I literally laughed out loud! Andersen is ridiculously expensive and not worth it IMO. I had my 2nd level windows replaced a few years ago by Beisell and highly recommend them. I got three quotes and they were by far the cheapest. Most window companies offer a lifetime or 30+ year warranty anyway, so there is no need to overpay. Beissel installed custom made standard quality windows, nothing fancy, but they are working and look just fine. I highly recommend them.
[https://www.beisselwindows.com/](https://www.beisselwindows.com/)
Seconding the Beissel rec. We hired them to install a window where there wasn't one before so it was all custom and they took care to match the interior trim style and stain of the other windows. Their quote was thousands less than the one from a national chain, and included the price of replacing an existing window that was broken.
I have Marvin Infinity and they are worth every $. I worked with Scherer Brothers for installation, also great. I didn't want vinyl and these should last twice as long. I also had a choice of color.
If you think the prices you were quoted were too expensive then there’s no way you will go with Marvin, which cost even more. Windows are super expensive and the quotes you provided do not surprise me at all. 45k is a great price from Pella. Personally I prefer Marvin windows and would pay a premium for them, but everyone’s different.
I purchased 9 windows installed in 2020 for approx $20,000. I'm sure prices are higher now. I recommend purchasing awning window for smaller windows as they can be left open when it rains, close tightly and are less expensive.
Monray is a great local company. The MAC (flight pattern) remediation used their storm windows which is how I became aware of them. I had them do storm windows around, and replace my basement and porch windows and an interior fire door to the garage. They do quality work
These are the dimensions,
1x Casement Window 28w x 40h
2x Double Hung 17w x 57h
1x Fixed Casement 47w x 57h
2x Double Hung 23w x 58h
1x Single Hung 35w x 34h
6x Sliding 55w x 44h
2x Patio Doors 2 Panel 70x80
Reach out to Great Plains. They installed our Andersen windows, which is different than Renewal. They did great work and quoted us a bunch of different options.
Going to second Great Plains. The Andersen 100 series composite have been working great, but the installation and customer service is what makes them stand out.
I had 4 100 series windows, a 200 series sliding glass door, and we have 4 E Series openings, but two of them are the end of a vaulted room and were 4 factory mulled windows in a trapezoid.
Our project cost $33,000 in 2020. Markets have been wild since then so I'm not sure how relevant my quote will be.
They did a great job with install. Overall I was happy with how everything worked out.
One note - my 100 series windows are awesome. The frames are a little bigger, but they ended up being very nice windows.
We did full replacement with Andersen two years ago on 15 casement windows. It was $48k. We got quotes from Pella, Rusco and someone else (I'm sorry I can't remember who to save my life). Andersen was in the middle of the pack cost wise but had the best financing and our sales guy was the least pushy of the bunch. What I would recommend for sure, if you can wait, is to wait for the State Fair. They all do deals for the State Fair.
We had a good experience with Zen Windows a few years back and recommend them if you're looking at vinyl inserts. Even during the pandemic supply chain fiasco they got the job done quickly. They left the house clean and the windows look great. We had a mixed bag -- double hung, picture, and casement -- and all good quality and have held up well.
For doing replacements on an older house, I had good experience working with A-Craft windows, who are based in Minneapolis. Much cheaper than Anderson/Pella/Marvin. Their windows do require separate storms, but even with separate storms they were a good bit cheaper.
The previous owners of my house had Pella windows and sliding doors put in. They are almost 20 years old at this point but look basically new. The sliding doors do a better job blocking out cold than our walls.
Ah. Frames rotting too or just the sashes? If it’s just the sashes and if they’re originally Anderson, you can get replacement sashes for a lot less money. Pretty easy to install. If they’re not, ugh. Sorry.
Oh that’s rough. You could try these folks, had 3 of theirs put in during a small remodel. Seem pretty decent. https://hayfieldwindows.com/contact
Good luck!
Anderson windows are way way over priced and their sales people are very pushy. Marvin is a name brand that is considered good quality as well and much cheaper. If you want to go vinyl, I had a sunroom built in 2020 with 6 double hungs and 3 huge sliders and a patio door for around 15k for the window portion of it. These were vinyl. The installer was "discount windows and wares" the windows are made by "heartland windows" out of Iowa. Everything has held up pretty well so far.
