Assess my 5 choices: Energy Star replacement windows, installed price, in N. Minnesota?
I’m getting estimates that vary, and I’m getting confused, Window size is mostly 33" x 45" or so. I’m told all are 30% Energy Star rebate eligible, but I worry that contractors simply jack up the price to collect that up front anyway, We’ll be living in the house for years. A real estate investor/rehab guru says it takes 20 minutes to change out a window. A experienced but unlicensed handyman said the same. Quotes from licensed contractors seem to vary wildly, here are the four I’ve gotten:
1) 2 each, installed: Noradex/Reynolds (Simonton?) "Generations" vinyl insert windows (add each for "glass pack").
2. Andersen Renewal ("Fibrex" = 40% Wood/60% Vinyl) for 8 each (insert) or 92 each (All New)
3) 0 each installed for Andersen 400 series, 8 per window, (0 of that is for labor).
4) 1 installed for American Craftsmen vinyl double-hung inserts (add for "Thermo-Tech" option, whatever that is)
5) 6 installed for Simonton 6500 vinyl insert windows (Home Depot did estimate)
Which would you choose? Any tips or pitfalls I should be aware of? Thank you!
3 Responses
wilee
14 Feb 2010
gas man
14 Feb 2010
seems expensive to me,,,my son just had 14 windows replaced in an older home in minneapolis they were a little smaller then yours,,was less than $300 each installed and were energy star
rick z
14 Feb 2010
As a remodeling contractor, here is a simple rule of thumb regarding bids. If you have one from Home Depot or Lowe’s consider those to be high bids. You should continue to take bids until you are comfortable with the price and the contractor. For windows you want these specifications: vinyl, insulated low e glass (low e is ultraviolet reflective glass). You can save a few dollars on each window if you use single hung windows versus double hung. Single hung means the bottom sash moves up and down, but the upper is fixed in place. Double hung means the upper sash moves as well. The advantage of the double hung is the sash tilts in for easy cleaning. If that isn’t a priority to you go with the single hungs and save a few dollars per window. Your cheapest way out is to buy the windows and pay someone to install them. Expect to pay around $200-$300 per window. Window makers have standard sizes. If standard sizes work, it’s a little cheaper. Knowing the basic cost of the windows you can see what these high bids are wanting to install the windows apiece. The potential problem with you buying them is that they have to fit the opening. If any of the bids have the opening sizes, then you have that info. As far as brands go, Andersen is a good brand, but in my opinion not worth double. The same with Pella. Simonton is a good window. They do not have the name recognition as the Andersen, Pella. Regarding the "thermo-tech" option, my guess is that means Argon as the type of gas used as insulation between the glass panes. You should ask that question to American Craftsman. I suggest this; continue to take additional bids, they are free. Get references, and check them. Stay away from Home Depot for labor. Ask around to as friends/family/co-workers as you can to see if they had replacements done and what they paid. I hope this helps you some and good luck
your estimates seem pricey to me …..here in california same window installed $281.57,and twenty minutes is about right