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Home Window Installation Help

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Hilltopper, Jan 24, 2015.

  1. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    House Window Replacement Suggestions?

    I'm thinking about getting 6 windows in my 12 year old house for the living room and master bedroom. While at the Houston Auto Show today I saw a booth for the Renewal By Andersen company. After talking to one of the reps, I scheduled for them to come out and give me an estimate next Saturday. For some reason they were very adamant about my wife being there as well, although I found out later that she can't be that day. I'm not sure why that matters. They also said they would need about 90 minutes which seems like a long time.

    Anyone out there with experience with Renewal or any other companies in Houston? Any suggestions? I know the double pane windows and installation don't come cheap, but obviously I want the best deal for the best windows I can get.
     
    #1 Hilltopper, Jan 24, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2015
  2. Space Ghost

    Space Ghost Contributing Member

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    Am I the only one who thought he was talking about MS windows installation on a computer?

    When it comes to the home, sales people know the lady of the house usually has the final say.
     
  3. Johndoe804

    Johndoe804 Member

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    I thought you were going to reach out to the Clutchfans community for help installing your own windows. That's what you should do. You may get some volunteers. They're pretty easy to install.
     
  4. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    Not when it's coming out of my pocket!
     
  5. Kam

    Kam Contributing Member

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    The only other window company is gulf coast window. Only cause I hear spots for it on the radio.
     
  6. Felixthecat

    Felixthecat Contributing Member

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    I'll be replacing windows and a double door soon, but I will be doing it myself.

    They want you both there to take away the, I need to speak with my wife excuse. Get ready for 90 minutes of pushy sales presentation.
     
  7. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    That's what I feared. I may just try to cancel for now, knowing they'll call to reschedule over and over. Are all window companies like that?
     
  8. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"

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    This is a great idea... if you live somewhere that never experiences rain. It totally depends on the details of the house as to how easy it is to properly install and seal a window. Even "professionals" make big mistakes that lead to leaks.

    Seriously, OP, don't go with some folks you met in a random booth, (particularly if they're going to try to fit auto windows into your house ;)). The best is to do your research, ask around, get a company you know is legit, and then the 90-minute visit is to do measurements, do business, and get a bid.

    Anyway, we just went through this because we live in a 100-yr-old house that had some original rotting double-hung (ya u know me) windows all over the place.
     
  9. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    I've heard of Renewal By Andersen, so I'm not sure how random they are. Research shows they are also expensive, but they do a good job. This would be something I'd do in the spring or early summer.

    I'm wondering about Lowes or Home Depot as well, but I think it takes a long time to get them installed using them.
     
  10. jo mama

    jo mama Contributing Member

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    i used window world to replace all the windows when i bought my house. been over 6 years and have never had any issues with them.
     
  11. ATXNekko

    ATXNekko Member

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    Window Replacement is a great way to improve energy efficiency, reduce drafts and provide a comfortable temperature in each room. Side benefits are improved looks from exterior of home reduce noise, levels from outside and resale value.

    Their are lots of manufacturers to choose from. Somethings are common to all windows due to state and federal requirements regarding the efficiency of the window. LowE Double, pane. Differences in the build of the window break down to thickness of glass, gas filled and frame construction.

    Frame Construction is important, Anderson Builds a quality product and it is reflected in the price typically shooting for $900-1200 per window. The Fybrex window they push is a strong frame construction and the glass package is impressive. Personally unless you plan on living in the home for ten plus years or you have a high end home the pay back might never make up the cost spent.

    Anderson builds a lot of different windows even the evil vinyl window that the rep will persuade you against. Vinyl has improved leaps and bounds and Anderson builds them which can be found at your local home improvement store.

    Alot of windows are the same just relabeled as the X window vs the Y to allow the manufacturer to offer the window to multiple companies in an area.

    Frame construction, if you can find a foam filled frame this would be the best choice. Don Young is the only metal framed manufacturer left for residential they build a good window with a thermal break in the frame but the energy efficiency isnt as high. They were a top selling window until 2002-2004 when vinyl took off leaps and bounds.

    Glass package check the U values to compare they will vary by window and size. the small sample window will have a higher U value than a big picture window. LowE, argon gas, double strength glass. If you find a Krypton filled window you cant go wrong. but gas filled is the way to go.

    Warranty buy the warranty, especially the glass breakage. Most every manufacturer will come with a lifetime " as long as you own" warranty against defects and seal failure. Glass breakage covers the errant baseball ect and cost about 7-10 a window.

    I would avoid the big box stores. will spend $700-$900 for a product that isnt going to be as good as a local specialist store. "builders grade"

    Window World was mentioned, they build a good window I have sold them and against them. can probably get them installed for $500-$700

    Houston has lower labor costs than Austin and the competition is fierce. So just research the company find out how long they have been in business installed windows and which manufacturers they represent. The majority all purchase from the same supply company. ABC ect the only difference is the discount they receive and labor overhead.

