And then there were 3 - new build window package quotes in - thoughts?

9 years ago

So we have final bids on the 3 options we are down to for our new home build - ground breaks in about 3 weeks we hope.

All will be double hung with the occasional transom. We are in the Southern US (Atlanta) so not too extreme on the weather front. South facing on the front - some windows over the garage (bonus area) are East facing and will take a pretty good beating from sun up to late in the day in the summer months - and that space will be used as a home office - so need make sure it is comfortable.

We got it down to the following

Marvin Ultimates - $26,282
Marvin Integrity - $18,230
Kolbe Sterling line - $19,053

So I am leaning to the Kolbe as the balance between performance, reputation and value. I see those as definitely worth the extra $1000 over the Integrity. Just can't see the Ultimate justifying the extra $7,000 over the Kolbe. That said, we could work it in the budget since it is not a huge number in the grand scheme of things - just not sure that is not $7000 that could be best directed to some other spot in the budget.

Thoughts?

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Comments (5)

millworkman
9 years ago
Personally I think the Kolbe is the way to go for those numbers. Just please triple check the options as Kolbe generally from what I recall ran in the same ballpark as the Ultimates (slightly less but not almost 30% less).
Davis Bennett thanked millworkman
Windows on Washington
9 years ago
3 great selections there. Can't go wrong with any of them. Which did you like the most in terms of looks? I think that is more likely the differentiator here.
Davis Bennett thanked Windows on Washington
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Davis Bennett
Original Author
9 years ago
thanks guys - will double check to confirm we are comparing apples to apples in terms of options - but these numbers did not really include anything by the units - did not include screens, any exterior brick mold, etc - and had the same glass in them as best I recall - both were SDL with spacers.

I do seem to recall some discussion some time back about the spacers in the Kolbe line and be sure you get something specific there - but can not for the life of me recall the details of that - of course I could be having a brain cramp on that since I have been looking at windows for nearly 6 months in preparing for this new build of our 'forever house'
Davis Bennett
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have double checked the quotes and they appear apples to apples related to options, glass, etc. I did find one error - both quotes had some units for a daylight basement, but ends up due to lot topography I won't be able to go that route. The Kolbe quote had a multi unit notated as basement - when in reality it is on the main - so when I pulled that out to compare quotes that was in error.

When I add it back in and made sure that both quotes had the same number of units and configuration the figures have tighten quite a bit between the two offerings.

(NOTE: I have been told Kolbe had a 4% price increase at the start of the year. Can anyone confirm? I have been told and I was working off a quote from December. The rep told me they passed some of the increase to me and absorbed some in their margin to moderate the increase from the December quote. The Marvin quote was just given in the last couple of weeks so I certain that is current pricing)

In any case, now here are the final figures:
Marvin Ultimate - $26,282
Kolbe Ultra Sterling Line - $23,905 (this includes a 3% discount if I pay in full via cash/check when the order is placed - have not inquired if Marvin distributor would offer same)

So Millworkman - you were absolutely correct when you questioned the original price differential I noted between the two offerings. Thanks!

So now with the Kolbe representing about a 10% savings over the Ultimates, does that sway opinion? If Marvin would offer the same 3% discount for full payment thus making it a 7% differential does that sway opinion?
Davis Bennett
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh - and while I am thinking about it - Kolbe or Marvin doors - should I bite that off in terms of budget or is that just overkill and not necessary - or are there options out there that offer solid/similar quality at a better price point - thinking of going fiberglass for durability - and maybe even evaluating impact glass/5 point locking systems, etc for security since I have so many french doors opening onto a veranda

And then there were 3 - new build window package quotes in - thoughts?

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millworkman

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And then there were 3 - new build window package quotes in - thoughts?

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millworkman

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