Just brick up the openings ... it would be easier

[JimBobWalton]

My circumstances.

- house is 17 yrs old and has 16 window openings with a total of 22 total.

- current windows are made of fast-grown pine (soft wood) and pretty crappy quality overall... though no fogging, leaks or other typical problems

- generally speaking, the front windows are not in horrible shape but some of the seals, brick molding and frames have some rot and issues ... rear windows are in very good shape ... all windows need painting

- i would like to take advantage of the tax credit (expires 2010???)

- house faces west

I have heard many issues regarding vinyl particularly related to west-facing windows.

Questions:
1. Are quality vinyl windows ok for west facing windows?
2. Exactly what engineering details do I look for that says "this is a good quality window"
3. Looking past the marketing and sales BS, replacement windows actually DO have measurable cost to manufacture. That said, isn't there some reasonably solid formula that can help determine what a good price for ANY give window would be? If I plug in an opening in inches, expected "options", etc... I should be able to determine a reasonably tight range for expected cost. So far, it seems to me the markup from distributor to consumer is excessive.

My crazy estimate of costs and price:
I have no basis for this AT ALL but it seems logical to me that since the primary raw material is primarily float glass, the actual manufacturing cost for ANY size house window wouldn't be more than around $75. Add in the manufacturer's profit of around 40% = $105. Now add in shipping to distributor of around 25% and your total window cost to the distributor is $135. The distributor doubles the cost to cover his pre-installation expenses (carrying costs, marketing, etc..) and we are at $270. Add in installation cost of around 20% and the distributor cost sits at $325. So far, so good... this to me represents the distributor's COST with 100% of anything over this profit. So even with a healthy 40% profit, $450 is maximum that even a premium VINYL window should cost the consumer with PLENTY of room for negotiation DOWNWARD.

thanks for any help.

[TheWindowNerd]

way off on cost.

No problem with premium vinyl, if you read enough of the post you will find the answers you seek.

[Skydawggy]

If only life were so simple.

[WindowInfo]

If only life were so simple.

Thats the thruth....lol

You forgot to add in the costs of running a legitmate business...Here are some of mine....

Business Cost List

Building
Building
Warehouse Space
Trash Removal
Lawn Care
Snow removal
Upkeep & Repairs

Insurance
Building Insurance
Liability Insurance
Employee Insurance
Life Insurance
Business Insurance
Workers Comp.

Benefits
Vacation Pay
Holiday Pay
Uniforms
Uniform Maintenance
Unemployment
Bonuses
Incentives
Retirement Plan
Christmas Party

Vehicles
Vehicle Maintenance
Ladder Racks
Interior bins
Fuel
Truck Signs / lettering / vinyl
Tires

Taxes
Property Taxes
Tangible Taxes
Pay Roll Taxes
Income Taxes
Sales Tax

Tools
Company Tools
Safety Equipment
Ladders
Replacement Parts
Parts Storage
Damages
Tool Replacement
Job site storage

Advertising
Marketing
Business cards
Signs
Radio / TV
Newspaper
Flyers / brochures
Material Purchases
Inventory

Office Expenses
Computers
Stationary
Copy machine
Fax machine
Forms
Printing
Software
Office Equipment
Computer maintenance
Files
Postage
Office Supplies

IT
Internet service
Email accounts
Web site
-Initial creation
-Updating
-Maintenance
GPS services

Training
Management Training
Office Training
In-House Training
Tech Training
Mfg. Training
Training Equipment
Safety Training
Update classes
License testing


Utilities
Gas
Electricity
Telephone / Fax lines
Internet Service
Toll Calls
Telephones
Pagers/Cell Phones
Radio Maintenance


Financial
Accounting
Loans
Tax Preparation
Interest
30+ Day Receivables
Bank Charges


Misc
Trips to Supply House
Theft
Uncollected Money
Collection fees
Unbillable Hours
Commissions
Call Backs / Warranty work
Shortages
Bad Checks
Delivery
Credit Card Sales
Drug Testing

Legal
Legal advice
Law Suits
Incorporation / LLC fees


Labor
Wages
Salaries
Answering Service

[Skydawggy]

And let's not forget simple Capitalistic Theories of Supply and Demand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_and_demand