Christine and Jeffrey Foss did their homework when deciding to replace the windows in their colonial home in Lewiston. The casement windows, which the couple enjoyed for their size and quality, were more than 20-years-old and some of the window cranks no longer operated properly.

“Our search was prompted by a telemarketing call,” explained Chris. “The company was offering a window replacement program so we invited them to come and give us an estimate.” An extremely pricey quote and high pressure sales techniques quickly inspired Chris and Jeff to do a little investigating of the options for themselves.

Chris said, “We studied window products online and searched the yellow pages for contractors. We got several estimates that varied from $8,000 to $20,000 for the same project.”

The Fosses finally decided on a contractor who worked with Paradigm Windows. “The windows were more expensive, but they were made in Maine and offered a lifetime guarantee,” said Chris. “And we liked the idea of supporting our own Maine economy.”

The project took a matter of days to complete. The new windows, while still large and light-inviting, complimented the home’s colonial flavor better than the earlier windows. Their tilt-in feature made them easier to clean and, although this winter will be the first with the new windows, the Fosses have already seen a difference in the coolant costs to their home as well as an improvement in sound control.

Pineland Lumber sales representative, Rene Gaudette, offered the following tips and suggestions for consumers building a new home or replacing existing windows. “There’s so much product available today. People will want to educate themselves by searching websites, exploring online galleries for ideas and deciding what features are important to them.” Some websites Gaudette suggested are windsorwindows.com, weathershield.com, and cohtech.com.

Gaudette continued, “There have been many glass updates in the past five years. Companies are utilizing warm edge technology, offering products that exceed set standards for windows. Products including Low E Argon, Stimulus-E and Zo-E glass were designed for their cooling and heat-conserving features. Additionally, new synthetic products minus the cold-transmitting metal are eliminating seal failures that fog windows and decrease visibility and efficiency.”

Businesses like Pineland Lumber offer consumers the opportunity to see their own project detailed in computer programs that open the field to creativity. Homeowners can create unique looks for their homes through the wide range of products now available through the use of the Internet and displayed in company showrooms.

“There is more and more product out there for consideration,” said Gaudette. Customers can choose from 30 or 40 colors for laminated grids, sashes, and frames to create two-tone effects, make single color statements, or break through with unique, personality-defining color combinations. “Window casings can look like a picture frame or have a sill. Depending on the manufacturer, there are many different style profiles.”

When the Fosses chose their windows, aside from using a Maine-based manufacturer, their criteria for new windows was simply functionality, tilt-in features, and weather efficiency. Of the finished project, Chris said, “We love them!”

Her advice to new builders and renovators is short, sweet, and user friendly. “Don’t be afraid to get different estimates. Ours were so varied. In some cases, there was a difference of 10 to 12 thousand dollars for the same windows.”