Replies

1. 
   Bruce | Jan 07, 2003 03:38am | #1

   Have a look at Semco.  Same glass manufacturer and hardware manufacturer as Marvin and Anderson.  They do almost no advertising, so don't have to charge you for it.  Good stuff.

   http://www.semcowindows.com

1. 
   junkhound | Jan 07, 2003 04:52am | #2

   see post -  "Ar windows a hoax?"

2. 
   Paularado | Jan 07, 2003 08:54pm | #7

   BEMW

   Our log home was designed to use Semco windows because the window dealer we went to carried Semco, Hurd, and Marvin. Marvin was too expensive, and Hurd had some really crappy double hungs that would rattle in the wind. That left Semco.

   So, our log package was milled and put up and then we find out that the dealer stopped carrying Semco because of reliability problems with the manufacturer. It turns out that one of the guys on the crew putting up the logs had heard of problems with them too, so it makes you wonder.

   Anyway, in the meantime, Hurd greatly improved their double-hung windows and makes almost the same sizes as Semco. The Hurd windows are significantly cheaper than Semco (about $4k on our house), and seem very nice. All in all, it seems like it worked out in our favor. We ended up with nice windows for less money.

1. 
   Bruce | Jan 07, 2003 10:01pm | #8

   Life is strange.  The pricing is the other way around here ... Hurd costs much more than Semco.  And to boot, the Semco dealer has a rock-solid reputation, and gets virtually no call-backs due to manufacturing problems. 

1. 
   Paularado | Jan 07, 2003 10:47pm | #9

   To clarify, the Semco windows were very nice. The reliability problems were with deliveries and schedules. It seems that they were usually several weeks behind the schedule that they had promised. The window dealer was losing customers (i.e. contractors) over this, as you could imagine, so they dropped them.

   The only regret is that Semco has a beautiful burgundy cladding that I was really looking forward to having on our home. Hurd did not so we ended up with hunter green. Still beautiful.

2. 
   xMikeSmith | Jan 07, 2003 05:22am | #3

   jay.... never seen a monarch... but  i do know andersen is about as strong a distribution system you can get in RI...

   i've had them honor warranty on 20 year old units that i didn't buy.. and the dealer didn't sell..

   and they stock all of the repair parts...

   have you looked into some of the options to bring your net down... like factory finish interiors ?

   i really like having my manufacturers in my corner backing me up

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   andybuildz | Jan 07, 2003 08:20am | #4

   Jay

      I have to agree with Mike. In all my spec houses I've used Andersons. One main reason is because its a tried and true window, not to mention reasonably priced.

   Second reason is, because its a known "good window",  and in a spec house people always recognize that name as a good product. This makes what youve built look that much more impressive.

    Thats what a spec house is all about. Most people never heard of Monarch which may not mean its a bad window to you or me but to them it may sound like some discount brand.

   As far as the tilt windows go. That adds another $25-$30 bucks to each window which isnt really necessary in a spec house. It doesnt usually add to resale IMO. I'd spend the extra bucks on a nicer trim maybe. That they can see, and molding really add character ....major!

   Be well

           Namaste'

                       Andy

   "Attachment is the strongest block to realization"
   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

4. 
   Nails | Jan 07, 2003 06:58pm | #5

   B.H.    See Jay is doing it again (spec hse.) Haven't found info on music yet but I will continue. Tell Mrs the price of college ed. is going up for number one son and a spec will ease the burden especially for the gifted..................Jay try looking in lumber yards for windows I was able to find enough windows to do a turn key house complete . Those windows had been ordered for a house that never got built because of money problems savings were 54%

1. 
   BossHog | Jan 07, 2003 07:07pm | #6

   I saw that he was talking about a spec. But I figured people are burned out on hearing about the "spec house from hell".

   I don't think DW is likely to want to talk about a spec house again. I might bring it up again a year or so AFTER we sell the spec house. (IF we ever do)I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.