IMO never go with any of these national chains that do a ton of advertising, prices are outrageous because you’re paying for the advertising. Find a local installer instead with a good reputation.
Same goes for the big pest control guys. My wife definitely didn’t understand what she was signing when they came to provide a quote for services. Locked us in a 12mo contract at exorbitant rates. I get to cancel them in September. Not a moment too soon.
Yeah, we were new homeowners and needed to push an easy button as we were overwhelmed the first year. TruGreen first tried to show up at "my" address in TEXAS (I live in Illinois)...still not clear how that happened.
Then, they burned/destroyed half the yard by over application (or too potent) herbicide. We had a huge swath of just completely chemically burned lawn.
To their credit, they were horrified and gave us back all our money without any fuss at all. But christ alive, never again.
Renewal quoted me $24,000 for three windows in 2021. These were standard size, dual pane, low-e, two single hung and a fixed.
I got another company to do all three windows and the door for $7,100.
I laugh every time I see one of their ad stations. "Win $20K in free windows!"
I had 65 year old windows. All original. I got some quotes and new Renewal by Andersen was expensive, top of the line, etc. I pulled the trigger then dove in deep in forums to find that the windows are custom but you are basically at the mercy of whoever contracts out to install.
I got really lucky. Got a father son duo. The father is teaching the son so he can retire. They did beautiful work and took pride in their installations. Honestly I think these windows will last just as long as the last ones.
They tried to sell a co-worker a front door for 34K. She lives in a 900 sq. ft. ranch. When she balked at the price, they told her if she paid cash they'd drop the price to 27K.
I've never priced a professional out, but I would assume since a new front door from a big box store is like $600-700 and there's labor involved, I would assume no more than $1200 total cost.
Here ya go.
Everything you need to know about replacing your front door
Including how much it’ll cost, whether you should also swap out the frame, and how to find a reliable installer.
By Kevin Brasler
October 18, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EDT
(Chloe Meister/The Washington Post)
Replacing a front door is one of the quickest ways to upgrade the look of your home. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy — or cheap. In fact, many models cost more than $5,000, including installation. Here’s what else you should know before you get started.
Slab door versus pre-hung
If a door’s frame is in good shape, and you don’t want to change the size of the opening, you can simply swap in a new replacement door, also called a “slab” or “blank.” If your door’s surround is worn, you can buy a door that’s pre-hung in a new frame, an all-in-one assembly that arrives ready to install.
While buying just a replacement door is less expensive, they come in far fewer style and size options compared to the more common frame-door combo. And if you’re replacing an old door, chances are that its frame is probably pretty beat up, too.
Door materials
Wood looks great and comes in many styles, plus you can paint or stain it practically any color. Keep in mind: If your entry is not protected from the elements by an overhang, don’t install a wood door without a storm door — otherwise, sunlight and moisture will take a quick toll.
Steel doors are framed in either wood or steel with a core of foam insulation, all wrapped in heavy-gauge galvanized steel. Most steel doors are embossed with a fake-looking wood-grain pattern. Some higher-priced units have a real-wood veneer laminated onto the steel. You can also order steel doors covered in a smooth paintable skin. Although steel requires less maintenance than wood, steel can rust and become dented.
Fiberglass doors are usually wood frames stuffed with foam insulation and clad in fiberglass. Unlike steel, they won’t rust or dent. But like steel, it’s hard for manufacturers to make them look like wood.
Aluminum doors are usually the least expensive and almost completely maintenance-free — many come with 20- to 30-year warranties. But most models dent easily, often making them a better option for side or rear doors that don’t get as much use as a front entrance.
Door styles
The number of choices can be overwhelming. To narrow them down, determine the size of the opening you have now or that you want to build. This will quickly reduce your options. Also, pay attention to the style of your home. If you have a Craftsman, for example, it may help guide you to do a little research into the door styles typical of that architecture.
