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| Thanks for your thoughts on my previous Okna questions. Now to the brass tacks, as it were. I have a quote from a very well reviewed local installer: Okna 400 with full screens and grids 360 per window Okna 400 as above with Deluxe package 410 per window 500 or 800 full screens and grids 485 per window 3X panes 60 per window, but I don't think we'll go that way. Paul |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| I will just say those prices are extremely abnormal and I have never seen either of those windows priced that low. |
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| I have TWO quotes like this, and one at 551 for an Okna 400. The two very low quotes are by companies that are both BBB A+ and both have multiple "Page of Happiness" nominations on Angie's List. So what to do? The vast price difference between the three quotes concerns me. To simplify, I have an offer for Enviro Star windows for less than another company quoted the 400 series, but all companies have excellent reputations. Paul |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 7:11
| I am looking into okna 800 series/ enviro Star....a ball park quote from a local dealer was $560 not including grills/ hardware/wood grain finish...they told me probably would be around high 600's - low 700's per window installed. The dealer does windows,doors, and siding that all they do, but I have always thought they were on the high side when I got quotes in the past. How large were your windows? And where do you live? Window guys....want to weigh in on my quote? |
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| Skeetie 219 That price is well within range and not high at all for the Okna 800. Some of those other prices are too good to be true and not realistic. |
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| Skeetie 219 That price is well within range and not high at all for the Okna 800. The other prices are too good to be true and not realistic. |
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| I live in Connecticut. The quote was for "normal" size windows. Tell me why the quotes are too good to be true. I want to understand. Had I not been able to replicate the first quote I would agree with "too good to be true". However I have three quotes, and two are thousands less than the third. In any experiment, if we consider getting estimates an experiment, repeatability is key. I have a contract proposal from one of the "too good to be true" contractors. It's in writing, so where to go from here? I don't want to spend unnecessarily but obviously I don't want poor work. Still, good work isn't guaranteed by anything, not prices or reviews. Reviews, and to a lessor extent prices, are predictors of quality work, not a guaranty. Paul |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 8:12
| Mmarse1 ....thanks for the feedback. Pjs755, |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 8:22
| Pjs755 FWIW, ours windows were standard sizes 36"x60" a majority of them, and few were oversized 36"x72". Would be interested in if your we're going with white vinyl interior or a wood grain-like finish. And to your point, window quotes have varied widely in my opinion. Thx John |
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| A wood grain is a rather large up charge and will definitely be more expensive than all white vinyl. Keep in mind there is really no such a thing as " standard sizes" that companies keep in stock. Each window is custom made regardless of size. At Home Depot you may find what they call stock sizes that they keep in stock but those sizes never really fit an existing opening, they are really made to create an opening in order for the window to fit. Even so, who in their right mind would purchase a window from HD....lol The larger windows you have will result in an up charge due to the fact they they are over 101 united inches. Skeetie, did you get 2 quotes? |
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| A wood grain is a rather large up charge and will definitely be more expensive than all white vinyl. Keep in mind there is really no such a thing as " standard sizes" that companies keep in stock. Each window is custom made regardless of size. At Home Depot you may find what they call stock sizes that they keep in stock but those sizes never really fit an opening, they are really made to create an opening in order for the window to fit. Even so, who in their right mind would purchase a window from HD....lol The larger windows you have will result in an up charge due to the fact they they are over 101 united inches. Skeetie, did you get 2 quotes? |
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| Okay, by standard sizes I meant less than 101 united inches. Sorry I shouldn't use that term, it can be misleading. Quotes are for white. I haven't inquired about the veneers, I doubt my wife would be interested. Paul |
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| skeetie219, where in NJ? One of my two low quotes is from the Bronx, you might be in their area. Email me if you want the name. Paul |
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| The other prices are too good to be true and not realistic. mmarse1, can you provide support for this statement? Paul |
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| Best to google a dealer in his state in order to get the proper service if problems arise. |
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| I would also add that i would be leary about that company in question pjs755. |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 14:37
| I'd have to agree that those prices are abnormally low for that product. How large are these companies? Do they have a showroom, office staff, salespeople, certifications, etc? .... Could just be a couple of companies selling at 0 profit during their slow season... Or if they are a "one man band" type of outfit with little to no overhead, that would explain things as well. It is POSSIBLE that you could be getting an outrageously good deal, but I would definitely recommend very close scrutiny to ensure that is the case. |
