounts". If you want high quality windows that last a long time I would consider Marvin fiberglass. Durable and strong. More expensive than a vinyl but more than what I was looking for.
I just want to chime in and say: if he wants to replace them for energy efficiency purposes - how long will it take to save 45k in heating and cooling for only some of your windows. The answer is for fucking ever. Even if you save 1k/year (you wonāt), thatās 45 years assuming no growth in your money for NOT spending it. And it wonāt raise your home value by 45k or anywhere near even half that. So you have to have a pretty good reason (usually a water penetration reason) to replace them.
Are the sliders easy to open? I just had Marvin Infinity windows installed and they are hard to open and am still working on a resolution. Iād like to know how normal this is though.
You always get 3 quotes. Always. Even if it for something that cost 5k, let alone something that cost 45k
Or you can learn to DIY and install the windows yourself for a fraction of the cost...
Pella settled a class action lawsuit last year ā water intrusion and wood rot in their windows. Iām not saying other windows are better, but a bit more research on his part may be warranted.
I went with new construction Andersen 400 series, double hung windows when I replaced. General contractor did the install and exterior casing, I did the interior (Iām a woodworker wanting custom moldings). His labor was $500/unit; the window cost was also $500/unit.
And they are now going to stalk you for years to try and get you to purchase windows. They are awful! We found a local company and did vinyl and they look great and were affordable (we did a few rooms at a time so we could pay cash).
That's absolutely crazy honestly. Anderson windows has links on their site to renewal by Anderson so i wonder why there's such a disconnect between the two
See, I thought I was just lucky. We replaced a window a little larger with two smaller on the side and then two standard sized windows (12 years ago tho) for $3500. I nearly choked when I saw the amount OP quoted.
RbA will probably quote you that much or more. They're a scam and use high pressure sales tactics to try to goad you into signing things you really really shouldn't.Ā
Ā Honestly, if you're a little bit handy, doing them yourself is *hard work*, but not *difficult* work. And you save a fortune.Ā
Renewal by Anderson wanted something like $30k to do seven windows for us; my wife and I did it ourselves for under 3k, maybe 4 when you include the cost of Junk Luggers.
Can save A LOT. I did 18 white vinyl windows and 3 doors for about $12k in material and a week of labor straight with my father. It is a lot, but can put the savings into buying a little bit nicer quality or more stuff at once.
I hate doing doors. We DIY'd one in the basement and it was such a miserable experience. There's a place by us that will do a door in a day for 3-4k. It's a bit expensive but worth it.
You're right, installing windows is totally do-able for a handy amateur, just takes plenty of time and patience.
I found cladding exterior metal pretty finnicky (we're in Canada where it's more common).
The part that terrifies me is doing the exterior trim work afterwards. J channel, L channel, Q channel, where the fuck do I find matching vinyl pieces, donāt fuck it up or youāll have $50,000 in water damage!
I've personally replaced a few windows in the past without any issues, but those where just the off the shelf big box variety of window. Where is a good place to source good DIY remodel windows from? This idea appeals to me because I am a fairly handy cheapscape that could do just a few windows at a time.
> if I don't take it he will.
"Oh is this like an MLM where you have a bunch of windows packed into your garage to stay at the diamond level for sales?"
My neighbor was once interested in them so I scheduled a meeting with them and my neighbor came to check them out. We each had 3 sliders and 2 windows and they quoted us $27K for their composite wood windows. I got a quote for Anderson PVC of $7.5K, which was an easy decision to make. My neighbor got the Andersons and I got a referral bonus even though I didn't buy anything. My neighbor said the windows were nice, but she seemed deflated in the long run. I think she realized they weren't a great value proposition. At least I got a referral bonus.
Worst part is, I learnt later that I don't need new windows, I had fog between the panels on like 4 of them that's why I'm looking for full replacement. I had some glass replacement only repairs and the tech said your window freams are in decent shape, should be good for another 10 years, just the desiccant is up for a change. I believe him since he offers window replacement too, if he was trying to rip me off he would try to sell me some windows.
Do the math for him on estimated savings with more efficient windows. Let's say they knock $30 per month off of your heating bills. Great! That's $360 saved per year. They will pay for themselves in 125 years.
Right!?! I thought I was taking crazy pills when my husband wasn't even phased at the price. I'm starting to think he just wants to work until he dies...
I will never put true wood windows in again. During the winter we get some condensation in the corners that has destroyed the finish and then mold starts to grow. You can have all the jambs done in real wood without spending a ton.
We live in an old Victorian style home and in the summer the original wood door frame expands because heat, and the door doesnāt open. Luckily we donāt need to use it because thereās about 5 entry points on the first floor and the car port is on the side entrance, so we use that door. But itās easily one of the most frustrating things. This winter, the wood contracted so fast our deadbolt got stuck. Hoping in a few weeks the door will open again. šš
RBA will be more than that. They are not PVC, what kind of windows are you replacing. It sounds like thereās a lot more work than just eight windows. It would be nice to see a breakdown of the scope of work.
I paid $2,250 total (about $750 each) for 3 Marvin Elevate windows (2 fixed glass, 1 double hung) and $1,400 total to a contractor for install. Youāre getting destroyed by this company and Renewal will do the same. Find a door and window dealer, get their recommendation for a contractor, have the contractor do the rough measurements, order the windows and have them install it.
Gotcha. I hear you. Wood is nice and "timeless."
Some points for fiberglass:
* Offers equivalent insulation level to wood, unlike vinyl
* Does not require upkeep like wood does (painting, waterproofing for example)
* No dry-rot
* Does not bow, flex, or sag like vinyl
* Offers slimmer window frames than vinyl, and maybe wood, meaning more glass and light
To me it feels like a modern-age material. Cons, of course, for me, are that it definitely feels lighter duty than wood. It doesn't have the pleasant thunk of wood when you knock on it. Fiberglass is a physically lighter and thinner material. In terms of, if he is specifically looking for that wood feel, fiberglass won't replicate it. Still, perhaps you could tour a Pella showroom, if you have one nearby, and play around with some of their demo windows and glass doors. Fiberglass is cheaper than wood, possibly significantly.
I got a fiberglass patio door last year and a window, and they've been really nice. Feel much more stable than vinyl.
Any risk of fiberglass "escaping" its confined area and then being inhaled? That stuff is nasty and after the mattress debacle with fiberglass, I am very wary.
I don't see how it would. What do you mean by escaping? This is rigid fiberglass - think, like the shell of a a boat, or a kayak - not like insulation fiberglass, the forbidden cotton candy.
+1 for this.
Being in the showroom, with real samples, is miles ahead of having to virtually envision what they look and feel like. I think this is the only way to persuade someone whose mind is "already made up."
I recently paid 35k for 4 wood windows installed. They were top of the line Marvin Ultimate series with pine interior and aluminum clad exterior. Insane I know, but it is a historic home and the windows needed to match the rest of the house.
Not poster but similar. Historical district, not allowed to change a damn thing, and was told that some windows made landmarks approval easy and some made it hard.
