Sounds like about 20 units if my math is correct based on what you have indicated as window totals?

That is not that high for either of those as an observation of the general ranges, however, if you are concerned I would get competitive bids from other options.

I would look at the Andersen 100 before the 400 as well.

Wow, not sure where you get 20 'units' - I count 14 'units' but my quote shows 13 line items, all are single windows except the one double high window is shown on one line. Not sure why that one would grouped and the other double casements are all shown individually? And why do you suggest the Anderson 100 before the 400?

I really like the look of the high windows over the bed, and used them in the bathroom as well because there is a porch roof below that I didn't want to see - but is that style what is making the price so high? Some are fixed (non operable) so I thought that would help the pricing. And I requested no grills to save $$$ too.

Any thoughts on the other brands I listed? I'm OK with vinyl exterior, but not the interior. We want clad instead of solid wood on the outside because we live in the woods and have rotting issues due to the dampness and lack of sunlight. Our house is contemporary with stained wood interiors and trim now, but I think white would be OK as long as it's not plastic looking.

I need to get the window cost down somehow - maybe change my design, or just shop for a less expensive product?

An andersen bid would be okay. Some andersen lines have vinyl interior parts so make sure you look at samples. Maybe look into Kolbe as well. Also get a separate bid for the windows alone and the installation alone. See if your remodel contractor can give you a labor bid for installation. They might give you a good deal since they're already doing labor on the job site.

We did get the install price broken out from Marvin. I'm sure our contractor can do it, and he would have to frame the new openings anyway, but I was concerned about making sure the install was done by a certified installer for warranty reasons. Should I be concerned about that?

Looked at the Kolbe website and they look very nice, but no dealer closer than 60 miles. Maybe I shouldn't be concerned about that either?

I am also looking into Loewen - we had 5 of their patio doors installed about 10 years ago and are happy but I think I read that the cost will be about the same as for Marvin.

Loewen, Kolbe, and Marvin are all great wood windows with the slight nod to Marvin as the best.

Andersen's E Series, would be another suggestion for more moderately priced alternative wood window with aluminum cladding. I don't care for their vinyl clad wood.

Ditto to Ultra's comments.
Regarding the remodeling contractor, personally I think that you were on the right track in the first place. Choosing a windows/exteriors specialist increase the odd's that the job will be done right as opposed to the "jack of all trades" who install drywall today, tile tomorrow, and windows on Friday. One need look no further than the high percentage of new construction homes with leaky openings due to improper flashing/lapping of wrb's etc as evidence.

As a point of clarification, I was counting the twins and triples by operators. While there is not a linear relationship, the reality is the the twins and triples are inherently larger and therefore more expensive (as well as the additional hardware requirements).

I now have a quote from Loewen, based on the same specs I gave to Marvin. They only quoted the windows, no install. The cost was 3K less than Marvin Integrity (also with no install cost). The window sizes are a little different, so maybe that is a factor.

Wow - I have 10 operators, but I could easily cut that if it would produce a material cost savings. We almost never open our windows, and with double casements, I think one opening would allow me to clean the other side. Would that be worth considering?

I think the part I was choking on was the install cost - it was almost as high as the cost of the windows.

I like the Integrity wood/ultrex window, but in my experience it should be cheaper than Loewen. Either the quotes aren't apple to apples or something is out of whack.
The Loewen is very nice.

Plus one to Home_sealed as Loewen should be in he same price range as Marvin Ultimates, and in a casement/awning configuration slightly more.

Thanks for the info as to how the prices should compare for Loewen & Marvin. I looked carefully at the quotes and found a few things that might might help to explain the differences - I am trying to get clarification now.

+1

Never expect to see the Integrity at a higher number than Loewen as pointed out by my grumpy friend Millworkman.

Turns out the original Marvin estimate was way off - after I asked about a few things, both the windows and install cost came down - by a lot! But I still think there is something wrong - the quotes may not be totally apples to apples since the sizes of the windows vary a little, but what I have now (excluding install) is:
Loewen 12,092
Integrity 12,302
Ultimate 19,304

At this point, I'm leaning toward Loewen, but I think we will get Marvin quotes from another source before we decide. I saw the Access window Loewen offers on their website and think it may be a good option for one opening, instead of a casement. Plus, they seem to have more design options compared to Integrity. I think the Ultimate is going to be just to expensive.

I'm just happy that I don't have to scrap the entire project because of the window cost! I was very concerned after the initial estimates came in.

Thank you all for encouraging me to question the numbers.

I would agree with getting another number, however I am SHOCKED that Integrity and Loewen are that close in price. If you told me those were the numbers for Loewen and Marvin Ultimate's, 100% believable. I would get another number for the Integrity while your at it then as that should be about 30-35% less than Ultimates if my memory serves me right.