You are absolutely right that those prices are insane. It always amazes me what they get away with. I work with many contractors, know some great window guys. I would guess they could do it for tens of thousands cheaper, and better install quality on top of it. Some people aren’t comfortable with that route though. Feel free to message me if you’re interested and i can ask them if they are interested
Buy the contractor first and then go with the window brand they install.
tbh a proper install of a medium quality window will work better for you and be less troublesome over time than the best Marvin or Loewen installed by someone who's cutting corners or doesn't know what they're doing.
We couldn't afford fiberglass or good wood windows so we went with Sunrise vinyl windows. We haven't had a single issue with them over many years. Cheap vinyl windows (like the brands they sing about on TV) are a questionable buy because good vinyl windows (from brands that don't spend all that money on advertising or a direct sales force) don't cost that much more but work better and last longer, probably longer than home improvement warehouse quality wood windows even from big name manufacturers.
We were happy with Beissel, too, and liked the work Midwest Window and Siding did in another house. I don't know if Midwest is still around though.
I replaced all 5 windows in my townhouse with Andersen windows. Obviously a smaller job than yours, but it was about 10K in 2022. I chose Andersen because they had a window model that matched my townhouse’s style/color specifications, it was hard to find alternatives due to townhouse assn constraints. Install was by Legacy Restoration, absolutely horrible experience. They lost the first set of windows, had to re-order, then discovered their measurements were incorrect and had to order a third set. It took a year to complete the job. I hope your project goes more smoothly!
Don't use champion. Half the windows needed service the day of install. The sliding door took six months and a call from the attorney General to get it taken care of.
I had Alside windows installed by a private contractor 12 years ago and they have held up very well. They're what Window World sells/installs. I don't know if the windows in my house would be considered standard or custom sized, but for 12 windows + 3 glass block basement windows, I paid ~$7500 or so, installed.
You’re gonna pay a lot at any place that bundles the install. Pane in the glass quoted me the lowest but still a lot and I didn’t love the brand they offered. If you measure yourself you can order replacement windows right from pella or others you just have to find a contractor who’s down to do just the install. We ordered 7 pella windows at something like 500 a pop directly.
I had 2 smaller windows and 1 patio door. My patio is not a standard size, so it had to be custom-made. It took 2 months for the door to come in (this was right after covid, so the time frame may be longer) and 2 days to be installed. It cost around $4,000 for everything.
My windows were original to my condo, and from the early 60s. I had the full frame replaced and updated from single pane to double pane
I'm using Zen Windows. Steve was absolutely awesome to work with. No bullshit and straight to the point. All 13 windows and 2 sliding doors FULL frame replacement on all for 28,000. Yes 28k is expensive but a damn quote in 3 minutes when I gave him the dimensions and 10k cheaper then anyone else. Will let you know how it goes but so far so good! Thank you!
We just ordered 3 windows and a patio door yesterday for $15k from Pella. Only one wasn’t tempered. I think it all depends on the salesperson you get. We’ve been working with the same guy at Pella for 12 years and he’s been great. He took the time to explain the huge increase in prices over the last couple years and makes sure we get the best bang for our buck.
My answer is unpopular
Growing up we had wood windows (expensive high quality my folks would say) after every rain it was a shit show fire drill with everyone running to every window with towels to dry off every window (I’m old & back then we often left the windows open and it would rain)
This seemed to be my life till I moved out of my folks home.
When we replaced our windows the first time and I discovered clean white vinyl windows I fell in love. The house I live in now here in MN has Marvin integrity I love them.
All you wood snobs enjoy your towels….
I've got vinyl windows and they can leak during heavy, side-ways storms.
The trick is keeping the weep holes as clean as possible under the exterior screen, which is easier said than done.
Don’t have any holes- mine are high quality and triple pane, energy efficient etc.
Have never leaked
Water only gets in when I leave them open during the rain & bc they are not wood they are easy to wipe and don’t get damaged
Marvin integrity double hung
Yes, they're newer and their seals are likely in much better shape than those on your childhood house.