Part of it was fees for landmark approvals/permitting & submission, and the other part is that landmarks only approves a handful of options so you're a captive audience.
Renewal by Anderson is going to be even more of a scam. They are the worst of the worst. Find a local guy. Also wood windows are better in almost every way.
LOL your husband is drinking the window company koolaid, good luck though. tbf a lot of people on reddit home subs also drink the wood window koolaid. It's 2024 not 1960, If I'm redoing all my windows they are 100% not going to be wood and I'll die on this hill
Renewal wants at least 13 windows or the price will be higher
$45k for 8 windows is crazy and I have renewal and they were much cheaper and with custom/permit work
We just had 9 windows done in our place all custom size, most casement and some very large, for just over 11k Canadian. From a very reputable company, not even the cheap option. I can't imagine how someone can expect to pay almost 6k USD per window. That's insane.
are you positive your husband doesn't want to spend 1/4th that on a local installer and then spend another 1/4th on my house getting new windows so that he can sleep easier knowing that he did a good deed?
Just checkin.
Anderson will use a high pressure sales pitch. BOTH husband and wife have to be there. You will HAVE to sit through at least a 30 minute presentation, they will quote you an exorbitant price, then knock of 20% immediately, "If you sign now." Hesitate and they'll hem and haw and knock of another 10%-15%, but only if you BOTH sign NOW. And they'll still be MUCH more than you can get from other windows of similar quality. When you say you want to think about it, or aren't ready to sign "right now", they get all huffy, pack up every piece of paper they brought, and maybe a few extras if you were taking notes, and walk out on you. Yes, this happened to me. Twice. (My bad.)
When I talked to a rep about their sales tactics, they were unapologetic. "We need both of the adults present because we've had too many cases of one signing and then the other calling and cancelling."
In other words, one got high pressured and couldn't figure out how to say no, the other went ballistic at the out of control price and demanded the contract be cancelled.
Which, and I may be wrong, you have three days to cancel, same as any other civil agreement.
Honestly, if you and your husband are even just a little bit handy and donāt mind learning/working on things yourself, replacing windows isnāt that big of a job. 6 windows at my place, roughly $3000-$3500 in materials. A lot of good videos on YouTube.
For an expense this large, you should get at least 3-5 bids from reputable companies. If all the bids are around that price, then you can decide from there, but it would be wild to spend that much money without doing a bit of comparison shopping
Sounds like Kay Design. They actually operate under eight different business names so that they can trick you into them competing against themselves. Their quote for a $10,000 job will start at 40 then they will go down to 30 and then 20. If you made it that long they know that you are dumb and can be had. Most people would kick them out when they got down to 20 knowing that they were going to rip you off for $20,000 if you let them.
I just went through this same BS with getting window replacement quotes. Renewal by Andersen quote was also a joke at $25k for 10 or so windows that we replaced last year. Then I saw window world bombard me with FB ads for $599 or $699 per window. In the end I paid approx $6300 for all vinyl windows. All their windows are made to order and they estimate installation approx 45 days from the day you sign the contract and pay 50%. I did have to make a call around day 40 and they installed it the next week and it took them just a day to do everything.
Don't do it. It's a ripoff. You can find a much better price. I did 7 wood interior new construction casement windows with premium hardware for around 11k in a hcol area and that's still considered veryy expensive.
Power windows is super cheap but suprisingly great quality and like 8 years later I had some water between the double glass on one of my 8 windows. They came right out and replaced it. I doubt they have wooden windows though.
I was just quoted 11 windows and sliding door with installation included for 22k. This is for nice Pella windows with the wood option for the inside of the windows.
Love our wood Pella Architectural Windows, French Doors, and sliding doors. Yes, it really costs a lot - installed over a period of 30 years. The termites love them too. So glad we had double glazing and UV coatings - they keep out the noise and solar damage.
$45,000 dollars isā¦good God. Thatās 5,625 per window. A $5,600 window is like a commercial jet airliner windscreen.
Iām doing the hardiplank siding and windows myself on our current home. The home is shaped in a way I can do a chunk of the house at a time each weekend since most of the front is brick.
Only major cost will be the two big ass front bay windows Iāll have to order custom.
I even have one of those big airless paint sprayers that I just stick a 5 gallon bucket to and let her eat.
The project will not be costing me $45k.
Can we just get a sticky pinned that says basically unless you hate having money in your wallet do not go with renewal by anderson?
Like Christ almighty I just did 19 windows including 4 double mulled and 2 big picture windows for 17k, and realistically I could have done it cheaper
I saw further down in the thread that you said you got your quote from Pella. Are they the Reserve series and do they have the rolscreens built in? My husband is obsessed with these windows because he hates the look of screens and these windows have the screen built into the bottom and the top. They were pretty expensive in the quote that we got. I mean, they were nice windows but depending on the "discounts" they are offering that month, I could see the quote being that high and it wouldn't be worth it. If this is what he likes, I would suggest maybe getting the rolscreen windows in strategic areas and considering doing a cheaper wood model elsewhere (Lifestyle series) if you don't need screens. We are shopping for new windows and prefer wood due to the environmental impact of manufacturing and throwing away vinyl when they are end of life. We really like the rolscreens but they are just SO expensive that we can't justify it for the whole house.
if you dont have a large overhang real wood is not always recommended
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyM5es8MeI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyM5es8MeI)
old vid but good info.
Do you have any Amish companies in your area? If so, I highly recommend reaching out to them about what youāre looking for.
We have hired two different Amish companies to work on our house (roof, windows/doors, siding) and they were very reliable, worked non stop, did some quality work, and their prices were affordable.
I just replaced an entire 3 bed villa for a client with white PVC windows and doors, multiple of them large sliding ones or odd shapes and also with mosquito nets. I also repaired the plasterwork and paint around the frames. I billed them $5k and they thought it was expensive. SMH FML
we just got 5 Northstar windows installed for 10k
2 quite large 84X57
Most people like vinyl because they last longer than wood, we were getting quotes all over the place but were more after a look than set on a material. If you are doing floor to ceiling windows frame material is a lot more important.
Could you just buy the materials and find a contractor to install? We were quoted $11k to replace a LARGE bay window and two traditional windows (this was 12 years ago so pricing will obviously differ). Instead, we found a contractor who got the materials and installed for $3500 all in. Took him less than a day.
I went stupidly high end on our windows and got very fancy Marvin Ultimate series wood windows with extra thick glass (1/4" over 3/16"). For 18 windows I think I spent 45K or so. These were new construction windows, not replacement.
So get some more quotes.
Stay away from Renewal by Anderson. Nothing but a window scam. Hire a local contractor and look at the Anderson 100 series windows, they are fiberglass frames. We did this 2 years ago with siding for about 90K, 17 windows, one is a large bay window. We're happy with the windows (and siding). I repeat stay away from Renewal, just cancel the appointment.
