I started the research of replacement windows with a review of the information on Consumer Reports. My dad wouldn’t buy anything that cost more than $100 without first researching it on Consumer Reports. The nice thing about CR is that it does not accept advertising dollars. This eliminates the perception that advertisers receive higher ratings. CR offers a great primer on replacement windows, and it also rates some of the basic manufacturers, but not all.
One key thing that I learned from CR, and this was reiterated by several other sites, is that you will greatly reduce your risk of problems down the road if you select a supplier that also handles the installation. I could have bought the windows from a home improvement company or a manufacturers rep, but if I have a problem two years from now and the company is out of business, I am looking at a huge hassle to get it resolved. If I manage to get the window manufacturer to buck up for a product warranty (and they could easily say it is an installation issue), I’m still responsible for the labor cost on the fix.
Next I did some checking on Window World. You may have seen their commercials (with the very “easy on the eyes” Kathy Ireland) or their billboards advertising the “$189 installed” replacement window. I didn’t have to do much research to confirm that I did not want $189 replacement windows. If I were selling my house in the next 90 days, or if it were a rental, I might think about it. I do not want to pay for the inefficiency of these windows (or the installation) via utilities, and I do not want to replace them in 5 to 6 years. Based on what I read, I could expect to pay between $600 and $800 for a quality product. For 14 windows, I calculated my budget to be a maximum of $11,000.
Based on manufacturers that handle the installation, I narrowed it down to three companies- Champion, Pella, and Renewal by Andersen. I set up an appointment with each via their web sites. All three were able to come up within a few days. All wanted 90 minutes to 2 hours for their pitch and to measure. I could only give them 60 minutes. Time is valuable. If I am giving you my valuable time so you can try to sell me, please respect my time. All three would provide an estimate when they left.
Champion – this was my first appointment. They sales rep arrived right on time. He gave me the overview of the company, some basic “value” features of their product, and answered a few questions. I respected his style in that he didn’t force anything, and he listened to my questions. As we walked the house so he could measure, he kept coming back to the cues that I provided as key issues in my decision process. He was in and out in an hour, and I had a written estimate in hand when he left. The” all in” price from Champion was ~$9,800 (or about $700/window). One huge selling point, Champion offers a lifetime transferrable warranty. Since they’ve been around for over 50 years, this actually has value.
Renewal by Anderson –The rep showed up on time, but immediately said he would need 90 minutes, and if I could not provide that today, then we should reschedule. Not an option. It was today or nothing. He started talking about the awesome features of their product. RbA only does full frame composite windows, not low maintenance vinyl. It’s truly not an apples-to-apples comparison, but still worth a look. We did the walk through, and he also did much of his pitch during this time. At the end of the hour he offered a verbal estimate, but first asked for my guess. I jokingly said $15,000 to which he asked if I wanted them installed. The price was over $30,000. Not sure when he left because I passed out.
Pella – My appointment was for 2 PM. At 2:15 I was giving up and thinking he was a no show. He arrived 5 minutes later. I told him I didn’t think he would show up, and he flippantly replied that of course he would show up. Why wouldn’t he show up? Not a good start. He next started by asking baited questions that I viewed as wasting my time. It turns out that Pella could quote 3 options – and he was trying to figure out what he had the best chance of selling. The circular conversation became exhausting, and quite frankly, I was starting to think “screw it.” I finally got him on track and we did the walk through. His flippant attitude started to grow on me. I can appreciate sarcasm, and he was actually pretty good at it. At 3:00, officially the end of his appointment, he finally started working on his estimate. He gave me a verbal quote of ~$9,300, and I had to bug him for a few days before I could get a written quote. The price was a little more than I expected because I received an advertisement that stated a $99 installation promotion. This also appeared on their website. I asked about that, and was told it’s not offered in the Kansas City market. He smiled as he said it, indicating little remorse for the confusion. Perhaps it’s not “Bait and Switch” but it sure felt like it.
Decision time - I can quickly rule out Andersen. I can’t see spending 10% of my home value on new windows. It was between Pella and Champion. Considering the lack of respect for my time (late arrival) and intelligence (condescending questions and questionable advertising tactics), I crossed Pella of the list.
I called the Champion rep, and he came out on the weekend to write up the order. Much respect for that. I would have done the same thing, especially because it was the end of the month.
It’s 7 weeks later and the job is done. The installers arrived right on time (actually a few minutes early) and wasted no time getting to it. They were extremely professional and did the job as if it were their own home. Not sure what I expected, but safe to say that they exceeded my expectations. No damage to the shrubs or lawn, and they took the time to explain the product. The one thing I did not see coming is that I cannot put the wood blinds back up. The way the replacement window slides in reduces the opening by an inch or two on all 4 sides. It also removed the wooden frame at the top where you would mount the brackets. We determined that this is not a huge issue. With new windows that we can easily clean, we don’t have the need to keep them hidden.
So far I am extremely pleased with my decision. I firmly believe in spreading the word if you get a good value on something. With that, if you are looking for replacement windows, start by contacting Brian Andrade at Champion Windows. He’ll take care of you.
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