I get the argument for just going with something reliable, but honestly, I’ve seen Jeld-Wen windows feel a bit flimsy compared to Andersen or Marvin, especially if you’re in a spot with wild temperature swings. Sure, install matters—no question—but materials and build quality do too. If you’re building from scratch and plan to stay put, it might be worth spending a little extra up front. Cheap windows can look rough after a decade, even if they’re installed right. Just my two cents.
I hear you about Jeld-Wen feeling a bit light. I’ve got them in my rental, and honestly, they’re fine for the price, but there’s a noticeable difference compared to the Andersens in my main place. If it’s your forever home, I’d lean toward spending more upfront—those little quality details add up over time. But if you’re watching the budget, Jeld-Wen isn’t terrible either, especially if you stay on top of maintenance.