Replacement Windows and Patio Door

[Yuka]

We are "finally" moving forward with our replacement windows and patio
door. I am so sorry for those who have expressed interest in doing
them n our previous posts. You have no idea how many window companies
I have had to deal with and how many bad businesses are out there!!
Anyway, the Tax Credit is going to end by the end of the year so for
those who are interested, I would suggest you take advantage of the
30% credit! (thats huge!) the install must happen before the end of
the year.

1. Companies I recommend are:
Westlake Windows and Doors
Progressive Insulation and Doors

2. Product I recommend are:
Simmonton Dual Pane Vinyl Replacement Retrofit.
Glass Low E Argon 1/8" over 3/16" window (Triple Strength over Double
Strenghth - this is what is going to make a difference with noise
rather than going with 1/8" over 1/8". I did consider going with
Laminated windows but the sound difference is hardly noticeable
between the triple/ double and much cheaper in price. If those are
afraid of "break ins" Laminated is always a good option. I didn't
think none of us had that issue considering no one is on the "ground"
level here at The Met.) Simmonton has a very strong product warranty
and can also transfer the warranty to the 2nd owner of your home (if
you ever decide to sell your unit). They provide labor and product
warranty and have won 3 consecutive JD Power Award.

3. Here are the 2 quotes I received for my unit (1 patio door and 2
windows)

Westlake Window and Door
Patio Door $1440
Bedroom Window $610 x 2
Met Google Group Discount -$200
Total: 2420.00 (Includes Material, Tax, Installation)
You will get 30% federal tax credit from the $2420 = $726.00 discount.
Grand Total after all discounts = 1694.00

Progressive
Patio Door $1357
Bedroom Window $501 x 2 = 1002
Installation = 997
tax = 230
Total: 3586.00 (Includes Material, Tax, Installation)
You will get 30% federal tax credit from the $2359 = $707.00 discount.
Grand Total after all discounts = 2879

(Progressive is offering $20 off each window if A. Installation is
done on the same day B. you get 2 of the 3 windows or door)

I know it sounds like a no brainer but Progressive has been in
business a long time and is very "insulation" knowledgeable. Just
wanted to offer both out there. I also looked into Brands Milgard,
Amsco, Alpine, and Pella. Amsco and Pella have a lot of bad reviews
of the products and Milgard is more expensive than Simmonton. I have
gotten reviews from Lowes, Home Depot, US Energy, Agressive Sash and
Door, Frontline, and a few more. I chose the two companies above
because of the quality of customer service, professionalism,
references, and price.

4. HOA needs to approve - This takes about a week after you submit.
I will attach a Architectural Request Form. You'll need to fill out 7
pages and submit it to Ron from the HOA including a pictures of the
window and patio door. Basically stating that nothing will change to
the look of all the existing windows and door. After they receive the
form, pictures, contractor insurance, Ron will submit to the board.
About a week later, they will approve it. After the install, call
them and they will come out and double check to finalize everything is
fine.

5. We have a inner single pane window in our bedrooms and those are
not included in the price. The quote shown only deals with removing
and replacing the exterior bedroom window. Progressive will charge
$125 per window to remove and add wood casing. Westlake will charge
$75 per window just to remove. This will unfortunately not look
nice. My suggestion is to keep the inner window. We personally are
planning to remove it ourselves and add window casing around it. We
can maybe get a quote from Miguel at The Met if anyone is interested.

6. Finally what we have decided to do is to go with Westlake Windows
and Doors. We will remove the interior single pane window in both
bedrooms and add mdf casing around it.

Our thoughts: This is going to improve the look of our home, provide
better sound reduction to exterior noise, decrease heating and cooling
bill due to better insulation and better quality glass and frame, take
advantage of the 30% tax credit ending this year, provide interior
fade resistance, and add more safety. Our installation date is still
tentative but it should be in November. If anyone has any questions
or interest, feel free to post. We will be finalizing all the details
Tuesday so I will update for those who might be interested.

