With windows having such a delay in shipment, we will be needing to order windows for our new build (which we are starting late this spring and will be our forever home) decently soon. We are in the Austin/Bastrop area.

We want good quality Vinyl windows, but probably aren't gong to be able to afford top of the line ones due to the elevated cost of everything else. Probably leaning towards the best combination of cost and energy efficiency.

Any recommendations from TexAgs would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Are you wanting vinyl on the inside too? Or wood returns inside, vinyl outside?

Jeld-Wen

TikkaShooter said:

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Are you wanting vinyl on the inside too? Or wood returns inside, vinyl outside?

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I really have no knowledge of windows. I would assume that most windows are just vinyl on the inside, and wood returns would be a major cost increase?

For most of the house, we are fine with the windows just having drywall all around except for the bottom trim shelf. In the living room, I do want the windows trimmed in wood. I assume you can still do that with an all-vinyl window?

It's been quite a few years, but we installed double pane vinyl windows in a 90 year old Craftsman that we purchased through Lowes. It was their brand. Surprised by the quality and the high energy rating.

Three years later and we built our forever home and the builder installed Jen Weld (builders grade). Still double pane and vinyl. I was surprised to discover their energy efficiency rating wasn't as high as the Lowe's product. That said, our electric bills are low given the size of the home and the number of windows. Of course, your mileage may vary, but that's been my experience.

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For most of the house, we are fine with the windows just having drywall all around except for the bottom trim shelf. In the living room, I do want the windows trimmed in wood. I assume you can still do that with an all-vinyl window?

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Yes, that's doable as that's what we did.

Jeld Wen FYI

I've done DIY windows in my last two houses from this company. They are unique because you can see live pricing as you build them out. Depending on where you are, he knows contractors that can install if you'd like.

https://windowestore.com/

Not sure about your local franchise, but Window World DFW replaced my mom's windows for a very reasonable price. She was happy with the work and quality.

Everyone goes cheap on windows and I don't understand why. Cheap as in cheap looking. They make such a huge diff in a home.

I'd save money on other finishes before going vinyl on vinyl with sheet rock returns.

JMO

going to be a wait for most every window mfr. We do a lot of windows, in many brands, and it is 8-24 weeks without anyway of really knowing.

If you want inexpensive, Pella has a builder line now, Jeldwen is fine, Legacy, NT, etc....

If you want a slight upgrade, look at Marvin in the FIberglass outside, wood inside.Just a suggestion. there are many windows out there.

MEENag said:

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Not sure about your local franchise, but Window World DFW replaced my mom's windows for a very reasonable price. She was happy with the work and quality.

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We also used Window World recently for our rent house. Lifetime Warranty is a win for me.

Which one/line is the best overall value? Looks, quality, thermal/radiant protection?

Marvin Elevate is right about what you're looking for. Beautiful windows and performance with color/material options to delight any architect/designer.

We have vinyl casement windows by Ply Gem. I hate 'em. They leak air and dust like crazy. Mechanically they are very difficult to operate. Screens go inside the house, which means the kids and dogs push on 'em and I have to repair 'em regularly. They're a ***** to clean dirt out of.

Live in west Texas and the builder recommended them because the "wind will push 'em shut tight when it blows and they won't leak air or let dust in like hung windows." Bull*****

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builder recommended them because the "wind will push 'em shut tight

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That builder needs to meet Matt Risinger

We used Simonton ProFinish in our house after potentially going with some much more expensive windows, mainly because this isn't our forever home and cost was a concern at the time. I've been very pleased with them over the past 5 years. Windows are tough because all of the manufacturers offer something slightly different that makes comparisons difficult. Installation is a huge part of the process and can make or break any window, no matter the initial cost. I think the Marvin Essential line is a good place to start these days unless you want a full wood window.

The essential line is fiberglass on the inside and outside. The elevate are fiberglass outside and wood inside. That is the main difference. They perform similarly.

Andersen 100 series--good value & quality. If you are wanting black or dark bronze order them now. 16 week lead time.

Eff Andersen.

How many times are you wanting to actually open each window?

Look at what windows could be fixed pane vs. single or double hung!!

Potential savings even with better quality fixed windows!!!!

I use Elevate, based out of Dallas, for most of my new builds. Fair price with a block frame profile. Price point is going to be in line with Jeld-Wen, PlyGem and other builder grade windows and energy ratings are going to be as good or better than those.

If you have your window schedule email it to Drew Boettcher at Pacific Elite Windows. Email address is : drew@pacificelitewindows.com. Best value and delivery on a high end window you will find. You can see the windows on a new build house in Austin in the Bryker Woods area east of Mopac. Tell him Mike from Wild Basin Fitness referred you. You will not be disappointed

Think of the exterior color palette of the home... Don't just go with white windows unless they actually work.

Otherwise they will just look builder grade. Getting color coordinated windows can really make the exterior

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I am leaning towards the Jeld-Wen windows. I like that that have a lot of color options as well as different wood options for their customs. I think we will most likely go with all vinyl everywhere, except for the living and dining area, where I would like to get their wood windows to dress up the main area. From my research, Jeld-Wen seems like a step up from normal builder grade windows but at a decent price point.

Does anyone have any negative reviews of Jeld-Wen?

44mAG said:

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Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I am leaning towards the Jeld-Wen windows. I like that that have a lot of color options as well as different wood options for their customs. I think we will most likely go with all vinyl everywhere, except for the living and dining area, where I would like to get their wood windows to dress up the main area. From my research, Jeld-Wen seems like a step up from normal builder grade windows but at a decent price point.

Does anyone have any negative reviews of Jeld-Wen?

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If you go with wood in your living and dining area, I strongly recommend staying away from the vinyl clad wood. Go with aluminum clad.

Belton Ag said:

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44mAG said:

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Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I am leaning towards the Jeld-Wen windows. I like that that have a lot of color options as well as different wood options for their customs. I think we will most likely go with all vinyl everywhere, except for the living and dining area, where I would like to get their wood windows to dress up the main area. From my research, Jeld-Wen seems like a step up from normal builder grade windows but at a decent price point.

Does anyone have any negative reviews of Jeld-Wen?

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If you go with wood in your living and dining area, I strongly recommend staying away from the vinyl clad wood. Go with aluminum clad.

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Thanks. I am fairly certain that their wood windows are aluminum clad exteriors.