I just discovered the ownerbuilderbook website this morning - excellent source of info. Jeff in Tucson, AZ

Avoid Sierra Pacific Windows

Posted to Bert- by Bert in Southern, CA on 3/20/2008 10:04:30 AM

What a disaster! Our Sierra Pacific windows and doors arrived days late and all the wrong sizes. When I called the company in a panic, they told me that all of their reps were in a sales meeting, so no one was available to help me. I left several messages for our rep, who eventually text messaged me to tell me he was busy in his sales meeting all day and all night. Eventually they told me to just deal with it and that they were not going to take them back. Part of the initial sales pitch was that they would send a rep to my house after installation and before drywall, but when I called them to tell them that we are ready for them, they gave me a date that was several weeks out, therefore we will have to stop all construction for about 3 weeks while we wait for them. Unfortunately, the windows and doors are so hard to slide, I need to wait to see if there is anything they can do to make them easier to operate. Please DO NOT BUY SIERRA PACIFIC WINDOWS. If you want more information you can email me.

Photos

Construction has begun on the guest house

Posted to Bert- by Bert in Southern, CA on 1/30/2008 6:06:30 PM

We got our plans last month and yesterday we began construction of the guest house.  I have to order windows and doors right away.  I have given serious consideration to either the Sierra Pacific, Marvin, or Pella.  The bid from Pella was $76,000 for doors and windows with shade between the glass. Marvin was $46,000, but they don't have some of the feautures offered by Pella.  I'm still waiting for the window bid from Sierra Pacific, who's showroom I checked out today.  I was very impressed by their product and their salespeople.  I can't wait to see their bid. If you have a recommendation please let me know.   

Plans are at the county

Posted to Bert- by Bert in Southern, CA on 3/16/2007

We've just submitted our plans to the County of San Diego for permits.  We now have a 2,600 Square foot home that will be about 4,800 square ft. with a 1,000 square ft guest house.  When we are done, we'll end up with over 5,800 square ft of living area. Today I am going to get copies of my plans shrunken down to 1/8 inch = 1 ft as is suggested in the book, so that I can use those plans for bids.  Wish us luck and send any advice our way, because we've never taken on anything this life changing before.  We've worked on coming up with the perfect plans for 4 years and now it's finally becoming a reality.