any reason the architect series and not the designer or proline? or perhaps mix and match different series in different locations of the house to conserve costs?.
Are you only considering those 2 options? In my experience, either Marvin or Eagle are both better then Pella. I have had experience with all of the above. Eagle will be cheaper then your pella quote, and Marvins might be around the same. However in my opinion, a Pella is

Good thought regarding the designer or proline Pellas. I'm going to check into that. Eagle isnot readily available (possible, but not prevalent) in my area, and my window installer tells me that Marvin is significantly more money than Pella. Perhaps I need to get some second bids.

Marvin compared to their architect line should not really cost anything more. Possibly even the designer line. Pella adds a lot when you do upgrades, such as finishes, grills, etc. Marvin does not, making prices very similar. The catch is Marvin showroom dealers will price much better then non showroom dealers. Also check out Marvin's integrity line. They are a fiberglass unit that will cost below the Pella and in my opinion, still better. Eagles are still new to the window world as far as i am concerned, but Anderson's selling network should get them growing even faster then they are. Both Pella and ealge are made in my state, not to far from me.

You are comparing apples and oranges with the vinyl and wood clad products, but my first impression is you would be overpaying for a Don Young window at that price. The difference between a Don Young package and Pella's Architect Series Should be more like $8-9K vs. $5k. They are decent windows, but not THAT decent.

You can throw a stone and find someone who can price Don Young windows where as you are limited to Pella's Direct Showroom or a Lowe's. If you really like your installer and want to pay his price for the Don Young window, don't shop him. If you want to see price variations for the exact same window, there will be MANY guys who would be happy to quote a Don Young window.

If you are in the Dallas area, I would suggest you get a quote on Milgard windows. They have been around for 40 years out west, but they are new to the Dallas Market. Great looking windows, better warranty than either Don Young or Pella, and they offer a two tone vinyl option so you can have a different exterior color and a white interior.

Here is a link that might be useful: San Antonio Windows and Doors

Justin -- you have confirmed my suspicions. I have a GC, and this is the GC's window installer. I am not trying to "shop him" as much as just to understand if he's anywhere in the ballpark of what is reasonable -- haven't bought windows before. I definitely understand I'm comparing different fruits, but really didn't understand how Pella (top of the line Pella, at that) was so close to a vinyl window. From what I have read, DYC is a good window, but it's not top-of-the-line in a vinyl.
Thanks so much for the good feedback.

Good lead on the Milgard -- I've seen in mentioned in a lot of other threads. Would it be about the same price as DYC?

For Vinyl windows in Dallas, look at Maritech(locally made) or Visions vinyl by Weather Shield(outstanding glass options). For Clad Wood windows the Lincoln W-V Series is a great window at a reasonable price. The Pella Proline is no where near the quality of the Pella Architect Series.

At the Don Young prices you gave me, Milgard should look pretty good on pricing depending on who is providing it for you. Look at the details when shopping the price: both windows carry a lifetime warranty on the product, but Milgard also offers a lifetime warranty on the SERVICE.

Buy Don Young and you will be responsible for finding someone to fix it if it breaks. Is that your GC's window installer? Is it a handyman? Is it your neighbor? If your Milgard window has a warranty issue, it is a Milgard tech coming to the house to fix it. That is why I prefer their product, not because of the price, but the support you get from the manufacturer.

To prevent others from thinking I am a Milgard "shill", I am an independent window installation company in San Antonio with access to numerous window brands. I have installed Don Young and other brands and I think they are decent products. As someone who must depend on the product to perform and offer the options that homeowners are looking for today, Milgard really shines.

Here is a link that might be useful: San Antonio Windows and Doors

Highport -- just returned from the Pella showroom, and they tell me the primary difference between the Proline and the Architectural is just options, not window performance. Just want to better understand your comment about Proline not being as good of a window as Architect.
Thanks, Justin for Milgard lead -- looking into that.

Pella is telling you that because they know you are not going to spend the money for the Architect series. What they are not telling you is to research the Problems Pella is having in all of the clad Series. Do not take my word for this; look it up! Also, may i ask, are the sizes you listed for New construction or Retrofit? The pricing you listed seems way too High for Vinyl & Clad Wood. Thank You

You could buy a 3050 Casement, Clay Vinyl, 366-Low-E with Argon, SDL for $350.35 or Adobe Vinyl Clad Wood Casement, 366-Low-E Argon, SDL for $443.30 or Even a Fiberglass Casement, SDL, Zo-E 6 (best window in this market) for $505.26 All of these windows will Exceed the Qualification's for the $1500.00 Tax Credit. The Dallas-Fort Worth market is the 2nd. Most competitive market in the United States. Shop Around!!!

Thanks so much for y'alls help. Thought I should close out this thread by sharing our decision. We did shop around, and found that the quotes for Don young and Pella were WAY out of line. We shopped Pella around and got Marvin quotes that were very comparable. We ended up mixing Marvin Ultimates (house front) and Integrity (Wood Ultrex) for LESS than the Don Young quote. Wow. I am so thankful for all the information and knowledge shared.

Pella windows are clad with roll-form aluminum which is a system the better window manufacturers abandoned in favor of extruded aluminum. Find a better Marvin supplier and get a better price. I would choose an Andersen Woodwright over any Pella.

Macv, I chose Marvin.

justinh1999 posted "both windows carry a lifetime warranty on the product, but Milgard also offers a lifetime warranty on the SERVICE." That hasn't been my experience in New Mexico if you mean labor/install is "service." Pella, Milgard, Anderson, and Marvin all only offered a 2 year warranty on labor.

Out of Pella, Milgard, and Marvin, for glass and parts, Milgard has the best warranty - lifetime. Marvin and Pella were 10 - 20 years which to me sounds like they don't have complete confidence in their product.

For those buying Pella from a Pella store, try get a quote at Lowe's too, and the Pella store may match it, but Lowe's doesn't sell Impervia, but they do sell the vinyl and wood.