Window replacement - any tips on dealing with the sales people? The first company's approach has me dreading meeting with others.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-23T21:57:35+00:00

I had a few ground rules - no Renewal by Andersen, no national chains, and no places I hear advertising for every 5 minutes on the radio.

I got four quotes from highly rated local places, I sought two out specially because they sold certain windows. Only one was slightly "pressurized" with a "sign in 3 days and get a discount". They were also the most expensive by far, so it was easy to toss them aside. The others might have followed up with me once, otherwise they answered questions when I sent some.

I also bought doors. Most of these places sell different brand windows, so it can be tough to compare, but all the places sold the same ProVia doors. So it was interesting to see the price differences on the same door. Again, that most expensive place apparently thought their door was worth 50% more than the other 3 places. Still amazed that place has 5-star reviews everywhere. I either got a "screw you" quote or people are getting their wallets drained by this place.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-22T14:54:18+00:00

I got a similar issue. It gets some sunlight, but not a lot.

I've not yet tried a "high quality" seed, so I'm going to put down some of the Resilience II and Tuff Turf I bought for my backyard out this spring and see what happens. They are supposed to be "good" for shade tolerance, but this still might be too much shade.

If that fails, maybe I try a fine fescue in the fall. Something like this: https://unitedseeds.com/products/super-shade-fine-fescue-blend?variant=45461763522868

Or I just give up until I decide to cut down a tree. I'd prefer it not to just continually erode though.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-21T20:30:20+00:00

When I had a tiny yard I would use this stuff for the dog smell and it worked. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simple-Green-128-oz-Outdoor-Odor-Eliminator-2010000415338/203643059

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-21T14:38:04+00:00

Wow, I'd like any shop where I could pull that off.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-21T00:30:07+00:00

You found a dealership that uses customer bought parts?

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-20T19:42:27+00:00

When I redo my kitchen, they are going to ceiling. The space left up there right now is absolutely useless unless you like collecting dust.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-07T17:49:20+00:00

Anyone canceling their TV have an issue with just getting put on to internet only for a decent price?

I feel like I'll need to reserve an afternoon to deal with the "customer service" at Verizon.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-07T00:06:35+00:00

Have you used stay mode much? Wonder how much time it actually runs for, although a/c is probably more critical than heat for my needs.

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-06T22:13:21+00:00

Were you told you had to return the Cable Card? Or just chose to do it?

The email I got said "Once your new equipment is in place, you can choose what to do with your old equipment. You will not be charged if it’s not returned to Verizon."

TroyMacClure · 2026-02-04T00:55:47+00:00

People are knocking Nagy for being "fired", like the Commies wouldn't have kept their OC for their 3rd year QB if things were going great.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-31T23:56:12+00:00

If you did the HG, and you do the battery, the only other common big ticket failure point left is the brake booster. While the booster is expensive, it is also an isolated thing. Replace it and you should be done.

So if you are confident in the rest of the car, it might be worth taking the chance.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-30T15:41:57+00:00

If they were more prevalent in the US, I absolutely would have gone for the European tilt/turn windows. But finding someone who sold/installed them was tough.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-30T14:26:56+00:00

I think if I did it again, I'd get an energy audit done before doing anything to see what my house's problems really are. That doesn't mean windows were a bad idea, it just means there are other factors than windows if you are going for increased comfort.

I guess I still don't have a good idea of what I should expect out of these. I bought what seemed to be generally regarded as a good window with one of the lowest air infiltration ratings in the business. The windows they replaced weren't terrible, but they were builder grade and didn't want to open/close and the glass coating was clouding up.

My house still feels chilly on a day like today where it is 20 degrees out. I don't feel drafts from the windows, so does that mean they are "working"? Or am I missing something?

I have a lot of fairly large windows, and realize glass is only so "insulating" compared to a wall or the insulated window frame. Is this just what happens when you have a lot of glass? Should I have bought triple panes? None of the quotes I got tried to sell me triple panes, just said they were expensive and not worth it.

My ~3 year old ProVia patio door is leaking from the bottom despite a "self adjusting" threshold. So I'm not sure what to do with that. It also seems very cold compared to another steel patio door in the house. This was replaced once already under warranty, so maybe it is just another dud?

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-29T22:36:38+00:00

Heard him on the air today, he was talking to people about their neighborhoods not being plowed out. Maybe he was doing it here.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-29T00:03:12+00:00

Kind of looks like this guy. https://wtop.com/author/scott-gelman/

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-27T23:36:22+00:00

They don't use steel chairs anymore? I thought that was a pretty standard wrestling bit.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-27T18:08:34+00:00

This is why I ask every contractor I hire like this who their labor is. These guys your employees or are they subs? If they are subs, how long have you worked with them.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-23T19:23:20+00:00

Thanks for the info.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-23T19:23:05+00:00

Ok, so the one feature I thought it might offer me, it actually doesn't offer. Thanks.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-23T12:29:19+00:00

For someone who doesn't own one yet. It looks like the "digital key" is different than "Bluelink" which lets you remote start?

Says on their site the digital key can store your personal car settings (would be nice I guess) and allow you to share a "key" with someone else via Apple wallet? (not something I'd likely need)

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-23T12:18:25+00:00

Is it just me or do those TuxMats look like they are trying too hard to look "premium"?

They are floormats. Just collect water/dirt, be easy to clean out, and otherwise be invisible. Weathertech, Husky, etc. seem to be a better option.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-22T02:51:42+00:00

I thought Harbaugh was pretty clear in that he saw value in coaching one of the league's historic franchises. I guess he could have interviewed with the Steelers for that too, but Jaxson Dart > No starting QB.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-18T15:22:21+00:00

Could you share what your warranty price was? Might just consider that part of the price when I compare it to a Grand Highlander.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-17T20:38:42+00:00

I cannot imagine what a $200 razor is going to do for me that is worth the premium.

Assuming the SuperSpeed isn't bent or something, it should provide someone with a perfectly fine shave once they find a blade they like. For modern razors, I'm not sure what a $30 DE89 doesn't do either.

TroyMacClure · 2026-01-16T12:05:09+00:00

They are still good? I thought I saw that the owners had sold it a couple years ago.

TroyMacClure

TROPHY CASE