Advice Request - I Need the Camry of Replacement Windows

[pattnic]

Hi all,

I've already learned a lot reading on here, but am still feeling overwhelmed by window options. I need to begin replacing the original single-pane windows on our 1992 house. Growing up, everyone around me had the "vinyl bad" mentality, so I'm still coming to grips with that.

I need:
Reliable
Low maintenance
Long-lasting
Reasonably priced

Basically, I need the Toyota Camry of windows.

My house is not high-end enough to warrant paying a fortune for windows (if it were a rental, it'd be a "B" property), but it *is* my long-term home, so we've slowly been making improvements on it, taking it from a Yaris or Corolla to a Camry... but it's never going to be a Lexus.

I was originally quoted for Vinylmax, but they don't have the options I want (black exterior, either black or paintable interior, double-hung, three-over-one). I've received additional quotes for Pella Lifestyle and Simonton ComfortSmart (which seems to be a line inherited when Great Lakes became part of Simonton). Would any of these fit the bill? Should I be considering Marvin, or is that overkill for my needs/wants? I gather from this forum I should also look into Okna and SoftLite, correct?

I am in the Atlanta area, and the information I've received so far has been from a highly recommended and reputable window contractor.

Because this is a long-term home, if I have to pay for windows anyway, I am willing to pay a bit more for the look I want. I also would prefer to not do this again in the time I own the home, so again, I'm willing to pay more for that. But I don't have unlimited funds, so I need that balance of quality and price.

So... suggestions?

Thanks so much!

[Delaware Mike]

OKNA 500 or 600 series would be exactly Camry level. I'd consider the 600 to be borderline Lexus compared to most vinyl. Soft-Lite LS is nice too. You're going to pay a lot more for all fiberglass Marvie Essentials which their DH isn't as nice looking as their Elevate which has a real wood interior. The Simonton stuff is pretty dated at this point and don't think the platform is aging well these days.

[Windows on Washington]

That is a good assessment. I would echo that breakdown by Mike.

[pattnic]

Hi again,

Thanks so much for your input. I have a couple additional questions.

1. I want black. But realistically, how is this going to hold up on my non-shaded front of my house in the GA heat when I get around to doing to front? The back of the house is fairly well shaded most of the day. Should I consider another material (fiberglass, composite, clad wood) for the front of the house? The windows won't be seen next to each other, so I feel like I wouldn't mind if they're not a perfect match. The house was repainted 4 years ago and the paint on the front windows is already peeling (and if I'm being honest, has been for probably a year).

2. One company has a much better price on the ProVia Endure than the other companies. This is also the Okna dealer (and appears to be the only Okna dealer). Does this raise any red flags in terms of the company or install that their price would be so much lower? All the companies have great reviews (4.9 range), A+ ratings on BBB, and similar labor warranties. Assuming there are no red flags, the Okna is the obvious choice.

3 Windows, 34"x74", SDL, black int/ext

Company P
Okna 600 - $1474
ProVia Endure - $1383

Company D
ProVia Endure - $1911
Marvin Elevate - $2190

Company V
ProVia Endure - $1674

Company Q
Simonton ComfortSmart - $1061 (GBG grids)
Pella Lifestyle - ~$1700 (GBG grids)

Again, thanks for any input!

[Windows on Washington]

Not sure how they are selling them for that, but that is your winner.

The Okna 600 isn't maybe 2X the window that the Provia is...but it's close.