skip to main content

Need to pick windows for new construction

7 years ago

We are building a house for the first time and the builder offers Alliance Windgate and Pella Encompass... He said they are both argon filled and lowE. Since they are standard builders grade - I assume we want to go up from here, but no idea which lines are much better but won't break the bank. Most windows will be 3x5, a couple 6x5 one larger in the great room and a patio and french doors. We plan to stick with vinyl. Any help or direction for research is appreciated. Thank you

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

7 years ago

+1. Most of the well regarded replacement windows are available with integral or add-on nailing flanges for new construction applications.

Where is the home (area of the country)?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

PRO
toddinmn
7 years ago
The same windows are recommend for new or inserts. Where you at?
Related Discussions
new constuction need to pick windows tomorrow--HELP!!
Q
Comments (3)
Wow, how exciting building a new home!!! Most window companies offer exterior grille color that match the exterior frame color. Interior grille can be a color of your choice matching the interior frame color. From our experience, popular grille options like permanent exterior grille and removable interior grille are not overly pricey. Cheapest is no exterior grille, only interior removable grille. Where it begins to get costly is when there are spacers between the interior and exterior grilles. The really expensive option is true divided lite using real grille to divide individual pieces of glass. If you want more choices, you can look into Milgard, Andersen, Marvin, Loewen, Kolbe and Kolbe, Pella and check their websites for dealers in your area. These websites can be out of date too so you may need to call their 800 numbers and ask about dealers. Many of these companies also offer special "Storm" ready product using stronger glass, stronger hardware and such. Most of these must meet Florida hurricane requirements. Good luck and enjoy your new home!!!
...See More
Need information on new construction vinyl windows
Q
Comments (2)
Ask in the Windows forum. You will need to include what brand, type, and line of windows. For example Okna 500 double hung.
...See More
Need help with new construction windows
Q
Comments (8)
400 would kind of be below the Marvin Ultima and wood Ultrex . The 400 Woodwright would be above the wood Ultrex and below Ultima. I'd consider both Andersens to be above the Marvun all Ultrex , but it is an another class of window. The Andersens do not feature aluminum or fiberglass in those lines, they are painted wood and Fibrex. Performance wise they are all very similar in U values and DP ratings, air infiltration numbers on the Andersens are very good, Marvins are known to be poor but I haven't seen any first hand ratings. Price wise should be in this order but may not be: Ultima, 400 Woodwright,Wood Ultrex, 400 , All Ultrex. I am not to familiar with Kolbe's line up.
...See More
We need help in choosing Windows in new construction
Q
Comments (53)
So, your double pane U-Factor appears to be a 0.27. Good, but what about that "will add thermal performance that far exceeds the vinyl options". I am quoting you directly from above about 6 posts ago. There are more than a handful of vinyl windows that will best that thermal performance in the case of double pane and more than a handful that equal or best the thermal performance numbers that you show in triple pane. To be certain, 0.15 is a good U-Factor, but it is only equivalent in this case to just the handful of vinyl windows that I know of personally not to mention the more exotics that are designed solely around performance. I do love nice wood windows, but to claim they are more efficient because of the wood is sketchy science to put it mildly.
...See More
Jenny B
Original Author
7 years ago
Wisconsin. Wooded lot & new home construction
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
7 years ago
Depending on where you are in Wisconsin, there are some nice options. HomeSealed has supplied windows on more than a handful of new builds and is in Milwaukee.
Jenny B
Original Author
7 years ago
we are near Milwaukee :) thank you
Angela Roush
2 years ago
I know this is an old thread, but hoping you can tell me what window you ended up getting? I am in the same boat now... my builder usually uses Andersen 100 series, but I want double hung with the tilt wash feature, so he suggested Alliance Windgate, which I can find NO info on. I've contacted a few other suppliers, including HomeSealed, but their quote was 7X higher than the budget!
PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
You could check out Marvin Essential and Elevate lines, these are fiberglass and wood clad fiberglass windows. There might be some supply houses that sell Soft-Lite lower level lines and Simonton in vinyl.

It is gonna be hard for Window dealer thats sells the product installed vs a general contractor that is doing the build. New construction is ultra competive . Around here subs on new construction are getting paid around $50 a window to install.

Related Stories

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Construction Chic

By Stephanie Morgan

20 fun industrial decorating touches for kids big and small

ARCHITECTURE New Construction in Minneapolis Keeps a Familiar Face

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

With the same exterior look of the previous home on its lot, this new build minimizes disruption while incorporating modern improvements

WORKING WITH PROS Your Guide to a Smooth-Running Construction Project

By Incite Design

Find out how to save time, money and your sanity when building new or remodeling

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: A Deep Blue Bedroom Dream

By Yellow Brick Home

Make your sleeping space as enchanting as a starry sky with abundant navy and touches of shine

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Design Workshop: Is a Phased Construction Project Right for You?

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Breaking up your remodel or custom home project has benefits and disadvantages. See if it’s right for you

CONTRACTOR TIPS Learn the Lingo of Construction Project Costs

By Ventana Construction LLC

Estimates, bids, ballparks. Know the options and how they’re calculated to get the most accurate project price possible

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

REMODELING GUIDES What to Consider Before Starting Construction

By Incite Design

Reduce building hassles by learning how to vet general contractors and compare bids

WORKING WITH PROS Construction Contracts: How to Understand What You Are Buying

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn how plans, scope of work and specifications define the work to be completed

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Construction Contracts: What Are General Conditions?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Here’s what you should know about these behind-the-scenes costs and why your contractor bills for them

Sponsored

AAE Bathroom Remodeler

Franklin County's Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living

More Discussions

Are Marvin windows hard to open?

23

Need advice re: exterior windows

8

Need opinions on windows

17

Design Help for Old House Window Bank

1

Vitex windows replacement

2