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To make this simple, I am going to give you an easy to follow comparison of the most popular 3 lines we see in the Indianapolis, Indiana market. Marvin Ultimate Clad Collection vs Pella Proline (450 Series) vs Andersen 400 Series.
More and more homeowners, builders, architects & contractors are choosing fiberglass for their windows of choice. This is because fiberglass is a strong & stable component in all climates which makes it a popular option for windows. It doesn’t expand & contract like vinyl in hot and cold climates. It is extremely strong so it resists dents and damage to the surface. Fiberglass windows will generally cost more than vinyl windows in a replacement project. A Fiberglass replacement window project will cost anywhere between $800 - $2500/ unit installed.
This is a comparison you don’t generally see because both window lines are manufactured by the same company, Marvin Windows. There are, however, some notable differences between the two lines.
I cannot tell you how many times I have worked with homeowners and they are telling me all about their Sub Zero refrigerator and Viking Range for their new kitchen but are asking me whether it is worth it to pay a little more for the higher quality windows. Which do you think will be the easier and more cost effective to replace later if needed?
For those of us whom have owned a historic home either in the past or currently know the charm, character and beauty these homes possess. We also know about the idiosyncrasies you learn to deal with when owning such a home. One of the most challenging aspects of an older home for many people are the historic windows. Historic windows are generally all wood or steel. They are generally single pane with, what is called, “wavy glass”, which was due to how the glass was made back in the day. Historic Double Hung windows could have ropes and pulleys or chains to make them raise up and down. Historic casement windows simply push out to open, then pull in to close.
Historic windows are truly beautiful to behold, but not always optimal to use. They are also seriously lacking in energy efficiency. This leaves many homeowners questioning whether they should replace their old windows.
If you are in the process of purchasing new windows or are just beginning to think about new windows, I am writing this for you. I want to give you as much information as I can about what windows cost and why there is such a broad spectrum of pricing. I would have to say that this is probably the number one question we get asked. Unfortunately, this is like asking, How much do cars cost?
Find out what is going to work for you after reading this four part blog series.
That is a great question. If you are in the research phase of your window buying journey, you have probably heard of both brand name window companies. Both of these companies are large corporations whom have been in window manufacturing for a long time and have prominent names in the fenestration industry.
Vinyl windows will be your most cost effective option when it comes to replacement window projects, however even these have a wide range of costs. A vinyl window typically costs anywhere from $150- $2000.00 a unit installed. I realize that is a tremendously broad range and explains why so many people get really confused when comparing their window estimates or quotes. We are instructed to go out and get at least 3 different quotes to compare but then no one tells us how to read them or explain them to us. Even as a professional in the industry, I struggle to make sense of other competitor’s quotes or even to discern what is actually included in the quote. This is one of the greatest challenges when determining how to even decide what company to use for your window replacement project. This makes it really difficult to decide which quote is the best value for you as well.
How do these stack up against one another? Great question! Let’s find out!
Read about all the differences here!
Are you in the research phase of your window replacement project or are you ready to get this project started? Either way, we are here to consult and guide you. Even if we are not the right for you we can still answer your questions or help guide you in the right direction. So, how do you decide the best method for installing those replacement windows?
