Replies

1. 
   vasalesman | Aug 05, 2002 08:28pm | #1

   Is the local distributor giving any discount or are they just quoting list?  HD discounts Andersen deeply and it's a lot harder to finder dealers that discount Marvin very much.  Have the Marvin guys quote the entire package and not just a benchmark unit.  Also, they use a lot of factory owned window showrooms.  Sometimes they'll be higher than your regular lumberyard and sometimes not.

   Rather than being a builder, I'm a dealer and sell both lines.  If cost were no object and I were buying for own house, I'd get Marvin.  There's a general sense of "stoutness" on the UDH that is unique.  The aluminum extrusions are very heavy, not light guage roll formed.  In particular, I like the smoothness of operation and, especially, the way the sash tilt mechanism is combined with the regular sash lock.  Marvin also has "real" true divided lights available rather than simulated with a spacer bar.  They will also factory apply most any size jamb extension you need instead of you needing to field apply them.  Primary gripes are the lack of a white prefinished interior option and the high price tag in general. 

   Andersen is a great "meat and potatoes" window.  Brand recognition, service, and parts availability are excellent.  They've greatly broadened their line over the past five or so years.  Screens are still aluminum mesh.  White prefinished interiors are options on most units.  Andersen can't be all things for all people.  But if you want a nice solid window for a fair price, you won't go wrong with them.  It might be worth checking Marvin's Integrity line also.  It goes a long way toward filling the gap between your two current front runners.

   Al

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Aug 05, 2002 10:58pm | #2

   both are good windows.. but i wouldn't buy them from  HD... i'd buy them from  a dealer... in my case my lumber yard for the Andersens or the Marvin Store for the Marvins..

   I can usually get the same price as HD if i get van-pricing.. which is a factory order.. and my lumber yard is an Andersen quality supplier..

   i want the relationship of dealing with a supplier that i get from my lumber yard that i don't get from HD...6 months from now they won't remember your name and the guy at the counter will be different...

   as to which one ?  which one gives you the features you want ?.. i'd be happy installing either one in my customer's homesMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   vasalesman | Aug 05, 2002 11:49pm | #3

   Bravo!!  Support the local yards!!  I realize I'm getting away from the thread with this but too often people see local or smaller regional yards as dinosaurs, ready for the boxes to gobble us up.  But can the boxes provide the answers to problems that real contractors face on real job sites?  Can their staff work with a carpenter over the phone, visualize a situation, and get the correct materials there, the first time?  Do they participate in Breaktime, looking for answers to questions they've not yet been asked?  If you're pounded by rain & don't make a draw & your payment is late but you've got to get a unit of OSB before dawn tomorrow, who's gonna help you?  This industry revolves around verbal transactions and handshakes.  Our word, either individually or as a company, is what makes things work.  How in the world can you conduct regular, ongoing business with someone who doesn't know your name or how you do business?  Having an active relationship with your yard is a critical key to getting things done.  In thinking about this, I realized I've got many more customers I've been selling to for over ten years than less.  Several are closing in on twenty five years!  One account has three generations I've sold to.  And the owner just brought his two year old son in with him the other day.  Maybe I'll  see four generations with them!  I'm as proud of what I do for a living as the guy who nails it all together.  I'll put a nail bag on gladly before I'll wear an orange smock!

   Al

2. 
   tcbudpro | Aug 06, 2002 05:34am | #4

   eug,  living in minn where both are made, anders have been by far the most expensive.  however price doesnt reflect quality. marvin had problems with their coatings and got a bad rap but were very good about standing behind their prod and replacing them.  all we install is marvins, definitiley check their integrity line,  stock sizes but great windows for bout half the price.  the only thing you want to buy at the depot is nails and common materials.  unless you like handling lumber twice before you even get to the job.

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 06, 2002 03:08pm | #5

   The quality of the millwork is somewhat better on the Marvins too. They are the better window and you should be able to shop that price down a little. In the end, it's your money. I'd be happier with either and have customers who are too.Excellence is its own reward!