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| | | Replacing old, drafty windows can brighten and update a home while cutting energy bills by as much as 25 percent. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Expect to pay an average of $300-$700 per window for replacements placed inside existing (and structurally intact) window frames, but it could go as high as $1,000 per window, for a range of $3,000-$10,000 for a one-story, three-bedroom home with 10 windows. Larger, two-story homes with more windows can run $10,000-$20,000. Double- and triple-glazed windows, or those filled with argon gas increase energy savings but bump the cost to the higher end of the scale.
- If the existing window frame is rotted or damaged in any way, the frame must be rebuilt. This are called new construction windows, and can cost as much as 50-100 percent more than replacement windows, or $5,000-$40,000 for completely rebuilding all the windows in a home.
What should be included: | - A window installer should remove the existing windows, install the new ones, cleanup and dispose of the old windows, and wash the new windows. Estimates are usually based on united inches, which is equal to the sum of the length and width of each window; a 40x55-inch window is 95 united inches. HomeTime.com gives quick definitions of standard window terms, such as apron, casing, glazing, mullion and more.
- Vinyl windows are usually the least expensive; other window framing materials include wood, aluminum, steel and Fiberglas. DoItYourself.com provides an overview.
- Better Homes & Gardens lists 25 things to know about windows in general, while DoItYourself.com discusses distinctive window shapes that can add "personality" to a home.
- An energy star label means greater savings on heating and air conditioning; the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy explains exactly what's needed for an energy-efficient window and the Efficient Window Collaborative compares different types of windows based on regional climate conditions. Top energy efficiency may mean different types of windows on different sides of the same home, depending on sun and weather exposure.
Additional costs: | - Extensive dry rot or other damage around existing windows may require repairs before new windows can be installed; the cost will depend on the amount and type of work needed.
- Be sure the estimate includes disposing of the old windows.
- Replacing non-standard-sized windows requires either custom windows or enlarging the old opening to accommodate a larger standard size, which can up costs by 50-100 percent per window.
Discounts: | - When dealing with non-standard-sized windows, check with many manufacturers; your window might be a nonstandard size for one but standard for another, which saves the cost of enlarging the window opening.
- Some people purchase windows through a local home improvement store or other outlet, then save money by hiring a local handyman to install them. Be sure the handyman has the skills and experience needed to do a thorough, well-sealed and leak-proof job.
- Installing windows yourself may save $35-$100 or more per window, but be sure you understand all the moisture and weatherproofing requirements; mistakes can lead to dry rot or other problems.
Shopping for replacement windows: | - For ideas on what type of windows would look and function best, check the photo galleries provided by manufacturers Pella, Milgard and Andersen. Other companies, large and small, are listed with the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. Manufacturers' websites provide links to local companies who sell and install their products.
- Replacement windows with or without professional installation are available through Lowe's.
- Get estimates from several companies. Ask for and contact references, check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau and make sure the company is properly bonded and insured. A deposit will be required, but don't pay the full amount until the job is finished to your complete satisfaction, especially when hiring a local handyman to do the installation.
