Comparing Window Option

[avalpert]

Hi, I received three bids for installing replacement windows and I wanted to see your opinions. There are 18 windows in total, 6 picture windows and 12 casement windows, at seven openings. I'm located in the DC metro area if that matters.

Here are the bids:

1. MI/Sunrise Restorations (v5500) with Ultra U Plus glass (will ask about upcharge for Omega Max) in tan ext./white int matching current windows for $15,692 ($2800 more to remove existing jams/trim and do new install)

2.Simonton 6500 series (via Window World - they made a big pitch about the viny being co-extruded tan/white) with Solar Zone - SF Plus (.25 u-factor) glass for $16,090

3. Vytex Potomac HP with Triple Silver glass for $22,329 (in white/white, $3300 more for beige/beige and $8500 more for beige/white so we likely wouldn't be doing that)

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[HomeSealed]

Product #2 is not comparable to the others, I'd drop that one.

#1 is a nice window.
#3 is a nice window.

It looks like you may not have an apples to apples comparison for pricing on the glass and possibly other options? Hard to compare prices without all of that being equal. Neither are necessarily crazy high or low though, although the "price of entry" on a great window these days is generally $1000 +/- so option #1 is a little curious from that perspective.

More importantly, have you reached out to Windows on Washington? They are the best company in your area without question, I'd strongly recommend talking to them before making a decision. Great window, great install, great operation.

[Randy]

I agree with HomeSeal’s assessment of the options you’ve seen. I also second his recommendation to talk to Windows on Washington before making a decision. Installation is a critical component of the process and nobody does it better than them.

[TheWindowNerd]

I'm piling on.
Yes, Yes to WOW
Yes to Potomac HP.
theWindowNerds

[Ricknez]

both 1 and 3 are very solid windows whereas simonton is not in my opinion. The Sunrise quote with only a $2800 upcharge for new construction/ full tear out on 18 windows makes absolutely no sense unless I am missing something here.

[avalpert]

both 1 and 3 are very solid windows whereas simonton is not in my opinion. The Sunrise quote with only a $2800 upcharge for new construction/ full tear out on 18 windows makes absolutely no sense unless I am missing something here.

Here is the complete description of the quote - I may be missing something (the contractor comes recommended and is well reviewed on publicly available sites like yelp and google):

Restorations Windows
1) Remove and take away 18 existing windows from 7 openings. Leave jambs, interior and exterior trim in tact.*
2) Inspect exterior trim and repair as needed:
Sills- $35 per
1" x 4" trim- $10 per foot
3) Furnish and install MI V-5500 Restorations Series custom vinyl thermal replacement Casement windows:
- White in/ Tan out
- White folding handles
- Ultra U Plus glass package
- OptiView screens in operable casements
4) Finish exteriors with G-8 capping and quad caulking.

**OPTION- Full removal of existing jambs, interior and exterior trim to rough openings (8) total- Install new PRIMED wood jambs, interior and exterior trim- ADD- $2800.00**.

Warranties
Contractor: 10 Year Labor.

Restorations- Lifetime

Subtotal
$15,692.00
Total
$15,692.00

[Ricknez]

Ok. Looks like he is adding $2800 for 8 new construction/ full tear outs. Thats much more rational.
Seems like an excellent quote.

[TheWindowNerd]

Which way are you leaning?
Full tear or insert? How does your current trim look? Interested in changing style? What would be the advantages to you in either case?
The full tear add is a good price. Though this is not your full in cost. You need to add interior painting to your cost.
theWindowNerds

[Windows on Washington]

Removal of the interior jambs does not necessarily = "New Construction". Unless the homeowner has a siding exterior, just removing the jambs could be a jamb cut back to just get an extra inch of total width. Possible creation of an issue when the exterior opening is smaller than the RO as well.

Happy to review whatever questions you might have in the meantime and you can email me pictures if you like.

[uncle eddie]

option 1 seems low and the install description is vague. Still can't really tell what's going on there exactly.

option 2 is no good

option 3 may be fine depending on who is offering.

I'd take the advice of the other guys here and give Windows in Washington a call. Can't beat their reputation.

[avalpert]

I'm meeting with Windows on Washington on Monday (not sure what the etiquette is around mentioning that here).

For the Restoration quote this is what he provided for cost of upgraded glass options - like the rest of the quote they seem on the low end to me:

• Omega 12 Max (S2100a) U-.28/ SHGC-.21- Add- $25 per window to existing quote

• Omega 12 w/ Thermal U Plus (S2210a) U-.24/ SHGC-.21- Add- $40 per window to existing quote

If I went that way, would the Omega 12 max w/Thermal Plus make the most sense?

[Windows on Washington]

I'm meeting with Windows on Washington on Monday (not sure what the etiquette is around mentioning that here).

For the Restoration quote this is what he provided for cost of upgraded glass options - like the rest of the quote they seem on the low end to me:

• Omega 12 Max (S2100a) U-.28/ SHGC-.21- Add- $25 per window to existing quote

• Omega 12 w/ Thermal U Plus (S2210a) U-.24/ SHGC-.21- Add- $40 per window to existing quote

If I went that way, would the Omega 12 max w/Thermal Plus make the most sense?

Sounds good. I wouldn't worry about violating any window quoting "norms" here. Our stuff, just like all the other folks on here, is pretty straightforward.

Have a good weekend.

[avalpert]

Here is some additional description of the installation process from the Restorations quoter:

For the pocket insert application (keeping jambs, interior and exterior trim), we remove the exiting operable sashes, mechanisms, and interior wood trim stops that the existing sashes close into. We the sit the new windows on the existing wood jamb return that the interior trim is attached to. We will then apply a low expansion foam insulate around the exterior perimeter and finish the exterior trim with color matched Tan capping and caulking.

Anything in there raise any red flags?

[Randy]

Not for me, it sounds pretty routine for the insert installation style. Low expansion foam is always the way to go for insulating/sealing. However, I’d still recommend using Windows on Washington since I know their installation will be top notch + their service after the sale far exceeds the industry norms.

[Windows on Washington]

+1

Sounds consistent with an insert application.

Thank you Randy.