Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

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z28blue
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Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#1 Post by z28blue »

Hello! Homeowner in North New Jersey here. We bought our home about 3 years ago, and have needed to replace the 17 windows since, as the house is very drafty - the current windows are no name quick fix to sell basically. I've recieved multiple quotes (and wow what a range). I've been reading a lot on here about these brands, and am now at the point of a decision.

This is for 17 double-hung windows - nothing special - all are fairly standard size replacements. There is at least a 1 year labor warrantly on all, with some having up to 5.

Renewal by Anderson: Fibrex (Fiberglass/Wood Composite)- $38,561
Pela: Pela 250 Vinyl - $25,112
Marvin: Ultrex (Composite) - $29,291
Local Contractor: Provia Aspect Vinyl - $20,489
Local Contractor: Okta 500 Vinyl - $10,695
Local Contractor: Starmark (Okta) 7500 APC (composite) - $14,917
Home Depot: Simonton 6500 - $18,668
Home Depot: Simonton 6100 - $16,813

Based on my research, it seems like Renewal by Anderson and Pela are just not that great all around and are so much more expensive. Simonton has a lot of mixed reviews. Provia and Okta seems to have a lot of happy customers - so we're leaning towards Okna or Provia, with Okna maybe having the slighter edge based on value/price.

Am I leaning correctly here based on experience with these brands?
Is the additional $250 per window to updrade to the Starmark 7500 worth it? From what I can tell, it's mostly the the looks, but with similar performance.

Anything I'm I'm missing or not considering?

Thanks in advance!

Ricknez
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#2 Post by Ricknez »

I like the Okna the best by far. Pella is not a good brand. If you are in northern new jersey, i would contact AGM Window. They are an Okna dealer up there and offer the Okna 600 which you would want to see. They seem to do a good job and offer a very good window.
That pricing seems ridiculosly low. Im assuming no grids..
Last edited by Ricknez on Sun Mar 31, 2024 6:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

Would absolutely call AGM. Pricing is weirdly low.

What year Z28? I know that HomeSealed is an F-Body lover like me.

z28blue
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#4 Post by z28blue »

Thanks both.

I started typing out the age of the house and windows, and realized you were referring to the Camaro :lol:

Sadly, it WAS a 92 (indeed an F-body), but I sold her when I moved to New York many years ago - it's just an email/screen name I've used since I was 16 - route habit. Pour one out for her - I hope she's with someone who's taking her for a spin every now and then.

The quote seemed low to me, too, so here are all the details in the estimate:
All the windows are basically the same (sizes are slightly different, but all relatively simlar)
  • Double Hung
    7500 Series Starmark
    White
    1/2 screens
    Argon filled
    Low E Glass
    Full 2 Bend Capping if Necessary
    No Grids
    No speical glass (frosting or tempered)
Install seems standard:
  • 1 year labor warranty
    Removal of all job debris
    Caulking inside and out
    Manufacturer's Warrany
Does not include:
  • Removal or installation of curtains, shades or blinds
    Installation of AC or alarm sensors
    Painting/prepping for painting
    Moldings of any kind
    Removal of gates
Anything seem off there?

The company from reviews seems reputable - family owned. Been around for 20 years. 4.3 stars on Yelp and 5 on Google (200+ reviews).

Thanks in advance!

Ricknez
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#5 Post by Ricknez »

I would still give AGM Window a call, they seem to be the go to Okna guys up there. They are also family owned. My brother had a 69 z28 way back when and it was a monster. I remember him taking me to ocean city md in the summer with his friends.

z28blue
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#6 Post by z28blue »

I'll do that - see if AGM can come out this week. I'm so estimate-fatigued at this point, though.

--

Oh man, I bet that was fun to drive/ride in. It was a bittersweet move to Manhattan. Sold my car and my motorcycle - just doesn't make sense to have one in the city.

--

Any thoughts on why/how they could come in so low? Generally speaking, what does a window like that cost as a distributor/installer?

They basically priced it at $975 ea with install, and then gave me a 10% discount for doing 10+ windows.

But you both reacted that seemed quite low, so curious where you think that gap would be?

Thanks!

Ricknez
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#7 Post by Ricknez »

yeah, that pricing is just weird.

z28blue
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#8 Post by z28blue »

Weird is okay with me. Cheap is concerning :)

In your opinion, what should the per window pricing be installed for that window? And what would allow a company to deliver at such a lower rate? What short cuts would you look out for?

Ricknez
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#9 Post by Ricknez »

when I say weird, i mean alarmingly cheap. See what the other company up in your neck of the woods (AGM ) has to say.

z28blue
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#10 Post by z28blue »

Ricknez wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2024 1:03 pm I like the Okna the best by far. Pella is not a good brand. If you are in northern new jersey, i would contact AGM Window. They are an Okna dealer up there and offer the Okna 600 which you would want to see. They seem to do a good job and offer a very good window.
That pricing seems ridiculosly low. Im assuming no grids..
Gonna have AGM come out tonight - will let you know what they quote.

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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#11 Post by Windows on Washington »

That is probably my favorite F-Body generation. I am a 3rd Generation homer. The cars of my youth.

z28blue
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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#12 Post by z28blue »

Good call on AGM.

Very impressed with them. Price is very fair, and they warranty their labor for life (not just a year). Also, really like the Okna 800.

Thank you for the referral!

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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#13 Post by Windows on Washington »

Good peeps up there. You're in good hands.

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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#14 Post by HomeSealed »

A red 86 IROC was my second car, swapped the 305 to a 383 until I blew it up, and my blue 01 z28 may have been my favorite. Also had a blue 75, a pewter 02 Z, a 91 firebird, and a few other firebirds and T/A's peppered in there.

As far as windows, great advice from the pros above. Under $1k per unit for the Starmark composite is concerningly low, that window typically sells for 2 and even 3 times that amount (although I don't advocate for the latter under normal circumstances).

To answer your question of what would allow a company to deliver at a low rate:
- cheap installers (not ideal in terms of quality)
- cheap consumable items (ie: low grade caulk, trim coil, etc)
- Biggest reason is simply not knowing how to price your services to run a sustainable business. Some of us have been there, done that, and learned/adjusted before it killed us... however the vast majority do not. I forget the number but something like 90%+ of contractors go under within 10 years, and the majority within 5.
This is kind of an anomaly though, as most of these low priced guys aren't spending the extra money on premium windows -- nor does a company like Okna want anything to do with a company that isn't financially stable, but there may be some other weird circumstances going on.

With that said and MOST IMPORTANTLY, AGM is a great resource in your neck of the woods, I'll add one more recommendation for Paul and his team. Excellent product offering and his pricing will be reasonable. Sounds like you've already gathered this first hand, easy choice.

Just to put a bow on the others:

Okna is miles ahead of Provia. Provia is a "roofer's special" IMO, they are offered by lots of contractors, really none of whom are window experts.

Simonton is "mid" as my kids would say. The real killer on this one is the box store install. See my comments above about "cheap installs", the box stores literally set the low bar on that.

Pella 250 is not a top performer, uses an antiquated and problematic sill design, and really only exists because of the brand name label IMO.

Renewal is okay, but again, not a top performer and generally comes with "over the top" sales tactics and ultra high pricing.

You really have a great option there with Okna and AGM. One of the top performing windows on the market, and a great company to install and service it.

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Re: Replacement Window Quotes - Okna, Starmark, Provia, Pela, Andersen, Simonton

#15 Post by Windows on Washington »

F-Body content is always welcome!!

Crazy that both of our EVs are faster than our fastest hotrods.

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