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Article updated May 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Posted by: A + southern Siding in lynchburg, VA. | Purchased: August, 2008 |
| Numbre of Windows: 20 | Number Lineal Inches: 150 |
| Brand: vinyl replacement windows | Window Type: all |
| installing windows is very easy and dosnt cost to much if they are standard windows sizes |
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| Amount: $9,490.00 |
looking for windows
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| Posted by: 3rdstone in aston, PA. | Purchased: March, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 15 | Number Lineal Inches: 101 or less |
| Brand: window wizards | Window Type: double hung |
| Installer: window wizards |
| Just got my first estimate. $9490.00 for windows above. $12,000.00 if 3 of the above become a bow window. This is supposed to be a buy 2 get one free sale. Is this resonable? This much more than I was expecting. |
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| Amount: $9,493.00 |
Just got New Windows
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| Posted by: Happy in York!! in York, PA. | Purchased: January, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 13 | Number Lineal Inches: 100 or less |
| Brand: Champion | Window Type: Double hung |
| Installer: Champion Window |
| WOW ...13 windows for $9493I choked but the sales Rep was wonderful and we trusted him and went thru with it....THE BEST THING WE EVER DID ...the installers were wonderful!!! Our heat bills were a little less then half a month after the windows.Thank you Champion!! |
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| Amount: $9,000.00 |
replacement windows
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| Posted by: jody in cleveland, OH. | Purchased: January, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 10 | Number Lineal Inches: 100 |
| Brand: larmco | Window Type: double |
| Installer: larmco |
| 10 windows pricing started at $21,000 after 5 negotians came in at $9,000. |
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| Amount: $5,000.00 |
windows
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| Posted by: Kessi in Kent, OH. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 16 | Number Lineal Inches: ? |
| Brand: centurion | Window Type: 15 double hung 1 casemnet |
| Installer: alside |
| I have got quotes from Home Depot- $10,567, Quote from a contrator who works thru Alside he couldn't get it thru his head I wanted a replacement vinyl mid-range window, he was pricing the Ulta Max that I did not want- $7,000, and Champion windows- $10,487 I am going thru Hunter Construction with a quote under but I also add a new door and new frame to the pricing... It should be less than 2 months until my windows are in and installed! |
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| Amount: $10,600.00 |
Windows
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| Posted by: XMan in Folcroft, PA. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 6 | Number Lineal Inches: under 101 |
| Brand: Power Windows and Siding | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Power Windows and Siding |
| I had a quote for 6 windows in my home in Folcroft. P.W.S. wanted 10,600.00. They must be nuts! I told the guy I paid 90K for my house. That is $1766.00 per window. He tried to screw us so bad and than he got aggravated when I wouldn't sign the deal and wouldn't leave me a quote. Yeah go with Window Wizards - I am having them out soon to do the job. |
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| Amount: $5,565.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Kathryn in Edgewood, MD. | Purchased: May, 2008 |
| Numbre of Windows: 11 | Number Lineal Inches: ? |
| Brand: Champion | Window Type: double-hung |
| Installer: Champion |
| QUOTES... Homefix: $11,000, Home Depot: $7,500, Independent contractor: $6,200. My eleven standard-sized Champion windows are excellent. I was pleased with the installation and the reasonable cost. Make sure to get multiple quotes to drive down the quptes! |
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| Amount: $13,995.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: DC in Iowa in West Des Moines, IA. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 9 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Champion | Window Type: Casement |
| Installer: Champion |
| Champion was competitive with Pella and Andersen once they applied their discount. A sliding patio door was included in the price. Otherwise, most expensive of any company. All quoutes were for tax credit eligible windows. Andersen and Pella were wood windows and vinyl should not be more expensive than wood. |
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| Amount: $3,295.00 |
Vinyl Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Jeremy in Granger, IN in Granger, IN. | Purchased: March, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 10 | Number Lineal Inches: 100 |
| Brand: Vista | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Clear Choice USA of South Bend |
| We had BEE Window quote us $14,000! Champion's quote was 8,400.00! We found Clear Choice and was amazed at the high quality for the great price of $3295.00!!! The salesman spent time making sure we understood the window as well as the entire installation process. The installers were great also, and fast. Everything went perfect. I would recommend Clear Choice over any other window company. They are located all over the U.S. |
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| Amount: $0.00 |
Replacement windows
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| Posted by: NinJ. in Greensboro, NC. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 22 | Number Lineal Inches: 27x60 |
| Brand: | Window Type: double hung |
| Searching for 22 vinyl replacement windows. got quotes from Home Depot; looked at Lowes' Pella windows, and requesting quote from Clear Choice (thank you for these reviews). Does anyone have any experience with any of the above, with recommendations regarding quality,installation problems, or warranties, etc.? |
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| Amount: $8,000.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Julie B in Carmel, IN. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 10 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Bee Windows | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Bee Windows |
(New Front Door is included in this amount spent)
Bee Windows was also running a 50% off promotional special. They do this about once a year during the winter months to boost sales. Contacted in March and they honored the sale price because of economic times. |
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| Amount: $14,500.00 |
Rebulid windows
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| Posted by: needzwindows in oceanside, CA. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 6 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Simonton | Window Type: Double |
