On 13 Jun 2006 13:50:28 -0700, "Carl" wrote:

I am looking at getting replacement windows and wa contacted by Melani
Brothers. A company that installs windows, siding and decks. The
price they quoted me for 8 windows/installation is approx $8500. The
demo window they brought out to my house, created by SunriseWindows
seemed very high quality with no dead space with inthe frame or
construction. The window is laser fused and is not mechanicaly (screws
and bolts) constructed. They compared their window to a replacement
window purchased from Lowes or Home Depot in how it is constructed and
the overall quality, their window does seem far above what they tell me
about the competitors windows, but it is just that... what they tell
me.

Is $8500 a fair price for the windows and installation? Where would be
a good place to go for information about their quality and workmanship?
I have gone to BBB website and there were less than 10 complaints, all
of which were resolved in one way or another.

The windows are (2) 32x66 and (6) 32x52.

Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.
Carl

That $8500 price is exhorbitant!

I assume that you are talking about vinyl frame replacement windows
that drop into the original window framing and not new construction
windows?

Another poster suggested Pella, Marvin or Anderson windows but they
are not known for replacement windows, at least not around here.

Also, despite the statement made by another poster that vinyl windows
deteriorate rapdily due to UV exposure, I've not found that to be the
case. I've installed over 50 of them, some going back 20 years. So
far, there's been no noticeable deterioration of the vinyl. If the
vinyl did indeed deteriorate that fast, vinyl siding makers wouldn't
be able to offer their warranties. The makers add UV inhibitor
chemicals to protect the vinyl.

The H-D windows sold under the American Craftsman brand are actually
quite decent. Their better 8500 series has low E glass, 7/8" glass
spacing, Argon filled AND fusion welded frames. The price for just
the windows (no installation) in your sizes runs around $175 to
$200/ea.

When I've been too busy to do my own installs, I use a local supplier
that installs a similar high quality low-E/Argon filled/Fusion welded
double hung window for around $225/ea in minimum quantities of 5 per
job site.

Doug

Slumlord par excellance!