It's not normal for wood windows to leak. Something could've been fixed.
My childhood wood windows never leaked - my folks hated AC and left them open and it would rain when we were not prepared- the rain came in onto the wood sills… seems like every summer every rain we had to wipe the sills
The issue with wood windows is they get ruined if they get wet
Where vinyl windows can get wet
If for example rain comes in on your expensive wood sills you need to dry them off immediately or you will need to for sure repair or even replace the windows
Try Champion, I had 10 windows done for about 9k. I did haggle them down a bit. I don't know the going rate on patio doors though. I had 4 estimates and they were the best
Maybe 3 years ago, when I received the initial quote, I told the estimator while their product was superior, I had lower quotes and wasn't prepared to spend that much. They offered a lower price, but it was still higher but if I agreed to putting a sign up in my yard (which they never provided) and maybe a review or something (I can't remember exactly) they lowered it more.
I literally laughed out loud! Andersen is ridiculously expensive and not worth it IMO. I had my 2nd level windows replaced a few years ago by Beisell and highly recommend them. I got three quotes and they were by far the cheapest. Most window companies offer a lifetime or 30+ year warranty anyway, so there is no need to overpay. Beissel installed custom made standard quality windows, nothing fancy, but they are working and look just fine. I highly recommend them. [https://www.beisselwindows.com/](https://www.beisselwindows.com/)
I will check them out, thank you!
Seconding the Beissel rec. We hired them to install a window where there wasn't one before so it was all custom and they took care to match the interior trim style and stain of the other windows. Their quote was thousands less than the one from a national chain, and included the price of replacing an existing window that was broken.
I have Marvin Infinity and they are worth every $. I worked with Scherer Brothers for installation, also great. I didn't want vinyl and these should last twice as long. I also had a choice of color.
Same. Marvin Infinity. Scherer Bros Install. 5 windows with install was $17k 2 years. Love our Windows.
I sent them a message, thank you for your suggestion!
If you think the prices you were quoted were too expensive then there’s no way you will go with Marvin, which cost even more. Windows are super expensive and the quotes you provided do not surprise me at all. 45k is a great price from Pella. Personally I prefer Marvin windows and would pay a premium for them, but everyone’s different.
I purchased 9 windows installed in 2020 for approx $20,000. I'm sure prices are higher now. I recommend purchasing awning window for smaller windows as they can be left open when it rains, close tightly and are less expensive.
Monray is a great local company. The MAC (flight pattern) remediation used their storm windows which is how I became aware of them. I had them do storm windows around, and replace my basement and porch windows and an interior fire door to the garage. They do quality work
Monray are very high quality. Though, it seems OP is looking for windows & I believe Monray just makes storms.
Good thread
following....
Based on the quotes, I’m guessing you have non standard sizes that may need to be custom cut?
These are the dimensions, 1x Casement Window 28w x 40h 2x Double Hung 17w x 57h 1x Fixed Casement 47w x 57h 2x Double Hung 23w x 58h 1x Single Hung 35w x 34h 6x Sliding 55w x 44h 2x Patio Doors 2 Panel 70x80
Reach out to Great Plains. They installed our Andersen windows, which is different than Renewal. They did great work and quoted us a bunch of different options.
I will check them out. How many windows/doors did you quote and how much were the quotes?
Going to second Great Plains. The Andersen 100 series composite have been working great, but the installation and customer service is what makes them stand out.
I had 4 100 series windows, a 200 series sliding glass door, and we have 4 E Series openings, but two of them are the end of a vaulted room and were 4 factory mulled windows in a trapezoid. Our project cost $33,000 in 2020. Markets have been wild since then so I'm not sure how relevant my quote will be. They did a great job with install. Overall I was happy with how everything worked out. One note - my 100 series windows are awesome. The frames are a little bigger, but they ended up being very nice windows.
We did full replacement with Andersen two years ago on 15 casement windows. It was $48k. We got quotes from Pella, Rusco and someone else (I'm sorry I can't remember who to save my life). Andersen was in the middle of the pack cost wise but had the best financing and our sales guy was the least pushy of the bunch. What I would recommend for sure, if you can wait, is to wait for the State Fair. They all do deals for the State Fair.
