Well we used up that tax refund but this year we decided it was finally time to update the main floor windows as well. We decided - due to our minimal free time thanks to the baby - to only get 2 estimates: 1 from the company #1 who did our upstairs windows (we did have some issues getting them to replace the screen but in all we are very happy with the windows) and 1 from company #2, our second choice company from 2010. We were 99% set on using the same company but wanted another estimate for comparison. It was a surprise to us - we ended up deciding to switch companies. Time will tell if we made the right decision. In the end, the two companies had identical prices (last time, #1 was cheaper by about $100 per window) and similar products. #1 offered us triple-pane to match our upstairs and #2 offered us only double-pane but with almost comparable energy values. There are way too many values to compare easily- it had a higher U value (good), similar solar gain and light transmission, but higher air infiltration rating (bad). The results of our energy audit, however, indicated that windows do not represent a significant source of energy loss.
There were 3 deciding factors:
1. Most important - the vinyl edging felt more sturdy and welded together and looked a lot prettier. Almost like wood trim. While the upstairs and downstairs will not match, we thought it was more important to have a more "wood-like" look for the main floor since it is more visible. Our upstairs window frames are more hidden by aluminum siding (rather than standing out from red brick) and, obviously, higher and harder to see.
2. We liked that they are going to install tempered glass in the bathroom. We got into a little discussion with #1 over whether tempered glass should have been installed upstairs during the first round of new windows. When #2 came to give us an estimate a few weeks ago, they said we definitely need tempered glass in the bathroom to stay within code, because the window is close to the tub. #1 says we don't, because the window isn't in the shower/tub, but confirmed with #2 that the actual rule says that you must install tempered glass if the window is within 5 standing feet of the shower/tub. To my mind, it is - actually both bathrooms are. So maybe they are interpreting the rules differently. Either way, better safe than sorry and I wish we had pushed the issue in the upstairs bathroom.
3. The biggest question we had was how to deal with the giant picture window with two smaller windows in front. #1 suggested making the two smaller windows casement windows. #2 wants to keep them as regular double hung windows, which we prefer. The only problem with going with #2 is that they would charge a few hundred extra dollars if we break the installation into two phases (i.e. doing the regular windows this round, then the picture window plus side windows in another year or so). #1 didn't charge extra to come back again later. We didn't necessarily want to get it all done at once, purely because it is so expensive. But we might as well bite the bullet and do it all together - that way they all match and we deal with the mess of installation only once.
Which brings me to the last point - remember that we did the upstairs before we had any window dressing or furniture...Even though I knew logically that it would be more complicated this time around, I groaned yesterday when they called to schedule the installation and reminded me that I have to remove all blinds and curtains AND move furniture 4'-6' away from every window "or as far away as you can." Yikes...:
But hey, at least this window that broke over 4 years ago is finally going to get fixed:
j
1 comment:
Can't wait to see your new windows. I'm sure the cats will be so excited to be able to get into all the windows.
That should keep them busy for a while.
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