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Our 20 year house is in dire need of updating to energy-efficient windows. We have about two dozen that need replacing. Has anyone done this recently? I'm trying to figure out best cost for energy-efficent windows plus need recommendations for any good contractors. Thanks in advance
The work involved to remove (and dispose) of the old window,
to generally prepare the rough opening to receive the new window,
and to install that window into **your** home...
will be virtually the same regardless of which new window brand/model you select.
The cost for a recognized brand window of comparable size, type, and style
will be virtually the same regardless of which new window brand/model you select.
The relative "energy efficiency" of the several window choices available
will be virtually the same regardless of which new window brand/model you select.
(Install quality matters most)
Casements generally cost more than double hung.
Interior surfaces of nice wood will cost you more than interiors made of vinyl.
No one worth having on your job will give away their time.
Framing, repairs, trim and siding modification, and other such work...
will usually be extra. Sometimes a lot extra.
---
All that said, the price per wall opening,
multiplied by the number of openings you want to have filled with a new window,
multiplied by $400 (L&M) gets you a reasonable and safe budgeting figure.
You can spend less but it'll be hard to go under $300.
You can spend more but you won't get appreciably more.
Vinyl inserts are the least hassle, quick to install with the least mess, and many of them are very good units. An entire home can be done in a day, particularly if there are not huge window units to replace. Proper installation by skilled installers is important for them to perform well.
They are good replacement for old metal windows in brick homes, where there is no trim around the windows, and the unit can just be slipped in.
Full window replacement means removing exterior and interior trims and siding as necessary to get good access to install a whole new unit.
It often requires repainting inside and out, and a fair amount of mess.
But, if it is an expensive home, or one with any historical charm, full replacement is the way to go, IMO.
Marvin, among others, makes a kit that lets you replace just the sashes and channels they slide in to provide good operation and weatherstripping. If you have nice trim, want wood windows, they can be a good alternative.
No window will perform if it is not installed level, plumb and square, and supported by shims, and if it is not properly insulated and sealed around the perimeter.
Why new window's? 20 yrs isn't that old. what you need to do is a payback calculation to see if it's worth it. If your looking to save energy switch to LED lighting, higher effecient heat and a/c, and H2O heater .
Renewal by Anderson is a great option. But I dont know if they service this area. They are very expensive but the replacements are far superior to any other replacement on the market.
My parents had their windows done. I was impressed with the cleanliness, speed and skill the installers showed. But they come at a premium.
Doesnt it suck that our housing is built to be replaced in 25 years. In 75 years...all the houses built here in the 80's and 90's will be just collapsing to the ground. Inferior materials and poor workmanship on new construction, plain and simple
Figure low end windows $135.00 cost plus labor. Which is hard to say due to the house being unknown. Did a duplex for an investor. Granted cheaper line but goo windows for what they were going in. Labor charge was $50 per window. These were in and out. Each took about 45 mins. Anderson and Pella make a very good window. It is the install that really matters. Research your contractor well before signing anything. If they are pushing you. Go elsewhere.
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