Windows - Blind Inside? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

MHMConstruction · 10-05-2007, 04:58 AM

Windows - Blind Inside?

I did not know there was a "Window" section - I ran this under Remodeling first......

Needn' Help here - i'm in the window-replacement business this month in a neighborhood of 50 year old block homes. Fairly well built, most of them. I replaced two old windows with newer insulated BetterBilts, and all the neighbors came over to get cards. I've been just getting my windows from Lowe's - usually standard size, etc., style.

New customer wants the windows with the Blind Inside the glass - I've hung doors like that, from Lowe's, but not windows. Home Depot does not carry. Lowe's can get them through Pella - .

About 1/2 the windows needing replacing are odd size, and will be picture windows. some obsure glass, some blind in, some no blind. Lot of variables. 17 windows, 3 sets of French doors. I usually get $150 labor per window (not opening, but window), but maybe I should charge more for these big picture windows.. anyway.....

Not sure what route to take here - I'm just a one-man show, trying to work and bid at the same time, so I don't like to spend days on a bid I might not get (who does?) -

1) window companies?? any you know of that carry the blind-in windows?

2) should I order directly from Pella?

3) maybe have a Pella salesperson come out to measure, etc., but let me do the install??

Any help is help - not sure what to do here

MHM Construction

TimNJ · 10-05-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MHMConstruction

Windows - Blind Inside?

2) should I order directly from Pella?

3) maybe have a Pella salesperson come out to measure, etc., but let me do the install??

I would never trust anyone else to measure for me. Their idea of what's "within tolerance" will be different from mine.
Pella makes the replacement wood windows that go in like a vinyl replacement window. Not sure if that's what you are looking for.

MHMConstruction · 10-05-2007, 02:12 PM

i don't know -

yea, i'm scared of letting someone else measure too, but at the same time - everyone does it different - some measure the rough opening, block to block, or jamb to jamb, or who knows what.

i'll just make sure i'm there when he comes, i guess - again, i dunno

thesidingpro · 10-05-2007, 08:19 PM

When I order windows I make sure they get it in writing and never over the phone. Unless it's a simple order.

When you give them the measurement's on paper write something like "tip to tip" or "exact window size - Do not adjust measurements".

Some will try to subtract a 1/4" for you but make sure they know you have already allowed for that.

Everyone might figure them differently but everyone order's them the same.

Window4U (IL) · 10-10-2007, 06:03 PM

Soft-Lite and Sunrise are good quality vinyl window companies I know of that have blinds in their windows and doors.

Grumpy · 10-10-2007, 07:35 PM

99% of the windows I do I do custom. INfact the only time we get standard sized windows is when we create new openings. Pella is the only one I know of that does blinds between the glass. When I measure I always always always give tip to tip exact sizes. If they aren't made to those sizes they get sent back.

I also always get my window esitmates in writing, make the supplier fax me a size, then I sign it and fax it back. Just by chance I happened to look over my estimator's sizing on an almost purchase and saw he was about to buy inserts for a full frame replacement! That'd have been a $6,000 mistake. Who eats that? I do.

One other thing is measure twice and cut once. I measure once at the time of the estimate and for kicks and giggles I try to measure exactly as I would for production. I then have the actual person who will be installing the window come back with me and measure again before I order and get a 2nd set of eyes on the job. I will then compare his numbers to mine and if something seems really off, I will make him measure a 3rd time immediately. We are all human and believe it or not this system of checks and balances has already saved me a few oddly sized windows which simply wouldn't have fit.

thesidingpro · 10-10-2007, 08:07 PM

I also measure twice. Once during the estimation process and then right before I order. I don't think you can measure them to many times.

dougchips · 10-10-2007, 08:21 PM

I just measure them once. In the past ten years I have only goofed on two jobs for a total of 5 windows.

Patrick · 10-10-2007, 10:25 PM

I agree with doug, the number of windows you will screw up in your life time will be far less than the amount of time you wasted measuring each and every window at an estimate for a job you may not even get. Further pricing is by UI on a DH you really shouldn't even need to measure at all to give an estimate
Besides if no one screwed up on window measurements, how would stores like grossmans bargain outlet operate?

thesidingpro · 10-11-2007, 10:19 PM

It's simple process really and I've never ordered the wrong size window except on my own house. Luckily It was in vinyl so I just changed the size of the hole.

I go there and give the estimate. Measuring them exactly there gives you time to meet the customer and get the measurements. Once I have the job I come and pick up the deposit for the windows before I order and double check to make sure I took the correct measurements. My phone rings and I get side tracked easily so you never know what could have happened last time I was there and measured them.

I don't think there's a wrong way just as long as they get ordered correctly. I probably only install a dozen windows a month so I don't have that part streamlined as much as the rest.