Down to 2 estimates

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snowskier
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 6:13 pm

Down to 2 estimates

#1 Post by snowskier »

Good Afternoon,

I have narrowed down my search for 15 vinyl replacement widows + 2 doors to the 2 estimates below.
House built in 1969
Cincinnati, OH
2 story - brick first floor, vinyl sided 2nd fl
Lead test was negative


Estimates are to replace:
15 vinyl Double hung windows
1 Patio Door
1 Storm Door
Complete install - removal of old windows, install windows + PVC coated coil on outside, 2 doors

ESTIMATE # 1 - $10,451

15 Soft-Lite Elements Double Hung Windows
Solar Low-e SB70XL
Argon
Super Spacer
White
1/2 Screen
Colonial Contour Grids

1 Provia 460DLA Patio Door
20 guage steel
ComforTech DLA glass- dbl glazed, Argon, Super Spacer, PPG Low-e Solarban 60

1 Provia Spectrum 291 Full View Storm Door
full glass
top and bottom InVent retractable screens

Deposit 1/3 remaining balance upon completion


ESTIMATE # 2 - $9345

15 Simonton ‘Reflections 5500’ series custom-sized double-hung vinyl replacement windows
LoE-366 Glass Package (1” IGU, SuperSpacer, 1 Surface LoE-366, Argon) with additional double strength glass,
sculptured’ internal(between-the-glass) colonial grids,
extruded half screens

1 Masonite ‘Belleville’ Smooth Fiberglass Door Unit (primed/ready-to-paint), Model # BLS 106-091-2
9 Lite Half Glass w/Embossed 2 Panel Bottom
Tempered, Low-E insulated glass
white ‘sculptured’ between-the-glass grids),
28 x 68,
RH inswing, 6 9/16” ‘FrameSaver’ jamb, double bore, adjustable sill, with keylock and double cylinder deadbolt

1 ProVia ‘Deluxe’ Series Model #399 Self-Storing Storm Door
32” x 80”, hinged right,
snow mist white, w/tempered safety glass, w/full screen, w/white contemporary curve lever with deadbolt hardware

Deposit 50% balance upon completion

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both Companies have A+ BBB ratings. Absolutely no pressure salespeople.

I am leaning towards Estimate # 1 for the following reasons:
located 5 miles from house
In business since 1978 vs May 26, 2010 for estimate # 2
Salesperson was the owner who started the company
Soft-Lite Window air infiltration #'s are outstanding


OK there you have it. What do you guys think? I would like to think I did my homework after reviewing your fine site :)

Skydawggy
Posts: 1578
Joined: Sat Feb 10, 2007 11:51 pm
Location: Northern,Virginia
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Re: Down to 2 estimates

#2 Post by Skydawggy »

#1 for two main reasons. One is the Softlite is a better window and two, the Provia Door is quite a few steps above the Masonite Door.

Additionally, the Provia comes with a really nice factory paint job and the Masonite is just primed so you would have to paint it yourself. Also the Spectrum 291 is a much nicer storm door than the Deluxe 399.

If the price difference was only for the windows, I'd still say go with the Softlite. But add the better Provia 460 and Spectrum 291 and it makes it a no brainer IMO.

snowskier
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 6:13 pm

Re: Down to 2 estimates

#3 Post by snowskier »

Ecostar thank you for the reply.

With a window of this quality replacing 15+yo windows should I realistically expect a reduction in energy bills?

Skydawggy
Posts: 1578
Joined: Sat Feb 10, 2007 11:51 pm
Location: Northern,Virginia
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Re: Down to 2 estimates

#4 Post by Skydawggy »

There's almost always some reduction in energy usage. How much is difficult to say. Depends a lot on how bad your old windows are and other factors such as how tightly sealed your house is. A good quality installation is critical also. Most of us like to see the window openings sealed with foam rather than fiberglass insulation. Also don't "assume" that just because one company has been in business longer than the other that that means they will do a better job. Too many people have really poorly insulated homes and then expect miraculous savings from just replacing windows.

Good choice on the Provia Doors. I really like them.

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Windows on Washington
Posts: 4850
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
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Re: Down to 2 estimates

#5 Post by Windows on Washington »

Wow...that is good pricing.

#1 all the way.

Energy reduction totally depends on the home but those are some premium products you are getting there at a superb price.

TheWindowNerd
Posts: 1893
Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:52 pm
Location: SE PA & NJ; CT
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Re: Down to 2 estimates

#6 Post by TheWindowNerd »

#1 is the best choice.

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