Vol. 7 · Spring Issue · Independent home improvement reporting
Home Upgrade Report
Practical reporting for today's homeowner
Columbus  ·  Edition · May 15, 2026 · Independent & reader-supported
Featured Report · Windows & Doors

The "Manufacturer-Direct" Movement: How U.S. Homeowners Are Quietly Cutting Window Replacement Costs in Half

Across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, a small but growing number of homeowners are sidestepping the brand-name window companies entirely. We spoke with three of them — and the installers they hired — to find out what's actually different.
By Margaret Doyle  ·  May 12, 2026  ·  7 min read
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