Hi, again. Thanks for the encouragement and the things you suggested I give careful consideration too. The exterior windows weren't such a big issue, although that was an importing thing to consider - as rollie suggested - given that I was so focused on the interior. They look ok as is and the one window in the kitchen which might look a little better if it was 6 inches over (no window above) still might move a litte once the kitchen design is finalized. Upon closer inspection, I realized the drafter also made the upstairs bedroom 8 inches wider than I had asked. Not quite sure how I missed that before - probably just too fixated on the misplaced window seat. So, I'm just going to give six inches of that space to the adjoining master bath and laundry room both of which can use it. None of the windows have to move, and I know these aren't any type of supporting walls, so I'm just going to pencil these changes in myself. While it shouldn't be such a big deal, I'm so relieved to have sound a simple solution that won't necessitate a whole new set of drawings. Briosafarm, I too like symmetry and you're right in predicting I would have been bothered each time I looked at the sheetrocked room. Again, thanks. I'm sure I'll have more to run by you as we proceed.

Wow - you all are making me feel like I have a lot more Valentines this morning! Red hit the name on the head, I realized. I buy things 'within a certain parameter', and that is why they work. I can swap things out from room to room, and they take on a new light when they are moved. I guess it says that I have 'flow', since I am able to do that. :-) Cooperbailey, my mother jokingly calls me house 'the museum', as I do enjoy old things so much. anele has almost discovered my secret business name! My 3 dogs DO participate in the production of anything I sew. When I used to lay fabric on the floor in here, you could count on 3 dog butts quickly gathering and weighting it down while I tried to match patterns, etc. And that was the previous generation of my 3 other Brittanys. Now that I cut on the kitchen island, all these can do is lay on the fabric as it drapes onto the floor from my lap as I sew, and believe me, they do. Among friends and family, I said I'd call it 'Dog Bottom Decor'! My 3 Dogs Designs is a MUCH nicer image. Here is the front window this AM. I had to close the blinds to take a picture against the light outside. Since you all know that I am of the 'more is more' school, this is the front of my 10x25 living room, with my wonderful Romweber entertainment center purchased years ago on sale. I took a quick inventory this AM, and of all the 'stuff' in the room, that piece, 2 chairs and 3 lamps and 2 art pieces are the ONLY pieces not bought on CL, eBay or a local consignment shop. I can't resist showing you the sweet toddler picture of my late Dad, who passed away 3 years ago today. My mother gave it to me recently, and I looked around and set it on the Chinoiserie desk, never dreaming that I'd soon make drapery panels that would compliment his outfit!

Here's what Andersen says: Painting Andersen Products NOTE: Although we state our windows and doors may be painted, Andersen® does not warrant the adhesion or durability of the paint to our substrates. NOTE: Matching the paint color for pre -finished interiors: Pre-finished interior double-hung products use the same liquid vinyl system as the exterior vinyl finish (Flexacron® vinyl system). Frenchwood Gliding Doors white PI have a vinyl laminate, All other FW PI doors use the Flexacron system. Pre- finished white Casement stops are wrapped in vinyl Exterior Vinyl Surfaces Colors and restrictions: White vinyl units  may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 60 (approximately Sandtone color or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen if unsure of color selection. Terratone vinyl units  may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 40 (approximately Terratone or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen if unsure of color selection. Sandtone vinyl units  may be painted any color with a Hunter L value greater than 40 (approximately Terratone or lighter). Send color chip to Andersen if unsure of color selection. Forest Green  Andersen does not recommend painting Forest Green units. Note: The Hunter "L" value is used in conjunction with two other parameters (hunter "a" and hunter "b") to describe the color of an object. In the case of paint it is reflected color that would be considered. The Hunter "a" and "b" numbers describe the hue of the color. Hunter "a" gives the color from green to red and Hunter "b" gives the color from blue to yellow. The "L" value is measure of the color's intensity; how light or dark the object appears gives the color from blue to yellow. The "L" value is measure of the color's intensity; how light or dark the object appears. The Hunter "L" value for White is 85, Terratone is 35, Sandtone is 69 and Forest Green is 26. Send color chips to: Andersen Corporation, Inc. Attn: Customer Service Department 100 Fourth Ave North Bayport, MN 55003 CAUTION: Factory applied exterior silicone fillet beads may not accept paint. Do not paint weather stripping, interlocks, jamb liners, patio door screen channels or any surface that has an abrasive or sliding contact with another surface. Solutions containing corrosive solvents should not be used on Andersen Perma- Shield® (vinyl) products. rub the surface to be painted with acetone, then apply a quality latex primer and latex paint. It's a pain in the a$$, but it can be done well if you take your time.

For an initial quote, things can be a little lax with maybe just approx sizes, model, options, u-factors, window and labor warranty,references,install/haul included, etc. For a final contract, I'd ask for the *Exact brand, model, and options for each window in writing *Exact sizes *Approx lead time and install date *Method of install, approx # days/hours to install *Any included exterior wrapping of windows *Any interior trim replacement required, *Who is responsible for Staining or Painting of Interior Trim. *Who is in charge of debris removal/cleaning, disposal of old windows *What kind of Insulation they use to seal around window(Fiberglass or Low Expansion Foam) If they offer a warranty on there work make sure you get it in writing on the contract! Also if they say they do not charge for Service Repairs get that in writing also. If you go and examined the work of a specific install crew, you can also request that crew. In most cases all of the above don't end up being necessary, but it never hurts to get things in writing, just in case...