I have used JC Adams (New St. in Cambridge) and JB Sash (in Chelsea.) JB Sash had slightly better customer service and was able to arrange one of their subcontractors to do the installation as well. I might have just been lucky with the particular subcontractor but he did a great job and went way beyond the call of duty (installing new stops for free.)
In terms of what kind of window, there is a very basic Brosco replacement window that is OK if you aren't fussy. The next step up is to Harveys or Trimlines (Trimlines are harder to find but for the price I think they are better.) The top of the line is Marvins and Pellas. Andersen replacements are a newer line and I think they are between the Harveys and the Marvins.
In general, although vinyl tends to be the default and slightly cheaped I highly recommend wood windows with an exterior metal or vinyl cladding instead. The wood insulates better and looks better, and I also think is more durable.
Of course, if you have an older house I'd encourage considering weatherstripping and repairing the old windows, adding a new Harvey storm window, but it sounds like you aren't dealing with a house with nice old windows. Windowrepair.com will tune up old windows for less than replacing them.
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Date: 2009-06-21 01:33 pm (UTC)In terms of what kind of window, there is a very basic Brosco replacement window that is OK if you aren't fussy. The next step up is to Harveys or Trimlines (Trimlines are harder to find but for the price I think they are better.) The top of the line is Marvins and Pellas. Andersen replacements are a newer line and I think they are between the Harveys and the Marvins.
In general, although vinyl tends to be the default and slightly cheaped I highly recommend wood windows with an exterior metal or vinyl cladding instead. The wood insulates better and looks better, and I also think is more durable.
Of course, if you have an older house I'd encourage considering weatherstripping and repairing the old windows, adding a new Harvey storm window, but it sounds like you aren't dealing with a house with nice old windows. Windowrepair.com will tune up old windows for less than replacing them.
I don't know as much about door replacements.