    It really doesnt matter where you see the company car shows, chili cookoffs bat festival. if people are interested in replacement they will talk to you. It doesnt have to be a home improvement show. Expect to spend $500-700 an opening typically need to have 3 window purchase.

    Yes they want both decision makers there since the reps are commissioned based they lose money having to come back and not keep going to new appointments. So best discounts are usually offered up front, doesnt mean you cant call back in two days and ask for another 100-200 off to seal the deal. Anderson will probably call you the next day and offer another discount. or tell you the discounted price will no longer be available once they walk out the door.

    Dont just buy white windows, Look around the neighborhood at homes that have replaced,. Almond color goes alot nicer with many homes without sticking out.
    Hope this info helps. it takes 3 weeks to build and install windows typically so its not a quick turn around. If you can take advantage of financing so you are not giving any money until the job is completed its the way to go.

    I rambled out quite a bit of info. if you have any questions ect dont hesitate to ask I owned a window siding company for 11 years and will gladly share what i know.
     
  12. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    Thanks for the in depth reply, that helps a lot. Should I tell him right off front that I'm not going to buy that day? Or maybe I will when they call Friday so they don't waste their time until I'm ready.
     
  13. ATXNekko

    ATXNekko Member

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    You can tell them that you are not going to buy, everyone says that. Its an objection like anything else. If you have an interest, need or desire thats all a good salesman needs to close you. Besides your other half the only objection becomes $$.

    Few people expect to buy windows on a fact finding mission. But after two-three hours a good product and presentation people wear down dont want to go threw it all again and crumble. Eat a good meal before the appointment.

    If you dont want to go threw the pony show dont confirm the appointment tell them your wife cant be available and you want her there yada yada. They will continue to call to reschedule and set it once your ready. It only costs time and maybe a cold glass of water to get a product demo and price.

    Otherwise its just a free estimate to show you how superior our product/company is and position a closing situation. It really just depends on how good the rep is. I never personally had an issue just giving good advice and a price I know I can still match in 6 months to a year and lived off referrals and previous estimates as a bonus while making friends.

    Not all sales people see it that way and will leave a bad taste in peoples mouth because of they were pushy arrogant or whatever. To me that was a win every time I walked threw the door to get the job.

    When people ask for windows now I just give them an installers phone number and take a referral fee. The windows themselves even loaded out cost $180-mid 300s for a top notch window. (not including tempered glass, arch windows, specialty, permits ect ) add another 60-100 for installation labor(not counting any trim replacement ) and another 60 or so for caulk (not per window) plus Salesman's commission and then company profit and your at a pretty good baseline price for replacing ten windows in the average home.
     
  14. ATXNekko

    ATXNekko Member

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    Ask for referrals from jobs they have done that you can drive by and or call. Preferably in your neighborhood close area. Not across town. Actually go see and talk to them.
     
  15. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    He can pressure me all he wants, I don't have the money right now, but wanted to get a solid estimate of what I need to save for. I'll probably take your suggestion to let him know my wife isn't home and to call me back in about a month or so.

    Thanks again.
     
  16. Xerobull

    Xerobull You son of a b!tch! I'm in!

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    Here's their selling point in a nutshell:

    ***

    You: I can't buy right now.
    Them: You will save $100 per month on utilities with these windows right away. That savings will pay for the $50 per month if you finance them with the Window Finance Company. It's a no brainer.

    ***

    And it really is- if the windows pay for themselves, why wouldn't you finance them right away and realize the savings right away?

    Remember, even though salespeople are primarily motivated by their commission (their livelihood), it doesn't mean that what they are selling is crap or a scam.

    You probably can't negotiate on the interest rate that their finance company offers, but you can get your own financing. And you CAN negotiate on the cost of the window install itself.
     
  17. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"

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    I will say when we upgraded our windows recently, we were like "why did we wait so damned long?" Much better reality in our house in terms of noise and temperature, especially with the darned google bus, Facebook bus, and genentech bus going by our house dozens of time per day.
     
  18. robbie380

    robbie380 ლ(▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿ლ)
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    Renewal by Andersen or anyone at those shows are not worth your time. It is obscenely over priced and their stupid ass sales pitch takes forever. Call them back and tell them to **** off for me.

    They came by my house and quoted me at like 26000 for 8 windows and 2 garden doors after wasting my time. I think they were offering me a 10% discount if I signed that day too.
     
  19. Hilltopper

    Hilltopper Contributing Member

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    Who did you end up going with?

    26K??? wow.
     
  20. robbie380

    robbie380 ლ(▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿ლ)
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    No one for now. I had another company come out and quote me at 20k for all my windows. I think they were just making prices up.

    I need to do something eventually, but I just put the whole project on hold after all that frustration.

    And seriously just cancel the visit from Renewal by Andersen it isn't worth the time.
     

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