We need new windows!

[pinoke]

We are going to replace some old windows in our home soon and are trying to figure out the best way to do it. private contractor or big store? there are so many types- we live in NE and just bought our house so want them to be great yet not break the bank. I also think some need better insulation. In one room, the WALLS are freezing ( and the windows are drafty). Can anybody do that? TIA!

 

[ChristmasElf]

We are going to replace some old windows in our home soon and are trying to figure out the best way to do it. private contractor or big store? there are so many types- we live in NE and just bought our house so want them to be great yet not break the bank. I also think some need better insulation. In one room, the WALLS are freezing ( and the windows are drafty). Can anybody do that? TIA!

Call and get an estimate on cost. Look under Home Remodeling or General Contractor in your area.

 

[lady9]

We used a friend who is an independent "handy man". He can do complete room remodels as well as small jobs. We save up for the windows and labor then call him, and he does as many as we have money for at the time. So far we have replaced 13 of our 19 windows for less than $3500. We bought vinyl double hung windows They aren't top of the line but a very good window. He also insulates around the windows before caulking them. A friend from work came in bragging she had her 16 windows replaced in her house for $15,000! It was a big name company, and she did buy top of line. Definitely shop around and see what fits your budget best. My friend fell for the 30% off and one free window for every so many she purchased.

 

[tinatark]

We used Pella for our previous home ... pricey but nice. Used Window World - $199 per window - for our new home. Honestly, the difference is negligible. WW windows are custom made for your home. Double pane, and we actually prefer their screens over the Pella screens.

 

[Darcy03231]

We live in NH and replaced our old double hung windows with new construction Harvey vinyl windows. Cost was about $300 per window. What a difference! With our old windows you could see the curtains move when the wind blew. Now we find our house is much warmer, even with keeping the thermostat lower. When our contractor replaced the windows he put a bunch more insulation in. The old ones either didn't have any, or very little insulation around them.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, We also replaced our original windows after about 25 years (we built our home) with Harvey vinyl and mullions enclosed in the glass. We have a showroom in our state so we picked them out and had them installed by our own contractor,he also put extra insulation around windows when they were replaced. We have had them for about 8 years and they are like brand new,no leaks and tilt in for easy cleaning. Joan

 

[barkley]

check with your utility company to see if they offer any rebates on specific types of energy efficient windows, they also might have a list of installers in your area.

 

[mikehn]

doesnt hurt to get quotes from the big boys like Lowes and Home Depot. Then you'll have a basis for comparison. But like everything else, windows come in all grades, sizes, styles, options, and price ranges.

 

[pryncess527]

check with your utility company to see if they offer any rebates on specific types of energy efficient windows, they also might have a list of installers in your area.

Ditto. My power company gave me 0% financing for 2 years if we used an approved contractor through them and got windows above a certain efficiency, so that's what we did. I was very happy with the windows and the process, so I think that's a good place to start.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

We replaced our windows this past spring with Pella. They gave us the promotional upgrade to their top of the line vinyl widow and we got 4 years 0% financing. I think it's the 300 series (can't remember exactly). We absolutely love how they were installed and the end result. Our home was built on the early 50's and our insulation isn't great but they reinsulated with spray in foam so it really helped draft issues. We probably had 7 different companies come out and give us their hour long presentation before they have a price. Biggest waist of time!!!! Pella was the only company who was straight to the point.

If your interested in before and after photos I can share but I have no idea how to do that from my iPhone right now.

 

[rock_doctor]

I did my own windows. As long as the frames of the old ones are not rotted then they go easy. We used the stock version of lowes windows. The lowes windows are made by pella and the homedepot windows are made by anderson. So they are not cheap quality but the finish isn't same as expensive windows. As far as the wall if you are sure there isn't any insulation in it and you do not have knob and tube wiring you can blow in insulation into that wall. Just rent the machine, drill a hole every 16" top and bottom and then fill... Patch holes... easy to do. Something to consider.

 

[manning]

We live in NH and replaced our old double hung windows with new construction Harvey vinyl windows. Cost was about $300 per window. What a difference! With our old windows you could see the curtains move when the wind blew. Now we find our house is much warmer, even with keeping the thermostat lower. When our contractor replaced the windows he put a bunch more insulation in. The old ones either didn't have any, or very little insulation around them.

Wow, those old windows must have been bad or someone forgot to close them