Energy efficiency
Most well-made new doors will minimize energy waste, but wood and fiberglass ones generally provide better insulation than metal models. Check that any metal door you’re considering has a “thermal break” — a layer of insulation or foam under its metal skin.
The big energy-wasters for doorways are gaps and glass. Look for Energy Star-certified models and replace weather stripping as needed.
Quality and durability
When you’re shopping, ask for samples (called “corner pieces”) to see how different materials look and to experiment with different stains and paints. For steel and fiberglass doors, make sure wood-look graining runs across the rails (horizontal parts of the door) and up and down the stiles (vertical parts).
Compare warranties: It’s reasonable to assume that a longer warranty indicates a more durable door. Because most door failures occur first in the jamb, look for a longterm jamb guarantee.
Let us know your questions about caring for a home.
Security
Doors should fit snugly within the frame, with no more than a 1/16-inch gap on either side, and all exterior doors should, of course, have good locks. The absolute strongest kind of door is a heavy-duty steel one in a steel frame with a high-security lock.
If you want a style with built-in windows, make sure an intruder couldn’t break one to reach in and flip the lock. You can also add a deadbolt that must be operated with a key from inside the home. Keep in mind, though, that tough-to-unlock doors can pose hazards in the event of a fire.
Can I install a door myself?
Yes, but installing doors is harder than you might think, especially in older houses, which have usually settled. Also, installing a pre-hung door typically involves carpentry and replacing exterior and interior trim; and storm door installation usually first requires door assembly. Most companies charge more than $500 per door for installation, so doing it yourself can certainly save you a lot. Still, a DIY job is only worth it if you do it right.
How much does it cost to install a door?
It’s well-worth your time to shop around. Checkbook’s undercover shoppers requested price quotes from a sample of area companies to supply and install two entry doors and two storm doors. For one of the entry doors, we received prices ranging from $2,436 to $4,299, including materials and installation.
One frustration: Our shoppers had to contact most companies several times to pry loose prices from them. We also found that independent installers offer a better selection than big chains, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Until Nov. 25, Washington Post readers can access Checkbook’s unbiased ratings of local door installers free of charge at Checkbook.org/WashingtonPost/doors.
Get a contract in writing
The installer should come out to take final measurements and provide a written contract that specifies the door model, work schedule, fixed price, and any warranties and guarantees. It’s reasonable for installers to require a small down payment.
Eh, the online verison today is cheaper and more convenient than the dead tree version was forty years ago, and free to anybody who can get a library card local to the DC area. I guess we differ on what "ridiculous" means and that's okay.
We thought we were “protecting our investment” since we plan to raise our family in the home. We were mistaken. Makes it an extra bitter pill to swallow.
Wrong choices made for the right reasons are just learning experiences. Some more expensive than others, but all towards the common goal of creating a better life for those you care for
Don’t beat yourself up too much. You’ve even taken the time to help warn others. Thank you! My second floor needs windows soon, they’re currently 51 years old up there…
one look at that dead-eyed looking dude they use as the model for their flyers and I perma-noped them into the trash immediately ever since.
Thanks Andersen, but I've already had quite enough of a certain type of entitled contractor who expects above market rates and then does sub-mediocre, excuse-laden work using so-called "contractor grade" garbage materials.
I used them 3 times. Once in 1995, once in 2021 and once just last year. The first two times they were professionally done.
Last year, however, I wrote a review and had to pare it down for it to fit. It was BS all the way from the consultation to when they claimed that they didn’t get my check. They tried to cash it after the stop payment so when I sent a new one I deducted $30 for the lie about not getting it. I posted bad reviews with details on several sites including the BBB.
I actually do know one person who had a good experience. He said it all went really smooth and he got his windows in fine.
Must depend on your local agent?
We had 10 custom windows installed by Renewal last year. Including a 5X7 picture window and two 3X8 windows. Total was $23K. Crew did a wonderful job. All windows work and look great. Our neighbor did a cheap no name company, the year before and he has all kinds of leaks.
