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Building a Home Windows

Windows for new build - Sunrise or Softlite?

2 years ago

After extensive reading from the wonderful posts here and several quotes, I have narrowed down to these two :

Sunrise Standard Line

Softlite Imperial Line

The quotes are close with the sunrise being marginally higher...

Questions:

* As a brand is Sunrise a Lot better ?

* Warranty wise how do they compare?

* Value wise I feel like I am getting higher Line of Softlite vs Sunrise for less $$ - thoughts??

* Anyone had any recent negative experiences with performance / warranty claims on these specific windows?

* Is it ok to just buy the windows and let builder install? ( he wont charge me less for Not installing, they will charge me a pretty penny for it ...) I checked with vendor and they said it should not affect warranty since the nail fin for installation with brick comes mounted to the window and its a relatively straightforward installation....

TIA for all your input - homeowners as well as pros !!

Featured Answer

PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

2 years ago

Your best price will likely be from the builder. Your best install probably from a local installer that specializes in windows. You'll also likely get better service on the windows down the road from a local dealer. Builder's typically have pretty short warranties on things like workmanship, and then even on product, they'll pawn you off to the supplier.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Ultra Windows
2 years ago
Soft-lite is the better choice. Having the builder install the windows (since it's new construction style with nailing fins) is just fine. Both companies have good reputations with regard to customer service and warranty coverage.
3birdy thanked Ultra Windows
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
2 years ago
Can't add much to that, both are quality window choices. If double hungs I prefer the Softlite option, if casements I like Sunrise a little better. Beware of extended lead times these days, Softlite may be slightly better in that area as well.

Kudos to you for paying attention to the windows on your new build btw. If this is a new subdivision, you should enjoy watching most of your neighbors replace their windows in 10-15 years while yours still look and operate like new.
3birdy thanked HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
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+1. Solid feedback above and solid research on your end of things.
3birdy thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
3birdy
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks all for commenting - I still don't have a "clear winner" - lol !

But since I seem to have all the Windows Pros attention - since the builder will be doing the install and the windows all come directly from factory - is there any reason to go with LOCAL vendor? can I just go with whoever can give me best price and service??

When i have a warranty issue - I will likely have to eventually resolve with Company and not vendor?

Pls let me know if I am missing something?

OPs - who are the actual end users - let me know your experiences with these specific lines ... and also if you had a great experience with a particular Vendor.
PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
These brand of windows are typically only sold through authorized dealers and warranty issues are also ran through the dealer. I’d be a bit surprised if the manufacture is selling the windows to you or the builder.
3birdy
Original Author
2 years ago
@toddinmn - I did not mean purchase directly from mfg.... Just purchase from ANY dealer - regardless of location .... some likely have better prices / service / both than others....

Sorry if my question wasn't clear...
PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
If you can go some where that has best price and service, I’d take that.
PRO
toddinmn
2 years ago
This is a worst case scenario for me. I would never selll to a contractor direct or be involved in an install where I have no control over the exterior work. The margins are to low for the risk. New construction is a very competive market built on speed and small margins . Not knocking it, just avoiding it.

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