Marvin and JeldWen: As far as I can see, both these companies have the basic stuff builder slap onto a quick house so you can replace them later; and both companies have really nice, quality, windows. I lean towards the Marvin because they offer the french doors and JeldWen seems to only offer 'sliders'.
My theory holds strong though; you need to look at them all, get a price quote, look again then pick what is best for you regardless of the 'name'. With the technology available today, they all offer the basic 'stuff' to keep you warm and they all have a best window and the 'just stick it in palce' window. Seriously. I am not a builder but I know quality when I see it and I know crap work too. If I can see a jagged seam welding - it's crap. I do not need this explained to me in great detail.
Personal Side Note: Be very careful of the 'Upgrade'; they use this term like a snake oil salesman! Grills are grills for crying out loud! It is my personal belief that any company offering a ton of 'upgrades' is attempting to hide the fact that their basic product is not-all-that and you should walk away.
A While Ago: Anderson and Pella
Man there is a lot out there to look at! It use to be that Pella and Anderson were the front runners. Now, with the development of new technology, everyone seems to be a front runner. The most important rule is this: What do you need?
I do not speak the lingo, but I know what I need. Two pane, Low-E, vinyl windows. We will be on the water - lots of moisture so clad-anything is asking for trouble. So now, we are looking for price and style ... this needs to not take forever. Lowes has Pella and HomeDepot has Anderson. We are going to a 'yard' in Manassas, VA that carries 2 other brands (so I can talk about them later).
Pella and Anderson seem the same to me; both windows are good windows. A little difference here and there but they offer the same styles. What peeves me more than anything is the "custom" issue. Getting a removable regular looking grid is standard; but with some companies, change the look of that grid and you have entered the "custom zone". Seriously? Gimme a break. It's right then that the companies start to look weak and greedy. Here is my line of thinking:
The window to the LEFT is considered "standard"; the window to the RIGHT is considered "custom" - the customization seems to be in the grids alone. The grids are removable so I can't think there is an engineering overhaul in design of the window casing. If the grids are removed, both window panes are wide open and blank. Would the window companies sell a window that was structurally unsound when the removable grids are removed? Ahhh DuhhhhI think in "Man World" the biggest loudest rooster is taken at his word without question - well, this hen is making a list. Not to be uncooperative - to educate myself in this foreign Man-World I find myself navigating - that's all.
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