Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

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toddinmn
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#16 Post by toddinmn »

Mike, Little curious on the things getting tweaked and why use Not use Okna at a higher rate?

Delaware Mike
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#17 Post by Delaware Mike »

Todd, pricing is about the same for me depending on 800 verses Endure or Aspect & 500. We do quite a bit of 15-30 year old flanged vinyl projects with vinyl siding and I won't downsize these or install without a flange, thus there is a siding drop and reinstall with them. I'm seeing a couple development's that I perform work in with the built-in j-channels to the existing frames (Silverline) and the HOA prefers a window with it's own built-in frame profile, thus I like the brickmold system ProVia has. It's screwed and welded (corners) to the ProVia window and they are messing up the welds really bad. I also get folks that have seen Duo-Tech locks on other window demos that currently have broken tilts and really want them. OKNA doesn't offer them. Of course the factory guys put two rights on lefts on the same sash which will keep it from securely locking unless you have extra parts to fix or order them in. When the folks at the plant are installing the glazing beads they are bowing the sashes or grabbing the sashes with gorilla hands and hour-glassing them. ProVia is 4-weeks on manufacturing too. OKNA is my first choice as I like their master frame extrusion better.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#18 Post by HomeSealed »

davek wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:03 pm I've selected the Provia windows. After seeing them in person, speaking directly with the company, I found them to be a great value for the quality. Im a bit surpised so many of the opinions here speak so poorly of them, but I understand certain installers can only rep certain brands and are invested in that particular product. Hopefully we can push for more unbiased reviews here in the future.
I don't think that there is a pro that has commented here that doesn't have access to and work with Provia products. Furthermore, I know for a fact that every single pro here regularly recommends products that they directly compete with daily. Not sure how it could be any less biased?

What we typically see is homeowners looking for validation on a cheaper choice, and not getting the response that they hoped for. Delaware Mike's comments were spot on in terms of what to expect, as least that has been my experience as well. I also agree that you should pass an any company that states they don't have time for you regardless of the product. More importantly though and along those lines, a 120% price difference is probably the largest red flag here. You don't want to get gouged, but you don't want cut-rate quality and service either. This industry is top 3 year after year in terms of BBB complaints, and the vast majority of those are from folks that took the deal that was too good to be true. I should also point out that when you do the job twice, you generally aren't paying the same cut-rate, you are paying the price that it should have been in the first place so you are paying a significant premium.

With all of that said, I'm sure that I speak for everyone here when I say that we hope this all turns out well for you. The advice given is sincere and based on a whole lot of combined experience. At the end of the day there are many, many worse windows to choose from and I believe that you made some mention of knowing the installer, so hopefully it all works out and you are happy with your choice for years to come.

tommyj
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#19 Post by tommyj »

davek wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:03 pm I've selected the Provia windows. After seeing them in person, speaking directly with the company, I found them to be a great value for the quality. Im a bit surpised so many of the opinions here speak so poorly of them, but I understand certain installers can only rep certain brands and are invested in that particular product. Hopefully we can push for more unbiased reviews here in the future.

Lol does okna own this board or something?

In all seriousness the one OKNA dealer near me refused to come out for a quote and said “he didn’t want to waste his time” and the other one I was able to get was 120% higher than the two Provia quotes I got. For a $35,000 savings on the project I’ll take a handful of QC issues (if they even happen). I could install all the windows again in a year and still come out ahead.
Why would that be "surprising" to you that the actual mechanics that work with the windows find QA/QC issues with them? Your experience with the product is, at this point, how much?

Your anecdotal example is about as valid as me saying:
- "Well, I looked at the car on the showroom floor and it looks great and feels quality."

While completely discounting the mechanics opinion in the back that works on that car every day and repairs the myriad of issues with it.

At this point, I think it you were mostly looking for validation of your selection...which is fine. The pros on here are consistent with their recommendation of Provia as a door brand and them as a quality company. I am sure if there are any issues, they will stand behind them and get it fixed. That is not saying there will be issues either.

