[quote=permabear]
I’m not sure what your point is… it sounds like we agree.
Builders cheaping out and using vinyl windows to pocket an extra $20k on a McMansion is lame.
Quality built, custom homes don’t use vinyl windows (as a generalization).
Aluminum has gone in and out of fad, it’s back for modern homes now, and I will probably end up using them. Steel windows have been high-end the whole time, though.[/quote]
I guess I misunderstood you. I thought you mean only custom homes use wood and metal windows while all tract homes uses vinyl. Maybe you’re only referring to new tract homes?
By point about the extra $20k is that, windows, like flooring, doors, mouldings, counter tops, cabinets, etc. are all replaceable. So, just because it’s custom doesn’t mean it’s built w/ quality and just because it’s a tract home doesn’t mean owners can’t upgrades to high quality stuff. However, what other posters were saying, which I don’t really agree with is that, quality of a house has nothing to do with it being custom. It’s only custom if you work with an architect and build a one of a kind house. Even if you use vinyl windows, it’s still custom.