Stay away from window world, they will be cheap but for a reason, cheaply made wimdows by Alside.
Reliabilt by Lowes is also cheaply made as would be pella vinyl.
Soft Lite and Sunrise Windows should be in your region. Contact them through their websites and request a dealer in your area. I would also recommend Okna Windows but i dont think they have a dealer in your area.

Thanks, I'll look into Soft Lite and Sunrise.

Am I going about my search for independent installers wrong?
I've just been searching the internet for "windows" in my area?
Any tips on locating independent window installers in which I'd be able to contact some prior customers?

Usually the higher quality brands such as sunris , soft lite, or okna will heave dealers that also do the installation. That is the best option and you are then fully covered should any warranty issue arise.

Try a more focused search like replacement windows, or window replacement ( in conjunction with your city or closest metro area). An established local company will typically offer the best combination of quality, service and price IMO.
I agree for the most part with mmarsel's product recommendations.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a quality vinyl replacement or a quality new construction vinyl unit with the proper application from a quality installer. Old windows (generally older than 30 yrs ) that are in good are probably worth saving, anything newer not so much.

There are excellent and poor choices in every material (vinyl, wood, etc), and there are also many circumstances where some restoration and/or new storms added to original windows is the best solution. Certainly each option has pros and cons, and each can be the "right" choice depending on circumstances.

This post was edited by HomeSealed on Mon, May 20, 13 at 10:33

+90% of the wood windows that we see are both not worth restoring and beyond restoration.

In many instances, a newer double pane replacement (vinyl, fiberglass, wood, composite, etc) will provide you with a more useable visible glass area as well as an easier unit to operate.

I just replaced 17 windows. I agree with ruling out Window World. I got 4 estimates and went with an independent contractor and am very, very happy with the windows, the installation and the price. I didn't go with Lowes or Home Depot for estimates, but used local companies. I ended up paying less for impact resistant windows than I would have for the regular Low-E. They are Simonton windows. I didn't see your location, but these windows were installed in Central Florida.

Did you try going to a building supply place like ABC Supply, or your local lumber yard and see what they have? Also, they might be able to recommend a good installer.

Valid point loPay. The only thing that I'd caution is that while you more than likely can get a very good install by going that route, they typically recommend guys that sub for others or own very small companies, so future warranty service may be hard to come by as opposed to an established local window company.

Hi KamLee, would you share any info on your experience thus far with your windows? Which did you choose? How was the install experience. We have the same two options, from HD and Lowe's...

While I cringe at recommending a box store (they often have a revolving door of subs due to cut-rate pay), I'd take the Simonton as the superior product option.