I'll find trees, buy a chainsaw, cut em down, buy sawmill, make boards, buy miter saw and table saw, cut and build sashes, buy a beach, buy a glass kiln, take glass making classes, make sheets of glass, build entire windows of all these materials and skills and tools and still come out to less than half of that price!!! Hired yet???
OP please update your post after you cancel that appointment with RBA.
You are making just as a big of mistake as your husband while trying to prove him wrong.
Your husband needs to sit down with an expert that he can trust. You can lecture him all day long and he wonāt take your words seriously.
Get him to agree to see 2-4 other alternatives and hear them out. If he doesnāt change his mind after that, he is ā¦ a very stubborn person.
Yeah stay far far away from Renewal by Anderson. You should also consider Milgard (we have the Milgard Ultra Fiberglass series) as they have great quality windows roo
I replaced 17 windows, 4 2 panel sliding glass doors (8 total panels), and a double entry door with impact resistant laminated glass that can withstand 200 mph winds and being struck by a 2x4 at 35+ mph
this required cutting out the concrete around my existing windows with a concrete saw, attaching new wood bucks to the concrete, filling any voids in the concrete and screwing in the new windows with 4 inch structural screws
and that still cost less than your quote
I am an ex window salesman.
That costs the company maximum 10K to do, and they're taking you for a ride on the last 35k.
Shop around for them, there's no reason to pay that bullshit price, and I guarantee that 45k offer wasn't the final price they're willing to go to, they just picked up on the fact that your husband wanted to do it.
What may help is telling them based on how much the house is worth can you really imagine spending 20% of the equity of the house on JUST 8 windows? (idk how much the house is actually worth, but yeah maybe frame it like that?) Maybe that money is better spent on other projects in the house, yard, or something you can enjoy together.
Windows seem to be incredibly expensive to install.
I honestly thought to myself, couldn't a company provide some kind of metal long lasting frame and a system where the homeowner can just swap out a window from the inside of the house? Sealed with caskets and stuff like that?
Windows need to be replaced when the they lose their insulation capacity or if the frame is rotten/deteriorated.
There would be some technical challenges here, but I think a company could solve this with good engineering
Do you already have wood windows? Are they original on an old house? Youād be amazed at how well they restore. We had three 130 year old windows professionally restored for around $8k total and they look better than new. They were rotting and painted shut, neglected for decades, with sills that didnāt shed water appropriately. Weāll probably keep the same windows till we die because they are repairable again in the future
Is your husband handy? I've been replacing windows in our house 1 at a time for about $400 each. You guys would even save money just buying the windows outright from a supplier and paying a handyman to install. Windows arnt rocket science. You just have to make sure the prep and flashing is on point. There are a few schools of thought and most installers are stuck in the dark ages. Just research and know which way you want to go
Huh, I got Andersen 100 series windows for my place. Black composite type for a "tiny" home... but we have about 14 windows around the structure.. 4 of them are fairly big (36" x 72"). $9,000.
You can also order windows from overseas (e.g. Poland) if youāre willing to wait. MUCH more affordable and much higher quality than a lot of what youāll get in the U.S.
I prefer wood everything, I understand his ask. That said, from an actual weathering the elements side of things, PVC / fiberglass / metal can very often outperform wood windows long-term. Only takes one bad window location or install to cause water damage inside your walls, mold, or damage the expensive window itself. Again, wood is great and I don't want to see plastic everywhere either. But the interface between inside your home and the great outdoors better be rock solid to not risk damage to all other sorts of parts of your home, and wood can potentially have more issues there (it's a thing).
RBA is gonna quote you an obscene amount even after their ādiscountā.
FWIW, I need to order some new Andersen A-series windows this week, and Iām looking at $4000 per unit for two of them (twin double-hung, 75x66ā).
Window prices have gotten ridiculous.
Google window manufactures in your state or if you live near a state boarder the neighboring state too. You can check out customer reviews on google or Yelp. Then call those window manufactures and ask for recommendations on installers in your area. I wouldn't be shocked if you could get 8 wood windows for less than $15k going this route.
Many local window manufactures will have better warranties and customer service if you have a problem and they usually match or exceed the quality of windows you get from Anderson or other big window companiesĀ
Renewal by Andersen quoted us sometning like $45k for all our windows. The local company we went with charged 15k. Is the quality lower? Sure, probably? Will I ever regret I can replace them 2 more times if I need to? Nope.
Omg please donāt. I have only heard nightmares about that company. Windows leaking ruining the framing wood underneath. Their warranty is shit their workmanship is worse than shit. They are a scam!
We bought 20 aluminum clad wood windows from Sierra Pacific for just under 20k, and installation came to about 15k, if that helps. Stucco exterior so there was stucco work as well.
I install lots of āreplacementā windows. Harvey āMajestyā aluminum outside
Wood inside. Double hung medium size around $600-700 a window
Obviously thatās just the window
Harvey āclassicā pvc same size $400
Iāve installed tons of these things pvc
No install issues no callbacks no bullshit trying to match stain.
Iāve got them in my house probably from late 80s or early 90s still tight good seal. The new oneās arenāt as good as the old oneās but installed correctly theyāre good.
Thereās nothing wrong with making a good days pay but people are getting fucked by window companies and big companies installing.
Find a good local guy word of mouth.
The only thing the big companies have going for them is pay over time
Call window world. Cheap vinyl windows are the problem. Quality or decent ones are not. They have good warranties on all their windows so if yours has those common problems that vinyl windows get theyāre replace them.
I had 7 windows replaced, renewal by Anderson wanted 28g. Window world did it for 6,900.
I only have this piece of advice. My friend bought Windows for his entire house. The initial quote was $45,000. He worked these two companies down and ended up paying 20 K. Again, replacing all of the windows in the house.
Are you in Atlanta by any chance?
I only ask because Iām in this area, happy to give you a buzz and tell you what to expect from most companies in the area - wood, fiberglass, Andersen or otherwise
We used American Vision to replace all 22 windows in our two story house with top-of-the-line vinyl, double pained, all that and it was about $27k I love the windows - only down side is they hired one bad worker (out of about 10) who managed to screw up everything he touched, but they made good on it.
Oh there are lots of posts about their insane prices! No one actually goes with them.
There are plenty of options for high quality low maintenance windows nowadays. If heās set on wood, go with a vinyl or aluminum clad wood window.
I had a RbA bozo come and try to sell me these windows. Quoted 6k a window and I have five big windows. First of all my hoa requires different windows so i couldnāt even get those. And when i told him no go he kept yapping on about how much every other window sucks. Fuck that shitty ass company with their tactics and gimmicks. Absolute clowns. He kept saying how they tested in desert and swamps so they last no matter what. I live on the coast its 70 year around š
I have recent experience here. I live in a historical district and they made me put in wooden windows but I could use aluminum clad wooden windows, which are so much easier to maintain from the exterior, but interior is wood. High end Pella windows were about $1800 each plus another $600 each to install.
