Typical window picture link is attached (hopefully). Still not sure I've got this photo attachment right, will list two links below. [IMG]http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii38/wlpitcher/IMG_3500_edited-copy.jpg[/IMG] 2419 Steel Casement

That is an interesting quandary with the windows. Have you considered the Infinity-Everwood option? That might give you the same look and I am pretty sure they have the oriel option. If not, the money spent on trying to re-work the shutters might be better spent on just going with another set of the Ultimates. I can't really speak for certain on what the pricing would be for the shutter modifications but I can't imagine it to be cheap.

Where is the best place to get windows from? A window store or a supply store? The window shop I checked out this weekend carries Andersen, Sunrise and Simonton (among others). The supply store carries Andersen and Simonton (among others). Someone please educate me on the best way to go about getting the best price for a good window. The contractor doing all of the work on the house will be installing the windows. We're looking for 2 new install double - double hung windows and a large picture window flanked with double hung windows. Down the road we will be replacing the rest of the windows in the house (15 total). For the most part, I like the look of the Sunrise and have read they are a better window over Simonton. Andersen looks nice too but I wonder if their prices are inflated because of the name/popularity. We had Simonton 5500 series in our old house and I thought they were fine. Is there a Simonton series that is worth looking into? When it comes to Sunrise and Andersen, are they comparable - quality and price? fwiw, we live near a jet noise - recommendations for windows that will help with sound dampening is appreciated.

In a given opening, 2 wide windows will be cheaper and provide a better view than three narrow ones. Double/single hungs will be cheaper than casements. Otherwise, not much to say about the overall apearance without the elevations and climate info. The Andersen 100 (with an e) is made of a PVC and wood fiber composite that is stronger than PVC/vinyl but the configuration of the frame and sash mimics vinyl in that the glass is so far forward in the wall that the glass is actually forward of the siding and trim which would not be appropriate for a Modern Farmhouse. Also, the sill doesn't have an adequate drip which is more likely to allow water to get behind the siding when the caulking deteriorates assuning it was well installed to begin with. I would add an Azek historic sill or flash under the sill and over the second course of horizontal siding below. I've seen this kind of sill detail get Andersen into big trouble before and they redesigned their clad wood double hungs but they seem to have forgotten the lesson.