Doors and Windows - Diy friendly non big box window company?

Now that Just Bill has given me some insight into removing my steel casement windows, I've been looking into purchasing 9 vinyl replacement windows.

I stopped by our local Pella shop here in NM and the floor salesperson was rather unfriendly to the idea of DIY. Did I take the wrong approach with them or something?

It seems that the forum frowns on lowes/HD but they promoted my DIY ambitions. The Pella guy wouldn't even give me ballpark pricing without labor!

Thanks,
Tom

Pella doesn't install windows. They have independent contractors who install the windows and it is up to them to set the price for install as each situation is different. We don't frown on the big box stores. You can get good deals there. You just have to know what your are looking for most of the time. Blue and Orange stores are definitely DIY friendly, that's why they sell books on the subject as well. Some stores are blessed with retired or semi retired carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc and you can gain alot of knowledge from them. Some aren't so lucky and you are at the mercy of the "deer in the headlights" highschool kid on summer break. Contact some local carpenters and see what they would charge for removing and installing the windows. Most give free estimates, and after you get three, pick one.

Hmmm yea I did go to the Pella "replacement window" store.... So there's a good chance that place is ran by a construction company.....

I've installed/removed windows before so I'm not too concerned with that process now that I know the accepted install technique is to saw out the old and screw/flash/caulk the new. I really just want to make sure I get the best constructed window for my buck, and not buy something that is complete crap...

Oh, for sure, Pella makes good windows. So does Andersen, Peachtree, MW, Jeld Wen and others. You would just have to look for your heart's desire and check the specs. And, heck yea you can do it yourself. You and us, that is. Good luck with the project.

Since you mentioned Pella(which I dislike very much), you are likely not talking about vinyl windows, but wood replacement windows. Since you are removing the old frames, you probably are looking for new construction windows, but without the nail fin, per previous posts. I was a master installer for Certainteed until recently, when they sold the rights to Master-(??), can't recall the name. They are known for cheap replacement windows, so I can no longer recommend Certainteed. Can't help with manufacturers on the left coast, but I always recommend a company with at least a regional name brand, that will be around to honor that lifetime warranty. IMHO, American Craftsman at HD is a very CHEAP window.

Thanks for the responses guys.
I am actually talking about vinyl windows.... It's odd, out in the desert wood frame windows aren't as popular as aluminum and vinyl even though our average relative humidity is around 12%... who knows...

My three bordering neighbors all had vinyl windows installed, and to be honest they all look to be the same quality. Two of them have units from local companies and one got theirs done by Lowes. I went into Pella's replacement window store and could tell small differences between the middle and top line windows they had on display...

I also just talked to one neighbor who looked into DIY with one of the local companies and said they wouldn't just sell her the windows because of liability issues :confused:

I haven't been by HD to check their windows, but the Lowes offerings didn't seem any worse then the other window units I've looked at.... Maybe just untrained eyes and lack of experience with vinyl units.
Do you think I would regret buying Lowes units? They're some kind of Pella licensed derivative....

In vinyl windows, look for all welded construction, rigid frames, which may not be obvious without a cutaway model. But the big difference is often the glass. You want more than just double pane glass. Lo-E/ argon is well worth the expense. Check the figures on the stickers on the glass. You want to compare the U factor, it should be below .34, and lower is better.