But to deny the observations of pros that deal with the tangible and installed product as irrelevant because you looked at a sample is, not what I would call a "factual" assessment.

Not sure why the one dealer wouldn't come out or what is the pricing logic for the other dealer. Different business models and labor shortages have turned up the market on its tail. Kind of like I would never want a surgeon that has a low single digit golf handicap, I don't want a contractor that can take my work right away either.

With regards to the one dealer that wouldn't come out, are you sure he didn't perceive where you were in the decision process on price and product and just wanted to save himself a trip? I am guessing that is the more likely conclusion to be honest. And can anyone blame him? Based on your commentary on here where professionals are offering free advice, you've been...shall we save...less than gracious in your verbiage so far.

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toddinmn
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#20 Post by toddinmn »

Perhaps being a little harsh on a homeowner that has done some valid research and has taken the advice. Clearly they are not trying being to go cheapest route possible but do not want to be paying Renewal prices either. Even Mike has said the Pro-Via is probably the best choice with the information we have.

uncle eddie
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#21 Post by uncle eddie »

toddinmn wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:24 pm Perhaps being a little harsh on a homeowner that has done some valid research and has taken the advice. Clearly they are not trying being to go cheapest route possible but do not want to be paying Renewal prices either. Even Mike has said the Pro-Via is probably the best choice with the information we have.
Is that sarcasm? The HO said he judged the window based on his own personal appraisal of quality and clearly purchased based on low, low price. It was the only low price choice that he had quoted that is not a hot, steaming pant-load of a window, but the install probably will be at that price. Not sure that is "valid research". Personally I'd be more harsh about a guy that questioned my credibility, but the diplomats of the group seem to have it covered. Good lucj to you davek, please don't come back with questions during your install or after now that you've insulted the collective group. Not taking the advice is fine, no sweat, but saying "Hopefully we can push for more unbiased reviews here in the future." Lol. no thanks brotha. Use your high level of experience and eye for quality to discern your own issues that come up. And its very likely they will if the price is that much lower than anybody including renewl.

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toddinmn
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#22 Post by toddinmn »

The Home owner based looks upon the Pro-Via vs Sunrise. Aesthetics are important and is quite often a factor that can separate quality. If you were to have a line up vinyl windows I think most homeowners would be able to establish the better windows from the worse. The OP did not bring the aesthetics of the cheapest window or most of the others.
It was the Not lowest priced window and the op had problems obtaining bids from others.
The op has appeared to heed the advice and has eliminated 2 of the lower priced windows , has had back luck with Obtaining other bids and has 1 Okna bid at 125% increase. The OP has also stated a favorable relationship and respect with the Pro-Via dealer.
It would be hard to determine if the owner is being realistic with his budget Or the Okna Dealer is charging Renewal prices when we do not know the details or prices.
Any owner that would lookS at this board will notice that it is Okna dominated, but would also notice that some give sound advice.
Seems we only have one contractor here that uses Pro-Via much more than any else and he is kind of suggesting Pro-Via based on the information we have. Mike’s view are always great because they are always highly detailed oriented and he is in the field .Safe to say he is perhaps one of the most detailed orientated installers out there.
I think most of the Pro’s here would be glad to help the OP no matter what brand they choose. This it not easy process for homeowners and involves quite a large investment. As one would know all my post are laced with sarcasm but also on unbiased opinion , personal experience and opinion. For the record I have no experience with Pro-Via windows , Okna windows , or Sunrise casements, or the other 2 brands the OP has seemed to have eliminated based upon the other Pro’s here.

uncle eddie
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#23 Post by uncle eddie »

toddinmn wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:43 pm The OP has also stated a favorable relationship and respect with the Pro-Via dealer.
And that translates to qulaity excactly how? I have a favorable relationship and respect with my dentist, but I'm not going to let him check my prostate just because he's called Dr., has a lab coat and rubber gloves, and is priced 120% less than the proctologist.


toddinmn wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:43 pm For the record I have no experience with Pro-Via windows , Okna windows , or Sunrise casements, or the other 2 brands the OP has seemed to have eliminated based upon the other Pro’s here.
Welp, alright then.

