Anderson windows has a newer line of windows called 100.  Anderson is a industry leader, selling more windows each year  than any other company today. It was important for Andersen to recognize how different the window industry is today compared to even five years ago.

Andersen’s new 100 series windows, including every window in our on-line catalog meet the .30 U-factor .30 SHGC requirements for the 2010 tax credits. The Fibrex® material was invented by Andersen, and is in large part wood particles left from shavings from their other wood window products. The new material is a innovative and environmentally friendly way to offer high performance windows, at a reduced cost.

Andersen offers this product without some of the common features you’ll find on other windows in their line. Vent stops, for example, are not available on the 100 series. The reduction in some of the “nice to have” features often available in higher end windows is may not be a major contributing factor for consumers hoping to save some extra money while looking to replace their old drafty windows.

Overall, the Andersen  100 line can offer a reduced cost for people bargain shopping new windows. The added incentives offered by the tax credit and by Andersen in rebates up to $175 are all great reasons for consumers to consider this line a strong contender.

Some consumers feel as if they need to buy windows that carry a brand name (Household name). They feel as if they must buy from a large brand name (Household name) company as well.

As discussed in a earlier post, If you spent 450.00 to have a window installed in your home you just bought a 150.00 window if you bought it threw a small (Mom and pop company) company spending zero to little on advertising. A small company usually only sells a few different lesser known brand names (NOT house hold names) in order to keep there orders to the factory up so they are insured the best wholesale price on the window. They must offer better service ( A person touch) and features that surpass the larger companies in order to survive. If you paid 450.00 then it is safe to say the window cost is around 150.00, the labor was about 150.00 and there was 150.00 profit for the owner to run the business( Half of that would go to the salesperson if they have one).

If you spent the same With a large window company with a household brand name how does the break down look like? They spend millions of dollars to become household names and the consumer pays that expense. The laborers are paid less than the labor paid to an laborer working for a small company. There is more specialization in labor coming from a smaller company with less turn over in workers than in large company’s. If you paid 450.00 for a product that you see as a equal product than your window is really only a fifty dollar window instead of 150.00 window purchased from smaller companies.

McDonald’s is a household name that sells cheeseburgers. More cheeseburgers than any other burger place in the world. Everyone has bought a cheeseburger from McDonald’s at least once. Most of us realize that the burgers are sub par in quality, have fillers in there meat and are a waste of money. We understand that the labor costs are very low in order to have a larger profit margin. They also employ unskilled laborers. Do you think its possible to pay a similar price for a burger at a local mom and pop burger joint and get real meat in the burger, have it be more tasteful and have it prepared by slightly more skilled employees?

So  do you really need to buy from a household name in the window world?  Your resale on your home will not be any higher with household brand name windows, but your wallet will be lighter. Your best value on windows may be to look outside the box and shop around.   There are obviously several factors to add to the mix beyond price as well, be sure you’re considering the benefits you’ll receive from working with smaller companies.

I bet your favorite place to eat is somewhere other than McDonald’s. Your favorite contractor could be someone that you might not have even heard of yet.