Can't add much to that Masterext.

Perfect advice and summary all around.

I've installed a number of Simonton Vinyl windows, and couldn't be happier with them. The vinyl framing is pretty big, but the windows are great.

I saved some money by going directly to a wholesaler in my area and then hiring a window contractor to do the installation.

No offense to csk1007 but the OP seems to be more quality centric whereas simonton is basically an average window with average performance numbers. Simonton has a very bulky frame and a high air leakage number( .17) which is almost as high as andersen. I just think simonton needs to totally redesign their windows.
Okna , soft lite ( elements), Sunrise ( vanguard), kensington Quantum 2 are some higher end names.

No offense to csk1007 but the OP seems to be more quality centric whereas simonton is basically an average window with average performance numbers. Simonton has a very bulky frame and a high air leakage number( .17) which is almost as high as andersen. I just think simonton needs to totally redesign their windows.
Okna , soft lite ( elements), Sunrise ( vanguard), kensington Quantum 2 are some higher end names.

Mmarse1, thanks this is the type of insight I am looking for as well as the names of some other quality windows. Is it your experience that vinyl versus a composite makes a better window? Okna's website referred me to a local company that does not mention name brands but does have Okna windows pictured. They also have an Angie's list B rating and a reputation for high pressure lengthy husband and wife sales pitches. We do not want to sit thru that, just a quote. Is this how the replacement window biz sells? can I get Oknas another way, maybe direct and have my own installer? Thanks for the good info.

Window123
What state are you in ?

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania - you are in OKNA's backyard. You will have to find an OKNA dealer as OKNA will not sell a consumer direct.

One way to avoid a lengthy sales pitch - be well informed / educated before they show up, or tell them straight up that they have 30 minutes to talk about their windows. After all it is your time, money, and house.

Thanks BPChill. Besides OKNA, several other better brands were listed that I will checkout. Lastly, has anyone any experience with or knowledge of Interstate Windows, also made in PA.? My one contractor is pushing them as better than Renewal price and material wise. I will checkout their performance but wondered if anyone had knowledge of how their construction and durability are compared to other better quality windows like OKNA, Softlite etc.

I mostly cover SE PA, NJ and DE
We have installs going on in Lancaster and the Poconos.
I will sell the windows only.
I handle most of the high performance brands mentioned.
You would be happy with Interstate but Okna/HiMark would be a better value and performer.

theWindowNerd...

Fenmaster. What would the approximate cost differential be for OKNA compared to Interstate. I am not far from Lancaster in Harrisburg

Do you want to compare the vinyl to vinyl?
Provide me with an average size DH that you have with the options desired and I will run a number for you.
Thx,
theWindowNerd.....

fenmaster
Can you compare vinyl to vinyl and compsite to composite? Most of my windows are DH 32x 60, not including the casement windows. Option-wise nothing fancy, white inside and out, white hardware, screens, double pane.
Thanks

Renewal by Andersen was a multiple of 3 over our bid from Pella and a multiple of 4 over the local company we eventually signed with.

*Very* high pressure sales pitch which included that "This price is only good today" BS. Also: refused to leave us with a detailed quote-- he wrote the total and his phone number on a scrap of paper and left it with us.

After having sat through that I'll never buy an Andersen product on general principle.

Think about it: will RbA's windows really be 50% to 100% better than the other options? Because that's what they're quoting you.

"They also have an Angie's list B rating and a reputation for high pressure lengthy husband and wife sales pitches. We do not want to sit thru that, just a quote. Is this how the replacement window biz sells?"

I have really been struggling with this since looking for windows in this house. many of the companies won't even come to the house to give me a quote without my husband. (I'm perfectly capable of getting quotes, researching things, narrowing down companies and then sharing the info with DH to make a choice together. That's how we like it because we would rather his off work time together and with our kids than getting quotes which I can do while he is at work.)

One of the 3 companies I have had come (after verifying DH would not have to be there) really pressured me on the phone reminder to have him there and when they came they didn't give me a quote till I called asking for it - I've since learned not to do that.

So yes, I think this is how many replacement window biz sell.

the Interstate window is solid, but I've always been confused on the warranty and never gotten a straight answer. The real wood veneer scares me. Is it part of the 15 year "laminate" warranty (if so that is not impressive), or is it excluded completely by the line that says "wood components in all style windows and doors... are specifically excluded from this warranty"?
For me, if I want an actual wood interior with a crappy warranty that is what I'll buy. The synthetic stainable laminates are preferred.