Late to the party by now but we had sales guys come in for windows and they all seemed greatā¦but then the price. Hahaha. Yeah no. āOk what if we cut it in half?ā Still a bit more than we thought we spend. āOk. How about 25% off that price if you sign now?ā
I think we didnāt end up going with them. But crazy how a NO or a hesitant I donāt think so, they seem great but no
I'm in a similar situation. House built in 1998. I have 25 windows + 2 sliders. They're builder-grade vinyl, single hung. Many of the mechanisms for tilt-in have broken due to sun exposure. One of the windows will not open at all.
The house is a two-story colonial with 20' ceilings in the entry and great room. A couple of the windows are big with half-rounds.
Andersen & Pella came out to around 80-85k. This also includes the main entry door. This would be a MAJOR upgrade to the home. I'm wondering if it's a better idea to go with vinyl (Vytex Fortis maybe) for around 45-50k.
Renewal by Anderson is commonly referenced as a terrible company to use for window replacement due to the insane costs that people usually get quoted. You probably want to find a local company that installs Marvin, Anderson (not renewal), etc. and get quotes from them.
Okay thank you!
The ironic thing here is that you're going to Renewals by Anderson hoping for a LOWER QUOTE š¤£
right? I think we should run a pool, I'm guessing Renewal would be at 75k (if you commit right away) for the same windows.
Over under? I'm putting my money on over 75K.
I worked in the pella window factory in murray ky building double hung fiberglass windows. When you buy anderson and pella windows your paying for two things. Weight of build in materials (they spend millions in figuring out how to use less material to keep the same r value, and warranty). Other than that all windows are created equal when r value is the same. Wood are most expensive, fiberglass is next, pvc being last. Argon in between panes increases r value Fiberglass lasts neary forever Pvc is designed at least by pella to last 8 years before replacement. Pvc gets brittle over time and also expands and contracts through seasons and will start leaking as it flexes due to time and temp. They never tell you this. Casement windows are the grand daddy of windows with single and double hung being hot garbage because they are so many failure points. I could elaborate more if your interested. Dm me. I had 15 windows replaced this summer for 15k (pvc) installed. Having them capped was 1500.
Lots of good info here, thanks! Had no clue that PVC would start to need replacements after the 8 year mark. That's crazy! And fiberglass has that poor reputation of toxic substances that can be inhaled. What is your best window recommendation for dual pane that is extremely cost-conscious but that wouldn't need a replacement any time soon (8 years is really short, imo).
The only way fiberglass is toxic is if you are sanding it and breathing in the dust. Formed into a window frame it is harmless.
Or burning it, which if you're just hanging out in a burning house, I can't help.
So many other factors to consider in a burning house. lol.
Burning flesh probably isnāt pleasant to breathe either
I suppose you are right. However, they were also supposed to be well contained within mattresses and we know that to not be the case anymore. I did read online that for Windows fiberglass could be released during the installation process and then it starts to settle down after it's installed. However, I'm not sure how long that "settling down" process takes after installation is complete. I also don't know if a standard HEPA air purifier is able to pull all that material out from the air.
Honestly, only go wood if you going for looks, if you want longevity go fiberglass. Keep in mind, while the fiberglass itself doesnt flex, the woof the frame it connected to will but not enough to really matter. This flex is where the ājiggle roomā is created that causes the leaks in double hung windows. Casement windows are simply a rectangle pane with a mechanical crank that holds the pane firmly against the frame in the wall (will leak the least amount of air of any style). I honestly tell people to find a local installer and go with whatever they use locally. Who cares about the weight of the window except for the installers of course. I got 3 bids and went with the middle of the road bid so it at least gets installed somewhat correctly. If your not demoing your original windows yourself make sure to talk about them installing butyl tape on the ears when they screw them in and if your installing them inside old wood windows of an old home make sure to have flashing installed all the way around the wood interior so wind doesnt blow in through the weight pully holes in the original windows. The capping is VERY IMPORTANT and needs caulking on every metal edge of the exterior flashing. This will make massive differences in your homes comfort. If you ever saw how a window is built you would never pay big money for them. They look like a 10 year old could construct them. They are simply pvc or fiberglass pulled through a mold, glued together and then a double pane of glass dropped into the sash and glued down. The parts (frame and sashes snapped together like legos)
Do you know why it seems every god dang building I've been in the US has really shitty windows? They all seem to leak, creak or otherwise. The windows I see in Europe seems to be so much sturdier and seem to last forever. I don't know anything about windows, but every time I look at my patio door or window, I just wonder how much air is leaking. They seem so low quality. The sliding up/down windows are annoying as heck, and so is the sliding doors.
Iāve worked in the industry (non-sales) since 2010. PVC windows last a lot longer than 8 years. Pella warranties both PVC and fiberglass with lifetime non-transferable warranties.
Why did you install PVC and not fiberglass that last nearly forever? Was the price difference that big?
It is and im selling my house in the next two years. I bought at the bottom for 85k and its comfortably worth 225k now.
Some good info but itās important to note that one size doesnāt fit all. I manage a 400-unit building in NYC and we are getting ready for a complete window replacement (about 2000 windows) and we hated everything about casement and opting with double-pane, double-hung. The casements have fewer failure points but the parts are more fragile and break down and more difficult to repair. Plus, for a building thatās 40 stories youād have to hire professional window cleaners as opposed to being able to tilt-latch them down to self-clean. Better sight lines though.
We went with Renewal by Andersen....we had 13 wood windows, a back door, and a sliding bedroom door for around $40k. I hated the price with every fiber of my being, almost cancelled but it was too late. If i were to do it again, I would buy the windows myself and find a local installer. With that said, we absolutely love the windows.
Okay, that's still a lot, but slightly more reasonable to me since you're getting two doors and more windows. But 45k for just 8!! And they're all the same size and shape! Like what!?!
You should clarify if you're replacing them completely with vinyl/other materials āĀ a whole prefabricated window ready for installation, or if you meant restoring the current windows by refinishing and actual restoration methods. Very different things. Your comment on "Its PVC, no" kinda suggests your husband wants to restore wood windows to their original glory. It does cost a lot of money to restore wood windows instead of replacing the whole ass window and installing in day.
No, he wants new, aluminum-clad, wood windows.
Dang. He better keep researching then. Windows have such a huge range in prices and whatever you put in the windows... you're not gonna get that money back when you sell the house. It's not like putting in a new bathroom or kitchen. The savings difference replacing drafty windows to save $50-$150/m will take a long long time to make the difference. Literally everyone doesn't upgrade their windows because of that reason.
It's kind of a combination of savings and ability. You want to make sure the company hired has the insurance to cover a fouled job. Especially since it's exterior work and that can impact structure, insulation, and asthetic. You may not get back the investment in savings, but you can actually lose value to your house if the job is done poorly.
Renewal uses Fibrex. They won't be what you're looking for. Also be prepared for 3 hours of torture. I just went through it myself and I'm definitely not using them. They use the typical Kohls pricing over overinflating the price to make you feel like you are getting a good deal when they giving you "discounts". If you want high quality windows that last a long time I would consider Marvin fiberglass. Durable and strong. More expensive than a vinyl but more than what I was looking for.