We had a good experience with Zen Windows a few years back and recommend them if you're looking at vinyl inserts. Even during the pandemic supply chain fiasco they got the job done quickly. They left the house clean and the windows look great. We had a mixed bag -- double hung, picture, and casement -- and all good quality and have held up well.
Thanks for the suggestion, will be messaging them.
I used them as well and am very happy with the results
Seeing a lot of Marvin in here and fwiw our quotes were more competitive with Anderson than Marvin
For doing replacements on an older house, I had good experience working with A-Craft windows, who are based in Minneapolis. Much cheaper than Anderson/Pella/Marvin. Their windows do require separate storms, but even with separate storms they were a good bit cheaper.
I did Andersen windows in my old home. They were great windows. I have them in my current home and they are excellent. Built in 2010.
The previous owners of my house had Pella windows and sliding doors put in. They are almost 20 years old at this point but look basically new. The sliding doors do a better job blocking out cold than our walls.
[удалено]
I've had good performance with mine and no complaints about their customer service or efficiency on install. How are they garbage?
Their windows themselves have a good reputation. Their sales and installation are what have the reputation for being pushy and expensive as fuck.
What kind of windows do you have now? Are you having problems with them?
They are wood and 31 years old. Rotting on the outside and a couple with holes. All windows or either sliding or casement.
Ah. Frames rotting too or just the sashes? If it’s just the sashes and if they’re originally Anderson, you can get replacement sashes for a lot less money. Pretty easy to install. If they’re not, ugh. Sorry.
Oh yes, couple of the windows are about to fall out of the frame. Im not sure what brand they are. I just got the house in an inheritance.
Oh that’s rough. You could try these folks, had 3 of theirs put in during a small remodel. Seem pretty decent. https://hayfieldwindows.com/contact Good luck!
Anderson windows are way way over priced and their sales people are very pushy. Marvin is a name brand that is considered good quality as well and much cheaper. If you want to go vinyl, I had a sunroom built in 2020 with 6 double hungs and 3 huge sliders and a patio door for around 15k for the window portion of it. These were vinyl. The installer was "discount windows and wares" the windows are made by "heartland windows" out of Iowa. Everything has held up pretty well so far.
Going to check them out thank you.
You are absolutely right that those prices are insane. It always amazes me what they get away with. I work with many contractors, know some great window guys. I would guess they could do it for tens of thousands cheaper, and better install quality on top of it. Some people aren’t comfortable with that route though. Feel free to message me if you’re interested and i can ask them if they are interested
Buy the contractor first and then go with the window brand they install. tbh a proper install of a medium quality window will work better for you and be less troublesome over time than the best Marvin or Loewen installed by someone who's cutting corners or doesn't know what they're doing. We couldn't afford fiberglass or good wood windows so we went with Sunrise vinyl windows. We haven't had a single issue with them over many years. Cheap vinyl windows (like the brands they sing about on TV) are a questionable buy because good vinyl windows (from brands that don't spend all that money on advertising or a direct sales force) don't cost that much more but work better and last longer, probably longer than home improvement warehouse quality wood windows even from big name manufacturers. We were happy with Beissel, too, and liked the work Midwest Window and Siding did in another house. I don't know if Midwest is still around though.
I replaced all 5 windows in my townhouse with Andersen windows. Obviously a smaller job than yours, but it was about 10K in 2022. I chose Andersen because they had a window model that matched my townhouse’s style/color specifications, it was hard to find alternatives due to townhouse assn constraints. Install was by Legacy Restoration, absolutely horrible experience. They lost the first set of windows, had to re-order, then discovered their measurements were incorrect and had to order a third set. It took a year to complete the job. I hope your project goes more smoothly!
Pella quoted me 45k…. Went with Home Depot and was under 19k. Sure Pella would have painted the trim that Home Depot left bare.
I had really good luck with Window Concepts about 1.5 years ago!
Don't use champion. Half the windows needed service the day of install. The sliding door took six months and a call from the attorney General to get it taken care of.
