Spec’d Grabill windows for a client’s renovation last year. Expensive. Very expensive. But when they arrived and I saw the joinery, I understood why people pay for them.
What Makes Them Different
Custom built. Every window. They measure your openings and build to fit rather than making you fit their standard sizes. Takes longer but the result is precise.
Handcrafted is an overused word but here it’s accurate. You can see the quality in the corner joints, the hardware, the way the sashes move.
Material Options
Wood – Their bread and butter. Various species available, each with different grain patterns and finishing options. Warm in appearance and excellent insulation properties. Needs periodic maintenance.
Aluminum – Clean modern lines. Corrosion resistant for coastal applications. Powder coat finishes in many colors. Lower maintenance than wood.
Steel – For when you want narrow sight lines and industrial character. Strong enough for oversized openings. Often specified in loft conversions and contemporary builds.
Window Styles
They make everything. Casement windows that crank open. Double-hung with traditional weights or modern springs. Awning windows for ventilation during rain.
The design flexibility means unusual shapes and sizes are possible. Arches, circles, trapezoids. If you can draw it, they can probably build it.
Energy Performance
Modern Grabill windows include Low-E coatings and gas fills between panes. Performance matches or exceeds mass-market premium windows despite the traditional appearance.
This matters for historic renovation where you want period-appropriate looks without nineteenth-century energy bills.
The Cost Question
Significantly more than builder-grade or even premium stock windows. Factor in three to five times the price for comparable sizes. Lead times measured in months not weeks.
That said, you get what you pay for. These windows will outlast the building in most cases. Consider it a permanent improvement rather than a replacement item.
Installation
Professional installation is non-negotiable at this price point. Rough openings need to be precise. Flashing and sealing must be done correctly. One bad install can ruin a five-figure window order.
Grabill provides detailed installation guidance and their sales team is responsive to questions. Make sure your installer reads and follows their specs.
Who Should Consider Them
Historic home restoration where stock windows look wrong. High-end new construction where quality is the priority. Commercial projects where appearance matters and budgets accommodate quality.
Not for: flip houses, rental renovations, or anyone prioritizing cost over everything else. Nothing wrong with that math, just wrong product for that situation.
My Take
Worth it for the right project. The client who bought them? No regrets. Visitors notice the windows. The house feels different with them installed. Sometimes quality is worth paying for.
