We have Jeld-wen aluminum clad windows from their "Custom" line (formerly Pozzi). We looked at Marvins, which were lovely. The first Marvin rep couldn't seem to get around to giving us a bid even though we gave him a detailed window schedule and a copy of our house plans (new construction). We asked another Marvin dealer for a bid which came in at about 30% higher than the Jeld-wen. For us it came down to a choice between Jeld-wen and Loewen. The reps from Pella, Jeld-wen, and Loewen were all extremely helpful. Both Marvin reps we dealt with left a lot to be desired. It was as though they wanted us to beg for their (expensive) windows. Our windows are beautiful, fairly large casement style, and open and close with ease. We're 2 years post construction, and so far, so good.

I wouldn't dismiss the well respected local "handyman". You'll most likjely get a better job from this guy than you will with a large window company. They might send a large crew of inexperienced laborers with one experienced guy overseeing the job. The larger company will most likely be significantly more expensive than the local guy too. Most experienced contractors would consider window installation as handyman work anyways. I can buy a nice window at the local lumber yard and you'll get all the benefits of the warranty. In my area you'll rarely see homeowners using "window specialists". They simply jack up the price of the window as well as the installation. They need to cover all their advertising, salesman's salaries, and executive bonuses somehow.... Don't get to hung up on the performance numbers. If you like the look of the Anderson or Marvin and you're saving a nice sum over the Sunrise, buy what you like. It's like comparing an ugly car that is more expensive over the car you like because the "better" car gets 27.8 mpg, while the one you want gets 27.7 mpg. I just looked up the Sunrise "authorised dealers/installers" in my area. Looks to me from their sites that they are nothing more than small "handyman contractors".

@millworkman So I'm not sure exactly how to explain it better, but I'll try again. This was verified by multiple companies that are certified Marvin installers, as well as a Marvin rep themselves. We have a home built in 1986 with 69 windows. Some of those windows are in rooms that have 5 to 6 windows across in a row. The original windows are made of wood, and have rotted out over the past 31 years. We are not candidates for inserts since the frames we have are made of wood and they are damaged to the point where they are not structurally sound enough to support a new insert, so we need full frame tear outs and installs. Does this make sense? Due to having so many windows in a row, and needing new full frame installs for these areas, we need to go with a company that makes a full frame product large enough to fit the space. If it was just a matter of fitting the frames with a new window insert we could use Marvin, but since the frames need replacing as well it is far more cost effective to go with a window that allows for a full frame tear out and install. Marvin does not make a full frame replacement that is 5 or 6 windows in a row (integrity/ultrex/etc). As a result, their product is not a fit for our particular house since they don't make a full frame product large enough for some of the applications. Everyone we spoke to said Marvin makes a great product, but it's better suited to traditional and more modern homes that tend to not have the large window arrangements (not floor to ceiling, just regular windows) that were common in the 80s. Whether or not they have good reason to make it or not I can't speak to... this is the house we have and we need a product that can accommodate it accordingly. Most people have said this is where Jeld-Wen shines, since their Auralast Siteline full frame wood replacements are high quality, have the same exact warranty as Marvin, and look great as well. After reviewing this site we called Kolbe as well and they are coming to the house in the next couple of days to look at our house as well. Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on these two products bc they're the ones that keep popping up as good applications for our particular house due to the number of windows as well as size of the some of the spaces.

I am also building a home in Houston and my mind is dizzy from all the window manufacturers I have researched. Which one did you pick? I also looked at RAM windows, Western windows, Marvin and JeldWen Epicvue. The house is going to be Modern so I just want sleek lines and black windows, without breaking the bank. So far Western seems to be the most expensive.