Windows, Part II

So Tim researched windows.  We called out and had 4 companies give us bids.  Let me back up a minute.  In December, I had Lowes come out and give a bid.  I wanted to find out what we were looking at.  My friend warned us away from Lowes:  they were expensive.  So when I couldn't get the bid out of the guy, I wasn't too worried. 

Now fast forward 6 weeks to Tim's return.  He called Window World, Advanced Window Products, and Rocky Mountain Windows.  I read on the BBB site that there were some complaints against the first two but not one complaint against the last one.  So, I felt okay with going ahead.  We got their bids and I was a bit shocked.  I had hoped to get a new french door or sliding glass door in our family room - but their prices would have cut that out in a heartbeat.

Enter Lowes once again.  We finally got the bid from the dude and I was shocked.  Because it was so much lower than the rest.  We found out that he gave us the bid on the two lowest windows they have - because I told him I didn't want the most expensive they could find.

Now, Tim was home for two full weeks.  That gave him plenty of time to do research on windows.  He looked up all the windows.  He looked at reviews on each of the companies and their windows.  We went back to Lowes to look at what they had.  And Tim decided he wanted bids on two types of windows from Lowes - so out comes the dude again and we meet and get a bid on the windows. 

Lowes came in under the lowest bid.  The window reviews were okay.  The question is how the installation will be.  Tim met with the installer today and talked with him and feels comfortable that he will do an adequate job.

So, we wait and see.  Have we made a mistake by going with Lowes?  I hope not - but I'll report back.  This is the best option for us right now - we can manage the price and we like the looks of the windows.  Besides - we usually have bad luck so I'm sure no matter who we chose to replace our windows, there will be problems =)

We decided against going with the more expensive windows because we don't plan on being here for 20 more years.  In 5 or 6 years we hope to move from here - and these windows will be adequate until that time.  I'm just excited that we won't have icky looking windows and no breezes.