Obviously that has to be a MULTI million dollar house with prices that high JUST for windows!! Metal windows can rust, aluminum won't rust. Metal has to be painted on a regular basis, aluminum doesn't. What does your architect recommend in your area?

Based on that scale and grandeur of a home, I would figure the window schedule would be pretty large. That said, most pros will land heavily on the Kolbe over the Windsor.

Have you talked to Millworkman yet? He does this more than anyone on here.

I would agree with just_janni and WoW. I realize the Western may be too much money but in my opinion you would be better served to install the better windows that will serve you and your home better. The look difference between the Kolbe or Western and the Windsor are incredible. The Windsor is a traditional looking window. The Vistalux and Western are modern looking narrow sight line windows. Sight unseen the look of the house would be 100% different with the Kolbe/Western vs the Windsor. I have not even touched on the fact that the Windsor is so much less expensive for a good reason (lack of quality, fit and finish, dealer network, customer sservice). My question is not can you afford the Western but can you not afford to do your project justice. If you want to drop me a PM I may be able to hook you up with a dealer that provides both WW & Kolbe depending on where in NJ you are located (or you may already be usuing them, lol)

@MK beautiful house with lots of windows. such great connection to the outdoors. Also... You've made me feel better about my own house window costs! :)

@millworkman- curious on your thoughts regarding the Kolbe/WW versus Marvin Ultimate aluminum clad?

Ah, now the picture shows, definitely not a tradition window house in my opinion. Vistalux/WW or a modern stiile window would be the best appearing in my opinion.

docmd, the Ultimate is a very good window but it is a classic or traditional style window, The Vistalux/WW is a modern sleek, narrow sightline unit. Coimpeletely different asthetics. Both solid choices just different.

First- I am so grateful for everyone's responses. @millworkman , I would love to PM you, but somehow I can't figure out how to. Would you be able to PM me?

Are there any other lines out there that we should consider? I saw many names on this board, but don't have an idea of price point or quality. Fleetwood, Zola, etc.

I do also want to point out that the Windsor Pinnacle we are looking at is their contemporary line... which is still not a visual match for the Western or Vista Luxe when seen in person.

http://www.windsorwindows.com/ideas-inspiration/contemporary-idea-book/contemporary-product-options

Thanks again for all the help.

M K you need to go to your profile page and turn on messaging.

Message sent.

Message Received!!!

Zola is a quality product from all I have heard.

MK and any others who may happen upon this thread -

I would like to point out that Millworkman's experience with Windsor is from many, many years ago, by his own admittance. Windsor carries several different types and price-points of windows including vinyl (Next Dimension Signature, Classic, and Pro), cellular PVC (Legend), and our top-of-the-line Pinnacle wood/clad - which includes a traditional line and the contemporary line that MK mentions above (see photos below).

For those who are unaware, Windsor's parent company is Woodgrain Millwork, a family-owned company that is one of the largest millwork operations in the world today. Windsor has solid, long-standing relationships with our dealers because we strive to be easy-to-do-business-with and are dedicated to building quality and value into each and every product.

Thanks for all of the info. I'm deliberating Kolbe VistaLux, Western and Marvin as well, looking for a contemporary style.

One broker we are speaking with, who sells Kolbe and Western, has suggested the Weather Shield Contemporary series as a cheaper alternative. Reviews on here seem less than awesome, but I also didn't see much that was recent. @millworkman or anyone else have recent experience with them?

Also, it looks like Western just came out with a simulated steel line, but it's so new that I'm wondering if anyone has had a chance to have direct experience with them?

Take a look at Marvin's new line call Modern. I think it might be exactly what that home is going for from a stylistic standpoint.

Julia F, VistaLuxe products were developed in coordination with architects, specifically to address contemporary projects, which have become so popular. I'd love to discuss the benefits with you. Please feel free to contact me at Nick.Pesl@kolbewindows.com. In the meantime, feel free to review the highlights on our website, including a video: https://www.kolbewindows.com/product-lines#VistaLuxeCollection.

Our experience with Kolbe and local Massachusetts distributer

We had more than 25 Kolbe Vistaluxe windows and sliders and back doors installed this past summer. We have had severe problems from time of order going forward. First, the local representative sales rep at Horner in Massachusetts “pressed the wrong button”when ordering the 3 direct set window sets ( $30 K of direct set large window sets). He ordered them for commercial application and didnt admit that until 6 months later. Set project back by 12 weeks while Kolbe came up with a way to make a nailing flange after market to apply to allow installation. Those windows were ordered in January 2018. As we are about to reach a year since ordering these 2 of the 3 large window sets are LEAKING!!! Then my kitchen window which had a nailing flange originally is also leaking when it rains. we have a GC but just the set back in time cost us 100 K in extra man hours as the project manager was already off site by the time the window flange ”fix” was ready. I am still asking HORNER Millwork massachusetts to get Kolbe to send warranty information for their after market fix that were installed in The summer and paid for a year ago.

The local distributer has done very little and expresses no sense of responsibility for ordering the windows wrong to begin with. My one interaction with Kolbe involved being told that the order was placed to have flange cut off by manufacturer ( although this order was placed by their chosen local distributer)

This

Was a beautiful project transforming a traditional cape on a small lake into a gorgeous modern home. The cost went way over in part because the nailing flange issue but also other windows leaking and the double pain low e glass windows are not anywhere near as sound proof as my 20 year old andersen windows which saleperson guaranteed they would be... even in my master bedroom where I paid for triple pane glass still noisy.

at some point I will post photos of the rain coming in to my kitchen through brand new vistaluxe

the photos I included show why we chose these windows as they fit perfectly with the house aesthetic. The back of the house is not finished in photo but you can see the large window sets on back and front. we spent 2 years planning this project, had a great architect, had a GC with experience with complicated renovations and my husband and I supervised onsite full time since the project manager had to leave when we lost 12 weeks because the window fiasco.