Gosh this sounds so like me. All I wanted to know was cost to build. All anybody else wanted to know was, well what are you going to build. And I didnt know what I wanted to build until I knew what it would cost :-P I am a bit different, as I already have land, well, utilities, probably keep same driveway, etc. But I started by looking at house plans. Found a couple styles I liked on the outside. Insides were basically then same. Showed them to a contractor just to get a rough idea what it might cost to build, and he was able to say that a plan like that might cost around X amount psf. So that was my starting place. Other researches led me here. Further researching I discovered things like fewer corners = money saved, etc. I also learned there are plenty of ppl like me that don't want/need things like dining room, living room etc. Would rather rework for other space or make other spaces bigger. Did talk informally to couple of different contractors and learned things like the lumberyard have drafspeople that are reasonable. So I got some ideas together, couple of house plans, showed what I liked and didnt like to a draftslady. The draftslady had her own set of questions for me to answer. The cost for this particular lady is .20 psf, and she doesnt charge for the basement or bonus room. I can have up to 5 major changes, major being foundation changes that change other areas of the house. Minor walls and stuff on the inside does not count. Anything over 5, is $35 an hour but she said in her 10 years, she has never had to charge anyone that. I also get 5 sets of plans, but she said she would give me 2 extra. And if we use their lumberyard for supplies, for every $1000 spent, I get $20 back on the cost of the plans. I pay her when we are all finished. So I felt like this was a good deal, a good place to start. Then I can take those plans and start getting my bids and costs. But since I want things like geothermal, radiant heat flooring, solar panels, I am trying to keep my footprint smaller because I dont know what it will cost to build, so I am very anxious to see what she comes up with, and then I can take my rough draft and try to get an idea of some of these other cost. While I am waiting, I have been researching each system more in detail. Trying to figure out things like 2x4 or 2x6. I told the draftslady 2x4, so that might be my first major change :-) But the insulation seems complicated , I read about the zo-e windows which I need something like that also I think, I finally am understanding the geothermal and what I need for that and then learned of a Reverse-Cycle Chiller? (might have to start a new thread for that one) So now I am trying to pick apart each system and figure out what I want/need. Anyways, in my area, there seems to be no shortage of people who would want the work, regardless how big or how small. I have one fella, who has mostly only done ranch styles before, he does a lot of remodeling work, and he said he has never done any monster homes like ours was. The new house, while not ranch, probably wont be quite as big but still alot of newer technology, that he may or may not have experience with. So I am a bit hesitant, but yet at the same time, this might be a good one for him to cut his teeth on so he might give me a better deal? Then again, it might be a nightmare. But being from a small town, I know him, his son is one of my son's best friends... which could be another nightmare.... But I have a couple of contractors lined up to talk to. Several are what I would call conventional builders, but then I plan on talking to a couple of non-conventional also, for lack of better words. Like the Cleary building ppl, like the pre-fab ppl, I even considered a steel frame etc. I have talked to a couple of minninite ppl. I really do not want a mortgage, so if I can compare apples to apples, basically I want to go with the cheapest if everything else is equal. It it isnt equal, then I will have to decide if and where I want to compromise. I have X amount of dollars and I want it to go as far as it can. Gosh I babble alot. But this is my "job" now. To get this house built. And my husband is very busy with work, so I have all this babble building up in my brain and no other outlet... aren't you guys lucky? :-)

anderson and pella don't have a very good reputation from what i've seen. people pick them because the two companies spend a bunch on advertising to get brand recognition. the overwhelming majority of reviews from people report poor service, and a pretty hefty price. the renewal by anderson people bid me out at $15k, which i guess includes trimming out both the interior and exterior, which is nice. i had my local simonton installer come by, and got a bid of $8800 for the Impressions 9800 series. This doesn't include interior trim, but it does include a full exterior wrap. marvin is probably the best of the three you mentioned, and their "infinity" product line is the more budget minded, but i think they're all a bit pricey. i'll find out soon, as i have marvin scheduled to come by on tuesday for a bid. my parents had $30k worth of Marvins put in their house in MN, and they are really nice, solid, quality units. simonton seems to be generally thought of as the best window/$ out there. they have multiple product lines, but i think the 9800 is the best window/$ they offer. i also had a bid for the "Generations 6000" for $12k, but can't justify an extra $4000 above the 9800s.

Hi huntev1, Fellow MN homeowner here - also looking at approx 16 windows of various sizes being replaced with Lindsay windows. I almost signed on the dotted line today for the Lindsay windows before finding the google reviews and this thread and telling the contractor (custom remodelers inc) that I was uncomfortable with the “warranty” comments I’ve seen here and on Google about the product and the installers service department failing to address issues. Can you tell me the following: Total cost you paid for the windows? I’m trying to see if I’m getting a “deal” at 13 windows for 10,571 installed (or 15 windows at 12k) for the Lindsay “Pinnacle” series windows. How would “fogging” NOT be covered by the warranty (broken seals in the window is the only way I’d think that can happen in between panes) and how Lindsay would refuse to cover that or the installer? How do warranty issues work with installer and manufacturer so they don’t just point fingers at one another? Lindsay offers several series of windows - re the “Pinnacle” series the best series of windows they offer? Has anyone besides “Rick B” had a positive experience with the Lindsay window company? I’m seeing mixed reviews on the installer Service department I was quoted by (although the individual sales gentleman was very nice and knowledgeable) Huntev1 - have any pictures of them installed? Slider or casements? Did you experience any of the fogging or ice in windows or other issues others mentioned above post-install or any complaints so far and which series did you go with?

I have always ordered clad wood windows with pre-painted interiors and simulated divided lights. I've seen all-fiberglass and all-composite windows and not been impressed. Mae507, I think you may be distracted by the wrong issues. Windows with poorly designed sash, screens, sills and hardware can have good energy ratings because of new glass technology. Here are some reviews from Consumer Reports: Submitted 2 years ago By DrewLM From Virginia The handles on the top frame of double-hung windows are overlapped by a metal lip, so if you have your fingers in the handles (nowhere else to put them) when you put the window all the way up, the metal lip jams into your fingers. Absolutely stupid design. The windows have a tight seal, but when you close the bottom half of a double-hung window, it sometimes pulls the top half down just a tad, so that when you go to lock them, the latch misses, so they look locked, but they aren't at all secure. And if you try to use the handles of the top half to push it back up, you get your fingers pinched. So, you can't use the handles to push the top half up, and there isn't much else to grip to, so trying to secure your windows can be a real frustration. ------- Submitted 3 years ago By Lisa From Rosemount, MN Our Pella windows are poor in quality. We have had problems since day one. The window in our master bedroom was defective and caused water damage. The windows throughout the house have moldy window casings and the company nor installer are taking credit for the mess. We have condensation resulting in ice buildup around the windows. from inside - cheap lifting lip at top of bottom sash, cheap latch for tilting sash to clean This is typical of most all-fiberglass and all-composite windows. from outside - ugly high interior water stop, poor sill nose and drip, strange bottom sash seal. This is typical of most all-vinyl, all-fiberglass and all-composite windows.