Am GCing the build of my personal SFR and am trying to decide on windows.

There are big names and big $$$. There are the contractor-grade crap at every lumber yard. Hard to find that middle ground.
Building in Coastal NC Zone 3A hot-humid.

Here’s what I’ve looked at so far (in order of most to least expensive):
– Marvin
– Anderson 100
– Plygem 1500
– Simonton 5500

You will ask: what is your budget? Well, I’m willing to pay for a quality long-lasting product…but there is a limit and I’m trying to find that limit. The Marvins are definitely outside the range. Everything else is in play.

I would appreciate thoughts on picking the right good-performing window without breaking the bank.
Thanks.
-Ben