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Anderson windows worth it?
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Posted by fairygirl43 (My Page) on Mon, Oct 22, 07 at 8:38
| Hi all -
Closing is coming up on the 30th (thank goodness) and the paperwork is supposed to arrive here in Louisville today. With that in mind, we're starting to think about a few things to do at the new house. One of which is replacing the windows. We knew coming in that it would need to be done at some point. We got a quote for Anderson windows and it sent me into sticker shock! But we're trying to decide if it's worth the extra money to pay for Anderson. Does it hold weight when looking to buy? I ask because we know this isn't going to be the final stop for us (we're in our early 40s) and while I don't plan on selling this house any time soon, I am not going to be naive about the projects we do here and think they won't make a difference.
Just wondering what you all thought about the Anderson windows. If you have other recommendations, I'd greatly appreciate it! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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As a rule, replacement windows will not be a selling point at some time in the future, it is expected that the windows work and are weather tight..Having done this in the past, i had custom wood replacement windows installed, so as not to affect the outside of the home..I didn't want vinyl replacements, as they are white, and can't be painted or stained..When i went to sell 8 years later, my realtor didn't even dwell on them, just mentioned windows replaced in 199?...
So, if you think the windows need to be replaced, do so...Can they be reglazed? Perhaps that could be a much cheaper alternative |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| They'd be a selling point to me. Without realizing it I've lived with good windows most of my life. Now that I'm older and looking at houses with crappy windows they really stand out. I have no idea whether you'll get your money back. All I can say is that I do look at windows as a large consideration along with all the big ticket mechanicals that need long term routine replacement, furnace, air, roof, eavestroughs/soffits etc. No name furnaces, crappy metal or vinyl windows, crummy storm doors, deferred maintenance, 2 layers of shingles, all that adds up in my head. I put Anderson in the last house I built. Pella had a good reputation, not sure if it still does. Maybe check the house building forum. |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| In addition to Anderson and Pella, there is also Marvin. Marvin has a replacement windows that use your present frames. Take the old out and put the new in. The cost should be much less. Enjoy the journey. eal51 in western CT |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| We installed Marvin windows in the living room this year - talk about sticker shock! Non-traditional sized = custom made! I have always loved Anderson windows. I am not sure if they are the same quality they used to be, but I do know I would consider vinyl windows a selling detriment. True sticker shock comes when you look at wood interior, aluminum exterior window replacement. Yikes! |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| Go with Anderson, traditional sizes, reasonable pricing be it 200 or 400 series and parts are always available. |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| IMO,Anderson windows would be a real asset if the price of the house were in line with what would be considered a high-end upgrade. When I left my custom home back in IL, we had triple-pane crank-out windows,and they were worth their weight in gold! |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| Fairygirl, About how old is your house and how old are your windows? What's wrong with the windows that you are considering replacing them? Are you looking at wood or vinyl windows? Your answers to these questions will be very helpful. |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| The house was built in 1971 and the windows are original. They have storm windows and screens on the outside and they aren't very efficient. They also don't work very well. In fact, some don't open at all. I believe we're looking at the Anderson 400 series replacement windows which are wood interior and I'm not sure what the exterior is (I'm writing this on the computer in the basement and haven't made the trek upstairs for the brochure). |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| Count me in on thinking that new windows are a big deal - especially if they tilt for cleaning. We have been looking at tons of houses. A good portion of them have old windows, and those houses go to the bottom of the list - I just don't want to have to deal with bad windows. They are a huge part of the house and the way it functions. However, if I loved loved the house, and it was priced well enough that we could afford to put in new windows ourselves, I might consider it. Pattycakes - We are also looking into building a new house (in Illinois!). I always thought triple-pane would be great for noise and energy efficiency, but my husband thinks it's overkill. What specifically did you like so much about the triple pane compared to double pane? (Maybe your likes could help my argument for triple pane if we decide to build!) Thanks! |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| Be sure to check out the window forum. There is lots of good information over there. If your new windows are well constructed and installed properly, I really wouldn't care about the brand name. |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| Just wanted to say I have Anderson windows in my home in Wyoming. The weather gets nasty in the winter- 50mph winds with -20 degrees temperature. Shortly after I bought the house, in the winter, during a bad storm, I went to the windows to see if any air leakage, cold panes, etc. were happening- not a bit!! I can't tell that it is windy/howling with these windows! I don't know what series they are, but they are excellent! I have crappy windows in the condo in Texas- a mild climate, and I can tell- it is well worth it to buy them, or q window of same quality. I know when I build my small place in Texas, I will invest in good windows- but I'm sure I'll be shocked by the prices also. Best of luck. PS- the windows are 25 years old and have held up wonderfully! |
RE: Anderson windows worth it?
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| I've had both Anderson and Marvin in homes, quality seemed fairly consistent. However, I have also personally worked with both companies (used to work in MN for a nonprofit, and dealt with the foundations/community giving areas for each.) Anderson was WONDERFUL to work with, cared deeply about the good of the community, and seemed to treat their employees well. I can't say the same about my interaction with the Marvin folks. Not sure if that sort of thing is important to you, but thought I'd let you know... |
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