I'm going to be doing some reno work on the duplex I live in. The windows are vinyl and well over 20 years old. They don't close right, drafty and causing water issues in spots. So they need to be updated.

My contractor for 17 Andersen 400 series double hung windows wants about $19k for the windows with installation. I called Renewal by Andersen just to get another quote since I'm not well versed in windows and I don't know if my contractor price is good or not. The contractor also quoted me about $11k to re-side the house as it may be needed after the windows are installed.

The renewal by andersen sales rep quoted me almost $50k for their fibrex windows or closer to $40k if I signed up right away. They made it sound like the 400 series that my contractor installs is really just for new construction and their windows would be best for direct replacement. The siding wouldn't have to be re-done.

Does anyone have exeprience with renewal by andersen, 400 series or windows in general? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but also don't want to install the wrong thing.

Jim,

I am not an expert on Anderson Windows......Nope.

I am located about an hour south of Erie. We let the Amish build windows around here. They will ask if they are new construction or retrofit windows. The cost of each window goes by its size but I absolutely routinely am able to buy these windows at about $175-200 each.

You would have to install these windows which after you learn how they are installed will kick yourself for not becoming an Anderson contractor. Four screws, caulking and great Stuff foam. If told an Amish man what that bid was, he would have to pay, the Dutch would also toss in a small child for you too.

Ray hit the target. I thought after seeing some prices in Lowes and H-depot let me see what Anderson would install. If it were close maybe I'd have them do it. (since i could cruise while they worked)

Hones when I got the estimate I thought they just put the decimal in the wrong spot-- surely not $30,000.00 for 13 windows? It had to be a mistake. I called the girl who did the measuring and calculations and when she verified everything I was so shocked I couldn't even be rude. Usually I get rude when people try to stick it too me to MY FACE.

I would rent out a place with no windows before I'd get gouged like this from anyone.

Why not fix the existing window balance hardware, most I have done the parts cost 15-30bux online, read a lot more before deciding to spend cost of house for windows.

Price is WAY too high.

Unless your place is a class A property worth over 500k, look for local places that do windows or use aluminum or vinyl.

Jim - don't know exactly where you are in NY state but I learned of and used a place in Bergan County, NJ.

Average double hung was around 210.00 plus shipping.

Delivery 2-3 weeks after ordering.

They delivered them about 70 miles to my location for a flat 175.00.

They also would refer local independent contractors to install and case for about 150-200 per window.

Five Star Building Products 201.869.4181

eileen.fivestar@verizon.net

10 year glass fogging warranty

10 year on vinyl extrusions

5 year hardware warranty

I am having 8 windows put in a duplex for $4400 and I feel like that is too much but he did the other side and has a warranty where if the window breaks he will replace for free. I also know the guy socially so there is that.

I don't think this is a deal at $550 a window. I feel sure I could have gotten them cheaper but he was a convenient choice.

I contacted Andersen Renewals. When they found out I was asking about a rental house, they said "Landlords don't like to use them because the cost is about $2-3,000 per window."

Jim, are you handy at all? If so then when the weather warms up, take off the casing/ trim on the inside so you can get an exact measurement of the window you want to replace, then order a replacement window of the brand you feel comfortable w/ the price point. Installing the new window is as easy as shimming it square and plumb in the hole w/out putting pressure on the frame and screwing it in place as directed. Then use canned window insulation being carful to not let it swell and put pressure on the window. caulk the outside w clear alex 240 or similar and put your interior trim back up. To remove the original one you might need to cut the flaps free that held it nailed in place under the siding. The key is in measuring the existing window itself or the opening exactly. Tell the clerk this measurement and then they deduct a half inch or whatever is standard to size the window properly. Ace has a similar line of windows to Anderson. Search older threads here for recommendations.

Windows are not an easy task to replace. First it is your responsibility as the owner and customer end user to do your homework. I would first want to find out why your 20 year old windows failed! If you can't find out why, then it may be a problem with your property and the new windows could also leak.

Next you can purchase good quality windows from a local supplier much cheaper. If your current windows are stock sizes, then no special ordering. An if you have to order them special, then the price only jumps around $100 more per window.

I had a friend who needed new windows. He was a real jerk. Typical guy you can't teach him anything because he's the expert on life and all it entails. I gave him my speech and words of advice. I'm a licensed contractor. First he purchased the wrong type of windows. Did he need single or double hung or sliders? Then he wanted to install them himself. I warned him that his City changed the rules, no longer could a homeowner install their own windows, only a "window" contractor, not even a General Contractor was allowed to install windows. Why? Because there was too many failures.

So this "friend" purchased the wrong type of windows, leaving near to the beach and the corrosive salt water. He did not account for the extra drainage needed in the window frames. Then he did not allow for expansion of the wood frame house. And he did not address the UV sun factor or insulation factors.

Robert and "here in" is what is wrong with CA and their type states of overreach.

IT cost him 30K. Do I or anyone else care that he was ignorant? that he didn't check out his product selection? NO he had to anti up. We just don't care. What we do care about is the state, town, city in every aspect of our lives.

So my point is: in CA you even need a special license for windows? A person can't go to H-depot and get a replacement window? So this begs the question why is H-depot even allowed to sell windows?

I was replacing my 1923 apartment house windows when the police showed up to arrest me. One can not replace their own windows without consulting with the HPZ (Historical Preservation Zone).

Renewal by Anderson charges the s**t out of customers because they will finance it.