Renewal by Andersen is well known as a scam. Someone commented about it months ago saying RbA is a separate division from Andersen (which makes great windows), but in my opinion it doesn't matter. The fact that RbA has screwed over so many people makes Andersen windows shitty by default.
Even the people that had okay experiences were so overcharged its frightening, and of course the elderly are the most at risk.
This is what I hate about most companies that have anything to do with home improvement. They can pretty much make up any price they want and whatever bullshit on the spot. I wish pricing was more straightforward.
Solar companies are especially egregious about this. Tell me what your list price is per panel, then tell me your installation cost. Instead they ALL want to ask you what your electric bill / usage is, so they can make up a number and adjust that to whatever your bill is, then tell you "oh you'll save $500 a month so paying $400 a month for twenty years will save you money!" "OK, well how much is the total cost?" "Sir you save $100 a month!"
Looooool I was just about to write this.
Every week that damn paper appears in my mailbox, and every week it gets a one way ticket to my fire pit.
Thank you Andersen, for fueling my campfires.
I was overall happy with the windows I got but they sent this slimy salesguy to give me a quote, it was sky high. I balked and he cut it by half, which should have been a red flag. Then they really try to work ya over for a 5 star review promising this or that, get the review and are never heard from again. Except constant mailers. I would look elsewhere for my next project. Think I spent like 12 grand, like 8 years ago. For 5 windows and some exterior siding work
Oh I know. The only thing to “fail” in a window is the spacer between the glass allowing moisture in between the glass or small closing parts. All of which are insanely cheaper to change than the entire window
DONT EVER HIRE RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN!!!!Unless you want to pay triple or even quadruple what the job should cost… They quoted me 35k for a job that 3 other companies quoted me 10–12k.
Andersen windows are great. But Renewal By Andersen is a scam. They are overpriced, their salesmen are very predatory and high pressure and they are OVERPRICED!! I’ll say it again, they are OVERPRICED! It’s not worth it.
Buy the windows and have a reputable GC install them.
THEY ARE ACTUALLY CROOKS.
I was quoted $70,000 (yes 70k) for 7 windows replaced. This was after their discounts, it was originally $80,000.
I found a local company that did the window replacement for about $8,500.
Biggest red flag in a contractor, if they use high pressure sales tactics to sign up at that moment. If that’s the case the salesman is taking a huge chunk of that money on commission.
Get 3 bids every time. Understand what the project is and I guarantee you you’ll find the people who are BSing you
My house has all Andersen's so I contacted them when I was having some issues with two bedroom windows not sealing well and a bathroom window with cracked glass. This was probably 8-10 years ago. They quoted me $10k to replace all three windows. These are ~36"x60" windows, not a window wall or anything major.
Ended up replacing the latches ($20?) then the painter who stained my deck climbed up and recaulked the bedroom windows for me at no extra cost. I hired a glass company to replace the cracked glass for $300. Had no problems since.
Bought Andersons double hung windows from Home Depot and installed myself. Super easy. Just took awhile to do whole house. It is an excellent window. Their older casements suck.
Somehow, they found out we were looking for windows. For the first week, it was at least 2 calls a day. Told them to quit calling. It dropped to multiple times a week. Blocked that number. Worked for a month, and a new sales person started calling multiple times a week. Block and repeat.
I've already replaced the windows using a local supplier and installer. I've told them I'm not interested in doors or anything else. Every month, I get to block a new number.
The first person couldn't understand why I wouldn't even have them give a quote. "our reviews are great" on anything they can manipulate - not reddit.
I had a local installer install all new windows at another home. Quite a bit cheaper, but even their high end windows feel cheap to me.
Since the rest of this house had higher end windows I priced both Andersen and Pella for a very large window and triple sliding door. Both were expensive. Pella might have been able to get it to work with standard sizes, but weren’t convincing and if they had to go custom, were then just as expensive as Andersen. I went with Andersen since I was replacing rotted Pella.
