Window e-Store

I have an old house built in 1896 and, after spending several very cold winters in it, decided to try and get some vinyl replacement windows. Knowing absolutely nothing about windows, I called up the usual suspects in the windows game to get some estimates. Each time the sales guys came out and did their (sometimes very long) presentations, I would wait for the final estimate… and then have to pick my jaw up off the floor. I began to wonder if there was any way I could do this myself without paying an insane amount of money. Fortunately, it turns out there is. You CAN measure your own windows. You CAN install them yourself. And you CAN find higher quality windows than most of the big outfits are selling.
I knew nothing about the Windowestore, but their pricing was less than ¹⁄₃^rd of estimates from other contractors and they offered free shipping to a warehouse less than 10 miles from me, so I took a gamble. I measured my windows (one note on this which may save you some trouble if you have an old house — subtract a quarter inch from your smallest vertical and horizontal measurement — this will leave you space to adjust the fit of your windows with shims and make it much easier to get your windows square, plumb and level). When the windows arrived, and I should mention that they arrived in just a few weeks, custom made to my measurements, I was absolutely thrilled! These are very high quality double hung windows, made by Simonton (although they are branded through Amcraft). They swing inwards for easy cleaning, they have security stops so you can leave the windows slightly open but still locked, and I really appreciate how they finish the vinyl welds at the corners, making them flush instead of leaving a raw edge — a feature I didn’t see on any competitor windows. As for the installation, mine was a bit more complicated because I had to replace some rotted sills. But, overall, this is pretty basic carpentry. Pull out the old inner stops, take out the old window, insert replacement window, check for plumb, level, and square, caulk the gaps and install new trim. I spent about a half day on each window, but I had never done this before. If you don’t know what you’re doing and don’t want to try, Derek can help you find a local person to install them for you.
In short, Windowestore saved me a ton of money and delivered very high quality windows. Its summertime now and my house is much, much cooler. I’m almost looking forward to winter because I know so much more heat will stay in this year instead of going straight out the old single-​pane windows. If you took the time to read this review, you are probably having the same experience I had with windows sticker shock. Look no further. Order windows from Derek and put them in yourself!

Executive Summary: If you want to replace your old windows look no further. Derek provides high quality windows, lifetime warranty, free shipping (to a depot in your area), custom dimensions, fantastic prices, easy ordering, great advice (he knows his stuff), fast turn around time and great customer service.
Long version:
Finding good replacement windows might seem like an easy task since most of the big box stores carry them. So I looked at their window packages and unfortunately wasn’t impressed on multiple fronts, the cost was high, the quality was just ok, and the lack of experienced staff was concerning. So I decided they weren’t for me.
I also looked at getting replacement windows from a variety of vendors in the area and got the usual quote of $ 7−9K which includes installation and a lifetime warranty. It might seem like a good deal but they are retrofit windows, which I don’t like because they consume some of the available window area (the frame has to physically sit over the existing frame and as such the resulting glass area will be smaller than the original), and the cavity between the old and the new frame is a pain to insulate. Now I live in Nor Cal, so insulation is not that big of a deal, summers and winters are relatively mild compared to extremes experienced in other parts of the country, so I could absolutely live with it as they are much better than the windows they replace.
Retrofit windows can be a great option especially if you cant easily remove the old window frame, but if you have the choice between retrofit and new construction windows then pick new construction. Just be aware, that new construction windows will involve you, or your contractor, removing the old window and installing a completely new frame. So the installation time and associated cost will go up dramatically. If however, you are handy and like DIY, you can eliminate the contractor cost and have the best of both worlds by going the new construction route. This is what I did.
Unhappy with the Big Box and local vendor options I did what we all do, consulted the interweb, as it knows all. True to form, the interweb took me to the WindoweStore. Their web site has tons of great information including some excellent video’s. After reading through a bunch of it I picked up the phone and spoke to Derek, he was super patient and answered all of my questions, he also gave me his honest assessment of which product he thought I should consider, interestingly it was the cheapest glass package they have which is still a super efficient offering, so either Derek is a crappy sales guy or he is at the other end of the spectrum where he puts his customers first. There is no doubt in my mind, customers are his priority. Anyway, not having installed a window before Derek walked me through the steps and we decided after numerous phone conversations that I could attempt a new construction installation. Fortunately, Derek sells both new construction and retrofit windows, so he can quickly recommend the perfect option for your situation and your DIY capability.
At this point I placed an order for a single small new construction window so I could see for myself if the window quality was as good as advertised and if my DIY skills were up to the task. If either failed the test then no real harm done, the cost of the window was much less than the Box stores and I could still have the window put in as it was only for a half bathroom in an inconspicuous part of the house and it was always going to be better that the piece of junk it replaced. That was my logic…
I received the window about two weeks later and installed it over the course of a day (the first time is the slowest). I am happy to report that the window exceeded my expectations. The window is a great addition and even my neighbors have complemented it. I have installed four windows so far and am in the process of replacing every window in the house with windows from Derek, needless to say I have no complaints. Great windows at a fraction of the typical prices. If you are interested you can see my first install on youtube, just do a search for windowestore.

I was tired of my butt freezing every night in the livingroom, so I finally said enough was enough and did an online search for home replacement windows. I quickly placed an order over the phone with Derek Baker. Derek was very thorough in helping me understand more about the type of windows they have to offer. He walked me through in selecting the type of window I needed to get, even though my window was a custom-​sized order. Since the width of my window was below what was available for selection on the pull-​down menu, he had to use another program in their system to fill in my order.
Overall, the over-​the-​phone experience was great. Derek has a cordial attitude and makes you feel comfortable over the phone. This is far one of the best phone orders I’ve placed in over awhile. Having someone who is an expert about the product and can get you the item you need is a major plus. Derek also mentioned that their manufacturing facilities are all located here in the US, so no need for long lead-​times on orders. My custom window will get here shortly before Christmas and I can pick it up at the local warehouse in San Jose. Thanks Derek!
(I went back to their website and just found-​out that Derek is the President of the company. I wish I had used them for replacing all the other windows in my home instead of the ones I purchased off of Home Depot. Watch the video on their homepage of the BTU meter measuring the heat output of the lamp. You’ll be amazed at the results).