Who would have thought that something like windows could be so darn complicated?
In our past two houses, we’ve installed vinyl replacement windows and have been pleased as punch. (We went with Jeld-Win windows in house 1 and Anderson in house 2.)
I guess I assumed we would choose white vinyl windows when we build – vinyl windows are easy to clean, are okay to me in the looks department, and are typically pretty affordable. They also have a pretty good lifespan – many are even warrantied as long as you own the house.
But then we actually started looking at windows.
And the plan changed.
After shopping around, seeing dozens of window types, and getting several quotes, we’ve decided on Pella aluminum-clad wood windows (this means they are aluminum on the outside and painted wood on the interior).
(This post is totally not sponsored, by the way. Pella has no idea who we are.)
We also received quotes from other brands – Anderson and Marvin – but liked the Pella the best.
Not only because they are based in our neck of the woods (Iowa), but also because their windows rate well in reviews and look great. They are energy efficient and the price was also very affordable for us. And our local contact is amazing – super knowledgable and honest about windows.
Now for why we are planning on using aluminum clad windows:
The look
To us, aluminum-clad wood windows have a more traditional, classic look. The wood interiors are perfect for the farmhouse feel we are going for.
The windows also have an option to add simulated-divided light grills. This means that the windows appear to have smaller panes of glass – like old windows would have.
(Source: Pella)
As soon as we saw them, we fell in love with the traditional look. I wish I would have thought to bring my camera and take a quick photo. Maybe I still will.
It will mean that we will have to clean around the grills. But, who really cleans windows anyway? 😉
The color
With aluminum clad windows, you can choose a different color on the outside of the house. This is a purely aesthetic concern, but I have my heart set on black exterior windows – but not on the inside.
The black exterior windows are just so dang sexy.
Am I right?
(Sources: The 36th Avenue, Southern Living House Plans, Bob Vila, An Urban Cottage, HousePlans.com)
The longevity
Ryan and I both felt good about the longevity of aluminum clad windows. The wood interiors mean that knicks or scuffs can easily be fixed and paint touched up. And Ryan’s parents put in similar windows 30 years ago and they are still going strong.
So that’s a little about our decision making process with windows.
In the end, the cost is a bit of a difference – for the entire house, we’re looking at about $3,000 more than mid-grade vinyl windows. We know that we do have to be conscious of upgrades and not do it when making every single house decision.
But, we both feel comfortable with spending a little more for windows – which isn’t a decision that we want to regret later.
Along with windows, we’ve also been staying busy getting all the first steps in order –
- Choosing the right concrete/foundation people. (Almost there.)
- Choosing the right lumberyard and nailing down the supplies. (Done.)
- Choosing windows and doors. (Done.)
- Hiring a geothermal company. (Almost there.)
So that’s a little update on the build progress.
What do you think about the window choice?
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Elina says
Hello, I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! for sharing your story and inspiring my new love for black exterior windows. We are currently looking into purchasing 5 to 10 acre in the country (near where we live now) and building our dream home. I recently found you through Pinterest and I’m now reading every of your entry from the start.
Your amazing
Kim Woodward says
Congrats on your next big purchase! It’s so exciting to make a dream come true. I’m definitely anxious to get moved into our new house, but it’s been a wild and fun ride.
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
Those windows are going to be GORGEOUS!!!!
Robyn Proctor Hinkle says
Yeah windows is probably one of the best places to splurge for the better product. Because 20 years down the road you don’t wanna have to shell out a lot of money for something like that!
Emily @ imperfect says
This is so exciting! And also sounds a little bit overwhelming…good thing it’s organized (and experienced in this arena) you that’s building a house and not me! I would be driving myself crazy with pro and con lists for every detail. I can’t wait to see how the house all comes together, so excited for you guys!
Kim Woodward says
It is actually really hard for me not to nitpick every single detail. And I have been doing it too much. But I hope it will start feeling a little more natural as we get going.
Kim says
We replaced all of our windows about 10 years ago with Pella double-hung windows. LOVE them! We have the vinyl clad (or is it aluminum??? now I don’t know) on the outside and wood inside. We love the double hungs because we love opening the tops for a good breeze through the house at night while still having privacy with our top down/bottom up blinds. We’ve had no problems with the windows at all yet. Our Marvin windows (we have 3 because the seller had to replace those before we moved in) are nice but WAAAYYYY too expensive when we had to do the rest of the house!
Kim Woodward says
Windows are budget busters, for sure!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Oh I’m dreaming of new windows. Ours stink! I love the black look too right now
Kim Woodward says
Hopefully I still love them in 30 years. 😉
michelle@decorandthedog says
Look at you knocking out decisions! I think the black will look so fancy!
Kim Woodward says
You know me. Super fancy.
Jaime Costiglio says
Go for the black – love that look! And who ever thought you’d write an entire post about selecting windows? But it’s perfectly fitting and interesting to me.
Kim Woodward says
I never realized everything I’d be learning about windows. Whew.
daisy says
How exciting! Y’all are so smart to research everything you use. Does this mean that the Barn will become Henry’s bachelor pad when he comes of age? ;0)
Kim Woodward says
Ugh. Can’t think that far ahead!
Katie says
Love the look of these windows!
My in-laws built a beautiful home out in the country about an hour from you guys and they purchased all Pella windows too, $30,000 of them to be exact. Unfortunately, after about 7 years, they started to show water coming through and began to mold. They were very nice, expensive windows. Needless to say, super disappointing. The good news is, Pella sent a crew out to replace every single one about a year ago. They’re really hoping the same thing doesn’t happen again. Hopefully you guys will have better luck, but I thought I should share.
Kim Woodward says
Yikes! That’s a lot of windows!
I can’t believe they had that experience – I’ve never heard anything but positive experiences with Pella. Yikes!
ruthann says
Love pella windows! If you have a sliding glass door, look into the mini blinds between the glass. Don’t have to have drapes and provide privacity .
Gretchen says
ooh, love the black on the exterior part–so pretty!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! I’m pretty excited about that, too.
Alison S. says
Kim, when we built our house in Bettendorf we went with the same Pella windows as you are speaking of. Ours were white wood on the inside and a dark brown aluminum on the outside to match our house exterior. I like the windows fine but I don’t like how they don’t have interior handles to help open the windows. Just something to think about – may not be a big deal but its one of those things when some windows are harder to get open. Maybe there is an option for a different kind to get handles or something out there.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks so much for sharing – we actually do plan to add hardware to the bottom of the window, but the guy at Pella actually said that many people don’t do that. I am glad you said that you wish you had it, because I think I’d miss having it, too.
Nicole says
I feel ya. We replaced all the windows on our ranch a couple years ago. We had done the vinyl replacements on our previous house as well. This time we went with cherry stained on the inside and aluminum clad on the outside. The grill options were hard for me too. I picked the ones that have the the top third of the top sash divided into three parts. I love them. Good luck deciding!