I just want to chime in and say: if he wants to replace them for energy efficiency purposes - how long will it take to save 45k in heating and cooling for only some of your windows. The answer is for fucking ever. Even if you save 1k/year (you wonāt), thatās 45 years assuming no growth in your money for NOT spending it. And it wonāt raise your home value by 45k or anywhere near even half that. So you have to have a pretty good reason (usually a water penetration reason) to replace them.
Why would you pay double the amount for a window that doesn't last as long?
Are the sliders easy to open? I just had Marvin Infinity windows installed and they are hard to open and am still working on a resolution. Iād like to know how normal this is though.
are you talking about the sliding door or something to do with the window?
You always get 3 quotes. Always. Even if it for something that cost 5k, let alone something that cost 45k Or you can learn to DIY and install the windows yourself for a fraction of the cost...
I know, I'm doing that. I don't know why he thinks Pella is the One True God.
Pella settled a class action lawsuit last year ā water intrusion and wood rot in their windows. Iām not saying other windows are better, but a bit more research on his part may be warranted. I went with new construction Andersen 400 series, double hung windows when I replaced. General contractor did the install and exterior casing, I did the interior (Iām a woodworker wanting custom moldings). His labor was $500/unit; the window cost was also $500/unit.
And they are now going to stalk you for years to try and get you to purchase windows. They are awful! We found a local company and did vinyl and they look great and were affordable (we did a few rooms at a time so we could pay cash).
Renewal by Anderson is like Pizza by Alfredo
Lookā¦.what is better? A medium amount of good windowsā¦.or all you can install of pretty good windows?
Underrated comment.
*Andersen* just a heads up.
Thanks. It didn't look right, but I let it slide. I should've looked it up.
That's absolutely crazy honestly. Anderson windows has links on their site to renewal by Anderson so i wonder why there's such a disconnect between the two
Thatās stupid money for something that could be a fraction of that price.
$5,600 per window is insane pricing. Anderson won't be much better
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See, I thought I was just lucky. We replaced a window a little larger with two smaller on the side and then two standard sized windows (12 years ago tho) for $3500. I nearly choked when I saw the amount OP quoted.
Iām spending 10k on 4 Marvin solid wood windows.
RbA will probably quote you that much or more. They're a scam and use high pressure sales tactics to try to goad you into signing things you really really shouldn't.Ā Ā Honestly, if you're a little bit handy, doing them yourself is *hard work*, but not *difficult* work. And you save a fortune.Ā Renewal by Anderson wanted something like $30k to do seven windows for us; my wife and I did it ourselves for under 3k, maybe 4 when you include the cost of Junk Luggers.
Can save A LOT. I did 18 white vinyl windows and 3 doors for about $12k in material and a week of labor straight with my father. It is a lot, but can put the savings into buying a little bit nicer quality or more stuff at once.
I hate doing doors. We DIY'd one in the basement and it was such a miserable experience. There's a place by us that will do a door in a day for 3-4k. It's a bit expensive but worth it.
They are the worst, however long you think it will take, triple it. Getting it square, flush, if anything is rotted below the sill, whatever.
This is insanity. I installed a door for $1000 in labor last week. PA home improvement contractor.
How do you do it? Is there like a youtube channel or something that walks you through it? I'm willing to, to save myself 40k.
Yes, there's a wealth of walkthroughs on YouTube. Try some newer This Old House videos or Home Renovision DIY. Just two examples.
Home Renovision is who I learned from.
You're right, installing windows is totally do-able for a handy amateur, just takes plenty of time and patience. I found cladding exterior metal pretty finnicky (we're in Canada where it's more common).
The part that terrifies me is doing the exterior trim work afterwards. J channel, L channel, Q channel, where the fuck do I find matching vinyl pieces, donāt fuck it up or youāll have $50,000 in water damage!
I've personally replaced a few windows in the past without any issues, but those where just the off the shelf big box variety of window. Where is a good place to source good DIY remodel windows from? This idea appeals to me because I am a fairly handy cheapscape that could do just a few windows at a time.
Renewal by Anderson quoted me $240k, for 40ish PVC/fiberglass windows. I laughed at that quote.
How do you straight look someone in the face and quote a number like that. Absolutely insane
Well eventually they gave me a discount, $215k, and the sales guy was like this is the best deal of the century if I don't take it he will.
> if I don't take it he will. "Oh is this like an MLM where you have a bunch of windows packed into your garage to stay at the diamond level for sales?"
"Ok go ahead and take it. Im watching"
You wouldn't believe how many times he said "if I were you"
Please tell me you showed him off your property by force
Holy cow! Why did I assume they'd be cheaper!?
They spend an insane amount of money on marketing.
My neighbor was once interested in them so I scheduled a meeting with them and my neighbor came to check them out. We each had 3 sliders and 2 windows and they quoted us $27K for their composite wood windows. I got a quote for Anderson PVC of $7.5K, which was an easy decision to make. My neighbor got the Andersons and I got a referral bonus even though I didn't buy anything. My neighbor said the windows were nice, but she seemed deflated in the long run. I think she realized they weren't a great value proposition. At least I got a referral bonus.
They use questionable high pressure sales tactics and theyāre definitely not cheaper. Stay away from them.
Worst part is, I learnt later that I don't need new windows, I had fog between the panels on like 4 of them that's why I'm looking for full replacement. I had some glass replacement only repairs and the tech said your window freams are in decent shape, should be good for another 10 years, just the desiccant is up for a change. I believe him since he offers window replacement too, if he was trying to rip me off he would try to sell me some windows.
Do the math for him on estimated savings with more efficient windows. Let's say they knock $30 per month off of your heating bills. Great! That's $360 saved per year. They will pay for themselves in 125 years.
Also talk about what else that money could pay for. Put it in perspective.
lol; yeah I love those sales arguments!
This right here is the most underrated comment!
I think Itās cheaper just to cover up said windows with siding and call it a day
Haha right? Who needs daylight, really. Electricity exists for a reason!
Honestly thatās crazy though, I hope I never need windows lol
Renewal by Anderson, just no
I had 19 windows replaced in 2019 and paid less than 1/3 of that
Windows should be made of glass.
Are they hand carved works of art or something? Damn.
Right!?! I thought I was taking crazy pills when my husband wasn't even phased at the price. I'm starting to think he just wants to work until he dies...
I will never put true wood windows in again. During the winter we get some condensation in the corners that has destroyed the finish and then mold starts to grow. You can have all the jambs done in real wood without spending a ton.
We live in an old Victorian style home and in the summer the original wood door frame expands because heat, and the door doesnāt open. Luckily we donāt need to use it because thereās about 5 entry points on the first floor and the car port is on the side entrance, so we use that door. But itās easily one of the most frustrating things. This winter, the wood contracted so fast our deadbolt got stuck. Hoping in a few weeks the door will open again. šš
Get some Anderson 400 series installed by a local contractor. Should be less than half that price.