Happy Halloween :)

[Yuka]

I uploaded the Architectural Request Form under the "Files" Section.
Just click and it will automatically download to your computer.
I hope the information will be useful for those who are considering
replacing your windows.

[LiliRod]

Hi Yuka. First of all THANK U! We r very interested in replacing our
window & patio door. We r in a 1 bedroom so we don't have a 2nd
window. We would really like to remove the inner window like you said
cuz it gets very dirty in between. If you are able to do the casing
around it we'll be happy to pay u to do ours!!! I think these windows
and patio doors don't do much other than keep bugs away. Thanks for
the useful information. Please let me know what date is your
installation. How can I find out how much it will be to do our unit?
The price you got is a really good price I thnk bc i went to homedepo
last month just to ask and it was much higher. Should I submit the
paper work to HOA? Thank you soooooo much. Lilia.

[Yuka]

You are welcome Lilia. I'll ask him for the price today on your patio
door and bedroom window for you. He had to move the appointment to
this afternoon.
Just download the Architectural Request Form that is under the Files
section. Fill it out and email r...@rossmorganco.com. I can email you
the insurance and license info to you if you decide to proceed.

[Jamie]

Thanks for all the information on the replacement windows and doors.We
decided to take advantage of the 30 percent tax credit before the year
ends and decided to go for it!We are waiting for approval from Ron and
we are shooting for install in mid December.Thank u 4 sharing this
information.Yuka and LiliRod when is your install date?We are doing
the same windows as u from Westlake.I would love to stop by to see
them.

p.s. we weren't planning on replacing it until we saw your post! thank
u for sharing.

[Yuka]

Thats great Jamie. Glad I can be of help. Our install date is next
Monday 22nd. Hopefully we can enjoy a warm quiet winter!

[JULES]

I have uploaded two files into the File Section that should be
submitted with your application. Once I submitted my application to
Ron with the HOA for architectural review he asked for photos of what
my replacement windows will look like. I found the patio door photo
on the internet and he found the window replacement and submitted it
for me. I tried submiting my current windows, since the installation
will be like-for-like, but that was rejected.

The two files are titled: Patio Door Replacment and Window 10 Pane.

I'm checking out Yuka's new installation tonight and will be getting
mine done around 12/15 if anyone has any questions.

[Yuka]

Thanks Julie for the info!
I also wanted to pass along another rebate I found from LADWP. These
windows and sliding door does qualify for don't forget to apply for
this too! $2.00 per sqft of glass cash rebate! I will be submitting
this information for my windows and patio door.

I'll also post some photos as soon as I finish painting the wood
trims! Stay tuned!


d. ENERGY STAR® QUALIFIED* RESIDENTIAL WINDOW PRODUCTS
Products must be installed in an air conditioned space.
The maximum U-factor for windows, including sliding glass doors, is
0.35 and skylights is 0.57. The maximum Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
for all qualified window products is 0.30. Entry door eligibility and
criteria will be determined on a case by case basis.
*Energy Star® www.energystar.gov reserves the right to change
qualifications.
$2.00 per sq ft of glass


http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp000478.jsp

[Jamie]

How are the new windows and door? Please post pictures.

Do you see a difference in keeping out the cold draft and sound?

How long was the install?

We are also considering doing it this year so any other info you can
provide would be great. thank u for all the useful information.

[Yuka]

I will post pictures in a few minutes of our new windows and patio
door.

The installation took about 4 hours. (2 bedroom windows & Patio Door)
The 2 guys who came were super fast and efficient. The existing
windows and patio door didn't even have any insulation! The glass was
paper thin compared to the glass we have now. So yes, the biggest
difference for us is it keeps the cold draft from coming inside and we
are pleased to report how much QUIETER our unit has gotten. Of course
we still hear the occasional fire trucks and big rigs riding by on
Canoga Ave but the sound is much more muted!!! (Thank goodness!)

