More windows

After opening up for the contractors, I went back to the Pella showroom to ask a few follow up questions. I'm also looking for obscured glass for one window since it will be in the shower. We're thnking to make it an "awning" style window, which means it opens on a hinge at the top of the window. That way, it could be up near the ceiling and not show anyone in the bathroom. They showed me sandblasted glass, which they assured me is what people use in showers. I was not satisfied! In my opinion, you could see right though it, maybe not perfectly but still pretty clearly. Also, when the lights were on and it was dark out, there would be a perfect silhouette. Not good!

I went to glass and window store, and they gave me the same option of sandblasted glass and again assured me that it was what people used in shower stalls. He insisted this was true even after I showed him that I could see the silhouette of my hand perfectly enough to make out each knuckle. I don't get it - is this what they're taught by the manufacturer and they never check to see if it makes sense?

I then went to a building supply place that had a great display of windows. They had several from each manufacturer and great sales help. I think I found my windows - they are wood clad in fiberglass and they're called Integrity by Marvin. Marvin had been around a long time - since the 1930's, and these windows have all the features I want plus excellent energy efficiency. They are very reasonably priced, require no maintenance, and come in a slider. They can be painted if I want, but don't have to be. They also have a short lead time (2 weeks) which is great. Pella has a lead time of 4-6 weeks.

After that, I met C for lunch and recounted all my morning window adventures. I then headed home and spent more time on the web looking at these and other windows. I am meeting with the general contractor tomorrow, so I'll ask for his input and assuming he thinks they're okay I'll have him measure and I'll place my order. Another interesting thing about buying windows - there are 4 different measurements for height and for width. The stores strondly recommend you have a professional measure - apparently it is really difficult to measure correctly. It is also customary that whoever is going to install does the measuring. In this case, my contractor, but sometimes the manufacturer will measure and install.

Late in the afternoon, I went back to the house and again filled the trash can for tomorrow. I can fit about 4 bags of trash in it each week. Back in January, we bagged all the trash from the prior owner and C stowed it in the garage. After today, there are still 22 bags and one box of trash. We hope to have it all gone before we move in. I also finished emptying the kitchen cabinets of food items. This has been a rather nasty job and I'm glad it's done. I am looking forward to being able to clean the cabinets thoroughly!