| Installer: Simonton |
| Just got a bid at 14K and some change. They are telling me 6 windows and 2 sliding patio doors, all with energy star ratings, anti bactirial strips, double lifetime warrenty(good for whoever buys the house). Sounds crazy to me but our windows are alum and so old. They are comming back to talk some more about a price break but im not too sure on the price now... |
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| Amount: $8,500.00 |
Replacement windows
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| Posted by: Jim B in Columbia, MD. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 7 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Winchester/Bristol | Window Type: Double hung |
| Installer: Ameritech |
| Quote of $8500 for 7 double hung, triple pane Winchester Bristol 700 windows - low-E coatings, "ALPHA-10" gas (whatever that is!), vinyl window with an aluminum support structure. |
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| Amount: $11,643.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Warden in Newry, PA. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 19 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Starmark | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Window Perfections |
| 19 windows for 11643. They are Cellular Composite made by Starmark (Okna). Very nice windows. Did not like the competitors vinyl replacements. They were too light and very thin. |
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| Amount: $7,200.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: a user in Lima, OH. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 8 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Quillen Brothers Rhino Windows | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Quillen Brothers |
| Quality Window, double lifetime warranty with no fault glass breakage. I could break one now with a baseball bat and they will come out and fix it free of charge. Low E, qualified for $1500 Stimulus Tax Credit. |
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| Amount: $35,000.00 |
New Windows
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| Posted by: pajmf in Yardley, PA. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 29 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Andersen | Window Type: |
| Installer: Window Wizards |
| Price also includes 3 doors (one 6-foot slider and two French doors). Installation included. |
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| Amount: $24,500.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Michael (Building Engineer) in Harrington, DE. | Purchased: January, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 27 | Number Lineal Inches: 96 |
| Brand: Preservation | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Homeview Contarctors |
| After shoppping ALL the competition I found that you get what you pay for. Went to a home show and saw Homeview Contractors sign. We have the most energy effiecent window at this show period. After alot of research I found it to be superior in every way. You guys who spent a few hundred dollars per window do you really think you got a good window? What you got is a really bad education about windows. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...... |
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| Amount: $3,600.00 |
vinyl replacement windows
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| Posted by: edith in chicago, IL. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 10 | Number Lineal Inches: 90 |
| Brand: Alside Sheffield\'s | Window Type: double hung |
| Installer: Best Windows Inc. |
| got five quotes he was first estimate and was my easy choice. Highly recomend he was very informative and I felt no pressure. |
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| Amount: $17,700.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: bagpiper in Deer Park, NY. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 21 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Royal Windows - Long Island NY | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Royal |
| Quote for 21 Double Hung windows ( their top of the line double pane, Low E, etc), plus one Sliding Glass Patio Door, Grids in everything, installation, new moldings, and clean up. |
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| Amount: $16,500.00 |
Full frame windows
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| Posted by: MikeM in Burnsville, MN. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 13 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Softlite | Window Type: Casement |
High end vinyl windows, full frame replacement using composite trim on outside, triple-E and \"easy clean\" coating on glass
3-story install including several large picture windows and 2-lite casements required some rigging. Price included staining of inside wood trim. |
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| Amount: $6,200.00 |
Replacement Window
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| Posted by: Joette in Milwaukee, WI. | Purchased: September, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 5 windows and picture window | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Gorrell | Window Type: Double hung and picture |
| Installer: ATEC (Local) |
| I just purchased 5 double hung and 1 picture window that slides in and open on the two sides. High efficiency Energy Star rated triple panes (argon and krypton gas, Superman!) There was a 10% saving from installer, 12% saving from Gorrell and if/when I do additional windows, I will get the same 22% discount. Full warranty for 50 years, whoever owns the house. Free replacement screens for life (take that kitty-cat!). And I get a $1500 tax rebate for helping to save energy. So my $6200 turns into $4700 for 5 windows and a picture window. Full free replacement on any broken window for life. |
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| Amount: $700.00 |
Did it myself
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| Posted by: Dustin in North Vernon, IN. | Purchased: July, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 3 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Pella | Window Type: triple efficiency Argon infused |
| Installer: Self |
| bought three windows at $260 each at Lowes. Windows were 65.5 X 32.5 inches. had to remove old window frames (the house- and frames- were built in 1870) and build new ones for each window. Took three days (one per window) and a total of 700 dollars. |
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| Amount: $5,000.00 |
DIY project
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| Posted by: a user in Indy, IN. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 15 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Andersen | Window Type: |
| Installer: Self |
I install 1-5 windows per day, full frame replacement. The windows are double-hung 3449's. Windows are pretty easy to install, you'll save half or more. A 10 year old child could be taught how to properly flash and seal a window, seriously.