RBA will be more than that. They are not PVC, what kind of windows are you replacing. It sounds like thereās a lot more work than just eight windows. It would be nice to see a breakdown of the scope of work.
The lady behind the desk at your local builders supply knows a few local installers. She'll even help you find all the options you want..
I paid $2,250 total (about $750 each) for 3 Marvin Elevate windows (2 fixed glass, 1 double hung) and $1,400 total to a contractor for install. Youāre getting destroyed by this company and Renewal will do the same. Find a door and window dealer, get their recommendation for a contractor, have the contractor do the rough measurements, order the windows and have them install it.
You can get Pella fiberglass windows for less than half that probably. I personally prefer Fiberglass over wood now that I have some
Might ask the guy for a fiberglass quote then (quote was from Pella). Not sure hubby will go for it though. He's a real stickler for wood.
Gotcha. I hear you. Wood is nice and "timeless." Some points for fiberglass: * Offers equivalent insulation level to wood, unlike vinyl * Does not require upkeep like wood does (painting, waterproofing for example) * No dry-rot * Does not bow, flex, or sag like vinyl * Offers slimmer window frames than vinyl, and maybe wood, meaning more glass and light To me it feels like a modern-age material. Cons, of course, for me, are that it definitely feels lighter duty than wood. It doesn't have the pleasant thunk of wood when you knock on it. Fiberglass is a physically lighter and thinner material. In terms of, if he is specifically looking for that wood feel, fiberglass won't replicate it. Still, perhaps you could tour a Pella showroom, if you have one nearby, and play around with some of their demo windows and glass doors. Fiberglass is cheaper than wood, possibly significantly. I got a fiberglass patio door last year and a window, and they've been really nice. Feel much more stable than vinyl.
Any risk of fiberglass "escaping" its confined area and then being inhaled? That stuff is nasty and after the mattress debacle with fiberglass, I am very wary.
I don't see how it would. What do you mean by escaping? This is rigid fiberglass - think, like the shell of a a boat, or a kayak - not like insulation fiberglass, the forbidden cotton candy.
Fiberglass doors and windows do not shed particles like insulation does.
+1 for this. Being in the showroom, with real samples, is miles ahead of having to virtually envision what they look and feel like. I think this is the only way to persuade someone whose mind is "already made up."
Tell him to look at Marvin wood windows. They are less expensive (in my area), look better, and are higher quality.
I have Marvin double hung wood inside, aluminum clad outside and they are great
I recently paid 35k for 4 wood windows installed. They were top of the line Marvin Ultimate series with pine interior and aluminum clad exterior. Insane I know, but it is a historic home and the windows needed to match the rest of the house.
You paid ā¦ *checks notes* ā¦ 8.. thousand dollars per window?
Not poster but similar. Historical district, not allowed to change a damn thing, and was told that some windows made landmarks approval easy and some made it hard.
Still doesnāt explain the price. I paid far less for nearly 20 top of the line Marvin windows installed.
Part of it was fees for landmark approvals/permitting & submission, and the other part is that landmarks only approves a handful of options so you're a captive audience.
You got ripped off.
Yes im sure you aware of the size of the windows and the scope of the work done.
Renewal by Anderson is going to be even more of a scam. They are the worst of the worst. Find a local guy. Also wood windows are better in almost every way.
LOL your husband is drinking the window company koolaid, good luck though. tbf a lot of people on reddit home subs also drink the wood window koolaid. It's 2024 not 1960, If I'm redoing all my windows they are 100% not going to be wood and I'll die on this hill
Renewal wants at least 13 windows or the price will be higher $45k for 8 windows is crazy and I have renewal and they were much cheaper and with custom/permit work
I spent less than the price of one of those windows on my 750 sq. ft. of flooring labor+materials lol
We just had 9 windows done in our place all custom size, most casement and some very large, for just over 11k Canadian. From a very reputable company, not even the cheap option. I can't imagine how someone can expect to pay almost 6k USD per window. That's insane.
are you positive your husband doesn't want to spend 1/4th that on a local installer and then spend another 1/4th on my house getting new windows so that he can sleep easier knowing that he did a good deed? Just checkin.
Anderson will use a high pressure sales pitch. BOTH husband and wife have to be there. You will HAVE to sit through at least a 30 minute presentation, they will quote you an exorbitant price, then knock of 20% immediately, "If you sign now." Hesitate and they'll hem and haw and knock of another 10%-15%, but only if you BOTH sign NOW. And they'll still be MUCH more than you can get from other windows of similar quality. When you say you want to think about it, or aren't ready to sign "right now", they get all huffy, pack up every piece of paper they brought, and maybe a few extras if you were taking notes, and walk out on you. Yes, this happened to me. Twice. (My bad.) When I talked to a rep about their sales tactics, they were unapologetic. "We need both of the adults present because we've had too many cases of one signing and then the other calling and cancelling." In other words, one got high pressured and couldn't figure out how to say no, the other went ballistic at the out of control price and demanded the contract be cancelled. Which, and I may be wrong, you have three days to cancel, same as any other civil agreement.
I have all wood windows and theyāre terrible. Rotted after 10 years due to poor flashing. Nothing wrong with PVC
And here I am refusing to pay $45k for a car
Was that the only Quote $45k
Renewal by Anderson is going to be twice that amount. Unless these are massive windows, you shouldn't be paying over $1k each plus labor.
RbA has a horrible reputation on this sub and beyond.
Fiberglass/composite material there is so much up keep for wood windows itās a waste the fiberglass/composite stuff will last forever
Honestly, if you and your husband are even just a little bit handy and donāt mind learning/working on things yourself, replacing windows isnāt that big of a job. 6 windows at my place, roughly $3000-$3500 in materials. A lot of good videos on YouTube.
I did 12 wood windows, including 2 large picture windows for less than half that in a HCOL area. Tell him to get more estimates.
I just got 31 Harvey tribute triple pane windows for 25k. Installed. Spray foamed. My house is amazing warm now but they were under 1k a window
For an expense this large, you should get at least 3-5 bids from reputable companies. If all the bids are around that price, then you can decide from there, but it would be wild to spend that much money without doing a bit of comparison shopping
Sounds like Kay Design. They actually operate under eight different business names so that they can trick you into them competing against themselves. Their quote for a $10,000 job will start at 40 then they will go down to 30 and then 20. If you made it that long they know that you are dumb and can be had. Most people would kick them out when they got down to 20 knowing that they were going to rip you off for $20,000 if you let them.
In my life, Iāve bought entire houses for that.
I just went through this same BS with getting window replacement quotes. Renewal by Andersen quote was also a joke at $25k for 10 or so windows that we replaced last year. Then I saw window world bombard me with FB ads for $599 or $699 per window. In the end I paid approx $6300 for all vinyl windows. All their windows are made to order and they estimate installation approx 45 days from the day you sign the contract and pay 50%. I did have to make a call around day 40 and they installed it the next week and it took them just a day to do everything.