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| Do all prices quoted include wrapping the exterior with aluminum? |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 16:33
| Mmarse1, I have only 1 quote for okna at the moment but will sure to get more than one. As I mentioned, this Okna dealer has quoted me higher prices for other small projects like doors etc. in the past so I wouldn't be shock if he is on the higher side of quotes.That said, I still need to do some due diligence price comparison etc. And yes, a majority of the windows are less than 101united inches which Okna dealer did explain to me. however I have 4 larger windows 36"x72" which are beyond the 101 united inches and will be an up charge and that was explained to me as well but not much I can do about that. Pjs755, I sent you a private message via email for the contact information. |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 16:45
| Toddinm My quote per window did include wrapping the exterior. |
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| Skeetie You really want to get a quote through a dealer within your state. If you have an issue, you want a company located in your state. I am very skeptical about that other company and will refrain from mentioning their name. Google a company in your state and play it safe and do it the right way. |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 27, 13 at 18:11
| Your point is appreciated....I will call okna in the morning for another dealer in my state. |
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| Thats sounds like a logical decision skeetie. I also think google has so e licensed okna dealers in your atea as well. Only licensed dealers offer okna. Good luck. |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 11:33
| So from what I gather on pjs quote: - it is an interior install without a full exterior wrap - It is a dealer with low overhead (no office/showroom) That would put the price into perspective a little bit more. While those points don't necessarily mean that you are getting a bad install, you do want to make sure that your quotes are comparing apples to apples. An exterior trim with full wrap has multiple benefits, not the least of which is the the full opening on the exterior is a nicer finish and provides less maintenance. |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 11:35
| Skeetie: I'd give a ring to AGM if they serve your location. Very good company (okna dealer) out in NJ. :) |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 12:07
| homesealed Will do, appreciate the suggestion. |
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| Skeetie - Paul @ AGM is installing our 800s next month. We're very impressed with both Paul and the product thus far. Chris |
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- Posted by windowsonwashington (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 19:34
| +1 Paul and AGM are solid guys all around. |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 20:20
| Mayhew, can you provide information regarding quote? And your window selection? |
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| Skeetie - we went for a combination of 700s (single and double casements) at the front of the house and 800s (double hungs and pictures) and a couple of awnings at the rear - 33 windows in total w/bronze exterior, full SDL grids, deluxe and antique brass hardware. Worked out at about $650 a window. We looked at everything from Anderson A series, Marvin Ultra & Wood-Ultrex to Okna and Energex. We decided on Okna partly due to the excellent advice from WoW/HomeSealed/mmarse1 and the first class service from Paul @ AGM. And we feel that the product ticked all the right boxes for us. It just felt quality. Paul also arranged for us to visit with a previous client in our neighborhood prior to us placing the order. |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 23:17
| Being an Okna dealer myself (among other products), I have to say that is some really good pricing given that you checked just about every option available on that Caddy! Nice choice on both product and installer :D |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 17:06
| $12k 800 series,wood grain finish,SDL 15 DH, and 2 800 series white vinyl SDL. $15k same details ,and this is a dealer. Okna would not provide another dealer in the area,which turned me off a bit since the dealer was higher, and did not know as many feautures and benefits to the window, and have me conflicting answers about the grills between the glass,....so I will ask home sealed |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 17:39
| Yes. The grids between the glass come two-toned, matching the interior woodgrain and the white exterior. SDL grids would be two-toned as well. :) |
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| Skeetie219, I also tried to get another name from Okna. They will only give me the name of the guy who gave me far and away the highest price. I directly asked them if the other contractors, whose names I provided, were authorized dealers. I got no response, twice. So, Okna dealers, if I buy windows from a dealer other than the one Okna named, is everything on the up and up? Or is it like buying grey market electronics that are sold without a USA warranty, often without the buyer understanding what that means? Paul |
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| Skeetie - have you spoken with Paul @ AGM? Maybe worth you getting another quote |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 19:38
