Vinyl Vinyl Which Vinyl - All the brands make my head spin

[FirstTimeFixerUpper]

We recently bought our first home in the Philadelphia suburbs (close to the airport) which is a fixer-upper. Two weeks after move in was enough time to understand that the DRAFTY windows needed to be replaced if we had to stay warm. I've had 3 quotes from installer each for a different brand:

1. IDEAL Majestic ($6000)
2. OKNA INSULTEC Deluxe ($7000)
3. Soft-Lite ($9000)

Could the experts please weigh in and share your opinion on which brand you consider to be value for money?

Thank you for your time - we really appreciate it.

[Windows on Washington]

In what format and option package are each being quoted out?

[masterext]

Options 2 and 3 are worlds above option 1. Is option 3 triple pane glass? If so, that may explain the price differential.
How many windiws are there?
Are they all double hung? Any grids?

[Delaware Mike]

Is the SL pricing from the local door manufacturer to your area in the form the "Elements" series?

[HomeSealed]

Agree with the others. 2 and 3 are top options. I'd make sure that the product options are apples to apples, and then take a close look at the installation and installation company.

[FirstTimeFixerUpper]

Good to see the responses... thank you for taking the time!

@masterext, @WoW - Below are the details:

1. One (1) Patio door 70" x 80"
2. One (1) three section casement (¼-½-¼ center fixed) 118" x 69"
3. One (1) three section slider (¼-½-¼ center fixed) 118" x 45"
4. Two (2) two section sliders 35" x 45"
5. One (1) two section slider 70" x 45"

All measurements are L x W.

None of the windows have grids. Option 3 is double pane only.

The rep from Pella was here and quoted $13954 for fiberglass windows - his quote includes 2 additional windows - Two section sliders 35" x 45"

[HomeSealed]

FTFU, all prices are definitely within the normal range. I don't like to speak for other posters, but the main question raised was whether the option content (type of glass as in double pane or triple pane, colors, installation type, etc) are apples to apples across your choices. You mentioned that option 3 was double pane, but not much specifics on anything else.

[FirstTimeFixerUpper]

@HomeSealed - FTFU???

Yes, all options are double pane and have similar installation options and warranties.

The larger 3 section (2nd Window) is less than 18" from the floor hence requires tempered glass.

All have low E with Argon. Should there be other specifics we need to be looking at?

[HomeSealed]

FTFU = First Time Fixer Upper ... Just shortened it up. Did sound a little derogatory I suppose, lol.

Which model in the Softlite line is it?
If all else is truly equal, including the reputation and trustworthiness of the install company, the Okna is a no brainer at $2k savings imo even if that is Softlite's top level Elements. If a lower line, it is that much easier of a choice.

[FirstTimeFixerUpper]

LOL - "FTFU" - I should take more care when choosing names

Softlite - Elements line it is.

[masterext]

The Elements is one of the best windows you can get. Price is in line.

[Windows on Washington]

Did HomeSealed just cuss you out....? I was reading that FTFU comment and did a double take the first time.

Agreed with masterext. That Elements pricing is pretty good.

I would have the Okna vendor quote out the sliders with the EnviroStar if you want a full comparison. The casements in all of the different series are going to be their own series so the only operators that would need to be changed to make the full comparison would be the sliders.

At that point, the lines would be nearly identical and I can't imagine that those few sliders upgrade would be a $2K difference.

[FirstTimeFixerUpper]

Darn urban slang!! That was funny....

Thank you all for weighing in and sharing your opinion. I visited the IDEAL showroom yesterday and their windows didn't look bad. They had two ranges the Majestic and the Platinum which apparently is their higher end line and is priced similar to the Majestic (since it is new). The Platinum was built better with more weather stripping and better frames and better detailing around the glass.

Will be visiting OKNA as well as SOFTLITE next week after the storm blows over. Will keep you updated.

[Windows on Washington]

Sounds good. We are supposed to get the brunt of it (36") here so good luck on your end of things too.