I was a framing carpenter for 13 years and replacing windows was always a cash cow for me. I'd charge $200-$500 for removal and installation ONLY, not including paint or interior finish and knock out 5 or more per day, including second or third story windows. If you are handy at all, look into doing it yourself. |
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| Amount: $8,900.00 |
repacement windows
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| Posted by: north of atlanta in North of Atlanta, GA. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 32 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Silverline (by Anderson) | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Briggs |
| Hire these guys they are good and dont try to rip people off. After Several quotes of over 20,000 i got a quote from briggs to do all three floor with energy star tax credit windows for half of the other guys. The owner of the company was actualy on site when the insttlation took place. They did a wonderful job at half the price. |
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| Amount: $3,591.00 |
Triple Pane Windows
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| Posted by: Richard Metz in South Bend, IN. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 9 | Number Lineal Inches: 100 |
| Brand: Clear Choice Signature Series | Window Type: Vilny Double Hung |
| Installer: Clear Choice USA of South Bend |
| I purchased 9 Triple Pane windows from Clear Choice USA Windows of South Bend for $399 each. This included full installation, insulation, PVC Capping on exterior, and removal and clean-up of site. Our U-factor is a .23! For the high quality of the window we purchased we saved at least $500 per window from our other estimates acquired. |
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| Amount: $6,800.00 |
Replacement windows
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| Posted by: jman6@comcast.net in bowie, MD. | Purchased: June, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 11 | Number Lineal Inches: 100 UI |
| Brand: POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING | Window Type: Double hung |
| Installer: POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING |
| Their consultant was the nicest gentelmen that ever stepped foot in our house. He was respectful, extremely knowledgeable, and fun. The windows are spectactular. My son threw a baseball at the sample window and it wasnt even close to breaking. Afterwards we couldnt have thanked him enough. THe installation was the most professional job ive ever seen, and thats saying a lot coming from a family of construction workers. They gauraunteed a 30% energy reduction but we our energy bils went from $220 to $104/month (thats 52%!) Thanks again POWER!! |
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| Amount: $3.00 |
Replacing Windows
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| Posted by: The Zimmermans in Catawissa, PA. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 7 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Install America |
| We were very worried that we were going to get ripped off after hearing horror stories about friends paying for windows and they were never installed. At first we were quoted 7,995 then when we said that was out of our budget we were then quoted 4,995 (still out of our budget) We then had to choose the second lowest in quality window to get a quote of 3,995.....still slightly over our budget. When I asked if there was anyway he could decrease it by 400.00 he said "Can I leave my sign in your yard longer?" We said sure and the deal was made for 3,500. We just hope they show to do the job now! |
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| Amount: $5,120.00 |
replacement windows
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| Posted by: Susan McAnally in Phiadelphia, PA. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 12 | Number Lineal Inches: 95 UI |
| Brand: comfortweld | Window Type: double hung, argon fill |
| Installer: window wizards |
| First quote 6800. Did not call back a few days later got an email with a 20% sale....I offerred 25% and a sale. They took it. Windows are beautiful, would qualify for tax credit if not a rental. lifetime transferrable warranty, spent $10 more each window for 2 week rush. I may purchase these for my primary residence. |
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| Amount: $21,000.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Thompson in Upper Marlboro, MD. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 20 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Bristol | Window Type: Double Hung |
| Installer: Ameritech |
| Ameritech seems to offer a nice window being double hung and triple pane/low E. Are triple pane windows really needed for mid Atlantic climates. Is there a real value to triple over double?? |
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| Amount: $84.00 |
Replacement Window
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| Posted by: J G in Redlands, CA. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 1 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Basic glass | Window Type: Fixed half of sliding window |
