install not replace - cut outside wall flanking fireplace

North wall of ranch home - we want windows installed on both sides of fireplace. Inside our home, the windows would replace custom built in wood shelving over cabinets. Our exterior is vinyl(?) siding.

House built in 1990. We are second owners.

And like most posts we have read - we are overwhelmed.

So far, from the four companies, only one guy understood the complexity of a new window install and the hidden uncertainty behind the curtain. (behind the wall, I just wanted to use the curtain phrase.)

My question - What do we need to look for in a window and installer?
Do we need to move more to a company with a builder mindset?
**how do you recognize a builder mindset?

What do we need to be wary of on these informative sales visits?

You don't need to hire a "builder" per say.

Some window installers have a working knowledge of framing and what you are proposing, minus some of the finish carpentry work, should be doable by a competent window/siding installer.

We cut holes in walls and frame out new openings on a fairly regular basis.

This one is a little bit tricky, because you don't want a jack of all trades builder type that will miss details in a complex install such as this, but as you also may have already experienced, many window specialty companies just send out professional salesmen that have no idea what they are talking about.
I'd stick to reputable window companies, and when you call, make sure that you express the type of project that you have, and you want them to send somebody out that explain the technical ins and outs of what they propose.

Wellington, Preservation, Stanek and a installer which came to give estimate but not much concrete information regarding product in our home.

The job has evolved / changed since we started on Tuesday.

Wrapping all windows and garage door trim to only the garage door trim.

Replacing storm in garage window and replacing window in bedroom on south wall.
We learned that the windows on the south wall should be different than those on north wall.

The room we plan to place the new install in already has two wood (Hurd) double hung windows. Wood is a feature in the room I would like to maintain and we have discovered it is expensive and limited in availability.

Maybe, maybe not. Depends where you are located, the orientation of the windows, landscaping, etc. If you are in a situation where you can take advantage of added passive solar gain, then yes, the south wall would be the spot to do so.


Expensive: Yes. Limited in availability? Not sure what you mean by that... Wood windows are now available in custom sizes and have a tremendous number of options available.

You might also consider expanding your product search to some additional products. The Stanek has some nice performance ratings, but the pocket sill on the double hung is undesirable (channels water, dirt, gunk, etc through the frame). Preservation is an Alside product and does the same.
Look for a product that has a u-value of .28 or lower in double pane, an air infiltration rating ideally lower than .05cfm, and a welded, sloped sill.

Both Stanek and Preservation have a pocket sill or snap in sill which is a major flaw in design that cause alot of problems. Wellington has a wood core ( strange).
Expand your search and look at some other offerings. Himark is a solid offering that is not only energy efficient but designed extremely well.
You may want to contact HomeSealed if you are in his area. He is an expert craftsman and extremely knowledgeable about windows. Search the board for his name and then click his contact button. Great guy and an excellent contractor.

After some research on this site, contacting Homesealed appears to be a good strategy.

Yep, Brandon and the team at HS are great.
Nice guy, super fussy, knows the critical things in our industry.

theWindowNerd...

Without hesitation, question, or trepidation....HomeSealed would be the person that I would use.

You can be assured that you will get one of the best products on the market coupled with The Best install.

Brandon is an honorable person and character, honor, and integrity are probably as important as any singular trait in a contractor.