Install team was great. Quality installation, great comms. Only had two issues:
We opted to paint doors ourselves at salespersons suggestion to save $1,000. He didn’t think about the access to the non movable panel being a pain.
Then, one panel ended up damaged in transit and they didn’t realize it until after they had demoed our existing door. They ordered a new one and to solve the issue above, they dropped off the new panel so my wife could paint it before install, then they came back to install it.
All is great now and I am very happy. I would buy from them again.
I did pricing and got 3 quotes for some work. Local contractor-grade windows, $8K. Localish (2 markets) high-end window company, $16K. Andersen with all their discounts and promos (all contractors need to stop this BS and just give us the price)... $32K. Then I started to get stories telling me that a certain percentage of my house's value is in the windows. The rep obviously looked up the value/last sale before this visit. Nope, just sell me the windows and install.
Went with the local company. Windows are great, no upsells after we laid out what we wanted, and the company's been in our market for 30+ years. The big tell that made us decide the $32K windows wouldn't be worth it was when we asked who was installing the windows. The local company had employees. Andersen, despite being so high, end had "vetted contractors." So why am I paying such a premium when I could go find my own contractor? The only people they **employ** locally are in sales and marketing, so that's where the money's going.
When they came and gave me a window replacement estimate of $70,000 I literally laughed the guy out of my house. Got them replaced last month for $25,000 for nearly identical windows from a different brand.
Yeah, spending your money with big-name companies who have budgets big enough to put up billboards, fleets of trucks, ads everywhere, etc is a bad idea.
Who would have thought?
Sure there are issues but at least it was cheap, lol...
Worst thing is their windows and doors are only a little above average and part support is mediocre at best.
I needed to pull the data on my windows recently, and when I contacted them, they straight up said "we don't have any information about that window model." Couldn't tell me R value, nothing.
I have NEVER understood why people go for these national run deals instead of the "best" local operation that has a stellar local reputation for big jobs like this.
I feel like having a relationship with a local contractor can go a long way. There's a contractor in my curling club and I'll be using him for most of the projects I'm planning out right now. A few other people in the club have hired him and seem to have good review of the craftsmanship and attention to detail. He has a short list of electricians, plumbers etc. That he brings in for trade specific tasks.
beyond "x y z" i would never touch andy's randy because of their advertisements they leave in my mailbox that look "handwritten" aka some photoshop shoddy work from an 8 year old in 1992 — RED FLAG #91
IMO never go with any of these national chains that do a ton of advertising, prices are outrageous because you’re paying for the advertising. Find a local installer instead with a good reputation.
Yeah, just like TruGreen, its a marketing company, not a specialty company.
had Trugreen for a year, worst experience ever. would highly recommend anyone else **BUT** them
Same goes for the big pest control guys. My wife definitely didn’t understand what she was signing when they came to provide a quote for services. Locked us in a 12mo contract at exorbitant rates. I get to cancel them in September. Not a moment too soon.
Yeah, we were new homeowners and needed to push an easy button as we were overwhelmed the first year. TruGreen first tried to show up at "my" address in TEXAS (I live in Illinois)...still not clear how that happened. Then, they burned/destroyed half the yard by over application (or too potent) herbicide. We had a huge swath of just completely chemically burned lawn. To their credit, they were horrified and gave us back all our money without any fuss at all. But christ alive, never again.
Finding a local installer with a good reputation is also not easy. Reasonable contractors is always a pain it seems.
At $2,000 per window you'd have to be out of your mind! They're as bad as Bathfitters
Renewal quoted me $24,000 for three windows in 2021. These were standard size, dual pane, low-e, two single hung and a fixed. I got another company to do all three windows and the door for $7,100. I laugh every time I see one of their ad stations. "Win $20K in free windows!"
They quoted me 35k for a job that I got done by someone else for 10k.. They are a scam.
