Windows

[Collector]

Only thing I know about windows is you want vinyl low E gas. In our last house I replaced all the windows myself except for 2. The first two I had a siding and window friend come and measure the odd size openings, and did not take his advice about resizing the hole to a standard size. Big mistake those two custom built windows cost as much as all the other put together then some. Because our house was a 100 plus years old he also showed me a different way to install them so they would not break or go out of square if the house moved some. The method was to use roofing nails and start at top, only pound nail till it touches the vinyl not to snug. Only nail every 2 slots all the way around and trim as usual. I think maybe it might be what @digitS' & @thistlebloom windows might need when replaced. The only other advice I have Is buy the best you can afford. Also DW had a local company come out and give us an estimate for windows and installation, it was just shy of $20,000 yes 20 grand ouch. If not going to do yourself find a remodel contractor it will save some money.

Ps the cost of replacing all the windows myself was just over $3,000 for everything. Big difference

 

[thistlebloom]

That's a huge difference in expense Collector!
Thanks for the installation tip, I'll pass it on to DH.
I'm sure when the time comes he'll be doing it himself.

 

[digitS']

Does anyone know the difference between having windows replaced from the inside or outside?

The guy who did our siding replaced most of the windows. He said that he only worked from the outside. I thought that it might have to do with his liability insurance. Had no idea that there were options.

The next guy who remodeled (several rooms and replaced one window), looked at the previous work and said that it was done from the outside. I asked if that was a problem. He didn't answer ...

I guessed that he didn't like criticizing another contractor. Or, it wasn't a problem.

Steve

 

[flowerbug]

don't know much of anything about windows other than if they're not made right they'll lose their seal, get condensation and crack. our windows were from a major name brand manufacturer and have lasted 20+yrs but they are getting some small cracks in the corners i'll have to seal up again. none has lost their seal or gotten condensation in them. i do know that many cheaper windows have condensation issues. i can only suggest if you're going cheaper is to make sure to buy them in the winter months when humidity is lower and hope that helps...

i did work for a while for a company which manufactured RV and custom Van windows but i was not doing window building work i just ran the computer stuff after the day's production was done... i did learn that it wasn't a very high skilled trade and many of the people working there were not too concerned about quality. due to some other issues along with it being a rotten place to work i can say i was glad i got the heck out of there when i did. two jobs was too much...

 

[Nyboy]

I like to think the old Italian man who built my house was a ahead of his time. He was very green and reused materials he came across. It explains the large picture window overlooking the street in master bedroom. The whole house had 3 tiny windows that could open most where premently sealed. The day every window was ripped out and replaced with functioning Anderson windows was one of my happiest days. Took 3 windows side by side to replace picture bedroom window.

 

[Nyboy]

Seed one very important thing not brought up is house style. New windows should fix the style of the house. Example large modern windows would look very out of place on Victorian home.

 

[ninnymary]

Seed one very important thing not brought up is house style. New windows should fix the style of the house. Example large modern windows would look very out of place on Victorian home.

This is so true. About 30 years ago we had all of our windows replaced at a cost of around $12,000. I was shocked when they told me the number of windows we have. It was all quality and custom work. We sure are glad we made that investment in this 100+year old victorian.

It helps to think of it as an investment when you see these large figures for projects. They do add value to your home. When we had our $15,000 stain glass window created and installed our realor said it increased the value of our home by $50,000.

Mary

 

[seedcorn]

Not a DIY project. Will hire a professional.

@Nyboy this is a 110+ year old farm house-no style. To make matters more complicated, plan on moving in 2-3 years....

 

[aftermidnight]

Mary mentioned stained glass sooo... not hijacking too much. A young friend of mine is into mosaics and stained glass. She made this panel for their front door.

I got talking to her at a garden club meeting, found out she was a local girl so asked her who her family was. There was a dead silence for a minute or two. Her mom was my best friend when we were very young in fact it was her mom who took me to school that first day grade one she was one year older.

Annette

 

[Collector]

@seedcorn if you plan on moving it is best to have it professionally done, you will get your money back plus some. Are you planning on moving far from your current location?