So, price comparison anyone ?

Cabinfever · Jun 10, 2007 10:47 am

There's a lot of discussion about windows: wood versus aluminium versus uPVC. But very little price comparison. Well, in fact none at all. And none of the main window sites give a single price either.

So, to those who have just purchased, can you quote some prices here so the rest of us can receive an education ? Thanks

ECOECO · Jun 10, 2007 5:37 pm

Hi Cabinfever

You ask a very difficult question. As has been said before - it is like asking how much is a car?

The factors influencing the price of windows are: -

1. Glass type - this can vary from $4.50/m2 (say 3 or 4mm annealed) to over $100 for tints, Low-E, toughened safety, obscure, laminated, all are different prices and then add double glazing.

2. Window type - you can choose casement (opens like a door), awning (hinged at the top & opening outward), sliding, Double hung (or single hung - also called a vertical slider), tilt & turn (popular in Europe - operates as an inward opening casement or a hopper, hinged at the bottom).

3. Doors - these vary enormously - French, Sliding, Bifold.

4. Hardware - Lockable, non-lockable, brass, chrome etc etc...

The window or door type controls the type of hardware and the amount of aluminium or PVC or timber in a window. e.g aluminium can vary in a product from say 50% of materials to maybe 70% by cost. Aluminium is quite expensive at the moment.... at USD2654/T

5. Reveals - MDF, hardwood.

6. Wind rating - this decides how much the window or door may require strengthening with more aluminium.

7. Material - Going from most expensive to least - Thermally broken aluminium, timber, uPVC, aluminium. The price relationship depends more about the brand (see below) when it comes to material type.

8. The Brand - some brands cost more and have a good product and good service. Some just cost more. Promotion and advertising is very expensive

9. The Quality - you must check this yourself.

In summary to help you understand - I would say for a 2m high by 1.8 w opening window you can pay anywhere between $450 and $1500 single glazed - and $700 - $3000 double glazed depending on all of the above. And for a bifold door 2m high by 3m wide anywhere between $3500 and $6,000 single glazed and $2,800 - $12,000 double glazed.

I guess this is no use to you

The rules
1. Get an accurate quote from a set of plans( :!:

), make sure everything is on the quote.
2. Take a copy with the price & supplier erased and use this to get comparative quotes.
3. Check some completed jobs from the likely suppliers. Check quality. check service.
4. Pick a supplier and negotiate (how much depends on the supplier and you - but I would expect -10%).
5. Get you new supplier to requote to the plans to make sure nothing was missed.
6. Check their lead time make sure they can supply you on time (check this with a customer too).
7. Place your order.

Pricing? I will give you a quote anytime :wink:

Thanks
J

Casa2 · Jun 10, 2007 5:54 pm

EcoClassic,

Thanks for a great reply. I for one was eager to know this information and I'm sure many others are a well. You've put together a clear and concise summary of window prices and far from "I guess this is no use to you".

The amzing thing for me is that glass can vary from $4.50/m2 (4 mm annealed) to $100/m2 (tint, low-e, toughened, etc).

When it comes to most house fitting and materials it is relatively easy to get prices, but windows have always been a mystery to me - particualry the price difference between single and double glazed.

Great to have experts freely proving information for us interested in building.

Cheers,
Casa

Cabinfever · Jun 10, 2007 7:18 pm

Thanks Eco, that's good info. Of course there's many factors - like most things. But to use your car analogy, if someone asks "how much is a car", you could say "Between $15K and several hundred thousand new"; but then also give specific price for a new Commodore and new BMW.

It just strikes me as a little odd that, unlike many products, there seems to be a huge reluctance to show people a price list up front. That always makes me very suspicious. What's the problem with showing prices ?

ps: Am not referring to anyone in particular, just the whole range of window websites.

ECOECO · Jun 10, 2007 7:41 pm

Hi

To be honest - if it is standard aluminium single glazed then the price will be very competitive, the industry is competitive because there is no barrier to entry, no huge capital outlay. But do get 3 quotes...

If you are looking at double glazing - and you have a comparative quote in a sliding window then the double glazed equivalent will be an awning window and will be twice the price (except from EcoClassic). If you already have an awning quote in single glazed then add about 2/3 to go to double glazed.

But... single glazing uses glass at $4.50/m2 and double glazing uses glass at $35 - $45/m2 - excluding the exotic glasses.

If you go for the "prestige" brands then you already expect to pay more - and that could be up to 10x more.

At the entry level you will get a good price - at the higher level, shop around!

EcoClassic can publish a pricelist - this would then be the one everyone will beat - and it is not apples for apples. Is it fair when a retailer says "we will beat any price"? Easy, just don't put in the R&D, leave out service.

I have seen a very big prestige supplier come in at below factory cost... how to compete?

Happy to explore a method to publish prices that won't just end up giving us a hard time. When we are bigger we will publish everything - I promise!

Thanks

Casa2 · Jun 10, 2007 7:51 pm

EcoClassic

When we are bigger we will publish everything - I promise!

Please get bigger. Quickly.