Yes, I went to the Home Show to talk to the various window manufacturers and to see their products. I got mutliple companies to come give us quotes. I don't remember all the companies, but the prices were fairly comparable. LongLife was the most expensive. I liked the process that LongLife uses to install windows (they install Vinyltek windows), but didn't think it was worth the 35% premium that they charged over WC.
A friend recommended WC to us, I went to their place to check out the windows and they looked really nice. My friend's parents and most of their neighbours were the first to go with WC about 5-6 years ago (older Richmond subdivision) and they haven't had any complaints. So, aside from the price, warranty and Energy Star rating, seeing the windows installed also played a factor for me. The fact that they had a spring promotion of 15% off actually gave them the lowest price too (only by a couple hundred though), without the discount maybe I would've chosen Centra. Not sure if you can get that promo though (don't see it listed on their website, mind you I did this over a year ago). My friend did suggest that I stay away from C-Sky though, her friend went with this cheaper option and she said their windows leaked within the first year, ymmv. I have no experience with them b/c I never asked for a quote from them; I do notice their advertisement inside the coupon envelope that gets delivered to my neighbourhood every so often.
After seeing my windows, my friend also went with WC (he also got the 15% off, but I think the promo was still on). He moved near the airport last year and he said his house is quiet (perhaps he just got accustomed to the sound, lol).
One thing to note, I definitely think new windows are a good investment, I noticed that my house is much cooler with the new windows installed (our windows do have a slight tint to them).
Also, I don't work for, get any referral fee, nor have I had any contact with WC since my windows were installed. I'm just a consumer that has been happy with their work, but for the shitty job they did clearing my driveway of nails from the old windows.
I got more than one nail in my tire.
