Which Window to Go With?

HuskerHomer · **Joined:** Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:15 pm **Posts:** 13

I'm looking for some advice. I've gotten the following quotes from four different firms:

Company A: Soft-Lite Imperial LS, $13,800

Company B: Sunrise Sunrise $14,200

Company C: Soft-Lite Elements: $14,900

Company D: Sunrise Vanguard: $15,100.

Are the Elements or Vanguard worth the extra $1,000? And if so, as between them, which would you recommend?

Windows on Washington · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 4:50 pm

Those are all good choices.

Which did you like the best in terms of looks?

The Elements is the best performer but will give you less glass than the Vanguard. It depends on what is ultimately important to you.

What mode is the Sunrise Company B is quoting? If they are quoting the Essentials, it is not in the same category as the other 3.

How many units are there in total?

HuskerHomer · **Joined:** Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:15 pm **Posts:** 13

Company B is the Sunrise by Sunrise (not the Essentials or the Vanguard).

20 units, mainly double hungs but also a picture window and some half circles.

Looks don't matter much, but would prefer more glass and less frame.

Windows on Washington · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:01 pm

If it were my home, I would probably opt for the Elements. They are all great windows but I prefer that one based on the performance of the unit.

EcoStar Remodeling · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:28 pm **Posts:** 211

Tough choice. Assuming equal install quality I'd probably go with the Imperial LS.

HuskerHomer · **Joined:** Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:15 pm **Posts:** 13

I did not measure frame width, and since it was four companies, could not compare any two together. Which one would have the most glass?

randy · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:27 pm

All good windows, the Sunrise windows will have the most glass.

Installation and company reputation would probably be the decisive factor for me. If those were all equal, the Elements is the top performer.

Windows on Washington · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:52 pm

+1

Install is the big factor that has not been discussed here.

The offset in glass between the Elements and the Vanguard is not that much and it is one of the top 5 performing windows that are out there today. I prefer the look of the Elements over the Imperial LS and the add-on that they give the Elements over the LS (screening, latches, exterior looks) are worth the $50 more per window in my opinion.

HomeSealed · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:03 pm

I would definitely put the most weight on the install/installation company, as any of the four choices are premium grade, and will serve you well. The best value of the bunch is the LS imo, as any performance difference will be negligible. If budget is no concern, I like the Sunrise (Vanguard or Restorations) out of those choices.

HuskerHomer · **Joined:** Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:15 pm **Posts:** 13

So, to summarize, it sounds like the Elements is a better performer (but just slightly), but the Vanguard will give me more glass (but again, just slightly), while the Imperial LS might be the best value due to the price difference. Weighting all those factors, I should then put the most weight on getting a good installation company.

Do I have that about right?

EcoStar Remodeling · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:28 pm **Posts:** 211

HomeSealed · **Posted:** Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:19 pm

EcoStar Remodeling wrote:

Yep.

+1.

Windows on Washington · **Posted:** Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:59 pm

HomeSealed wrote:

EcoStar Remodeling wrote:

Yep.

+1.

+2

I still think the Elements at $50 more per unit is a good deal and certainly well below what people tend to charge for that unit.

Install and installer skill is preeminent in this comparison.

Which Window to Go With?

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