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momco_gw

marvin vs. pella windows?

momco
10 years ago

We built a house 10 years ago, using Pella (top of the line) windows, which we loved. It burned to the ground this summer and we need to rebuild. I had planned to use Pella again, but was told that their quality has gone way down.
We were also told that Marvin would cost more than Pella, but the bid came in substantially lower. That is great, but it also confused me. Any insights on Pella vs. Marvin windows?

Comments (11)

  • mmarse1
    10 years ago

    Marvin Ultimate is much better quality., integrity is ok i guess but the Ultimate is the highest quality. Kolbe and kolbe make a nice window as well.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    Nothing to add much here that mmarse didn't say.

    No comparison in quality to be honest. The Marvin wood window is far superior in the eyes and opinion of most that work with wood.

    Sorry to hear about your home and feel free to post up building ideas. You can really build a supremely efficient structure with the right application and technique.

  • WestchesterNY2011
    10 years ago

    Hi

    I recently was given a quote on Marvin replacement windows - ultimate insert double hung. Work includes removal of old single pane windows, removal of storm windows, and painting of the interior of the window to match the current trim/molding. I am replacing 20+ windows. Price I am being quoted is approx $1,600 per window. Is that way out of line, if yes, what should I look to be paying? One other piece of the information I would share is that our house is old so most likely our windows are not standard sizes. Thanks for the help!

  • grandms
    10 years ago

    If your openings are not standard size, the price will definitely be higher. We replaced exterior French doors on a house with sliders and originally ordered Pella. When the installer measured, we found out the opening was not standard and we could not use Pella. Instead we bought Peachtree, custom made to fit and not offered by Pella. But it did run about $1000 more than the standard size. By the way, the original door and all our windows were Peachtree, made in Iowa, and a high quality product. Might want to look at that brand, too.

  • PRO
    Ultra Windows
    10 years ago

    While I don't mean to demean what you have already purchased, I can't in good conscience let the OP think that Peachtree is a quality product. Truthfully, it's a lower end wood line with a poor reputation in the industry.

    Marvin makes great products. Pella does some great advertising.

  • amber_windows
    10 years ago

    Window Geek - while there are marketing programs formatted to capture conversion business, It's dangerous to imply that a consumer is paying for someone's vacation and encourage them to seek detailed pricing. I know of few dealers that are willing to comply. It leaves their structure vulnerable, arms the homeowner with a bargaining tool to take to someone else, and creates a chaotic situation closing the sale. I can assure you that not all distributors are high on the hog from pricing the product up. I am sorry that you aren't confident with your distributor, but there are those of us a that work diligently to meet the customers needs - and combat bad images thrown out flippantly on line.

    Elevation drawings are public record and posted on line. Individualized shops usually are not needed, but if so.....do cost.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    I don't think there's much comparison in quality when it comes to Marvin vs Pella. Marvin is more expensive and it is because it's a better product. Look at cross sections in the cladding and you'll know. Also from my understanding service issues have plagued Pella in the past. When it comes to wood/clad windows I think you can only really compare Marvin Vs Kolbe.

  • HomeSealed_WI
    10 years ago

    I have to agree on Marvin being the better option unless Pella has changed their roll formed aluminum clad sashes and dramatically improved customer service since my most recent dealings. On price, they should be comparable. If Marvin somehow comes out cheaper, that is a bonus for you. While there are occasionally factory incentives, etc, i find that price more frequently varies due to sales volume and other legitimate factors as opposed to nefarious hidden motives... As a matter of fact, the guys that get the trips and perks are the ones that do more volume and probably get better pricing to boot.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    As someone who is a PCC, I think the comparison stops at them both being wood windows. The Marvin pretty much stands out on all other accounts.

  • BlueBlob Gaming
    4 days ago

    Marvin Elevate /Flaking fiberglass within eighty days. Yellowing factory whit interior finish. Warranty C r a p just like product.