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toddinmn
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#24 Post by toddinmn »

uncle eddie wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:06 pm [quote=toddinmn post_id=46374 time=<a href="tel:1625089393">1625089393</a> user_id=4131]
The OP has also stated a favorable relationship and respect with the Pro-Via dealer.
And that translates to qulaity excactly how? I have a favorable relationship and respect with my dentist, but I'm not going to let him check my prostate just because he's called Dr., has a lab coat and rubber gloves, and is priced 120% less than the proctologist.

Well, most Pro-Via dealers specialize in windows and doors. The price difference doesn’t mean much without the details.

quote=toddinmn post_id=46374 time=<a href="tel:1625089393">1625089393</a> user_id=4131]
For the record I have no experience with Pro-Via windows , Okna windows , or Sunrise casements, or the other 2 brands the OP has seemed to have eliminated based upon the other Pro’s here.
[/quote]
Welp, alright then.
[/quote]
Exactly why I went with Mikes comments. He probably has more experience with Pro-Via Windows then the rest of the Pro’s here combined.

uncle eddie
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#25 Post by uncle eddie »

toddinmn wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:37 pm Exactly why I went with Mikes comments. He probably has more experience with Pro-Via Windows then the rest of the Pro’s here combined.
Mike's comments:
Every order has QC issues.
Likes their bm system because they screw the welds up and it covers them
Guys at factory are hourglassing and bowing sashes

Gotcha. Ringing endorsement. Sounded a little bit more like lukewarm to me and only based on the perception of bad service/pricing from the okna guy, but that's just how I read it. I'm not here to put words into other guy's mouths.

I also don't think that most guys offering provi windows are automatically window and door specialist. Its a reasonably priced window that anyone can buy anywhere and has a good name brand, I see a lot of pick up truck contractors selling it. Same guys that will trim your neighbors bushes and unclog your sh!tter after he half-@ss installs your windows.

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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#26 Post by TheWindowNerd »

This was a fun read.

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toddinmn
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#27 Post by toddinmn »

uncle eddie wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 5:31 pm
toddinmn wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:37 pm Exactly why I went with Mikes comments. He probably has more experience with Pro-Via Windows then the rest of the Pro’s here combined.
Mike's comments:
Every order has QC issues.
Likes their bm system because they screw the welds up and it covers them
Guys at factory are hourglassing and bowing sashes

Gotcha. Ringing endorsement. Sounded a little bit more like lukewarm to me and only based on the perception of bad service/pricing from the okna guy, but that's just how I read it. I'm not here to put words into other guy's mouths.

I also don't think that most guys offering provi windows are automatically window and door specialist. Its a reasonably priced window that anyone can buy anywhere and has a good name brand, I see a lot of pick up truck contractors selling it. Same guys that will trim your neighbors bushes and unclog your sh!tter after he half-@ss installs your windows.
Not really putting words into their mouths but there free to elaborate further.Looking back at other Pro’s comments the Pro-Via does pretty well.
Even though Pro-Via products can be obtained by many different contractors it is pretty rare to see to see Chucks in trucks using there products due to there higher cost to products they typically use.

davek
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#28 Post by davek »

Oh gosh Uncle Eddie....dont be so salty! I promise I won't come crawling back to you, groveling for forgiveness when my provia windows fall out of my house and my family freezes to death.

uncle eddie
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Re: Replacing windows in Chicago area - Brand & Installer reviews

#29 Post by uncle eddie »

davek wrote: Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:35 am Oh gosh Uncle Eddie....dont be so salty! I promise I won't come crawling back to you, groveling for forgiveness when my provia windows fall out of my house and my family freezes to death.
Salty about what? I told you that you were moving the right direction earlier by dropping the true bottom feeders. There are still some alarming things with this choice, but hey, I don't have to live with it, you do. Your salty comments about the site being biased just because you didn't get any high fives for a questionable low cost choice are the only thing that fits that description. For the life of me, I can't understand why people take the time to do research only to flush it down the toilet when they see a shiny low price, but don't worry you arent the only one.

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