What brand windows/doors for flip?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am going to be purchasing a very distressed home in my area- Nassau County, Long Island in the next few months. Family of the neighbors’ are taking their time cleaning it out, so I have a few months (and acces inside) to get everything together. My plan is to rehab it to be a starter home for 3-5 years or so, then rent it out or sell it down the road, whichever is the better exit strategy at that time.

I will be able to do a lot of the work myself because I live next door, have the time to do so, and would like to learn as much as possible on this first rehab investment. Though I will still run all my numbers using subcontractor bids because the plan is to scale to a point where I can build a flipping business. I am going to start getting quotes in the next few weeks. Wondering what kinds of windows and doors you all recommend for this type of property. My market is pretty expensive and the ARV will be at LEAST 500k, hopefully closer to 600, but I will run very numbers conservatively.

How much do we think good brand names for windows and doors improve the ARV? Is it crazy to be looking at Andersen windows? Should I get the Home Depot stuff or is that too low-end? Do you use hollow or solid doors for your rehabs?

John Warren · Answer

@Eric Telese you should find a local supply house for windows and doors. There are quite a few manufacturers here in Chicago that all the local folks are using. The prices are way less than the big box store junk windows, and the quality is better as well.

For your doors, you probably should just check with your agent. Each market is different, and the market will decide how much you need to spend on your doors.

Bradley A. · Answer

@John Warren

Which supply houses/manufacturers do you recommend in Chicago?