Pella windows from Lowes?

[Cheri]

Yes, that's true in my area too. Home Depot is is sort of depressing. :-)

-- Cheri

[basscadet75]

Ok, here's my latest update. As I said, we went to Lowes for an a/c unit tonight anyway so I figured I'd hit them up for some window info.

I first went and looked at their windows and verified that they are the exact same window the Pella guy who came to my house showed me. They are. It even says "Precision Fit" on my measurement sheet, so they're not even using their own name ("Renovation") everywhere.

I hit up the sales guy and said I was interested in 9 Pella replacement windows and gave him the measurements. First, he seemed confused - he said "replacements? You're talking about vinyl then." I said "no, wood, you have them over there." His buddy came over and pointed them out to him in the computer. So, I think it's possible this is a very new line for them - maybe they *did* only carry vinyl until recently.

The price quote I got for my smaller windows (28x50) - with custom hardware - was $464 each, plus $119 per window for installation. $583 total. The bigger windows (36x50) were about $50 more.

Add onto that our 10% new homeowner discount and it's only about $530 per window total (the discount applies to the window only, not install).

That contrasts with $865 per window installed from Pella. For the same exact windows! That's a huge difference. That's practically the same price as the Quantum2 vinyl windows I just looked at (granted, those are good vinyl windows - probably even better from an energy standpoint than Pella wood... but not nearly as attractive).

I specifically asked how they do the install and whether they'll fill up the voids in my trim with foam (I have counterweight windows now). He said he didn't know. So, yellow flag there. I'll be asking a lot of questions of the installer who takes the measurements, and I could still call it off. But I was intrigued enough to pay the $35 to have the installer come out (yeah, no free estimates... but they take the cost of the measuring off if you buy the windows).

I mean, I can't see justifying paying $330 extra *per window* for installation, however much better it is. I think for myself, the option is now Lowes or vinyl. These windows obviously do not cost anywhere near what Pella themselves charge for them and there's no justification I can think of for what amounts to a $450 install charge per window. So, and YMMV, but my advice is not to let Pella rip you off. Either buy them and pay someone else to install them or buy another window. I almost feel bad for the Pella guy who came to our house - he was a nice, older guy, seemed honest, and I'm sure he doesn't set these prices - but I just can't pay basically an extra $3,000 for nothing.

[al]

Hope you get a chance to let us know how the appointment goes. But if you're not impressed with the installer, windows can still be purchased at the savings you've described and installation arranged with another contractor, right?

Good luck...

[basscadet75]

True enough I guess. I'd just rather not deal with the hassle of buying a bunch of windows and then having them sit in my house while I find a decent installer. I mean it's not easy finding good contractors of any kind, and this is an important structural element (if water or air can get in after a shoddy install, you could be in for some major repairs). I'm not exactly well-connected in the construction industry.

So it would just be a choice to make based on whether I think going wood is worth the trouble of buying windows separately from having them installed.

For you, if you're comfortable finding your own installer then I don't think you can go wrong with those prices based on what I've seen. I mean $464 for a 28x50 Pella replacement wood window with custom hardware is cheaper than stock Andersen and only a little more expensive than Quantum2 vinyl windows at those same dimensions. (Andersen double-hung insert windows *start* at $588 according to their web site.) Generally you'd expect to pay a little premium for decent wood so I'm totally happy with that price; it just comes down to the install.

I'll keep the thread updated...

[basscadet75]

Alright, I know it seems like it's been a while but I just got this guy out here this morning. They told me it'd be 24-48 hours before I heard from him, but instead it was more like 10 days and I ended up having to call him first before he called me back. Annoying, but I'm finding this is basically par for the course in the little world known as contractor-ville.

Anyway, he was a nice enough guy once he got here and he seemed like he knew what he was doing, at least he had answers for all my questions. I asked him about the condition of some of my window frames and he said it's no problem, if any of the frames are too far gone they'll just replace whatever needs replacing. But he didn't think any of my frames looked in poor enough condition to worry about. I asked him about whether they do anything with the counterweight voids and he said typically no, although they can if you pay extra. (This is included in Pella's own installation.) They have to remove the front of the window trim in order to remove the weight and fill up the space with insulation, so it's extra time and effort. Not included in the $119 installation charge, I guess, but he said it's not a lot extra to add that on if I wanted to.