| Installer: Redlands Glass |
| The window is 2 feet by 4 1/2 feet. |
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| Amount: $3,700.00 |
Windows
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| Posted by: Ginaem in Napa, CA. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 9 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Simonton | Window Type: Casement/Double Hung |
| I got the best recession deal ever. I went with a locally family owned business in Napa, CA. Four of my windows were casement (crank out) and the other 5 were double hung. Both very high quality and the more expensive type. Everything including installation came to $3,700. |
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| Amount: $6,800.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: CJU in Dayton, OH. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 28 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Window World | Window Type: |
| Installer: Window World |
| Was quoted 6800 for 26 double hung and 2 picture windows. Quote does not include outside trim. Windows qualify for the 1500 credit and as such would cost $5300. Seems to be a quality window...but would be interested to learn if anyone has used this company before. They are suppose to be the largest window installer in the US... |
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| Amount: $3,304.47 |
Lowes Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: Jon M in Lubbock, TX. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 9 | Number Lineal Inches: 791 UI |
| Brand: ThermaStar by Pella | Window Type: 8 single hung, 1 picture, vinyl, argon |
| Installer: Lowes |
| This price includes installation fees. We are told these windows also qualify for the energy tax credit. This is the only quote we have received and it seems reasonable to us if not low. I am somewhat leery of purchasing from a big-box, chain store, but it IS more convenient. I'm also worried that the windows are too cheap, but then again I don't want to spend much, so this is probably what we will go with. |
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| Amount: $3,535.00 |
Replacement Windows
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| Posted by: D.G.B. in Allentown, PA. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 9 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Clear Choice | Window Type: |
I need to replace 8 double hung and a picture window. I ran into the local Clear Choice installer at a home show. His price was the lowest at 3535.00
the other two price quotes were 4950.00 and 6700.00
I can not see a real difference in these windows.
Are the other two guys waiting for a come back or what? |
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| Amount: $4,700.00 |
Vinyl window replacement
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| Posted by: a user in San Francisco, CA. | Purchased: September, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 8 | Number Lineal Inches: |
| Brand: Simonton Impression 7500 | Window Type: Single Hung |
| Installer: Bay Area Window Pro |
Simonton Impression 7500 Single Hung LowE366 glass package. Double hung did not qualify for credit BUT we didn't need it anyway.
We have lived in our 1908 Victorian since 2003. The single pane, old windows were in okay condition, not leaking but does get moldy around the bottom edge on the inside which requires cleaning every 3-4 months. Our world has completely changed with the window replacement. No more noise, no more extreme hot/cold. We replaced 8 windows, measurements are :
(1) 29x76 - this one was laminated glass for extra sound protection
(1) 29x68
(2) 33x60
(2) 23x68
(1) 35x68
(1) 28x20
Windows qualify for government $1500 tax credit. 1 day installation, 2 carpenters, about 6-7 hours of work. All new trim with silicone caulking in/out side. Hauled away old windows, crew cleaned up very well. |
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| Amount: $4,800.00 |
Sears Windows
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| Posted by: John Donut in Webster, NY. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Numbre of Windows: 6 | Number Lineal Inches: 101 |
| Brand: Sears Plus | Window Type: Double hang vynil |
| Installer: Sears contractors |
U-factor=0.30; Comes with screens; Installed in townhouse - old windows taken away by them; Breakdown: Double window in first floor; $950 each;
4 double-hang windows in bedrooms: $750 each. Total: 4900.00 (this price includes the 10% off of the sign it now deal of the salesman).
This is their mid-range price vynil window. They claim (no written document) it is 100% virgin vynil and the competition has only 10% to 20% of virgin vynil and the other 80-90% is reclycled PVC. |
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| Amount: $0.00 |
Hurricane Windows
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| Posted by: J Tipton in Galveston, TX. | Purchased: 2009 |
| Anybody have experience or quotes for hurricane impact resistant windows |
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