you are comparing a vinyl window compared to a wood window with a vinyl cladding. their is a very big difference, hence the pricing difference. If budget is not a concern go with the Andersen. Also never heard of Milgard vinyl windows so i can't really tell you much about them, but good luck if you have a warranty issue with Jeld-wen, it will be a nightmare for you.

I wouldn't dismiss the well respected local "handyman". You'll most likjely get a better job from this guy than you will with a large window company. They might send a large crew of inexperienced laborers with one experienced guy overseeing the job. The larger company will most likely be significantly more expensive than the local guy too. Most experienced contractors would consider window installation as handyman work anyways. I can buy a nice window at the local lumber yard and you'll get all the benefits of the warranty. In my area you'll rarely see homeowners using "window specialists". They simply jack up the price of the window as well as the installation. They need to cover all their advertising, salesman's salaries, and executive bonuses somehow.... Don't get to hung up on the performance numbers. If you like the look of the Anderson or Marvin and you're saving a nice sum over the Sunrise, buy what you like. It's like comparing an ugly car that is more expensive over the car you like because the "better" car gets 27.8 mpg, while the one you want gets 27.7 mpg. I just looked up the Sunrise "authorised dealers/installers" in my area. Looks to me from their sites that they are nothing more than small "handyman contractors".

Well you guys were right to go back to question the Integrity quote saying it should be less than the Kolbe Ultra - We took out about 80 lites across our entire package - again, without materially changing the look of the house - in fact we think we like it better. The architect had lites EVERYWHERE - in any case what a difference that and a little nudging makes on the pricing. To those out there shopping - certainly don't take that first quote as the answer - and 'value engineer' your grid patterns. Original Koble quote $38,700 - after removing those lights and continuing to press for some price movement $35,300 - more from the lite reduction that a price reduction - but we got 3% off if we pay in full at time of order Integrity - and this was the SHOCKER - original quote was a bit over $42,000. With the reduction in the number of lites, and the Marvin rep citing a 'calculation error and some more aggressive pricing' - the new quote came in at $29,300! This includes the hardware we want - Ultrex/Wood with primed interiors and screens. So now we really do have to think long and hard about which one to go with - thought it was getting easier (to go with the Kolbe) with the first Integrity quote $6K more than the Kolbe - but now with it thousands under, not sure which way to go - maybe it actually did get easier, but just swung in the other direction. Thank again for all the guidance - and had it not been suggested that some were surprised that the Integrity was higher than the Kolbe I probably would have disqualified it as an option without going back and questioning the quote.

We bought Anderson E series (aluminum outside, wood inside) french patio door last year. We installed ourselves with help from a friend. So far we are happy. It looks great. I researched forever before deciding on it ( I heard lots of good about Marvin too. I think they cost more). It is a hard decision. I would go with Anderson E series or comparable Marvin, (no Jenweld) if I was replacing more windows. But I don't want Vinyl inside.