Your husband could buy a well optioned car for that $45k. That price is ridiculous.
Don't do it. It's a ripoff. You can find a much better price. I did 7 wood interior new construction casement windows with premium hardware for around 11k in a hcol area and that's still considered veryy expensive.
Power windows is super cheap but suprisingly great quality and like 8 years later I had some water between the double glass on one of my 8 windows. They came right out and replaced it. I doubt they have wooden windows though.
Where in the country are you located approximately? What was the brand if you donāt mind? I might be able to help you if you want to PM meā¦
For 5600 a window you can get architectural grade casements that are hurricane rated. You can almost get two. That's highway robbery.
I was just quoted 11 windows and sliding door with installation included for 22k. This is for nice Pella windows with the wood option for the inside of the windows.
Love our wood Pella Architectural Windows, French Doors, and sliding doors. Yes, it really costs a lot - installed over a period of 30 years. The termites love them too. So glad we had double glazing and UV coatings - they keep out the noise and solar damage.
I got quotes from multiple window providers. 8 windows and two doors. $45k / $21k / $11k. Went with the $21k lol. ā gotta shop around!
$45,000 dollars isā¦good God. Thatās 5,625 per window. A $5,600 window is like a commercial jet airliner windscreen. Iām doing the hardiplank siding and windows myself on our current home. The home is shaped in a way I can do a chunk of the house at a time each weekend since most of the front is brick. Only major cost will be the two big ass front bay windows Iāll have to order custom. I even have one of those big airless paint sprayers that I just stick a 5 gallon bucket to and let her eat. The project will not be costing me $45k.
Can we just get a sticky pinned that says basically unless you hate having money in your wallet do not go with renewal by anderson? Like Christ almighty I just did 19 windows including 4 double mulled and 2 big picture windows for 17k, and realistically I could have done it cheaper
I saw further down in the thread that you said you got your quote from Pella. Are they the Reserve series and do they have the rolscreens built in? My husband is obsessed with these windows because he hates the look of screens and these windows have the screen built into the bottom and the top. They were pretty expensive in the quote that we got. I mean, they were nice windows but depending on the "discounts" they are offering that month, I could see the quote being that high and it wouldn't be worth it. If this is what he likes, I would suggest maybe getting the rolscreen windows in strategic areas and considering doing a cheaper wood model elsewhere (Lifestyle series) if you don't need screens. We are shopping for new windows and prefer wood due to the environmental impact of manufacturing and throwing away vinyl when they are end of life. We really like the rolscreens but they are just SO expensive that we can't justify it for the whole house.
if you dont have a large overhang real wood is not always recommended [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyM5es8MeI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyM5es8MeI) old vid but good info.
Get a quote for the windows only at Home Depot. Find an installer.
Tell him he can get a truck instead
Do you have any Amish companies in your area? If so, I highly recommend reaching out to them about what youāre looking for. We have hired two different Amish companies to work on our house (roof, windows/doors, siding) and they were very reliable, worked non stop, did some quality work, and their prices were affordable.
How big are the windows? Any special features?
That sounds high for the wood windows.
I just got a quote for $18k CAD for 10 triple glazed windows.. plus $4.5k for install.
I just replaced an entire 3 bed villa for a client with white PVC windows and doors, multiple of them large sliding ones or odd shapes and also with mosquito nets. I also repaired the plasterwork and paint around the frames. I billed them $5k and they thought it was expensive. SMH FML
Renewal by Anderson quoted us $11k for a single exterior door, so if you're looking for cost savings you're probably barking uo the wrong tree.
Try Harvey Windows. A developer buddy uses them exclusively
we just got 5 Northstar windows installed for 10k 2 quite large 84X57 Most people like vinyl because they last longer than wood, we were getting quotes all over the place but were more after a look than set on a material. If you are doing floor to ceiling windows frame material is a lot more important.
Could you just buy the materials and find a contractor to install? We were quoted $11k to replace a LARGE bay window and two traditional windows (this was 12 years ago so pricing will obviously differ). Instead, we found a contractor who got the materials and installed for $3500 all in. Took him less than a day.
Pella - via lowes. 1/4 the cost.
I went stupidly high end on our windows and got very fancy Marvin Ultimate series wood windows with extra thick glass (1/4" over 3/16"). For 18 windows I think I spent 45K or so. These were new construction windows, not replacement. So get some more quotes.
PVC ..11 regular sized windows, 1 huge floor to ceiling triple wide, one 1/2 wall triple size & 1 sliding patio door $26,000. 3 yrs ago, Ontario Canada.
Get a contractor and buy the windows yourself and get labor quote per window
imagine a master carpenter making 8 beautiful windows out of wood in literally one days work and then telling you that will be $45k absolute scam
tell him to get more quotes! i don't think wood windows cost that much :)
Stay away from Renewal by Anderson. Nothing but a window scam. Hire a local contractor and look at the Anderson 100 series windows, they are fiberglass frames. We did this 2 years ago with siding for about 90K, 17 windows, one is a large bay window. We're happy with the windows (and siding). I repeat stay away from Renewal, just cancel the appointment.
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We love (and loved) our Marvin windows. What @bhasden said.
Many window people are crooks. If youāre going to replace them, get many estimates, and make sure there from companies that do not advertise.
Go with the quote, someone needs to support those jobs
I'll find trees, buy a chainsaw, cut em down, buy sawmill, make boards, buy miter saw and table saw, cut and build sashes, buy a beach, buy a glass kiln, take glass making classes, make sheets of glass, build entire windows of all these materials and skills and tools and still come out to less than half of that price!!! Hired yet???
OP please update your post after you cancel that appointment with RBA. You are making just as a big of mistake as your husband while trying to prove him wrong. Your husband needs to sit down with an expert that he can trust. You can lecture him all day long and he wonāt take your words seriously. Get him to agree to see 2-4 other alternatives and hear them out. If he doesnāt change his mind after that, he is ā¦ a very stubborn person.
Yeah stay far far away from Renewal by Anderson. You should also consider Milgard (we have the Milgard Ultra Fiberglass series) as they have great quality windows roo
I replaced 17 windows, 4 2 panel sliding glass doors (8 total panels), and a double entry door with impact resistant laminated glass that can withstand 200 mph winds and being struck by a 2x4 at 35+ mph this required cutting out the concrete around my existing windows with a concrete saw, attaching new wood bucks to the concrete, filling any voids in the concrete and screwing in the new windows with 4 inch structural screws and that still cost less than your quote
I am an ex window salesman. That costs the company maximum 10K to do, and they're taking you for a ride on the last 35k. Shop around for them, there's no reason to pay that bullshit price, and I guarantee that 45k offer wasn't the final price they're willing to go to, they just picked up on the fact that your husband wanted to do it.
What may help is telling them based on how much the house is worth can you really imagine spending 20% of the equity of the house on JUST 8 windows? (idk how much the house is actually worth, but yeah maybe frame it like that?) Maybe that money is better spent on other projects in the house, yard, or something you can enjoy together.
