Cheap windows

[goodcents]

What is the most cost effective way to replace windows when you have little to no carpentry skills.

We absolutly need at least 4 new windows and almost no budget. I am a first time homeowner and have little idea of how to find the lowest cost. Thanks!

[thriftyqueen]

You can get sash replacement kits that allow you to just replace the glass part of the window and use the existing frame. They are relatively inexpensive and can get them in any size. You don't have to have much skill to install them.

[LEAW]

You can do them yourself with very little skill. Just read the directions

You can purchase them at a builders auction (google "peak auction" for one that comes through my area.. I'm sure there are others) and do it yourself (buy a book on how-to), or find a local laborer instead of a building company who can do the work for you and buy the windows at someplace like home depot..

[MaddieMay]

I don't know much about replacing windows, but you might want to keep in mind energy savings when purchasing the windows. It'd be rotten to save money on the windows, but then make up for the savings in increased energy costs. Good luck!

[Sailor]

Is it the entire window that you need to replace or just the glass part? Because the glass part is fairly easy and inexpensive. Providing you have the standard frame.

I locked myself out of the house once, and had to break a window to get in (this was when I was living in upstate NY). It was freezing cold at the time, so I just got a cheap pane of glass - any hardware store will cut you a piece. Some caulk (forgot the technical term). And then shoved the pane into the frame, smeared caulk on the sides ... and that was that. I have NO carpentry skills, but honestly it didn't look any worse than the other "professionally" done windows. And it took all of 5 minutes.

[BathrobeGoddess]

I have replaced all the windows in my house by my self. It is really easy if you can use a caulking gun, a screwdriver and a measuring tape.

I measured the space and ordered them from Home Depot. I got vinyl (not the best but when your on a budget) with twin paned low E glass and I think I paid less than 1000K for the entire house of 12 windows, three of which are 3 ft by 3ft in size.

[goodcents]

The whole window needs to be replaced (not just the glass). Bathrode, what is low E glass?