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I'm thinking about replacement windows. Wood or vinyl? (I know wood is more expensive). My house is approaching 100 and aesthetically I'm worried that vinyl might stand out like a sore thumb, but from a maintenance and durability perspective it seems like the better option.
Input appreciated.
<font color="#FFFFAA" size="1">[ December 27, 2005 09:27 AM: Message edited by: The Big Sexy ]</font>
Since you are replacing everything in your house, why not just buy a new house that has all that stuff and save yourself the trouble [img]wink.gif[/img]
I went through the same process, but settled on the Vinyl windows because wood windows leave no room for error when measuring and leveling. As with any old house I would think your window openings are like mine and are no longer square. Wood windows require precise measurements and good carpentry skills while Vinyl allow a ? inch on ether side and can be installed by people with limited skills due to their installation method.
We had numerous estimates from 8K (lowest Vinyl) to 16K (highest wood) from installers to replace our 33 windows. We did it ourselves for 3.5K, total time including measuring, ordering, picking up and installing was about 40 hours.
Tools needed:
Hammer
Cold chisel
Cordless drill
Razor knife
Flat blade screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
You are right: There is absolutely nothing square in my house.
I found a guy who is supposed to be really good at installing wood windows...but it will cost me an arm an a leg.
BTW, the quotes so far for 12 windows: $8,100 for wood, $6,700-7100 for vinyl.
12 Windows? That seems high. What are the sizes?
I would think you could do it yourself for about $200.00 a window.
The windows are about 3' X 5'. An Anderson wood (limited warranty on parts) window alone costs about $370 without installation from Riemeier Lumber. I think it was about $430 at Home Depot, who doesn't install the wood windows.
Home Depot will install vinyl windows with lifetime warranty (including labor) for $560 per.
The way I'm interpreting the high cost of labor is that the demand for windows is high and those who do this for a living can charge a premium for their services.
I know they can be even more expensive. A friend bought outrageously expensive windows from Gilkey at a price that makes my quotes look like chump change.
I checked several websites to see what replacement windows does for resale value. The estimates ranged from 30% of cost to over 80%. One managed to list cost recovery by city.* Not sure of their methodology:
Cost Recovery
*Note that their example nearly reflects my window replacement project.
<font color="#FFFFAA" size="1">[ December 27, 2005 03:20 PM: Message edited by: The Big Sexy ]</font>
I'm not replacing everything. I'm attempting to restore what I can. I replace those things that need to be replaced.
I've been stewing over the windows for some time now. I hate to get rid of the original weight and pulley double hung, but my energy bill has nudged me toward change.
Besides, new windows in a home like mine would be a definite selling point. Some might dispute this, but from an energy efficiency and ease-of-use standpoint I think they are definitely a bonus.
greg, for some of us this is kind of a hobby.
Reason, Trav says you should just go buy one window from Home Depot or Lowes and he'll show you how easy it is to install.