Post by simpsongal on Dec 12, 2013 11:10:05 GMT -5
You may recall we're getting quotes on installing a large bow window (7x4 feet) in our living room. It's a new cut out into a load bearing wall, with brick on the side of the house and a second floor above. So a pretty big job.
Our first quote came from a window place that had good reviews on Angie's List. The guy drew up the quote on the spot - $7200. We just got a quote from the company that did our roof & insulation (they do exterior work and window replacement). Their quote was $11,800. But, it took the company #2 three weeks to draw up the quote and he walked us through the project. They would have a structural engineer, pull permits, and do some nicer finishes. It also looks like the window itself might be nicer (still vinyl, wood was $14K total). Company #2 also talked about using cabling to carry the load and a double header. The first quote seems super bare bones compared to the latter. I really like the second company, they did great work on our roof & insulation (and a ceiling repair from the roof), and I suppose I would feel more comfortable letting them cut a giant hole in the side of our house. But that is a big price disparity.
I think we need to get a third quote. Would you seek out another window-replacement company? Or another more general contractor that does exterior work & window replacement? Do you think I should call company #1 to ask for more detail about the job and see what it would entail? FWIW, company #1 doesn't do wood windows and sales rep said he didn't think it would be possible to install a wood bow <side eye>. Regardless, I think we're okay with vinyl given the price premium for wood.
Thoughts? Other advice? It's so much easier to get quotes for standard projects (e.g., roof replacement, garage door replacement, countertops, etc.)
This was the same as our experience with our furnace/ductwork replacement. We got a super inexpensive quote from the first person to do a furnace and were thrilled. The second quote came in at double the price. However, they talked through a lot of the project, pointed out that the venting would all need to be updated and rerouted to prevent condensation that was clearly rusting our old furnace, included an energy audit, all new insulated ducts and asbestos abatement etc. It just seemed like they took more time to look at the whole picture and would do a better job than the first guy (who seemed like he just wanted to swap out new for old - bare bones job).
We went with contractor #2
In your situation, I'd definitely look at a contractor that does exterior work and window replacement. I think bow windows require more than standard windows and if Holmes on Homes has taught me nothing, it's that bow windows are tricky.
Post by simpsongal on Dec 12, 2013 13:10:13 GMT -5
@juno he recommended Sunrise Window for vinyl, and a middle-range to high end JeldWen for wood. The vinyl window would be about $4K, and the wood one would be about $6300.
ETA: I asked about Marvin initially. He said they were excellent but on the pricey side and we could probably get a very good wood window from Jeldwen. He didn't have a high opinion of Anderson - he said they were a lot of marketing but not necessarily the best windows.
Could you be up front with #2 and say "I've had a quote for x amount to do the job (and be honest if there are differences about the quote) Can you help me understand where the price discrepancy is?" They might point out some of the same things you've already mentioned, and they also might be willing to come down a little. You never know unless you ask.
But when it comes down to making the choice, I'd pay more to know it was being done right.
I think that's a good idea.
It's funny, the quote #1 called me last night, after I met with the quote #2 people. He asked if we thought about the project, blah blah blah. It was the perfect opportunity to ask if their quote included a permit and structural engineer. He said an engineer wouldn't be necessary and that a permit was only required for historical districts and new construction. DH definitely doesn't feel comfortable with company #1. So that alone probably accounts for $1000 difference between the quotes.
I'll be sure to update when we get the third quote.
Could you be up front with #2 and say "I've had a quote for x amount to do the job (and be honest if there are differences about the quote) Can you help me understand where the price discrepancy is?" They might point out some of the same things you've already mentioned, and they also might be willing to come down a little. You never know unless you ask.
But when it comes down to making the choice, I'd pay more to know it was being done right.
this is a great idea. I actually had to gather up all my courage (I HATE doing stuff like this) and do exactly that for the quote on our fireplace hearth (we had a stone company we've used and like give us a quote, and then got another quote for a different place that came in a lot lower).
the place I liked came back with a slightly lower price and an explanation of exactly why she was charging what she was and I was THRILLED. So we went with them.