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Windows Design Dilemma

Windows - Okna v. Ideal

last year

last modified: last year

I am looking for advice on windows - I am remodeling my 1980's ranch house in New England. I have 2 offers I am considering for:

- 11 double hungs - 2 are tempered

- 1 picture with side casements

- 1 casement,

- 1 fiber glass front door

#1 - Ideal Perfect Fit Double Pane Windows . - Quote $13,000.

#2 - Okna Series 500 Triple Pane Windows (2 of the 11 would end up being double pane as they are in an unheated garage and wouldn't qualify for the rebate) - Quote $12,600

#3 - Alside - $18,000

Does anyone have experience with either brand or recommend what they'd go with? I was leaning towards #2 as it is triple pane for most windows and about the same price. The Okna windows also have spray foam insulation - is that just a gimmick or something to avoid?

Thank you!

Featured Answer

PRO

toddinmn

last year

The Okna is ideal and triple is icing on the cake.The benefits of Foam in the sashes and frame are a plus and add a measurable difference. Foam added by the installer between the old frame and new window frame is pretty much mandatory.

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Comments (15)

millworkman
last year
last modified: last year
OKNA all day. What I know of Ideal Windows is not good.
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SOrry to hear about your problem. Was the source found? Did they determine that it was the window and not the roof? Did the installer refuse to fix it or deny responsibility? I don't think that I have read anyone "seminating" false facts that a low price is a scam. I only see advice from "behind the curtain" in the industry regarding what is a fair price and what is not. Even then, its all about the amount of risk involved. I think all would agree that buying from a tiny operation "no name" installer at a very low price is a much riskier proposition than an established company with a great reputation and history. Common sense. There are many statistics to prove that, and while sometimes an amazing deal is exactly that, there is a very good reason why construction has one of the highest complaint rates and a poor reputation, and its primarily because of fly by night companies as this is about the easiest industry to get into. Big companies aren't perfect either, but once again, the chances of problems are reduced in a linear fashion as the reputation, age, and size of a given company goes up. The trick for the the consumer is finding the balance point in that equation, where things are just right and cost and risk are balanced with the proper weight on each side. If there is any bad advice being "seminated" here, it is that using a "no name" at a price that seems to good to be true is a wise choice. If it worked for you that's great, but more times than not it results in people posting here looking for advice on how to deal with the debacle that they have found themselves in.
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Viola, keep in mind the magnitude and service life associated with this investment. This is a purchase that should last 30+ years, and you have one chance to make the right choice. $1300 over that time period is $43 per year! I think that I could find that in spare change in my couch. I do understand that $1300 upfront is a harder pill to swallow though. The Vytex is a fine choice. My main main concern is in your characterization of the dealer. Finding a company with a stellar reputation in this industry can be worth its weight in gold. Installation quality, service after the sale, stability, etc. Not saying that this is the case here, but most review outfits are very "business friendly", so mixed reviews may just show the tip of the iceberg. If you have not signed off yet you might give that a little more thought. If you have, hopefully everything works out. Perhaps you are making the right choice, just take your time to be sure. Please do post back with a followup.
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I have received quotes from various vendors and one of the windows we saw was the “Majestic Window“ from Ideal. Evidently its an exclusive series made for certain dealers. It is a nice window and seems well designed and so forth. However, we were quoted $7600 for 10 double hung replacement windows all in white with double pane glass. Does this seem like normal pricing? The dealer did tell us that the industry is facing ” inflation issues”.
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John
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
The price of the OKNA includes a 100 dollar rebate/window if they are triple pane (from local utility company) (so in total 8 double hung/triple pane, 2 double hung/double pane in the unheated garage that would not qualify for the rebate/triple pane); and the picture window with casements, kitchen casement; and door.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
IMO I would not mix double hung and casement so can we please see your draiwngs of how this will look on your house .
John
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Oh, I didn't think of the design part - I was thinking more of getting more air. It's just your typical 80's raised ranch - the current living room picture window is flanked by 2 smaller double hungs. Someone suggested switching the double hungs to casements and I thought it was a good idea to get more air in. (My kitchen window is already casement in the back of the house). I'll get a picture later today.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
This is one of the easier posts to answer in a while. I am with MWM and Todd.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
last year
+1.

#2 would be the answer at a significant premium over the others, that pricing is very low for that scope. Provided that the company has a great reputation, that sounds like a deal that you should take asap.
John
Original Author
last year
Actually, the Okna Quote #2 didn't include the door. So it's an extra 3000 for a thermatru fiberglass door with storm door for a total of $15,600 (minus an energy rebate of about 1000 eventually). Would everyone still recommend #2? Thank you!!
millworkman
last year
Absolutely. In terms of quality product #1 & #3 are non-starters.
Window Genius
last year
last modified: last year
I like the Ideal ” majestic” series which is an exclusive, its a very nice window and only certain dealers are allowed to offer it. That said, the Okna in this case by a mile.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
last year
Yes, still a strong yes on #2. You essentially have 15 windows and an entry door, that pricing is more realistic yet still below average.
John
Original Author
last year
Thank you everyone!! I decided to change my picture window to a bow window (flanked by 2 casements). The total for the 3 windows is around 5600. Does that sound fair too?
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
last year
Much like the other pricing, $5600 for a 3 panel bay window installed is pretty cheap.
Chris
last year
Yes that seems like a great price. I had an Okna bow window with casmeents installed a couple years ago and it was over $6k. it is a great window, and would highly recommend it.
John
Original Author
last year
Ok thank you both. Hopefully everything comes out well!

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