Everything you wanted to know about window prices*

*But were afraid to ask.

We received more detailed pricing information from the Pella people today, and learned that the incredibly expensive windows cost so much because they were one inch narrower than Pella's smallest normal size -- 20" instead of 21".

That inch required them to quote their ultra-custom, super-expensive, Oprah's-house-in-Hawaii level of windows, instead of their normal custom, very expensive windows. (Who knows what brand Oprah really has, but you get the point.)

I understand why they have upcharges for custom sizes. But for the life of me, I can' t figure out why, when sending us the first bid, they didn't point out, "If you make these windows an inch wider, you won't need federal bailout funds to build your addition." It's not as though we need these windows to fit any existing openings -- they are going into new walls.

Instead, they waited for us to ask the question, then gave us the information. It leaves kind of a bad taste in my mouth.

Nelson has had great experiences with Marvin windows and has used them extensively. They have ogees, spoon hardware (aka locks that look old-fashioned) and come in 60/40 double hungs. It will be interesting to see how the quote comes in, and what we decide.

In the meantime, if you're buying windows, ask a lot of questions before you buy. And unless you have Oprah's budget, stay away from double-hungs that are 20" or narrower.