| Pjs755 I actually called name you gave me, they were all set to come to my area but called me a few hours before the appt and told was outside their service area even after i explicitly made my location known and went on to tell me the Okna corp office will call me to provide a dealer, which I already knew of ....and were typically provide high quotes. I posed the same questions and pretty much the same response or lack there of.....so I wonder if my other "non dealer" buys windows through a group purchasing organization. He seemed like he has a good business, and knows his stuff, that said I wonder how he gets the window. He was very detailed about ordering from Okna , timeframes etc and i would be interested in finding out why Okna wouldn't provide other window providers. But you pose all good questions regarding Okna and would be interested in reading the responses. Interestingly, the "dealer" gave me contradictory information regarding grill option....so go figure. Mayhem |
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| Skeetie I am also in a similar situation. I was quoted for vytex which I almost went with until I saw the Okna. I like the look and feel of the Okna 800 alot more. I was quoted for the exact specs as you but with only 15 windows and the price was still over 13,000 and upgraded hardware would add more. To be completely honest, I signed a contract yesterday and feel I was quoted a fair price in my area after seeing various window companies and prices. Your deal for 12k on 17 windows seems very competitive to put it mildly. Will they be doing any exterior capping? I was originally going with all white but the cherry fits in nicely. My grids most certainly are cherry interior and white exterior. That was something I wanted to be 100% certain about and they do offer that. |
This post was edited by jabek on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 21:37
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 22:18
| Jabek Yes, the exterior capping is included, I tried to go over all the details. Another aspect to the lower of the 2 quotes, he allowed for 3 window sills to be replaced which I liked....he uses a spray form if necessary to get a firm fit to the window, he seemed extremely engaged with his business. Thanks for the information w / the quote. |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 22:34
| Skeetie, 1)as a fellow authorized, approved Okna dealer, I will personally vouch for the fact that AGM is an excellent company and that his pricing is actually quite reasonable, especially in your market given the entirety of the package that he offers (product, install, service before and after). 2) I don't know if that $12k number is from AGM or not, but that sounds like a steal! 3) Okna's higher "tier" of dealers are part of the HiMark network. If you have any doubt about where a given company falls in the continuum of dealers, look for a HiMark dealer as it is Okna's "elite" group of dealers. |
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| I would have to agree with HS. To my knowledge, HiMark is the best of the best Okna dealers. |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 7:12
| Thanks everyone....to be continued. |
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| Okay, so, no one wants to comment on Okna's protecting dealer areas? That's okay, I do understand but it isn't the most consumer friendly idea. Anyway, I'm going to get one more quote. The guy Okna referred me to seems too high. The guy I'm calling today also sells Sunrise. Thoughts on those? The Okna dealer nearest me told me there is no value to foam filling. He said it adds rigidity, but who cares the wall isn't load bearing. Thoughts on that statement? Paul |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 16:41
| PJS: 1) I'm not sure I understand what you are saying about Okna protecting their dealers. Generally speaking, vinyl window manufacturers like Okna, Sunrise, etc rely on their dealer network to promote the product. If someone contacts them directly, they will probably give you the name of one or two of the most reputable dealers in that area. 2) That last line is VERY troubling to me. I hope that you may have misunderstood him, because if not, I would not let that guy anywhere near my house with power tools. "Foam filling not necessary because the wall is not load bearing"!!!??? Holy cow, that is a scary level of incompetence if that was actually said. a. Foam filling can be more relevant in some products than others, and for the Okna, it does actually knock a point or two off the u-value which is significant. b. It can add some strength and rigidity, but not much. Certainly if you are relying on your windows to support a load you have major problems, lol. |
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| HomeSealed wrote:"1) I'm not sure I understand what you are saying about Okna protecting their dealers. Generally speaking, vinyl window manufacturers like Okna, Sunrise, etc rely on their dealer network to promote the product. If someone contacts them directly, they will probably give you the name of one or two of the most reputable dealers in that area. 2) That last line is VERY troubling to me. I hope that you may have misunderstood him, because if not, I would not let that guy anywhere near my house with power tools. "Foam filling not necessary because the wall is not load bearing"!!!??? Holy cow, that is a scary level of incompetence if that was actually said. a. Foam filling can be more relevant in some products than others, and for the Okna, it does actually knock a point or two off the u-value which is significant. b. It can add some strength and rigidity, but not much. Certainly if you are relying on your windows to support a load you have major problems, lol." Okay, regarding #1, both skeetie and I have encountered this, Okna will only give ONE name. I've tried several times to get additional dealer names, they won't provide any others due to my location On to #2: That's what he said. He told me the differences between an 400, a 500 and an 800 were just the trim on the exterior. He said that in CT the window HAS to be low E glass. Further, he claimed that when he toured a manufacturing facility, he saw the low E glass, but didn't see any regular glass. He said he was told "we don't have any". His point was that you get low e glass whether you pay for it or not. Then he went on to the foam. Said he'd never cut a window open, so how can he know whether there's foam in there or no? He was suggesting, I guess, that just like his Low E argument you get foam whether you pay for it or not. Yes he did say he didn't see the point in foam, that the window isn't load bearing, so why do you need the extra rigidity. I SWEAR I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP! This was the highest of my current quotes as well. Paul |