Overall we are very pleased and looking forward to our tax credit and
ladwp cash rebate!!

I also received a few emails from residence who are going for it with
new windows! Yay and don't forget to post pictures!

Here is a Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Lf0RzDTFQ

(We recycled our old windows and door to HOA)

[Yuka Takahara]

Pictures....

[Yuka Takahara]

oops.. the first image was my before.

this one is after.

[Ashlee M]

Yuka -

The new windows truly look gorgeous. (your wallpaper choice is great
too ;) ) The window framing woodwork really looks great and is
tempting me to replace my window and slider now too.

Thanks,
Ashlee

On Nov 27, 10:42 pm, Yuka Takahara <yukatakah...@gmail.com> wrote:
> oops.. the first image was my before.
> this one is after.
>

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[Yuka]

I have gotten several emails requesting to see the windows and I have
no problem showing anyone the windows and door. Just post on the
forum and I'll contact you on what date and time would work for me.
weekends are best for me.

p.s. thanks ashlee :)

[JULES]

I am in the process of doing my install and have run into a few snags
with submitting the Progressive insurance and license number. I
received HOA approval but Progressive's insurance expires tomorrow and
Progressive would not give me their updated insurance unless I signed
paperwork to work with them. He is very bitter that he is not getting
business from the MET. The way he acted on the phone with me I can't
imagine anyone would want to do business with him.

The great news is that Parry just got his license and will have his
insurance by next week. Here is the information to include on your
Architectural form:

Window Solutions
License # 955117
Phone: 805-499-9111

As soon as I get his insurance next week I'll post it on here.

We'll be doing our install the week of Dec. 20 or the week after
Christmas and we'll be happy to show anyone our home too once it's
complete.

[JamesBldg7]

Thank you 4 letting me see your windows. after coming home to my sad
looking cheapo windows i think i'll have to replace mine. hopefully
iam not too late to get the tax credit.
also ifd u can tell me how to submit the tax credit and dwp credit
this will be great.

[Ashlee M]

Jules -

Did the HOA allow you to submit your forms now and Parry's insurance
paperwork once it arrives? Or do they want all paperwork at once?

Thanks,
Ashlee

[JULES]

They are allowing it because my paperwork was already approved. I
should have the insurance on monday and I'll post it for everyone. I
just told Ron that I was getting the run around from Progressive and
went with a new company. He was fine with that.

[JULES]

I just posted Window Solutions insurance in the files section. We're
scheduled for our install on Dec. 22.

> > > this will be great.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Ashlee M]

Wanted to let everyone know that I got my new windows installed last
Thursday and I couldn't be happier. My unit is right off of Canoga
and I used to get a bit of noise coming in. I have already noticed a
different. Plus, they just look phenomenal. If anyone had any
reservations about getting this done, I would highly recommend moving
forward with it. Parry's team couldn't have been nicer, cleaner, more
professional, and, most of all, meticulous.

Thanks again, Yuka, but doing all the legwork!

[Returned]

Shouldn't there be a dryer vent somewhere outside? I don't find one
either. Not sure if it has been plastered over.


On Nov 27 2010, 10:41 pm, Yuka Takahara <yukatakah...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Pictures....
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[Yuka]

Ashlee.  You are welcome.  I am so happy that you went forward with the windows. Please share pictures of your new window!  Would love to see what kind of molding you chose!  The fire engine noises don't bother us anymore (more muted!) and I love looking at how beautiful they are!  Parry and Lonnie are amazing!!!  

Julie, you should post yours too!  They came out so great!

Make sure you file Form 5695 when you do your taxes this year!  (30% tax credit)

[Julie (Evans) Day]

Photos of my window replacement.  Still not sure if we are going to put any window coverings for the patio door. 

[Jamie]

thank u 4 sharing.  both Yuka and JULES windows look superb. I was out walking around this weekend and noticed more and more of these new windows popping up. It is nice to see home owners making improvements. When I save some more money, I will contact the same company you all went with. 

