Replacement Windows

[smoterh.livejournal.com]

I'm looking to replace 3 or 4 windows in my house. Most of them are non standard size sliding windows. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations for companies that can do this? (Already signed up for a consultation with Newpro, but would like to get several quotes)

Comments

[mzrowan.livejournal.com]

Avoid Newpro AT ALL COSTS -- they are famous for the hard sell. They'll pull this bullshit move about being able to give you a discount, but only if you sign *right now*, because if you do they can get your order in with a bigger one or some other lie. Then if you say no, they won't stop calling you. Of course, they *will* keep offering you bigger and bigger discounts, so if you want, you can play that game. I just found them too slimey for words, not to mention overpriced (and so did most of their reviewers on Angie's List).

my windows

[kath7614.livejournal.com]

My husband and I purchased Newpro windows at the beginning of the summer. I've had other quotes from other replacement window companies, but in my opinion Newpro has the best quality windows in the market. We already noticed how we've barely turned the thermostat on and couldnt be happier. Everything was done so quickly and professionally.. I would highly recommend NEWPRO to anyone.

Re: my windows

[mzrowan.livejournal.com]

My, what an unequivocally positive comment! And from a journal that was created today, has never made any posts, and has no friends. I am...suspicious, to put it mildly.

[somertricky.livejournal.com]

Why replace? I highly recommend Wenes of the Elite Company (617-839-2566), who will restore typical Somerville wood double-hung windows for ~$250 per - including scraping paint out of the frame, installing new copper chain and brass weatherstripping.

Over the years, he's done every original window on our two-family (at least two dozen), and I can't thank whoever recommended him to us in the first place. If things are slow, they'll do general handy work as well (i.e., paint).

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

It looks like we're going to be signing with JB Window and Sash. (http://www.jbsash.com/)

Also, btw, if you work through the MasSAVE Energy Loan program it's seven years of zero interst (*not* deferred) before you have to pay it off. But there's a lot of paperwork and requirements to do that. Step one is call NStar at 1-800-632-8300 to schedule a Home Energy Assessment (assuming you're an NStar customer). www.masssave.com/about/heat_loan.php (http://www.masssave.com/about/heat_loan.php)

[ron_newman]

I added the home repair tag, which has this old post about window replacement.

[yakshaver.livejournal.com]

We got three quotes and went with Stormtite (http://www.stormtite.com/files/windows.html). Their pricing was competitive, they're local and were pleasant to deal with, and two years in we're still happy with our new windows.

[masswich.livejournal.com]

I'd second the idea of keeping the old windows and tuning them up/weatherstripping them .... IF they are any good to begin with. If they are just mediocre newish windows anyway, or if you need to deal with deleading, it probably makes sense to replace them.

If you do replace them, I generally recommend JB Sash and the contractors they work with. A good range of window types, good customer service. I don't recommend going with low quotes on windows because good installation is key.

In terms of types and brands, I generally like wood windows with aluminum exteriors. Vinyl windows sound good in theory but DO NOT insulate as well as wood. The aluminum exterior accomplishes the same goal of not needing to paint the outsides. Brands I like are (from high end and cost to lower end) Marvin, Pella, Trimline (a harder to find brand around here but I think a good balance of cost and quality), Harvey, and Brosco.

J&C Adams

[pjmorgan.livejournal.com]

In north Cambridge is also good-pretty similar to JB Sash, but showroom is closer to Davis.