We've pretty much settled on Milgard Ultra fiberglass windows and sliding doors, but would appreciate any comments from experience. Because of our location, other window makes are scarce. We'd also appreciate comments on the benefits (if any) of going from sliding windows to casement type. We have four bids from installers that vary from $1750 to $3250! (7 windows and 3 doors) How on earth do we qualify the best, most realistic quote?

I'd like to have my current aluminum single pane windows replaced to double pane vinyl ones. If I would like to have the Milgard windows, is it better to have the Milgard dealer to install them, or it's fine to have a glazing contractor who also does a lot of Milgard window replacement? Non-dealer's price is cheaper and the job carries the same warranty. Thank you very much.

Thanks for the response @WIndows on Washington and @Beth H. I guess my real question is, if money is not a factor between Tuscany and Trinsic and if i choose trinsic for the looks, is there a quality compromise? In other words, Tuscany is more expensive and has more vinyl. does this also mean its more durable or higher quality product? Also a sales man was trying to convince that Milgard is a bad choice since the company is up for sale and they wont respect the warrently. is there any truth to it? thanks!

Thanks for the reply. That is what I had thought too, at first, but I've measured and confirmed that the frame is the exact same width at the top, middle, and bottom. The sash moves about 1/4 inch from farthest left to farthest right. It moves the same amount whether closed, fully open, and half way. I had just accepted that this was normal for Style Line windows, as the Anlin and Pella windows that I've installed have no lateral sash play at all, but they were all much more expensive. I was less interested in trying to debug the existing style line windows, and more interested in knowing if Trinsic or Tuscany series windows have this same issue.