I am going to have new windows installed for a house in S. Yarmouth, MA. The current windows are original wood windows that need to be completely replaced so I am looking for new work windows. I’ve just started navigating the new window maze and have a bunch of questions Costs, types of windows, working with builders and dealers and other things I probably haven’t thought of yet.
I am going to look at Marvin, Anderson and Pella windows. My plan is to visit the showrooms and have them quote the cost of the windows and installation. Do all dealers for a particular brand charge the same cost for the windows? For example, if I decide on a Marvin window and get a quote from one dealer, does it make sense to shop another Marvin dealer to see if they quote a better price?
Once I have decided on the windows I want is it better to use the dealer installer or an independent contractor for installation? I know of a few contractors I trust, I probably wont know the dealers installer at all. Are there warranty considerations if using an independent contractor? Is there a cost benefit to one or the other?
The house siding is unpainted cedar shingle. Would that have any influence on the type of window I should select – wood, vinyl, composite, etc.?
Thanks
Replies
Hi George!
I don't know a whole lot about windows, but in general you'll need to ask the dealer about warranty; some manufacturers will only warranty if installed by one of their specific installers.
I'm sorry I can't be more help. We had an Anderson guy out here a couple of years ago to give us a quote; it was astonishingly high, but he did try to find ways to lower the price (and they all offer financing, which we were not interested in, but you might be). Anderson works with/through a lot of big box stores--it might be worth visiting one and seeing if you can get one of their reps to come out, because I'd think you'd get a better price by going directly through them instead of a middleman. They'll be able to advice you on what type of frame will look & work best with your siding, too.
Best of luck to you!
I can address the price thing...No, the prices are not the same dealer-to-dealer on the same product. They can choose their markups.
Marvin, Anderson, Pella are all carried by the big box stores. And all the big box stores negotiate on prices if you plan on buying over $2500. At Lowes it's called a QSP discount. Not sure about HD. Just go to pro desk. So get your quotes at showrooms, then see if you can get a better one at the big box store. Then go back with quote in hand if you'd rather work with a small local shop.
Also, I'd suggest you take a look at other window Mfrs too. I just bought a ton of Atrium windows from a local distributor. They are excellent quality and competitively priced especially if you need custom sizes.
At HG, any purchase over $1500 (typically) can be discounted at the pro-desk through the "bid room." As I understand it, the purchase is put into HD's system and the price is adjusted in real time by a team at their headquarters in Atlanta. In my experience, the discount amount varies according to the type of product and quantities.