Replacement Windows?
What brand of replacement windows do you usually use? do you install them yourself or hire a pro?
The reason that I'm asking is that a house I'm looking at will need to have the windows replaced, and I wanted to see what others were doing. I have hung windows in new construction in the past. and read online that a person can usually replace a window in 45min. I also made a trip over to Home Depot and saw that the average cost was in the 110-150 depending on size.
Any personal experiance and reccomendations would be appriciated.
Replacements are ok as long as they are installed properly. The Home Depot units aren't bad. Stay with the higher end models. They're easy to install. I did my last rehab which consisted of 14 windows in a day.
Good, I know that in construction, as with everything else lablr is the big cost with having it done professionally.
What windows did you use when you did that rehab?
When I replaced the windows in my rental unit, I bought windows from Home Depot, not top-notch windows, I don't even think they had a brand name on them. But they installed very easily if you know what you ae doing... My father was a contractor so he helped and obviously knew what he was doing - I did not, but by the 3rd window I was doing it all myself... It's relatively easy... My windows were somwhere around $100 per...
Good Luck!
[addsig]
I used windows from Harvey Industries. Pretty sure they are only available in the northeast though.
the windows that I would be replacing are aluminum framed casments, and some of them are in really bad shape. I am pretty sure they are the origional windows from when it was built 54 years ago.
They will need to be replaced, with something, and I want it to be a good quality product as I will be living there for a couple of years. I also do not believe in using low quality products just because it saves a few bucks. Especally if I'm going to start doing more rehabs, I want to build a good reputation.
My only experience is that a top quality replacement vinyl window cost me about $350 each materials and labor. A cheap window materials and labor is closer to $225-250.
James,
If I was going to install replacements, I would look at Simonton windows. Simonton is a fairly common replacement window. National brand, I believe.
You can get them at many siding or roofing supply houses. Might need to get them in a company name, which isn't hard if you have a buddy who is a contractor.
You should be able to come close to the Home Depot price, and get a better window, IMO.
And if you need a replacement part, you may wait a long time for American Craftsman parts.
[addsig]
I sent them a request for info yesterday. also I do have a friend who works for a contractor, so hopefully I will be able to get them from a supply house.
Here is a company which installs replacement windows, caters to Investors.
In Tulsa they Average $165 installed and has a glass replacement for the life of the owner or until sold.
http://www.windowworldinc.com/
We used them on one house, the work was professional and quick to Install. I bought one to convert the garage and Installed with ease. I also compared Home Depot etc. The cost was comparable and warranty was better.
I used to be an installer for HD and have installed many of thier windows. They are OK as long as you stick with the 8500 series or higher. Another local supplier in my area has Dove Windows and I have found them to be better than HD's. You mentioned you have done new const. windows before.....you may be able to do that in this case because if you have aluminum framed windows....I can (almost) guarantee that they have nailing fins on the outside that will require you to remove the siding on the exterior to get to them. As long as you have the siding off..why not use new const. windows. You can even order them with j-channel molded right in them from many vendors. Good luck.
The house dosen't have siding, the exterrior looks like it's cinderblock.