Updating this thread for others considering aluminum frames: We did install the Milgard aluminum windows. They are really neat looking! My one regret is that there are a few windows where the old had a fixed pane and a casement. I ordered double casements instead, and probably should have stayed with the original layout. This because the double casements have a lot more 'frame' showing than we originally had. A few other things: 1.) We had some problems making casements work in some bedroom locations - due to emergency egress requirements. Basically a Milgard casement must be 30" wide for egress. Narrower and it won't meet code - even though the hinges are on the jamb. Wider and it becomes too heavy to work right. So we had to use sliders instead. 2.) Energy-wise, Milgard offers 'thermally broken' aluminum frames, but, strangely, not in California. I did order our windows with Milgards "Suncoat Max" upgrade though. It is interesting to place ones hand on the frame and then place it on the glass. Big difference in temperature. However, combined with other things in the construction (e.g., IB Systems membrane roof, and Techshield radiant barrier decking), the house is staying suprisingly cool during the current heat wave. (Got up to 100° yesterday.) And the insulation and drywall have yet to be installed! So in our case the aluminum frames don't seem to be a big problem. But if one were to insist on thermally broken aluminum, then Fleetwood seems to be a better way to go. (FWIW, I gave the local Milgard area rep a hard time about not being able to order thermally broken in California. Seems silly that you can order them in other states, but not here.) 3.) Milgard delivery was *fast*. Like less than two weeks from order to delivery. 4.) A nit: Our frames are dark bronze color, almost black. For some reason the screws mounting the casement lock handles are bright colored. Yet other screws, such as the ones holding the screens, are black. I need to call Milgard to see if they can provide some black screws to make the bright ones 'disappear'. 5.) For the master bath, I ordered reeded obscure glass, on the thought that it kinda carried the theme of the reeded obscure glass in the sidelight of my front door. (Of course a workman accidently broke the original 1950s sidelight a couple weeks ago, so now I get to match the sidelight with the master bath instead...)

Thanks SkyDawggy for the vinyl additive info. I understand new technology is coming up with various blends to strengthen vinyl. Just did a research on a fabric that is made of vinyl backing but has special Flouride-based protective layer on top that can make it last 12 to 20 years. They thermally bond the protective layer to the vinyl fabric. This is similar to many fabric covered structures in use all over the country. Our company is looking at using it to cover an outdoor sports area for employees. My comment was just that for a homeowner, we make our choices based on various factors. While vinyl may last 20 years, and I believe it can, even with our Milgard windows, I may decide to pay a bit more for something that has a better chance (no guarantee) to last 30, 40 or 50 years. It depends on our needs and how willing we are to part with our hard-earned cash. There is another post now declaring Marvin windows and doors failed after 13 years. So we consumers are all just taking chances and hoping to come out even.

Thanks all! Really wish I remember the paint. I did examine it once and it wasn’t any special off brand kind. It was black paint that was made for exterior applications. They didn’t prime, they had to do several coats and were really exceptional painters though, the kind that don’t use tape and they freehanded everything. It was pretty incredible. Like I said, after a year, some wear showed where leaves or debris had hit the paint and chipped a bit but quick touch ups were easy for me to tackle.

@Lindsey they have decorated with blues and green, but the flash also really washed things out. The tile, walls and windows are all very beige. I'm pretty sure the exterior siding color is the same as the interior trim color if that helps put it in perspective. I am liking the contrast trim though, I think we might be able to make that work so the window themselves blend. @Judy I'd be really excited if we can use Simply White since it is even lighter and more neutral than what I thought we'd be stuck with. And thanks to this picture, I've actually started looking at more grey greiges for trim. We're going to the house to measure and take a bunch of pictures on Thursday. We're actually going to take a bunch of paint samples for the sole purpose of trying to match that window color so we can more accurately mock things up. I think understanding what color the windows actually are will help.