I need to decide this week whether to use Andersen 200 or 400 series double hung windows. This project started as an 800 sq ft addtion with 9 new windows…. We then decided it made sense to reside the house and replace the other old windows “while your at it..” This brings the total to around 35 windows and has stretched the budget to breaking point.
Assuming installation is sound for both and that we can get sizes we need in 200 series: What am I giving up (if anything) by using 200 instead of 400 (looking at $125-$150 per window price savings). If it matters, I’m in central CT.
Many thanks.
PS: Thanks to all for their help over the past year(s) in planning this project. Permit was issued this week. Time to tear the roof off!
Replies
Been a loooooooong time since I`ve worked with the 200 series......aren`t those the ones with the "kite string" sash cords?
Never liked that system.
I know its always easier to spend someone elses money.....but I`d recomend the 400s.
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Where ever you are buying the windows, look at the andersen catalog. They have a view that shows the construction of the window. The 200 series is a very basic window, probably better than most but no where near the quality of the 400. From the jams, to the stool, etc the whole window is different.
For ease, they'll have a andersen catalog at home depot that has that cut out view.
RICK, if you're planning on being in the house 5 years or more, I'd shell out the extra $5k and get the 400's. Windows are typically the biggest energy losers in a well built home. You want as well-built/insulating window as you can reasonably afford.
If you are planning on moving soon, then it probably isn't worth the extra $5k to you.
jt8
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. -- John R. Wooden
JohnT8, I think you're overlooking the resale value of having a namebrand quality window. The extra 5k value of the upgraded windows might be the deciding factor when the house is sold in three years.
blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
JohnT8, I think you're overlooking the resale value of having a namebrand quality window. The extra 5k value of the upgraded windows might be the deciding factor when the house is sold in three years.
Hmmm... my WAG on potential buyers: 80% of people will be happy when they hear it has "new windows". 15% will be happy when they hear, "new ANDERSEN windows". Maybe 5% that are savvy enough to differentiate "new Andersen 400 series windows."
I can think of better "wow" item uses for $5k if I'm going to unload the house. But if I thought there was a chance I'd be in the house for 5 years or more, it would certainly be worth it.
jt8
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. -- John R. Wooden
I agree completely. Most of these idiots that are spending every penny they have on houses cannot answer even the easiest questions about a house. One thing they all seem to be gushing over is built in's. Put in $2k worth of built in's and they'll pay $20k more for the house, put in granite counters and they'll give you a blank check. People should never under estimate the stupidity of others.
double check those prices. For me, the difference is only about 8-14%
One of the bniggest differences is in cheaper hardware, the other being in limited sizes available.
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First, if the old windows in the house you are going to replace should happen to be narrolines you can upgrade them to 400 series without removing the jambs. If not the chances of finding Andersen to match existing other manufacturer sizes is not real good. But if you can... think of the windows in terms of cars. GM makes chevettes and corvettes. Some may understand the difference, others may just be impressed when you say you have a "vette".
Without a doubt, the biggest single problem with 200 series tilt-wash is the installation. They are an less expensive widow that has zero... none .... zip... did I mention zero..... tollerance for error. The extra installation cost of 200 series is usually more then the price difference.
Personally I'd either go 200 series narroline or 400 series tilt-wash. 200 series tilt-wash are a PITA.... But that's just my opinion.
I found the cut out picture that andersen has on the two different models. You can see from this how different the construction is. And like piffin said, the hardware, sizes, etc are all limited.
http://www.andersenwindows.com/UE/ProductGuide/Residential/400TiltWashFeatures.asp
http://www.andersenwindows.com/UE/ProductGuide/Residential/200TWSpecialtyFeatures.asp
Tough decision..........NOT!I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
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We are in Ct also, near the shore, and are in process of replacing our 35yr old colonial windows with 400 series Andersons. We have 26 windows. Using their charts, we have successfully chosen window sizes that fit all of our original windows, taking into account the R.O., glass area, and exterior finished dimensions.
We have 6/6, 8/8. 9/12, and 12/12. The only trade off was that there isn't an Anderson 9/12, so we substituted 12/12. I am doing all of the work myself, and haven't run into a problem yet. I love the 400 series quality. I've finished them ahead of installation -- stain and Polyurethane in the basement during the winter-- which saves alot of inside after installation work.
A recommendation -- buy from a source that buys directly from the factory, and save mark up. I've priced three suppliers who have vast differences in prices. The lowest was a "Stocking Dealer" who was classified within the Anderson "Circle of Excellence" designation. It made a price difference of between $50 to $155 per window, depending on size. Has something to do with the volume of business they do.
Good luck.
The lowest was a "Stocking Dealer" who was classified within the Anderson "Circle of Excellence" designation.
That's also how I purchase Andersens. The dealer also has the capability of making any combination available.
I priced out a couple of Casements just for kicks at HD the other day.
Each window was $20.00 more and at least 2 weeks out. C145 I believe.
I drove 10 mile and picked them up for less.
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
400 series made sense for us, since we'll be living there and the energy specs are better. For 3x5 DH windows the price difference was $250 vs $150 - hard to swallow for a poor guy, but I put used/scavenged vinyl in my last house, and regretted it every time the wind blew. I am learning the time-value of quality. That said, I don't think the 200s are a bad choice, but I'd weight the decision toward time. Well-built houses last a long time. My dad has been building since the 60's, and uses Andersens exclusively, so if I put anything else in, I'd hear about it...
I just bought the windows package for my house from HD (400 series) They give 12% off for "vanload" pricing (I guess quantity/if I can wait...?) Which is a 6 week lead time. I also got 10% more off, when the salesman called me after I hadn't called him for 3 weeks. He said Andersen was pushing him to close his open bids. I paid 100% in advance.
Anyway, I "saved" $700, unless a stocking dealer would beat that. HD does have the 10% guarantee - maybe I should find a dealer and compare notes.
Eric, you're correct. The Stocking Dealer can provide units that are not in the catalog. I needed one also, and there was no additional charge over the cost of the two windows separately.
And I got free delivery!!