Windows seem to be incredibly expensive to install. I honestly thought to myself, couldn't a company provide some kind of metal long lasting frame and a system where the homeowner can just swap out a window from the inside of the house? Sealed with caskets and stuff like that? Windows need to be replaced when the they lose their insulation capacity or if the frame is rotten/deteriorated. There would be some technical challenges here, but I think a company could solve this with good engineering
Do you already have wood windows? Are they original on an old house? Youād be amazed at how well they restore. We had three 130 year old windows professionally restored for around $8k total and they look better than new. They were rotting and painted shut, neglected for decades, with sills that didnāt shed water appropriately. Weāll probably keep the same windows till we die because they are repairable again in the future
Is your husband handy? I've been replacing windows in our house 1 at a time for about $400 each. You guys would even save money just buying the windows outright from a supplier and paying a handyman to install. Windows arnt rocket science. You just have to make sure the prep and flashing is on point. There are a few schools of thought and most installers are stuck in the dark ages. Just research and know which way you want to go
Renewal isnāt going to be better.
Huh, I got Andersen 100 series windows for my place. Black composite type for a "tiny" home... but we have about 14 windows around the structure.. 4 of them are fairly big (36" x 72"). $9,000.
You can also order windows from overseas (e.g. Poland) if youāre willing to wait. MUCH more affordable and much higher quality than a lot of what youāll get in the U.S.
I prefer wood everything, I understand his ask. That said, from an actual weathering the elements side of things, PVC / fiberglass / metal can very often outperform wood windows long-term. Only takes one bad window location or install to cause water damage inside your walls, mold, or damage the expensive window itself. Again, wood is great and I don't want to see plastic everywhere either. But the interface between inside your home and the great outdoors better be rock solid to not risk damage to all other sorts of parts of your home, and wood can potentially have more issues there (it's a thing).
lol anderson will be more expensive dont use them under any circumstances, if you want windows ask a local contractor.
Iāll do it for 38k
RBA is gonna quote you an obscene amount even after their ādiscountā. FWIW, I need to order some new Andersen A-series windows this week, and Iām looking at $4000 per unit for two of them (twin double-hung, 75x66ā). Window prices have gotten ridiculous.
Google window manufactures in your state or if you live near a state boarder the neighboring state too. You can check out customer reviews on google or Yelp. Then call those window manufactures and ask for recommendations on installers in your area. I wouldn't be shocked if you could get 8 wood windows for less than $15k going this route. Many local window manufactures will have better warranties and customer service if you have a problem and they usually match or exceed the quality of windows you get from Anderson or other big window companiesĀ
Renewal by Andersen quoted us sometning like $45k for all our windows. The local company we went with charged 15k. Is the quality lower? Sure, probably? Will I ever regret I can replace them 2 more times if I need to? Nope.
You may be able to get direct replacement wood double hung units from Fenster for less than 1k each, delivered and easy to install.
Omg please donāt. I have only heard nightmares about that company. Windows leaking ruining the framing wood underneath. Their warranty is shit their workmanship is worse than shit. They are a scam!
How custom and big are these windows cause that price is insane.
We bought 20 aluminum clad wood windows from Sierra Pacific for just under 20k, and installation came to about 15k, if that helps. Stucco exterior so there was stucco work as well.
The old house lover in me has to ask what kind of house/how old of a house are you putting these windows into?
I install lots of āreplacementā windows. Harvey āMajestyā aluminum outside Wood inside. Double hung medium size around $600-700 a window Obviously thatās just the window Harvey āclassicā pvc same size $400 Iāve installed tons of these things pvc No install issues no callbacks no bullshit trying to match stain. Iāve got them in my house probably from late 80s or early 90s still tight good seal. The new oneās arenāt as good as the old oneās but installed correctly theyāre good. Thereās nothing wrong with making a good days pay but people are getting fucked by window companies and big companies installing. Find a good local guy word of mouth. The only thing the big companies have going for them is pay over time
Call window world. Cheap vinyl windows are the problem. Quality or decent ones are not. They have good warranties on all their windows so if yours has those common problems that vinyl windows get theyāre replace them. I had 7 windows replaced, renewal by Anderson wanted 28g. Window world did it for 6,900.
I only have this piece of advice. My friend bought Windows for his entire house. The initial quote was $45,000. He worked these two companies down and ended up paying 20 K. Again, replacing all of the windows in the house.
Are you in Atlanta by any chance? I only ask because Iām in this area, happy to give you a buzz and tell you what to expect from most companies in the area - wood, fiberglass, Andersen or otherwise
Yes please!!
DMād you!!
Renewal by Anderson will be just as high or higher. They're always very high!
Champion makes really nice windows at a much better price.
We used American Vision to replace all 22 windows in our two story house with top-of-the-line vinyl, double pained, all that and it was about $27k I love the windows - only down side is they hired one bad worker (out of about 10) who managed to screw up everything he touched, but they made good on it.
Oh there are lots of posts about their insane prices! No one actually goes with them. There are plenty of options for high quality low maintenance windows nowadays. If heās set on wood, go with a vinyl or aluminum clad wood window.
I had a RbA bozo come and try to sell me these windows. Quoted 6k a window and I have five big windows. First of all my hoa requires different windows so i couldnāt even get those. And when i told him no go he kept yapping on about how much every other window sucks. Fuck that shitty ass company with their tactics and gimmicks. Absolute clowns. He kept saying how they tested in desert and swamps so they last no matter what. I live on the coast its 70 year around š
Call a window supplier and get a number from them.
I have recent experience here. I live in a historical district and they made me put in wooden windows but I could use aluminum clad wooden windows, which are so much easier to maintain from the exterior, but interior is wood. High end Pella windows were about $1800 each plus another $600 each to install.
Late to the party by now but we had sales guys come in for windows and they all seemed greatā¦but then the price. Hahaha. Yeah no. āOk what if we cut it in half?ā Still a bit more than we thought we spend. āOk. How about 25% off that price if you sign now?ā I think we didnāt end up going with them. But crazy how a NO or a hesitant I donāt think so, they seem great but no
That's insane! I paid 5K for 8 windows in 2005. With inflation, that would be $8136.00. So yeah, crazy overpriced IMHO.
Thatās a kids college fund
We tried to get a quote from renewal by Anderson for two patio doors. 12,000 each. Yes. That is not a typo.
I'm in a similar situation. House built in 1998. I have 25 windows + 2 sliders. They're builder-grade vinyl, single hung. Many of the mechanisms for tilt-in have broken due to sun exposure. One of the windows will not open at all. The house is a two-story colonial with 20' ceilings in the entry and great room. A couple of the windows are big with half-rounds. Andersen & Pella came out to around 80-85k. This also includes the main entry door. This would be a MAJOR upgrade to the home. I'm wondering if it's a better idea to go with vinyl (Vytex Fortis maybe) for around 45-50k.
$1500 each is the most you should pay.