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| Author: | Nancy |
| Subject: | Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-29 21:52:30 |
I’ve just received and estimate from Schuco for $9000.00 for replacement windows, $5000.00 for the Traco 4300 windows, and $8000.00for Marvin Windows. Are the Schuco worth the extra money? Thanks for your input. Nancy
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-29 23:00:39 |
Nancy -
It depends upon your particular situation and point of view. If I may offer a few comments: from watching this site for a number of months now I think I'm safe in saying that the pros would not recommend Traco for a residence. Traco's primary market is much more in the commercial sector. Marvin generally gets a thumbs-up for wood windows. They are much more highly thought of than Andersen or Pella in the wood window arena. Schuco (which is what I just put in so I'm a bit biased), seems to offer the greatest overall energy efficiency, better engineering, better specifications, a lifetime guarantee and the endorsement of most of the pros.
I don't know if this has helped or not but I will say that I'm very happy with Schuco so far.
Good luck in your decision.
| Author: | DRL |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Art) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-29 23:38:25 |
One other thing you may want to do Nancy:
Post your window sizes and any special issues as far as installation that the companies may have brought up in their quotes. I've seen posts where dealers (i.e. for Schuco - window4u out of Illinois) who know the pricing can give you an idea as to whether or not the quotes are reasonable or if your dealer is trying to charge too much.
| Author: | FenEx |
| In Reply To: | Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-29 23:47:57 |
That's a frequently asked question Nancy. In many cases, Schuco's are worth it... but in good conscience, it depends on the dealer quoting them... as with every window on the market.
In your case, you haven't specified which Marvin line, number of windows or type... as they are not all created equal. Art was dead-on regarding Traco. Share a little more information and I am sure you will get more accurate responses to your concerns.
FenEx
| Author: | Nancy L. Tucker |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by DRL) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 00:01:57 |
Thanks for all the good information. There are only 2 companies in Kentucky that carry Schuco windows and one is way too far away. The other one is Design and Constrction in Louisville and they have a branch in Lexington--a salesperson. The windows are the Corono 4000 and I will list the windows for you to give me an idea if this was a good price or not. Windows--47 x 68, 47 x 68, 35 x 53, 28 x 54, 28 x 54, 35 x 53, 38 x 39, 35 x 36, 35 x 53, 27 x 37 and 27 x 37. The price also includes wrapping around 3 exterior doors and a around the double car garage door.
The contract they want me to sign has several statements that I am concerned with. I am not familiar with contracts so definitely need advice. I'll just list the ones I'm having trouble with. Maybe these are standard with all contracts.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTYL LABOR--Workamanship is guaranteed for a perios of one year from the date of this agreement. The warrantly onlcy covers deficiencies in workmanship.
POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY--Owner acknowledgs that the nature of the work to be performed under this Agreement may result in incidental damage to ancillary or adjacent items such as driveway, trees, shrubbery, etc. Contractor shall use reasonable precautions to prevent such damage from ocurring but shall not be liable or responsible to Owner for any such damage.--DOES THIS SEEM REASONABLE? WHY AREN'T THEY RESPONSIBLE IF THEY DO THE DAMAGE?
INSURANCE--Owner agrees to carry fire, tornado and other insurance necessary to cover the Owner's property and all material on site for use by contractor.
I look forward to hearing from you. Nancy
| Author: | FenEx |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy L. Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 00:21:26 |
If it were my house, I would not accept the warranty from any installer that doesn't cover their workmanship for less than 5-10 years. As for the other exclusions, they probably do foundation work (room additions and such) and need access with heavy machinery... not necessary with windows.
| Author: | Nancy L. Tucker |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by FenEx) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 00:32:12 |
Does $8810.00 sound like a fair price for the above mentioned windows and wrapping of doors and around the garage? Do you think that if I request a longer guarantee of workmanship they will do that? I also want them responsible if they do any damage. How do I do that? My next option is Marvin Windows. I'll let you know exactly which ones as soon as I take another look at them. Are they good windows?
