Its too bad OP couldn't just stay on the remodeling forum - why did he feel compelled to come here? This forum was set up specifically for the preservationist/restorationist (vs remodeler) so we wouldn't have to be bogged down with this and the vinyl siding issue every other post. Ughhhhh enough already. It's a lot like debating politics and religion. There are beliefs you are either on board with - or you're not. Re: old house windows, the beliefs we preservationists/restorationists operate from are a) there are very little energy savings with new windows (ie most heat loss is via gaps, air leaks, lack of insulation in basemen and attic and very little through the panes of glass/windows themselves); and b) when you add up costs of manufacture and shipping, short operating life, inability to repair them, etc. the "green" alternative really is repair/restoration of old double hung wood windows and c) cost - huge expense, short operating life & inability to repair adds up to not a very wise purchase Unless original windows are missing or too hopelessly trashed - some original windows from 1940s onward weren't great quality to begin with.

We replaced our windows a few years ago and the level of comfort improved dramatically. I was very nervous about damage during process but there was none. All I needed to do is be watchful of plants that were in the way. If you don't have plants or don't care it is not an issue. I have seen too many composite decks, vinyl fences and other "sturdy" plastic products truly deteriorate in the TX sun, so we opted for aluminum frames, despite installer trying to convince us otherwise. Back then the installation was done thru a Lowe's subcontractor but installers got wise and went independent. Our installer was excellent about cleaning excess caulking and the windows themselves (inside and out) so I would insist that be part of work scope. I would def. get references but the job is pretty straight forward so the risk of a snafu are pretty low. Ask about old window disposal, that may be extra. i live in ft bend co. Can't give you installer name b/c my contract was with Lowe's so we never knew or asked who sub was. it took them 2 days to do 16 windows,

The most major consideration in the street appeal department is fixing the retaining wall. It looks cheap because it doesn't have "returns," and extremely "busy." It should be extended farther forward (because the slope continues) and limited to maybe 3 levels, as opposed to the sawtooth and innumerable levels. The taller shrubs along the steps look obstructive and messy (as no rhyme or reason for their arrangement), The bald mulch is not a good flavor, and having the turf lawn extend into the sloped area seems like unpleasant maintenance and a shortcoming in the bed geometry. I'd opt for a lot of groundcover instead. The low hanging tree limbs need to be removed. Whether the Jap. maple can be cleaned up and retained ... we would need to see a picture of its trunk relative to the house wall. I'm not trying to show the capabilities of planting in the picture, but just the walls and logical bed line.

My wife and I are building our home with oversized windows in the NE, and after much research of available products in our area (especially during COVID) Quaker CityVu windows met the thermal, structural, and air infiltration requirements for the large window spaces without mulling. For normal sized windows I would likely have gone with a high quality vinyl window as stated by many reputable window manufacturers and vendors on Houzz. I was concerned by millworkman's comments on Quaker windows on my post a few months ago so I visited several local window shops, talked with my builder, and did a full dive into window construction. I am by no means a window expert, but after looking at the top line products of other window manufacturers, I can say that the Quaker CityVu windows specifically are as good if not better in terms of quality of framing material as the other manufacturers. Every window manufacturer has basic to high end windows for the most part. The windows are just solid. Further research shows that they get their glass from Cardinal which seems to be where most of the industry gets their glass packages. I went to the Cardinal website and reviewed their glass packages and essentially matched what the Cardinal tech advice for my climate (after discussing with my builder). The warranty of Quaker windows is average. For the insulated glass, the warranty is 20 years. This seems reasonable. The urethane or silicone based sealants used generally start breaking down around 18 - 20 years mainly due to UV exposure. This is similar across the board for all windows with insulated glass. Most other window manufacturers tend to have a "lifetime" warranty, but that's mainly applicable to the first home owner and most aren't transferable. The fine print generally says 20 years for most windows. The warranty on the Quaker CityVu thermally broken aluminum frame is variable depending on the finish. Quaker offers 3 coatings which have 5 (anodized), 10 (2604 finish), and 20 year (2605 finish) warranty's. The Bad Quaker definitely has a bad reputation on the internet. I see that this stems from: (1) customer service; (2) shipping and delivery of windows; and (3) lower grade window lines. My builder expressed concern especially due to customer service and shipping and delivery issues. They were awesome and did their due diligence and asked their window vendors about Quaker and alternatives. Unfortunately, none of the vendors had alternatives to thermally broken aluminum windows in our area at a reasonable cost (this could be due to COVID supply chain issues). Some vendors expressed concern that they have had issues with customer service and warranty claims with Quaker. A few vendors said that Quaker sometimes have quality control issues with shipment of the windows and some appurtenant pieces that go along with the window install. I think this can be mitigated by choosing a vendor that has a good relationship with Quaker, and has a direct contact to Quaker management which some vendors seem to have. However, it seems that it'll be a roll of the dice, and patience will be needed if some window parts come damaged during shipping and delivery. I think Quaker CityVu windows are at a cost competitive price point. I think the CityVu "grade" is better than builder grade. Probably closer to architectural grade. In any case, I recommend asking around your area and visit a Quaker vendor and check out the windows in person. I also recommend doing the same for other window manufacturers and finding the right window for your needs and budget. I have found window vendors to be very helpful, knowledgeable about windows, window packages, glass (certain coatings, panes, types dependent on air infiltration, thermal values, and the location of where the windows will be), and very loyal to the products their company sells. As a potential customer you need to ignore the brand positive or negative bias and focus on window construction quality, customer service, warranty, and the many other factors that go into purchasing windows for a home.