Replacement windows

[Happy Gourmand]

Any recommendations for a local contractor to replace 10 windows on a small cottage in Meredith? Windows are about 32" wide by 41" tall. I don't need the CADILLAC brand. Ford, Chevy or even Toyota will work just fine. Any ideas on what it should cost per window?

[MeredithMan]

....several years ago we looked at replacing our 1960's windows on our old place with vinyl replacement, tilt-in, (to wash), windows. If memory serves me correct, it was north of $4K for 11 windows. We opted not to do it, because we knew we would be selling the place, (which we did). In addition to the window, the other possible expense to check out in advance is whether or not they will need to modify or replace your interior window casings/sills/trimwork.....sometimes they do have to, sometimes they don't.

MM

[Happy Gourmand]

We're not planning to spend that much...anybody with experience with Window World at $189 each?

[tis]

We replaced some on my parent's (plain old fashioned double hungs) camp a couple of years ago and it was around 300 a window.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

We're not planning to spend that much...anybody with experience with Window World at $189 each?

If memory serves me correct, there are some not so good comments about them. I do think that they are franchised, but not sure. Worth a little investigation first.

[donnamatrix]

I agree that Window World may not be the best choice... have you tried Middleton Lumber in Meredith, or PemiGlass in Meredith.

[camp guy]

This is the type of situation that can range all over the spectrum of the carpentry world. If all the old windows are identical in size, this will make purchasing the replacements more reasonable, however, if the ten windows represent ten different sizes then the cost will reflect this. Even little measurement differences will make a difference in price. Then, too, you have to consider the condition of the rough openings when you remove the old windows, and the sills, etc. New windows will undoubtedly be true and square, and the rough openings may not be.

I hate to be a wet rag on your project, but I would tread very slowly, and do a lot of homework before I picked up any tools. You may find the need to replace a board or two along the way, and some flashing, and caulking, and shimming. All of a sudden $4000 complete doesn't sound so bad.

I wish you the very best of luck, keep us posted.

[BroadHopper]

I shop around for 7 windows, a French door, and planter's box. Since all the work has 'standard' dimensions it was pretty much a slide out slide in affair. It was not cheap but Ashland Lumber gave me an estimate lower than the other lumber companies and the two chain stores.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Any recommendations for a local contractor to replace 10 windows on a small cottage in Meredith? Windows are about 32" wide by 41" tall. I don't need the CADILLAC brand. Ford, Chevy or even Toyota will work just fine. Any ideas on what it should cost per window?

Would it be possible to take some pictures of the existing windows so that maybe a carpenter on here could tell you what he might have to do to remove and replace them?

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Would it be possible to take some pictures of the existing windows so that maybe a carpenter on here could tell you what he might have to do to remove and replace them?

Not until this weekend. The windows are all the same size. "Standard" wood double hung circa 1957 with aluminum storms. The old casings stay in place, the sashes and tracks are removed and the replacements fit right in and are secured in place.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Not until this weekend. The windows are all the same size. "Standard" wood double hung circa 1957 with aluminum storms. The old casings stay in place, the sashes and tracks are removed and the replacements fit right in and are secured in place.

Thank you. It sounds like you could do the job yourself.

[Denny Crane]

Take a good look at the exterior window sills and make sure they're in good shape. Inexpensive window replacement companies will drop replacement windows in quickly, regardless of the condition of the exterior. You might find yourself down the road pulling out the replacement windows in order to fix rotted sills, and the wall below it as well. New construction windows are more expensive, however some have a one piece pvc window casement/sill nosing easy to install, however you still have to deal with the exterior flashing and interior trim.
Mike Pelczar of Interlakes Builders did a great job on a not so easy small project for us.
DC

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Any recommendations for a local contractor to replace 10 windows on a small cottage in Meredith? Windows are about 32" wide by 41" tall. I don't need the CADILLAC brand. Ford, Chevy or even Toyota will work just fine. Any ideas on what it should cost per window?

You don't mention if interior is finished.

Windows is something that you should not cheap out on. The low price ones just don't last.

You might want to take a ride down to Manchester and view the Harvey line of windows. They have a showroom at the factory. Just south of Mall of New Hampshire.

Any good carpenter can replace windows.

Also visit your local lumber yard. Boulia Gorrell Lumber next to the Laconia Police station can show you windows and provide names of local contractors. Or any local lumber yard.

[Fargo]

Go over to A&B Lumber outside of Center Harbor and look at BF Rich vinyl windows. Replacement windows are sold by the united inch. Under 100 united inches are all the same price, over 100 the price starts going up in most cases. You have 73 united inches. They'll make replacement windows to the 1/8" to fit the opening. Get Low-E glass, tilt for washing, most replacement windows only offer half screens. By the time a contractor measures your openings, orders the windows, picks them up, installs them, take the old sash to the dump etc, you're talking $500-1000 for labor. I'm thinking the windows are about $189 each. Just thinking. I'm assuming we're talking about double hung windows. Good luck.

[Happy Gourmand]

I ordered the mid line replacement windows at HD. Double pane, lowE, argon. Both windows tilt, double locks, full screen. About $140 each with a 15% off promo. I have them in my shed and will probably start the job this weekend. Who wants to help?