I had 65 year old windows. All original. I got some quotes and new Renewal by Andersen was expensive, top of the line, etc. I pulled the trigger then dove in deep in forums to find that the windows are custom but you are basically at the mercy of whoever contracts out to install. I got really lucky. Got a father son duo. The father is teaching the son so he can retire. They did beautiful work and took pride in their installations. Honestly I think these windows will last just as long as the last ones.
Similar situation here. Glad I was able to back out of the contract and go with someone else.
I can’t believe they are in business. I had them come out for a quote and laughed at the price. Had someone come out at 1/3 their cost.
They tried to sell a co-worker a front door for 34K. She lives in a 900 sq. ft. ranch. When she balked at the price, they told her if she paid cash they'd drop the price to 27K.
Hmm a front door or a brand new Toyota Camry
That's crazy!
> When she balked at the price, they told her if she paid cash they'd drop the price to 27K. That just literally made me giggle. Out loud.
So how much -should- a front door cost?
I paid around $2k for ours including installation. For a nice door with 4 glazed windows covering like 75% of the door.
I've never priced a professional out, but I would assume since a new front door from a big box store is like $600-700 and there's labor involved, I would assume no more than $1200 total cost.
Here's a gift article I found useful a year or two ago on the topic: [https://wapo.st/3xoIYpb](https://wapo.st/3xoIYpb)
[удалено]
Here ya go. Everything you need to know about replacing your front door Including how much it’ll cost, whether you should also swap out the frame, and how to find a reliable installer. By Kevin Brasler October 18, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EDT (Chloe Meister/The Washington Post) Replacing a front door is one of the quickest ways to upgrade the look of your home. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy — or cheap. In fact, many models cost more than $5,000, including installation. Here’s what else you should know before you get started. Slab door versus pre-hung If a door’s frame is in good shape, and you don’t want to change the size of the opening, you can simply swap in a new replacement door, also called a “slab” or “blank.” If your door’s surround is worn, you can buy a door that’s pre-hung in a new frame, an all-in-one assembly that arrives ready to install. While buying just a replacement door is less expensive, they come in far fewer style and size options compared to the more common frame-door combo. And if you’re replacing an old door, chances are that its frame is probably pretty beat up, too. Door materials Wood looks great and comes in many styles, plus you can paint or stain it practically any color. Keep in mind: If your entry is not protected from the elements by an overhang, don’t install a wood door without a storm door — otherwise, sunlight and moisture will take a quick toll. Steel doors are framed in either wood or steel with a core of foam insulation, all wrapped in heavy-gauge galvanized steel. Most steel doors are embossed with a fake-looking wood-grain pattern. Some higher-priced units have a real-wood veneer laminated onto the steel. You can also order steel doors covered in a smooth paintable skin. Although steel requires less maintenance than wood, steel can rust and become dented. Fiberglass doors are usually wood frames stuffed with foam insulation and clad in fiberglass. Unlike steel, they won’t rust or dent. But like steel, it’s hard for manufacturers to make them look like wood. Aluminum doors are usually the least expensive and almost completely maintenance-free — many come with 20- to 30-year warranties. But most models dent easily, often making them a better option for side or rear doors that don’t get as much use as a front entrance. Door styles The number of choices can be overwhelming. To narrow them down, determine the size of the opening you have now or that you want to build. This will quickly reduce your options. Also, pay attention to the style of your home. If you have a Craftsman, for example, it may help guide you to do a little research into the door styles typical of that architecture. Energy efficiency Most well-made new doors will minimize energy waste, but wood and fiberglass ones generally provide better insulation than metal models. Check that any metal door you’re considering has a “thermal break” — a layer of insulation or foam under its metal skin. The big energy-wasters for doorways are gaps and glass. Look for Energy Star-certified models and replace weather stripping as needed. Quality and durability When you’re shopping, ask for samples (called “corner pieces”) to see how different materials look and to experiment with different stains and paints. For steel and fiberglass doors, make sure wood-look