He said included with the installation is removal of the old storm windows and trim and the installation of some basic trim molding outside. I don't know what this looks like, but I don't much care either - anything's going to be better than the 80 year old unpainted aluminum exterior I have now.

I'm thinking we'll go ahead with it once we get the financing (I'm just waiting on the Lowes project card I applied for). It seems decent enough. My next update will probably not be for a while, then, because it takes about 6 weeks to custom-make the windows, then however long to get them installed. But I'll dig up the thread again at that point and let everybody know how it went.

[chicagofan]

Please do, because there are interested readers, who have not participated in this thread. TIA... :) bj

[Pat]

How much is a Pella picture Windsor 59x59

[Dean Hoffman]

[3252]

What ever ended up happening with your windows? We are in the same position and I just found your thread. I know it's from 14 years ago, but wondering if you ever had Lowe's do the install and how it went?

[A.B]

I'm reading all the comments because I'm about to change all the windows to Pella. I got a quote from Lowes and one from Pella for the same type of window, the 250 series and Pella's quote was double, no exaggeration. when I asked the Pella rep she told me that this is because of the certified installers and the warranty. does that coos 48k just to have a better installer? I'm confused don't know which way to go yet.

[Clare Snyder]

It CAN be worth ot if the uncertified installed doesn't do it right and you end up having to re-do the job with no warranty. the old question is still valid ; " Why is there never enough money to do thingsright, and always enough to doit twice?"

Your Lowes store MIGHT have "qualified"and competent installers. If so, you win. Make sure you get VALID references from several customers of the installer going back a least 5 years. If installed by a non certified installer and something goes wrong Pella WILL walk away - even if they can't PROOVE it was an installation problem. ( and 90% of the time a problem with a Pella window WILL be an installation problem of one kind or another - They are pretty good product, but NOT very forgiving when it comes to out of square or out of plumb or "stressed" installation.

[Marilyn Manson]

What the difference in warranty?

Pella's website says this:

Does a Pella product(s) purchased from Lowe's have the same warranty as a product(s) purchased from a Pella® store? Yes, Pella windows and doors come with the same Pella warranty for the product and its components. Coverage for installation and service may vary based on where the product was purchased and who installed the product. Visit

for complete details, including exceptions and limitations.

What's the difference in installation process?

That is key to the "Coverage for installation and service may vary based on where the product was purchased and who installed the product" comment above.

[sbg2d]

One reason would be price if that is of concern to you. Lowes was less expensive by 20-30% for the same product than Pella. Installation has been a complete thrash. Took 2.5 months from lowes receipt of completed windows to get started on install - then the install was undermanned. If you are looking for cheaper and installation woes. Loses is the place

[Wade Garrett]

It's not just Lowe's (whom I've also had serious appliance problems with) or Pella.

I've had piss-poor installation by two of Home Depot's recommended independent installers for premium whole house carpeting and a high-end refrigerator.

And one of Home Depot's water heater delivery/installers quoted me a fee just for the delivery and installation alone (not including the cost of the water heater) that was 25% higher than my long-time HVAC service company quoted me for delivery, installation and including the exact same model water heater. Plus they hauled off the old one N/C rather that tack on $50 like the HD guy wanted.

[Ralph Mowery]

I had a cmpany that advertises on the local TV station come out to replace a water heater. This seems to be a large company with many service trucks.

He wanted about $ 1800 . Called a local small business and he said they charge $ 96 an hour. Two men came out with a heater, installed it, and carried off the old one for $ 950.

At that time the Lowes store did not have anyone to do the plumbing, and no Home Depot near me.

[Ed Pawlowski]

I learned with a mediocre experience with Lowes and learned from it. Best to use the local reputable suppliers. I rarely go tot he big boxes but won't use their installers.