[Ashlee M]

Hey All -

I started a Yelp for Window Solutions in case anyone else would like
to comment on their experience.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/window-solutions-thousand-oaks

Best,
Ashlee

[Yuka]

For those who got replacement windows and patio doors, I wanted to tell you that they have a new consumer rebate form on the LADWP site.  I noticed today that they have an option for "condominium unit" and I decided to submit the rebate.  For the Sliding door and 2 windows, I should be getting back $182.00.  $2.00 per sq ft.

The reason I only submitted the 30% tax credit was because I was told by DWP that only single homes (not condo's) qualify for it.  Since there is a spot to check off condo unit, I figured I should give it a try.  You do need to submit with your application a copy of the energy efficient sticker or invoice showing the U Factor and Solar Heat Gain numbers.  

You have 12 months from the time of your install so you can wait until I hear back from them but the application is only 2 pages.  I would suggest sending it in for more rebate.

here is the application.

[JULES]

Awesome! Thanks Yuka!!!

> here is the application <http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp004363.pdf>.

[Michon]

Hello folks, I love the way your windows look and called Window Solutions for an estimate.  Fingers crossed.

[Yuka]

That's great Michon!  I ran into 2 people today at the Met event and they expressed interest in getting their windows changed out so maybe you guys can go in it together and see if Parry can give you guys a "group discount".  Bldg 13 and 14 :)  Also ask him about any energy rebates from gas company and DWP.

[Kevin Mcdonald]

Those of you who have gotten new windows, do you mind telling how much you paid?

--
 
 

[Yuka]

Prices are all posted at the beginning of this thread.  Keep in mind that these were rebates from 2010.  Hopefully there are still great rebates in 2013.

Julie and Ashlee have posted pictures so take a look at the beginning of this thread.

Westlake Window and Door (Now called Window Solution)
Patio Door $1440 
Bedroom Window $610 x 2 
Met Google Group Discount -$200 
Total:  2420.00  (Includes Material, Tax, Installation) 
You will get 30% federal tax credit from the $2420 = $726.00 discount. 
DWP Rebate:  - $200

Grand Total after all discounts = 1494.00 

On Saturday, January 12, 2013 7:40:33 PM UTC-8, KM wrote:

Those of you who have gotten new windows, do you mind telling how much you paid?

[Kevin Mcdonald]

Thanks Yuka!

--
 
 

[Yuka]

Michon.

The prices are posted here of how much I paid for the 1 sliding window and 2 bedroom windows.  Rebates helped out a lot so check to see if they have rebates in 2013.  The brand I got are called Simonton and I got them in 1/8" and 3/16" glass.  (changing out the thickness on a double pane is known to reduce the sound).  Doing 1/8" and 1/8" will lower the price down.  Another thing to remember is that for my window and my neighbor Julie, Parry installed the window sill and casing for us free of charge.  I'm not sure if he would do that but it's worth asking for.  Another thing to keep in mind is that we live on the first floor and although it is elevated it is a easier install then a install on the 3rd floor.  Try to see if anyone from google groups is interested in getting them for a group discount.  

I contacted many companies and it was horrific how awful many of those companies were.  Parry is great and I highly recommend him.  We've used him for my parents house as well.

Window Solution  Contact Parry Annis - parry...@gmail.com  805-499-9111

Patio Door $1440 
Bedroom Window $610 x 2 
Met Google Group Discount -$200 
Total:  2420.00  (Includes Material, Tax, Installation) 
You will get 30% federal tax credit from the $2420 = $726.00 discount. 
DWP Rebate:  - $200

Grand Total after all discounts = 1494.00 

Yuka

[DC]

Hi Yuka, I am having my Patio door redone by this company did you choose wood or vinyl for the frame. Looks like wood on the patio door and vinyl on the window.

[Yuka]

Vinyl windows. Interior Trim is MDF (wood)