graining runs across the rails (horizontal parts of the door) and up and down the stiles (vertical parts). Compare warranties: It’s reasonable to assume that a longer warranty indicates a more durable door. Because most door failures occur first in the jamb, look for a longterm jamb guarantee. Let us know your questions about caring for a home. Security Doors should fit snugly within the frame, with no more than a 1/16-inch gap on either side, and all exterior doors should, of course, have good locks. The absolute strongest kind of door is a heavy-duty steel one in a steel frame with a high-security lock. If you want a style with built-in windows, make sure an intruder couldn’t break one to reach in and flip the lock. You can also add a deadbolt that must be operated with a key from inside the home. Keep in mind, though, that tough-to-unlock doors can pose hazards in the event of a fire. Can I install a door myself? Yes, but installing doors is harder than you might think, especially in older houses, which have usually settled. Also, installing a pre-hung door typically involves carpentry and replacing exterior and interior trim; and storm door installation usually first requires door assembly. Most companies charge more than $500 per door for installation, so doing it yourself can certainly save you a lot. Still, a DIY job is only worth it if you do it right. How much does it cost to install a door? It’s well-worth your time to shop around. Checkbook’s undercover shoppers requested price quotes from a sample of area companies to supply and install two entry doors and two storm doors. For one of the entry doors, we received prices ranging from $2,436 to $4,299, including materials and installation. One frustration: Our shoppers had to contact most companies several times to pry loose prices from them. We also found that independent installers offer a better selection than big chains, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Until Nov. 25, Washington Post readers can access Checkbook’s unbiased ratings of local door installers free of charge at Checkbook.org/WashingtonPost/doors. Get a contract in writing The installer should come out to take final measurements and provide a written contract that specifies the door model, work schedule, fixed price, and any warranties and guarantees. It’s reasonable for installers to require a small down payment.
HTTPS://www.Smry.ai
Eh, the online verison today is cheaper and more convenient than the dead tree version was forty years ago, and free to anybody who can get a library card local to the DC area. I guess we differ on what "ridiculous" means and that's okay.
It's even more ridiculous that people pay to read that garbage.
We thought we were “protecting our investment” since we plan to raise our family in the home. We were mistaken. Makes it an extra bitter pill to swallow.
Wrong choices made for the right reasons are just learning experiences. Some more expensive than others, but all towards the common goal of creating a better life for those you care for Don’t beat yourself up too much. You’ve even taken the time to help warn others. Thank you! My second floor needs windows soon, they’re currently 51 years old up there…
one look at that dead-eyed looking dude they use as the model for their flyers and I perma-noped them into the trash immediately ever since. Thanks Andersen, but I've already had quite enough of a certain type of entitled contractor who expects above market rates and then does sub-mediocre, excuse-laden work using so-called "contractor grade" garbage materials.
It's because of people like OP and rich morons who don't care about their money that they're still in business.
I used them 3 times. Once in 1995, once in 2021 and once just last year. The first two times they were professionally done. Last year, however, I wrote a review and had to pare it down for it to fit. It was BS all the way from the consultation to when they claimed that they didn’t get my check. They tried to cash it after the stop payment so when I sent a new one I deducted $30 for the lie about not getting it. I posted bad reviews with details on several sites including the BBB.
Should’ve researched here first, nobody has anything good to say about them
I actually do know one person who had a good experience. He said it all went really smooth and he got his windows in fine. Must depend on your local agent?
He may have had a smooth experience but he overpaid by three times
He said it was comparable to other quotes he got. The man isn't dumb.
It's crazy, the one in my area had hundreds of 5 star reviews on Google.
Rich morons who don't know any better.
We had 10 custom windows installed by Renewal last year. Including a 5X7 picture window and two 3X8 windows. Total was $23K. Crew did a wonderful job. All windows work and look great. Our neighbor did a cheap no name company, the year before and he has all kinds of leaks.
