We just finished a saga with selecting exterior windows for a new custom build, so I will post some points here. Hopefully, we can help some others out, as we had a hell of time trying to get information despite trolling the internet and Houzz for hours on end. Pricing information for different windows is basically impossible to find online.
The short version of this post is - get many competing bids and let the suppliers know you are doing so. Every time we revised an order, the price would go down (even on individual windows that were not changed in any way). I got the impression that the online order systems all the manufacturers give their retailers use some sort of dynamic pricing algorithm that plugs directly into the factory, like online sites for airline tickets, and these algorithms dole out margin discounts in increments in an attempt to close the deal. Now, details for those interested...
Our build is a +7000sqft with 60 (yes 60!) separate window openings (I count mulled configurations as multiple windows in that number), and a pitifully low projected budget of about $36k. Our builder (and most builders in this area, as far as we could tell) really wanted to use Andersen 400s for familiarity, support, service, ability to source via local lumber yard connections, etc. - all legitimate reasons. The 400s were way better than the builder grade all vinyl Andersen windows in our current residence, which we never had any complaints about in our dozen years in the house, so our original plan was to go with Andersen 400. After looking around a little bit, however, we found we really had a few misgivings about the 400s, almost all of them being discovered because we wanted a dark exterior and dark interior color combo. We were worried about vinyl fading in the sun. We were worried about clashing-colored visible compression jambs on the double hungs. On top of that, we were not happy with the 400s exterior appearance (double hung SDLs appear to be glued on the sash, readily visible grayish vinyl welds, etc.).
So, we spent many largely unsuccessful hours bidding out options searching for any viable alternative to the 400s, including E-series, a combo of Andersen Woodrights plus Andersen 400, Jeld-Wen Siteline, Marvin Integrity, and Marvin Ultimate. We wanted to look into Windsor and Loewen, but learned about them too late in the game and could not find any dealers in the area. The Marvin Ultimates came in with tax at about $59k - beautiful and clearly a premium product but no way at that price. E-Series were almost as nice, but unfortunately almost the price. The Integrity windows were competitive at $38k, but with the catch that we would incur an extra $7-10k in custom interior on-site painting costs in order to have the black interior. Ultimately disqualifying the Integrity irrespective of cost, however, was when we learned that the line has an unappealing almond colored compression jamb that looks alright, but still not great, with white interiors and absolutely terrible with a dark interior - you end up with three colors next to one another when you use standard white interior trim. Sitelines came in at just under $45k, so they almost by default became the leading non-Andersen option as we could get factory black exterior and factory black interior, 20 year anti-fade Kynar paint on the aluminum cladding, and the double hungs had concealed interior jambs. The downsides of the Jeld-Wen were a generally uglier double hung window than the Woodrights, the $8k price premium, and rumblings regarding production delays.
Mostly due to budget issues, we ultimately resolved to go with Andersen Woodright double hungs on the front elevation mixed with Andersen 400s (primarily casements) on the other elevations to keep costs down. After various bids and revisions, we got the Andersens down to a still-over-budget but bearable $38k and decided late one night (after many previous late nights reviewing and requesting revisions to different bids) to send the signed Andersen order early the next morning for both windows and several Andersen A-series patio doors. We just could not ignore the budget difference considering we were already behind on windows and a few other areas. I sent an email that night to a very helpful Siteline and Marvin salesman and gave him the bad news, but thanked him and asked him to price me with rapid turn-around a very large Marvin sliding door that we needed. I felt the slider was worth the extra investment and would like to give him the business, if he was still interested.
The next morning as I fired up my laptop to send confirmation for the Andersen order to the builder and lumber yard, I got an email from that same salesman telling me both Jeld Wen and Marvin now wanted to redo their bids and compete for my business. Jeld Wen came in at $43k, and Marvin Ultimate came in at just under $48k. After some negotiations and allowing Marvin to bid on some patio doors and the like, the entire Marvin window + door package came in at just $5400 more than the entire final Andersen window + door package (14 Woodright double hungs, about 46 400 series casements and picture windows, and four A-series “Frenchwood” patio doors). The Marvin Ultimate windows were now just $44k - all told, $15k less than (and a 25% discount off of) what originally quoted! We went with the Marvin Ultimate windows and doors. An upgrade way too good to turn down at that price, and I am very happy to give my business to that sales rep. Now we just have to find where to scavenge the extra cash from the budget.
What I took from the above painful process is that there is crazy mark up on windows and doors, and that generally in house building it can never hurt to seek a better deal or even outright ask somebody for a better price. I encourage others to do their diligence, as there seems to be a lot of retail location and regional/seasonal based variability on windows and doors pricing. I imagine the same can be said for tile, cabinetry, and countertops (our next challenge).
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