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Window decision in San Diego - Is Anderson best?

16 years ago

Hello, all you window experts. Thanks for the valuable information I've read so far, and I'm hoping to learn more based on our specific situation...

Here is some background info -

We're undergoing a whole house major down-to-the-studs remodel; we're adding a lot more square footage and will not be saving any of the current window openings. The house will eventually be 4200 sq. feet; I don't know the exact number of windows but there are many.

My husband is a big fan of Anderson windows, based on good experience w/them in two of our former homes. However, I've noticed that our architect kind of (in a very subtle way) poo-poo's Andersons; also it seems that our contractor prefers an all-wood window (although he agrees that they're way more maintenance). All of this leaves me thinking that, while we're still leaning towards Andersons, we should explore other options.

Budget is definitely an issue, especially as the economy (and our investments!) continues to soften.

We live in a very mild climate (San Diego area, about a mile from the ocean), and we don't need to worry about extreme temps. Maybe for a week or two each year, we get a stretch of weather in the high 80's/low 90's, but the vast majority of the time temps are in the 65-75 degree range. Humidity can be an issue being this close to the ocean, and the sun does beat down on us, so we need durability.

Our remodeled house has a Craftsman/Prairie style look.

Most of the windows specified in our plans are casements; there are two very large (one is 16' across) sliding door arrangements and a couple of single french doors.

I visited our local lumber store the other day to request an Anderson brochure, but I didn't realize that Home Depot also sells Andersons. I will check prices there, too, but I've noticed that some advice given on this site warns against ordering windows through HD.

We had assumed we'd be buying the 400 series, and I think the Woodwright line is the one that would work best, but I'm not even certain of that.

So, basically, if you were us, would you choose Andersons or is there another manufacturer we should consider, and if so, why?

Also, if we go with Andersons, would you go with Home Depot if they were considerably cheaper or stay away from them completely?

Many thanks in advance!

All the best,

Susan

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Comments (3)

alliern
16 years ago
I chose to use a CA-based window company, Sierra-Pacific, for the 99 window and door openings that I have in my new home. The windows are gorgeous and very efficient with aluminum clad exteriors and wood interiors. They offer over 30 different exterior color options. I went with Greek Olive. We also have retractable sliding doors with a 15' opening that we purchased through SP but are actually made by La Cantina.

I would definately look into their products. Their customer service was excellent and their territory manager even came to my house to check that everything that was ordered was delivered intact and in perfect condition prior to installation!

I had compared bids from Eagle, Hurd, WeatherShield, and a few others. Every manufacturer came in right around the same price but SP product and customer service far exceeded all of them.
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bselt
16 years ago
Definately not a good decision. I can nail 4 sticks of wood together in my backyard, glue some glass to it and voila! give it a try.
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susan3733
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the info. I'll check out SP. I also have a builder who wants me to look into Windsor Windows. Does anyone know about them? If so, your opinions are appreciated.

Thanks again,
Susan
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