The only helpful advice I can give is to be VERY cautious about who you have install the windows.

I'm a customer that ended up with an installation disaster, and am learning that there are many in our area (Metro DC) that have been taken advantage of by this particular dealer over the course of almost a WHOLE year (if not longer!)

The company that sold in our area ONLY through this dealer, doesn't want to hear about the many customers that have been ripped off.

You can read about it here if interested, but check, check and check again before hiring an installer/company. We have all learned the hard way unfortunately, at a cost of many thousands of dollars.

http://replacementwindowdisasters.blogspot.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: our replacement window disaster story

Unfortunately Onlineaccounts found out the hard way about the installation process. I'm very sorry to hear about your hardship Onlineaccounts. It only adds another knife in the back of us who really care about our work. I am part of a circle of installers trying to get the word out on the installation of windows. If you spend your money on the best windows todays market has to offer (Schuco). The improper installation of them can make them worthless. Even an installer who's referred to you can turn out as a bust. Since the applications are usually different and people look at quality different sometimes. The bottom line is hiring a company that stands behind their installers. Sometimes the best installers have an issue or even overlook something. A great company will be back out to make the repairs no questions asked right away. A bad company will make excuses and do everything in their power to pass the buck and walk away. Find companies with good track records and get positive feed back from friends, neighbors, family and anything you can think of. Go out and physically look at jobs done by the company your hiring. You'll be much better off having some knowledge then none!

Sparticus there are a bunch of other manufacturers out there making custom sized windows other than Marvin. Depending on your location in the US there are local manufacturers servicing smaller areas across the land. Here in the upper midwest we have a handful of them. There are also some nationally distributed windows made by Pella, Kolbe & Kolbe, Weathershield & Vetter. You just have to see if they are available in your area. The custom window verses stock sized window is some what of a joke. Most manufacturers make their windows per order in most cases. Meaning they load your sizes in a computer and it's spit out in the fabrication line. Stock windows are just the everyday windows they have pre-programmed in the computer. They also have the glass pre-made and ready to go. All custom sized units need to have the glass made specially. This is where extra time and money are needed. So your extra fee is really just a set up charge to change the production line over.
You can also choose a vinyl or fiberglass window, if they haven't been tossed your way as a choice already. The downfall to vinyl windows is they only come in Tan or White. I've also seen some Sandtone colors out there. The inside's can come with a simulated wood grain which is really a laminated sticker that won't ever peel off. Some look better than others do. Fiberglass windows can be painted on either side to match your decor. So it does have an advantage over the vinyl. The best thing they offer to the home owner is Maintenance Free up keep. No more painting down the road. If you want that real wood on the inside I'd recommend Pella. They are very critical on the installation of their product today. If you choose Pella make sure your installer follows their installation instructions to the "T". If not done correctly it will void the warranty. Hope this helps & Good Luck!!!

It depens on your choice of material and how much customization is necessary.

For material, if you are considering vinyl or fiberglass, they are cheaper than wood. If you are considering wood interior but intend to paint, then you can be less picky with wood choices. This may save some cost. If you want wood interior but intend to stain them yourself, then you need to be extra careful with workmanship. Stain shows off the wood grain and woodwork while paint can hide shoddy work. This is the most expensive option. If you are considering wood veneer, then you should see it first. I have seen the Milgard Wood Clad in 2004 and they looked horrible. It looked like someone went to a scrap wood pile, grabbed a piece and glued it onto the window.

For customization, as another poster stated here, it depends on how much "customization". Many shops really have some odd sizes around that they can make without extra cost. Real customization is when you are making a circular or a large picture window unique in size to your home or other requirements in older homes or historical buildings. Then you need to be sure the openings are measured correctly by a reputable and experienced installer before ordering the windows from the factory.

We replaced our windows 2 years ago. None of our openings are "standard" size but they were close enough that Marvin had no trouble meeting our requirements without extra cost. There was only 1 window that was really odd size requiring special order.

Besides the cost, I would suggest really looking at the product closely and judge the quality. You probably will not be happy with a cheaper window with not-so-great workmanship to match.

Can anyone answer my original questions:

1. Do different window manufacturers have different sized "standard" windows?

2. Who makes more affordable custom windows than Marvin?

Thanks, Sparticus

1. Yes. Trimline Aluminum Clad Wood are made to the 1/8"

2. Answered in number 1.

Michael

Yes, every worthwhile PRIME WOOD WINDOW manufacturer makes many different standard sizes. They know what sizes are most common to the age of housing that needs windows replaced. Go to an old fashion lumber yard, not a mega-store, and get a catalog from their main window supplier. They can usually give you a list of carpenters who buy windows from them, that they can recommend to install your windows. I doubt you need a custom window. You just need to know how to measure the real opening, and compare that to the sizes offered.

The other side of the coin is to get a "replacement" window instead of a "prime" window. Replacment windows are almost always custom built to the 1/8", but do not include a true jamb and sill like a prime window does. Replacements are designed to fit inside existing jambs, thus virtually eliminating the need to change the opening size, pull the interior casing, or re-do exterior siding. Replacments are often vinyl, fiberglas, or some composite.

Just don't be caught in the trap of buying a replacement window and thinking you are getting new sills, jambs and casings, especially if you have rotted sills or casings. Ask if there will be any painting or exposed wood, including blindstops. Do some research on the difference between a prime window and replacements and you'll soon figure out why replacements SHOULD BE less dollars. The trick is that old time companies like Andersen who are well known for their quality prime windows, franchise dealers who sell replacements known as Renewal by Andersen. It gets confusing. Pella makes so many series of windows, from the original high quality, to builder's series, architectural series, vinyl ....and so on. Not sure about Marvin.

An affordable window is one that does the best job insulating from the elements, lasts the longest, and adds the most value and enjoyment to your home.

Good Luck!

P. S. One of my favorites is Lowen Window, who have really high quality and efficient windows.

Dear Lakedog:

Thanks for your helpful answer.

Sparticus