have you replaced windows?

[meowee]

Has anyone here had their windows replaced? We desperately need to do this to save on fuel.

What kind of windows did you purchase? How much did each average size window cost, including installation?

We have 13 windows that really need to be replaced, and 6 more that should be replaced.

TIA!

[celestialdreamer]

My Dh works for his parent's glass company and I know they usually do free bids. You might call a local glass company (look them up in the BBB first though!) and ask if they will come give you some info and a bid. There really is no "standard" or "average" size window, it depends on the specifics, so it will really vary from job to job.

Also, if you are thinking of replacing all of them with vinyl and are interested in DIY, you can measure the windows and go look at Home Depot, Lowe's etc, they may have vinyl windows in the sizes you are looking for. That route could save you some $, but would be a real pain to do. HTH

[velochic]

We did this spring. We have a home built in 1939. It is an English farmhouse style and is a steep two stories high with a stone exterior. We had the original lead-pane upstairs windows replaced. They were not standard sized. We ordered custom Pella Thermstar aluminum windows that were installed professionally and then the outside was wrapped in aluminum trim. The inside molding was not stained for us (we are going to DIY), but was cut and installed for us. All together it was about $5500 for 8 windows including trim inside and out. HTH!

ETA: When we were shopping, I saw Pella thermal pane windows for about $100 per window. White vinyl trim, not including installation, standard sizes in stock that need not be ordered.

[EFmom]

We have replaced about half of the windows in our current home, and also did windows in a former home. We replaced them with Anderson double hung windows, which I love, love, love. We do one or two a year. We just got the call yesterday that our two new bathroom windows are in and need to be picked up!

Dh does the work himself, and he takes out the frame, not just the windows. He doesn't find it terribly difficult, but part of that has to do with the type of siding on the house. It saves a great deal of money if you can do it yourself.

I agree that the cost of the window will vary hugely depending on the size. A trip to Loews will give you a great deal of information, no matter how you opt to proceed.

[meowee]

Thanks ladies .

We are not do it yourselfers so we really need installation.

[mamabain]

we had 21 windows replaced for $6800, installed, wrapped, etc.. we got vinyl cuz that's all we could afford. we haven't lived here through a winter so don't know if it will save us a ton of money like they say. we did it for the lead based paint issue. it's worth it in my opinion.

[mrzmeg]

We just had 15 windows replaced in our 1930s bungalow---simple single hung, double pane vinyl, though in custom sizes and with a grid in the upper pane (to match the original windows). None of our windows were operational, which would make it really difficult for us to ever sell the house, so that was our main impetus. Took them almost a week (!!!) and cost right around $6000 installed.

Prices vary wildly, though, so get a few estimates. Another company tried to sell me pretty high end windows (which they said were the only ones they carry) for $12,000.

[tracyhos]

In the last year or so, we've replaced every window in our house. A couple of them were rotting out, so we just did the ones we had to first, and then liked the new ones so much we did the rest.

The are all Pella Windows. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. We got the ones with the fabric blinds in between the glass. So there are no blind cords for the kids to get strangled up in. And the blinds are completely protected from little fingers and from dog hair, etc.

I could not be any happier with them. They are pricey for sure. But we've already noticed a difference in our heating/ AC costs!

[Shenjall]

We've replaced 2 in our kitchen and are currently waiting for 5 to be installed in our basement.

To cut costs, you dont have to replace the frame - you can get a "box" fit (I think thats what its called). Its the window and casing and it fits into your old frame. Thats what we did. Our frames were in good condition still though. One of the basement windows, however, has a rotted frame so thats gonna cost approx $30 per side. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that its just the bottom.

We got single hung, double pane, energy efficient ones. You could tell the difference immediately!

I agree with pp, call around and get a few free estimates. And dont forget to ask about warranties!

Good Luck!

edited to add: the cost of our 2 in the kitchen, custom made due to odd size, was $1020 and the five in our basement is $1500. (installed)

[Attila the Honey]

Prices vary WILDLY. We are in the midst of shopping around now, we've actually decided what company we are going with but I don't have a price yet because we haven't decided which windows we are doing and which we are holding off on. We have 24 windows at our house, we are planning to probably replace all of them except a kitchen window ($600 alone), 2 back bedroom windows, and the windows on our sunporch in back. So, we are tenatively planning on doing 11 of them, saving 3 for next year and the sunporch windows are newer and we can hold off on those for awhile.

Anyway, we had 4 different places come out and give us free estimates. Every place we called offered free estimates, so that'd be your best bet!

[Starr]

Don't forget to call lumberyards, if in a small town, and see if they have any that we ordered wrong that they will sell for cheap. That happnes to us quite often where an order gets mixed up or they change their mind and we have to sell at our cost so we don't store it forever. Yes you can get a sash pack if your frames and sill is in good condition, otherwise you will need a whole new unit.