Sam Goh, Most dealers would be happy to sell to you even if they are hours away. But how much are you saving for that hassle? The local dealer is less likely to help you out with any problems if you left the area to make your purchase. That one small change you want to make after the fact might be $200 from your local dealer, but $800 if the other dealer has to make the drive to you. Same with Home Depot-do you think HD is going to help you at all if you need help later? If it's an appliance that will wear out in 5 yr anyway, that's one thing. When it's a part of your house that will be there for decades, I'd be glad to pay even a few thousand more from a reputable dealer that will be there for the minor problems. If you have ~60 windows, just keep in mind that it will be exponentially more expensive for you if you have to change them all out in 5-10 yr because they're junk... Just my $0.02, hope you can find a good solution that works well for you.

The stool trim goes on top of the extension piece and it should overlap edge of the sash creating a better weather seal in the traditional manner. Be very careful how you install these windows because (unlike all the other Andersen double-hungs) there is no slope or drip at the exterior sill and water ha a tendency to run over and under the nosing and get behind the siding. Sealant at this joint is only temporary. It is often necessary to add flashing that starts under the sill nailing fin and terminates between a course of the siding. I've seen it done retroactively to hundreds of these windows. Another option is to add a PVC sill nosing from ATW as linked below. This would give the 200 Tilt-Wash a similar drip nosing to the other Andersen double-hung windows (400 series & 200 Narrowline) and allow the sill to extend at each side under the jamb trim in the traditional manner. For a PDF of installation details go to the Andersen website, select the 400 Tilt Wash, then select "for Professionals" and then select "architectural details and product applications". Here is a link that might be useful: Sill nosing trim

I can't compare Andersen with Pella or any others, or the 200 series v. the 400 series, but I bought Anderson double hung windows and a sliding door, and I am sorely disappointed in them. I paid a LOT, esp. or the door. I had no choice but to get the top of the line because I had to get the bronze exterior color. The screens on the windows are flimsy. The hangers for the screen sliding door are plastic and break all the time. I've had problems with a new lock I installed on the sliding doors in December since December…. I would not buy Andersen again. But for all I know, the others are the same. I and so anti-corporate America right now. The greed is out of control; the mentality of cutting on quality in order to increase profits is anathema to me, but that's what they're doing, everywhere.

Interesting info.. I was told that the energy efficiency of the 200 was pretty much the same as the 400 when you get the option of low e on the 200 series.. Unless you mean that all Andersen windows have crappy energy efficiency.. Will have to look into this more.. As far as looks go we were happy with the way the 200 series looked when we saw it in person.. They had the American Craftsmen on display at home depot as well and we saw the windows that had the vinyl interior which we found to look extremely cheap.. We definitely want a wood interior...