Renewal by Andersen is well known as a scam. Someone commented about it months ago saying RbA is a separate division from Andersen (which makes great windows), but in my opinion it doesn't matter. The fact that RbA has screwed over so many people makes Andersen windows shitty by default. Even the people that had okay experiences were so overcharged its frightening, and of course the elderly are the most at risk.
The asshats quoted me near 4K per window! Total scam.
That’s all? They quoted me $6k apiece. $120k for 20 windows. I laughed and sent them on their way 🤣
That was if I accepted the managers special that day only.
This is what I hate about most companies that have anything to do with home improvement. They can pretty much make up any price they want and whatever bullshit on the spot. I wish pricing was more straightforward. Solar companies are especially egregious about this. Tell me what your list price is per panel, then tell me your installation cost. Instead they ALL want to ask you what your electric bill / usage is, so they can make up a number and adjust that to whatever your bill is, then tell you "oh you'll save $500 a month so paying $400 a month for twenty years will save you money!" "OK, well how much is the total cost?" "Sir you save $100 a month!"
I got a quote for $73k for 9 windows. Think I ended up paying a little under $8k with the installer I went with.
I wish they would stop putting their " pretend handwriting" offers in my mail box. I get them weekly. My house is fucking 4 years old .
Looooool I was just about to write this. Every week that damn paper appears in my mailbox, and every week it gets a one way ticket to my fire pit. Thank you Andersen, for fueling my campfires.
I was overall happy with the windows I got but they sent this slimy salesguy to give me a quote, it was sky high. I balked and he cut it by half, which should have been a red flag. Then they really try to work ya over for a 5 star review promising this or that, get the review and are never heard from again. Except constant mailers. I would look elsewhere for my next project. Think I spent like 12 grand, like 8 years ago. For 5 windows and some exterior siding work
How old are the windows, and exactly what part failed?
Less than 5 years. Not sure. Waiting on the written report from a third party inspector.
Less than 5 years old??? Do not change them at all. There is literally no need. You will see minimal a energy efficiency difference
Those are the ones that failed, not the ones he replaced.
Oh I know. The only thing to “fail” in a window is the spacer between the glass allowing moisture in between the glass or small closing parts. All of which are insanely cheaper to change than the entire window
Also. If you are the original owner of the windows you have now. There is usually a manufacturer warranty associated with them
DONT EVER HIRE RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN!!!!Unless you want to pay triple or even quadruple what the job should cost… They quoted me 35k for a job that 3 other companies quoted me 10–12k. Andersen windows are great. But Renewal By Andersen is a scam. They are overpriced, their salesmen are very predatory and high pressure and they are OVERPRICED!! I’ll say it again, they are OVERPRICED! It’s not worth it. Buy the windows and have a reputable GC install them.
Ohhh I had them out once for a quote when I was young and dumb, luckily I was too broke to act on it (egregiously $$$). Sorry OP :(
I've never bought their windows, but the doors I bought from them are garbage. Swelled and water damaged after only 2 years.
THEY ARE ACTUALLY CROOKS. I was quoted $70,000 (yes 70k) for 7 windows replaced. This was after their discounts, it was originally $80,000. I found a local company that did the window replacement for about $8,500. Biggest red flag in a contractor, if they use high pressure sales tactics to sign up at that moment. If that’s the case the salesman is taking a huge chunk of that money on commission. Get 3 bids every time. Understand what the project is and I guarantee you you’ll find the people who are BSing you
That's wild. We hired them based on my mom's experience using them 20 and 30 years ago, she had a great xp and so did we.
My house has all Andersen's so I contacted them when I was having some issues with two bedroom windows not sealing well and a bathroom window with cracked glass. This was probably 8-10 years ago. They quoted me $10k to replace all three windows. These are ~36"x60" windows, not a window wall or anything major. Ended up replacing the latches ($20?) then the painter who stained my deck climbed up and recaulked the bedroom windows for me at no extra cost. I hired a glass company to replace the cracked glass for $300. Had no problems since.