I'm gratefu for the responses. I really had no knowledge of windows before I decided I wanted to update them. Our house if 55 years old and my husband and I want to stay here until we havet to be carried out. I've had twelve surgeries, most of them back surgeries, and I really need things to be as maintenance free as possible. My husband travels a lot and I'm responsible for things around the house. I don't want to make a bad, costly decision.
Nancy
| Author: | Guy |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy L. Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 01:06:57 |
Nancy, Your prices seem in the park for the Schuco windows. Your window sizes are normal we just don't know what type of window your getting. The sizes would pose Casements or Double hungs? The Casement window does cost a bit more than the others. It's also the hardest to install. It's more complicated than the others.
I agree with FenX on warranty. I offer a ten year no leak or shifting waraanty on all my jobs. I've only went back to adjust one house in five years. A tornado went through the community and caused some problems. I was more than happy to make some minor adjustments. Hope this helped!
Guy
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by FenEx) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 01:38:44 |
Nancy -
I wholeheartedly agree with what Fen Ex and Guy have to say about the warranty. In my case the installer gave me a lifetime warranty on installation and, of course, Schuco's warranty for the unit(s) is lifetime. If the installer balks and only wants to offer a 1 yr warranty you may wish to look for a different installer. After all, if he doesn't have enough faith in his abilities/workmanship to go more than one year, why should you?
Allow me to offer a caveat about insurance - Fen Ex is probably correct about the insurance - but be absolutely certain that the contractor (installer)you choose to use has current and up-to-date insurance for Workmens' Compensation, Public Liability and Property Damage. These areas should be covered by HIS insurance and not by your homeowners policy.
| Author: | Nancy L. Tucker |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Guy) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 02:31:18 |
Hello,
If I cannot get Schuco windows would Marvin windows, Gilkey windows, or Champion windows be a good alternative? I have ruled out the Traco windows as a result of your suggestions. Are vinyl windows better than aluminum clad ones? It looks like Marvin windows are aluminum clad. I am so confused. I want good windows, but the Design and Construction company in Louisville doesn't seem to offer a very good warranty and I don't want to have to worry about problems down the line.
I really need maintenance free windows and energy effecient ones. I've had lots of back surgeries and it's hard for me to do much manual labor. My husband travels a lot and so I take care of all things concerning our home. I just don't know anything about windows and all these choices are so confusing.
I welcome your input.
Thanks, Nancy
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy L. Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 02:46:47 |
Nancy -
Here is the website for Schuco - try giving them a call for the number of a dealer near you. Or if Fen Ex is around here somewhere, he might be able to help out a little. Don't get upset - your followup on what you see here will be well worth your time - this is the voice of experience speaking......... :)
http://www.schuco-usa.com
| Author: | Nancy L. Tucker |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Art) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 03:06:33 |
Thanks for the web address. I will contact them in the morning. If I have to make another choice, what would some good alternatives to Schuco be and should the windows by vinyl or aluminum clad? Nancy
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy L. Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 03:31:15 |
Nancy -
Let me be very clear - like you, I'm just a homeowner and not a windows pro (unless you're thinking of Microsoft Windows - lol).
With that in mind, from what I've seen each of the brands you ask about are considered to be high-end (Premium) windows. From what I understand, Gilkey is a very fine window but a bit on the high side. Champion is considered to be a very good window also but there appears all too often to be a problem with their sales tactics - high-pressure, sign today and they'll give discounts and so on. However, both of these are vinyl windows and should be maintenance free for a long time. Marvin seems to be the wood window that has the highest quality and least number of problems and yes, they are aluminum clad on the exterior and need to be painted or stained on the inside. As I indicated, I've now got Schuco which are also vinyl and also maintenance free.
You will undoubtedly get more responses offering more information. Just take your time and think about what you want to know when you post back to them. No matter what you do it's an expensive proposition and you need to make the proper choice for your situation. I would suggest that you use the Search function on this site to investigate further. Simply type in Gilkey or Schuco or Marvin or whatever brand you want to get info on and you'll have a plethora of data at your fingertips - literally. You can also use the Search function to see what individuals have to say - you could type in say, Fen Ex or Fenestration Expert and be able to view many of his posts - and so on.
