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We've been looking around for quote to replace some/all of the windows in our house. The house is in upstate NY (Albany area), and has 34 windows, all either double hung or fixed.

The Ideal contractor gave us a quote for ~$13,000, and the Restorations quote is $15,860. The Ideal windows would have the energy savings option http://www.idealwindow.com/homeowner/sp ... /low_e.php, while the Restorations windows would be their Omega12 line.

I've seen posts that said the Ideal windows are low to mid grade, and the Restorations seem like a higher-end window, but not a comparison between the two.

Both are Energy-Star Tax credit eligible, but I think the Restorations have better ratings.
I think these are the correct windows from the NFRC, it's hard to find the right Ideal ones on there:

| | Restrations | Ideal |
CPD # | SUW-K-4-00037 | IAP-M-34-00003 |
Manufacturer Product Code | Vanguard VG 12, Restorations Omega 12 | AFG Comfort TiR Arg w/ foam |
Frame / Sash Type | VF/VF | VF/VF |
U-factor | 0.25 | 0.29 |
SHGC | 0.18 | 0.31 |
VT | 0.42 | 0.47 |
Condensation Resistance | 62 | 57 |
Glazing Layers | 2 | 2 |
Low-E | 0.022(2) | 0.034 (2) |
Gap Widths | 0.678 | 0.678 |
Spacer | SS-D | CU-D |
GapFill | Fill 1: ARG/AIR (90/10) | Argon |

We also received quotes for Pella ($7500 for only 10 of the biggest windows) and Renewal by Andersen (~$27000 for the whole house), but these seemed too high of a price to justify purchasing.

Are the Restorations worth the extra price, or is that too small of a difference?

With that amount of windows and that pricing the restorations seems worth it. Does that price include installation? Sounds too low. I don't think that the Omega 12 line is ideal for your area? With our Sunrise Vanguard series the Omega 12 glass option indicates a double-glazed configuration with 3-coats of low-e that is usually reserved for southern climates where the emphasis is on stopping access solar heat gain in the summer. I would think that you would want a SHGC of around .26 to .30 if a double-glazed window.

I'm familiar with Ideal and they are basically a no-frills kind of product.

Yes, the prices include installation. I can look further into the Omega12 glass (per the lower SHGC), to see if there are other options available to us that would help out with the winter heating. The Omega12 was what the salesman recommended.

I think there should be more details on the install before commenting on pricing.

I've seen the windows by Ideal, more recently i have seen the Ideal Majestic and in my opinion Restorations is so much better in quality on every level compared to the Ideal window. forget about the energy numbers for a second,the quality of the vinyl used in restorations is a much higher grade. its also a thicker grade. the engineering is much better and the restorations energy efficiency will be the same in many years opposed to Ideal's diminishing over time. there is a reason why Ideal is cheaper. Ideal does'nt just magically produce a great quality window at a low price,thats impossible. the higher quality parts and extrusions cost much more in a high quality window than a cookie cutter vinyl window. does that mean Ideal makes a horrible window? no..it means Ideal makes a mid grade window that really is'nt meant to last. Windows are an investment so if you plan on being in the home more than 5 years you have your answer. just my 2 cents.

I'd say canuck was right on with the assessment on Ideal. I've installed them in the past. My comment on pricing was based on with exterior capping, so I don't really know any installation details. I did make some assumptions which lead me to believe the pricing was a little low. Then again, I don't that area. Down here, all of the Restorations dealers would be a lot more than that. That price might include dropping them off in the homeowner's driveway as cash and carry without installation or warranty.

Thanks guys, I think we are going with the Restorations. The install includes removal of the existing windows & debris, install of the windows, insulation of the sides, silicone sealing & cap exterior with aluminum trim.