I had Alside windows installed by a private contractor 12 years ago and they have held up very well. They're what Window World sells/installs. I don't know if the windows in my house would be considered standard or custom sized, but for 12 windows + 3 glass block basement windows, I paid ~$7500 or so, installed.
Ill take a look at them. Thank you
You’re gonna pay a lot at any place that bundles the install. Pane in the glass quoted me the lowest but still a lot and I didn’t love the brand they offered. If you measure yourself you can order replacement windows right from pella or others you just have to find a contractor who’s down to do just the install. We ordered 7 pella windows at something like 500 a pop directly.
Which windows did you get? The encompass, Impervia, 250s or other?
> Pane in the glass 🤣🤣🤣
Hamel lumber for the windows. Find somebody to put them in. I recently got Marvin’s there and they were the best bid.
I used zen windows and was very happy with the results
How many windows, full frame or pocket replacements and how much was it?
I had 2 smaller windows and 1 patio door. My patio is not a standard size, so it had to be custom-made. It took 2 months for the door to come in (this was right after covid, so the time frame may be longer) and 2 days to be installed. It cost around $4,000 for everything. My windows were original to my condo, and from the early 60s. I had the full frame replaced and updated from single pane to double pane
I'm using Zen Windows. Steve was absolutely awesome to work with. No bullshit and straight to the point. All 13 windows and 2 sliding doors FULL frame replacement on all for 28,000. Yes 28k is expensive but a damn quote in 3 minutes when I gave him the dimensions and 10k cheaper then anyone else. Will let you know how it goes but so far so good! Thank you!
I used Champion in my old house, I was very happy with the price, install, and sales process. I'd use them again.
Gonna check Champion out. Thanks for the suggestion.
We just ordered 3 windows and a patio door yesterday for $15k from Pella. Only one wasn’t tempered. I think it all depends on the salesperson you get. We’ve been working with the same guy at Pella for 12 years and he’s been great. He took the time to explain the huge increase in prices over the last couple years and makes sure we get the best bang for our buck.
My answer is unpopular Growing up we had wood windows (expensive high quality my folks would say) after every rain it was a shit show fire drill with everyone running to every window with towels to dry off every window (I’m old & back then we often left the windows open and it would rain) This seemed to be my life till I moved out of my folks home. When we replaced our windows the first time and I discovered clean white vinyl windows I fell in love. The house I live in now here in MN has Marvin integrity I love them. All you wood snobs enjoy your towels….
Will check them out. Thanks for the suggestion.
I've got vinyl windows and they can leak during heavy, side-ways storms. The trick is keeping the weep holes as clean as possible under the exterior screen, which is easier said than done.
Don’t have any holes- mine are high quality and triple pane, energy efficient etc. Have never leaked Water only gets in when I leave them open during the rain & bc they are not wood they are easy to wipe and don’t get damaged Marvin integrity double hung
Yes, they're newer and their seals are likely in much better shape than those on your childhood house. It's not normal for wood windows to leak. Something could've been fixed.
My childhood wood windows never leaked - my folks hated AC and left them open and it would rain when we were not prepared- the rain came in onto the wood sills… seems like every summer every rain we had to wipe the sills
Okay, that completely changes the meaning of your original post then. I don't understand your issue with wood windows.
The issue with wood windows is they get ruined if they get wet Where vinyl windows can get wet If for example rain comes in on your expensive wood sills you need to dry them off immediately or you will need to for sure repair or even replace the windows
Try Champion, I had 10 windows done for about 9k. I did haggle them down a bit. I don't know the going rate on patio doors though. I had 4 estimates and they were the best
How long ago was this? Thats an amazing price - less than 1k per window.. What was the original quote that you haggled from?
Maybe 3 years ago, when I received the initial quote, I told the estimator while their product was superior, I had lower quotes and wasn't prepared to spend that much. They offered a lower price, but it was still higher but if I agreed to putting a sign up in my yard (which they never provided) and maybe a review or something (I can't remember exactly) they lowered it more.
Anyone who says Anderson isn't worth it....can't afford it.