One thing it's very important to remember - for proper peace of mind it's imperative that you have absolute faith in your installer. To that end I'd further suggest that you search for what Window4U, Guy, Windowmann and perhaps a few others have to say about installation. As the pros make clear, a good install can make a poor window good while a poor install can make a great window poor.
Keep on asking your questions and believe me, someone will answer.
Best of luck.
| Author: | Marv F |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Art) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 13:35:59 |
Art,
Nancy has already stated (paraphrasing):
If you call Schuco, the name of the nearest dealer they will give you is in Louisville; 1.5 hrs away (even though Lexington is 250K population city). Apparently, Schudo a "salesperson" in Lex. but this would give me pause; one would need to consider that when thinking about the ease of any potential service call-backs.
As I mentioned in a different post, the Lexington Yellow Pages also list dealers for Gorell and Alside. So, the vendors listed thus far should not necessariliy be the only options. I believe the "Pro Team" is generally in favor of at least the Gorell window.
As usual, the companies would have to be checked out.
| Author: | Marv F |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy L. Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 13:48:06 |
Nancy,
Marvin makes an excellent (wood or fiberglass) window; that's the point has been made that you haven't indicated which Marvin window. Typically, wood windows and vinyl windows are two very different worlds.
Here it is in a nutshell:
Some houses might be more suitable to a wood/clad window based purely on aesthetics. A wood/clad window should be mostly maint free on the outside (for a reasonable period), but require initial painting/staining on the inside. It probably will never be as maint free or as efficient as a premium vinyl window.
In your situation, it sounds like a vinyl window will probably be your best option in terms of (lack of) maint.
The "Pro Team" can correct me if their opinion differs.
| Author: | Nancy Tucker |
| In Reply To: | Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 20:38:56 |
I hope you're not gettng to tired of hearing from me. I am trying to learn as much as possible. I have read lots and lots of the posts and am still confused. There are good reports on TRACO windows and some not so good. I am looking at the 4300 Traco double hung windows filled with Krypton. The ratings seem to be excellent. Some of the features are 7/8 inch insulating glass, triple mylar weater-stripping, full tilt, stainless steel balance system, fusion welded sash. The company that would install them have been in business over 50 years and have never had a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. There is a 5 year warranty on labor and installation. The Schuco dealer is located 60 miles away with a one year warranty on labor and installaton. They have had over 12 complaints in the past year and they said it was because they did a lot of projects. I had a more comfortable feeling dealing with the Taco dealer and he gave me lots of addresses to go and look at. I am going to go with one of these two windows and would like some opinions.
Thanks, Nancy
| Author: | Nancy Tucker |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Art) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 20:39:59 |
I hope you're not gettng to tired of hearing from me. I am trying to learn as much as possible. I have read lots and lots of the posts and am still confused. There are good reports on TRACO windows and some not so good. I am looking at the 4300 Traco double hung windows filled with Krypton. The ratings seem to be excellent. Some of the features are 7/8 inch insulating glass, triple mylar weater-stripping, full tilt, stainless steel balance system, fusion welded sash. The company that would install them have been in business over 50 years and have never had a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. There is a 5 year warranty on labor and installation. The Schuco dealer is located 60 miles away with a one year warranty on labor and installaton. They have had over 12 complaints in the past year and they said it was because they did a lot of projects. I had a more comfortable feeling dealing with the Taco dealer and he gave me lots of addresses to go and look at. I am going to go with one of these two windows and would like some opinions.
Thanks, Nancy
| Author: | Kenny Myles |
| In Reply To: | RE: Window price comparisons (posted by Nancy Tucker) |
| Subject: | RE: Window price comparisons |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-30 23:17:49 |
Nancy- The most important thing you said there is the references you got. Drive around and look. Knock on some doors and ask the homeowners how they like their windows. I did that with the company I went with, and that's what sold me on them. The homeowners I spoke to were more than happy to help to me, invite me in and show me the windows from the inside. Good luck.