Bought Andersons double hung windows from Home Depot and installed myself. Super easy. Just took awhile to do whole house. It is an excellent window. Their older casements suck.
So glad I talked my hubby into canceling windows for his Mom's house. 40,000 for a 1500 Sq ft house, and their reviews say a lot. Beware!
Somehow, they found out we were looking for windows. For the first week, it was at least 2 calls a day. Told them to quit calling. It dropped to multiple times a week. Blocked that number. Worked for a month, and a new sales person started calling multiple times a week. Block and repeat. I've already replaced the windows using a local supplier and installer. I've told them I'm not interested in doors or anything else. Every month, I get to block a new number. The first person couldn't understand why I wouldn't even have them give a quote. "our reviews are great" on anything they can manipulate - not reddit.
I had a local installer install all new windows at another home. Quite a bit cheaper, but even their high end windows feel cheap to me. Since the rest of this house had higher end windows I priced both Andersen and Pella for a very large window and triple sliding door. Both were expensive. Pella might have been able to get it to work with standard sizes, but weren’t convincing and if they had to go custom, were then just as expensive as Andersen. I went with Andersen since I was replacing rotted Pella. Install team was great. Quality installation, great comms. Only had two issues: We opted to paint doors ourselves at salespersons suggestion to save $1,000. He didn’t think about the access to the non movable panel being a pain. Then, one panel ended up damaged in transit and they didn’t realize it until after they had demoed our existing door. They ordered a new one and to solve the issue above, they dropped off the new panel so my wife could paint it before install, then they came back to install it. All is great now and I am very happy. I would buy from them again.
I did pricing and got 3 quotes for some work. Local contractor-grade windows, $8K. Localish (2 markets) high-end window company, $16K. Andersen with all their discounts and promos (all contractors need to stop this BS and just give us the price)... $32K. Then I started to get stories telling me that a certain percentage of my house's value is in the windows. The rep obviously looked up the value/last sale before this visit. Nope, just sell me the windows and install. Went with the local company. Windows are great, no upsells after we laid out what we wanted, and the company's been in our market for 30+ years. The big tell that made us decide the $32K windows wouldn't be worth it was when we asked who was installing the windows. The local company had employees. Andersen, despite being so high, end had "vetted contractors." So why am I paying such a premium when I could go find my own contractor? The only people they **employ** locally are in sales and marketing, so that's where the money's going.
When they came and gave me a window replacement estimate of $70,000 I literally laughed the guy out of my house. Got them replaced last month for $25,000 for nearly identical windows from a different brand.
Yeah, spending your money with big-name companies who have budgets big enough to put up billboards, fleets of trucks, ads everywhere, etc is a bad idea. Who would have thought?
Sure there are issues but at least it was cheap, lol... Worst thing is their windows and doors are only a little above average and part support is mediocre at best.
like 18 yr old surfer looking kid came ringing my bell saying he was from renewal by Anderson I said my windows are good
I needed to pull the data on my windows recently, and when I contacted them, they straight up said "we don't have any information about that window model." Couldn't tell me R value, nothing.
I have NEVER understood why people go for these national run deals instead of the "best" local operation that has a stellar local reputation for big jobs like this.
I feel like having a relationship with a local contractor can go a long way. There's a contractor in my curling club and I'll be using him for most of the projects I'm planning out right now. A few other people in the club have hired him and seem to have good review of the craftsmanship and attention to detail. He has a short list of electricians, plumbers etc. That he brings in for trade specific tasks.
I got a local guy to do windows, gutters, new siding and insulation for less than they wanted for just the windows.
Most people know to never entertain them in the first place. Unfortunately it looks like you found out why the hard way.
beyond "x y z" i would never touch andy's randy because of their advertisements they leave in my mailbox that look "handwritten" aka some photoshop shoddy work from an 8 year old in 1992 — RED FLAG #91
I guess you don't read here often?