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Do you like your Andersen windows / the Andersen you've worked with?

4 months ago

last modified: 4 months ago

I'm going to be replacing two garage windows late this summer and my house windows next year. I've always planned to go Marvin, but Ive come to find out that they are HARD to come by. I don't mean lead time. I'm talking finding someone who can order them.

Marvin sells through contracting companies only as far as I have seen. They aren't carried by lumber companies like the other big brands. We have one Marin dealer here, and I live in the second largest city in my state. Our state capital even only has one. And they both have bad reputations.

Something no one talks about in all of the Marvin vs Andersen threads all over the internet is how much more accessible Andersen are. It's insane to me that in the thousands of threads I've read - no one talked about how much more accessible Andersen are. And I'm sure part of that is to help with Marvin's branding and word of mouth. But that is a MAJOR detail and a MAJOR pro for Andersen. You can find them everywhere and you can even order product only and have your own contractor install them for you. I've already gotten three quote requests sent off for Andersen because they make it so easy.

Trying to get Marvin product only has been an impossible feat. Only the one place I mentioned here will order them, and only if you use them to install.

So I'm leaning 99% toward Andersen. Do those of you with Andersen like yours, what do you like the best, is there anything you wish you knew going into the whole process? How do those of you with period homes feel about them? I think they look as nice as Marvin. I really truly think Marvin leads the pack from it just being said out loud until people took it as fact. Andersen seem just as nice and has every option I want down to the last detail.

My house is "period" built in 1915 and I need to do some re-framing around windows to accommodate modern windows and am going to pull the siding off and fix sheeting. So overall, I'll be more flexible than people just getting replacements since I can treat mine like new construction.

Thanks for reading.

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Comments (7)

millworkman
4 months ago
" but Ive come to find out that they are HARD to come by. I don't mean lead time. I'm talking finding someone who can order them. "

" Marvin sells through contracting companies only as far as I have seen. They aren't carried by lumber companies like the other big brands. "

I do not believe it. Where are you located. Marvin is sold thru lumberyards all over the country. They do sell thru contracting companies but also thru tons or window dealers as well.
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S M
Original Author
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
@millworkman, Maybe they do, but it sure is hard to find those places. Punch in Andersen and a hundred places pop up. I'm in Tulsa.
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PRO
toddinmn
4 months ago
Have you tried CDK distribution?
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S M
Original Author
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
@toddinmn I mentioned them without name in the post. They have a not great reputation. If you still have the official dealer locator pulled up, and you follow the link to their reviews, you'll see some of what I mean. Also a lot of word of mouth talking to locals. I'd also like the ability to buy product only and hire an installer of my preference. (We're kind of creeping on scope.)

Do a test. Go to Google and punch in Marvin windows Tulsa. Then punch in Andersen windows Tulsa. You'll see exactly what I mean by "accessible". And then compare how much easier it is to get quotes on Andersen if you want to go the extra mile. But again, we're expanding the scope of the original question.

Thank you.
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PRO
toddinmn
4 months ago
You just in an area Where Marvin does not have a large foot print. Gotta go to OKC or go Andersen. I have had good luck with both products but very seldom use either.
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S M
Original Author
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
@toddinmn

OKC only has one official dealer as well. google Marvin windows Oklahoma city then Andersen windows Oklahoma City. Same exact issue.

I really really don't appreciate you trying to derail my thread. You're clearly not reading what was written and just throwing things out there. There are places that sell Marvin if you really deeply look and wade through everything. Andersen just doesn't make you do that.

For example, this has a location in OKC and they sell Marvin - https://amazingexteriors.com

"I have had good luck with both products but very seldom use either. "

Is this supposed to bait me into asking what you do use? I just want to know how people who have Andersen feel about Andersen, especially on period homes with a set look. But not just look, form and function as well.
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PRO
toddinmn
4 months ago
I am merely stating my experience with both products. I have no product to sell you nor do I even sell install to the general public directly. Just trying help since not to many others were chiming in. Good luck with your project.
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