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| First off, everyone in the northeast should get LowE/ Argon. Second, Okna as well as most other high end window manufacturers only mention one dealer in your area . Why? They dont want their dealers engaged in price wars . Lastly, foam filling adds some insulation value and some rigidity. If what you say about your dealer is true, he sounds like a comedian. |
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| I understand that I should get Low E, why would I do otherwise? The anecdote was about what he told me, not what I'm going to do. Yes, I understand why Okna does it, but it makes my life unnecessarily more complicated. Therefore, to me it's a pain. Lastly, yes what I said he told me is true, and unless he is the greatest deadpan of all time, he was serious. Paul |
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- Posted by windowsonwashington (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 18:38
| He is incorrect. I would move on from there. Foam is a good option in the case of the Okna window. |
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| Thank you for the concise answer WoW. That was my feeling as well. So, that means I need another quote. The dealer in question sells Sunrise Verde as well. Should I ask about them or stay focused on Okna? Paul |
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- Posted by skeetie219 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 21:01
| Paul, I was considering sunrise as well. When speaking to a dealer a few weeks ago, he mentioned his vinyl windows were somewhere around 600-800's figure. That said, I may be incline to take a look, but still leaning toward the Okna windows. And for what it is worth, what mmmarse1 said was my initial suspicion about Okna dealers infringing on each others "space". As a consumer , I agree with you and i blame it more on Okna and their arrangments with said dealers. One would think a designated dealer would get better pricing due to volume, size etc, but it is all relative to their overhead and whether or not they pass along the savings. Check your email., |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 21:27
| PJS: Are you saying that this same dealer that told you about foam filled frames supporting a load bearing wall also sells Sunrise, and that you would actually entertain another quote from him?... Or is this a different company? It may be presumptuous of me to speak for him, but when WoW said to move on, he meant to move on from this goofball guy, not the product. That said, the Sunrise Verde is a nice window, and in the same tier of quality as the Okna 400 or 500 when equipped with sash reinforcement, foam frames, and a composite spacer. Skeetie: Okna's dealer policies are generally no different than any other window manufacturer that maintains a dealer network, including Softlite, Sunrise, Gorell, and others. I really can't speak for them on specifics, but any of the premium vinyl products mentioned are not going to be widely available. If they sold the product to any contractor that was interested, they would start diminishing the quality of the brand due to poor installs etc. That is why, generally speaking, you will find products/manufacturers that are based more on quantity than quality when you look at box stores and lumber yards... That also means that because the dealers that sell the high end products are more established, they will have higher overhead due to showrooms, staff, marketing, etc., and therefore they really can't compete with Joe in a pickup truck on price. |
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| Sunrise, soft lite, and gorell all do the same thing with their dealers; they protect their territories. PJS, you were quoted a low price by your dealer and what a coincidence, he doesn't know what he is doing as evidenced by your post. His pricing was an obvious red flag and your post substantiated that. |
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| okay first, to answer mmarsel, the guy who doesn't know what he's doing was the HIGHEST price, not the low price. I repeat, he was far and away the highest price. Now, to HomeSealed, we're talking about a completely different dealer, not the goofball. This "new" dealer carries both Verde by Sunrise and Okna. As WoW suggested I will move on from the goofball, as it were. I still expect we'll go with Okna, but since this new guy sells both, I was wondering about Verde... Paul |
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- Posted by HomeSealed (My Page) on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 22:38
| Lol, sounds like you are on the right track then Paul... Just had to make sure ;) |
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| Skeetie I'm a bit confused here. You claim to have found a dealer that offered you excellent pricing, it's a very reputable company, and the dealer is very installation oriented. Yet you are still not satisfied???? I'm at a loss. PJS, I apologize, I didn't properly read your post. |
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| Can anyone recommend dealers who install Okna in New York City? |
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| Are you actually in NYC , jersey, staten island, west chester? |
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