Replacing Windows

**warramra** · 05-22-2008, 08:13 AM

On Monday I broke one of our casement windows in our house which cannot be repaired. Since the windows are original to the house and 40 years old we decided the at least go ahead and replace some of our windows with vinyl.

Yesterday I spent the entire day meeting with people to get quotes on the windows, from nationwide window companies to handymen. The two quotes that made our final list were one from Champion Windows for $2500 to replace the four windows we had decided upon and an option to do the entire house for $5000. We don't have to do all the windows at the same time, just over the next 12 months (do 4 now and 4 in a few months). The other quote was a small contractor who said it would be $1700 for the four windows.

DH thinks I'm being spendy because I like the things that Champion offers, even if the price is more. They will replace any window at 100% for any breakage, no question asked. They will replace the screens if they are messed up in any way. Every window is made according to the measurements of the existing window (very important in an old house where things are no longer square. We have kids and dogs and this is the third piece of window glass to be broken since March (the other two were panes that DH could replace), It is not out of the realm of possibility that we would end up with a baseball though one of our windows at some point.

Obviously, the small contractor cannot offer the same things. They will use stock windows from an home improvement store and we will have whatever warranty is available from that. But as DH says we will save $800.

Is it unreasonable for me to want to pay upfront more money for peace of mind down the road? We have the money available to do the whole house if we wanted, as we have been putting away for home repairs for this summer.

**Dad_of_4** · 05-22-2008, 10:13 AM

The handy man sould be able to get custom windows also. I just replaced 3 windows (2- 30"X50" 1- 50"X50"). at a cost of just under $600. If I were you, I would have DH order just one window factory direct and attempt to DIY. It is not nearly as hard as it seems. There is all sorts of on-line help that goes through it step by step. It could end up saving you a lot more money.

As for the paying $200 per window for what amounts to window insurance, I would not do it. If the glass gets broke, you can have it replaced for $50. So for the extra $200 per window to pay for itself, you would have to break each window 4 times. The manufature will replace the windows if due to factory defect.

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-22-2008, 10:27 AM

http://www.complaintsboard.com/compl...ows-c1722.html

Careful!

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/...2/m/7211083433

Find yourself a reputable dealer.

**FreesiaE** · 05-22-2008, 10:36 AM

I think it is important to see if windows A and windows B are of the same quality. Are they both double paned? Argon filled? There is a lot of differences in types.

**warramra** · 05-22-2008, 11:41 AM

The windows really are not comparable as far as efficiency goes. The stock windows are not high impact glass, have low UV values and I can't find anything in the literature to say anything about Argon Gas. If we went with the higher-level store windows the cost would actually be comparable. Of course I haven't gotten a quote yet from the Home Depot/Lowes installers because they have up to three days to call me back after I drive all the way to the store and request (I can't request over the phone). I am tempted to drag all my kids over there during nap time just to make them regret making me come in.

I read through the online complaint pages and there are almost as many positives as negatives. Our local pages has this company rated very highly and the people I know personally have been happy with Champion, so I think it depends on the office that does the work.

My husband does a lot of work around the house (plumbing, electrical, tiling), but he does not do carpentry projects. It isn't good

. Not to mention he already works 2 jobs, 7 days a week so he wouldn't have time for it.

We are still getting quotes, but there is just a difference between DH and I in our approach to home improvement - we have had our share of crappy products we've had to replace over the last few years because DH had to go with the handyman special. And I HATE constantly having to redo things. Because I'm the one who has to deal with the sales guys and the workers.

**happimommi** · 05-22-2008, 12:33 PM

We are in the same situation....we chose to go with a local contrator and stock windows because of the value of our house. We live in an area where house values are not increasing very much and spending a lot on high quality windows wouldn't add much more to the value of our house than the regular windows.

**heartofmine** · 05-22-2008, 12:54 PM

Good windows will make a difference in your heating and cooling bills. We have replaced all our doors and windows except for the basement windows which are next on the list. My husband, son and I did the work ourselves. If you do want the value of your house to go up put in good windows. Good does not mean you have to go with the most expensive. I would go with a mid grade instead of stock. Thats what we did. Its made a huge difference.

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-22-2008, 01:03 PM

Don't know if you qualify http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/oeo/WAP/weather.htm
but you may want to look into your local heating company for rebates. I got $10 per window (23 windows) as a rebate for replacing windows with RF .035.

**anna021** · 05-22-2008, 02:09 PM

We just replaced all the windows in our home, we went to Lowe's and ordered them, we have very odd sized windows, and one by one my DH installed them with the help of one friend. After the first one,they were putting them in so easily.This saved so much money, and we were also able to take the tax write off this year. And what a difference it made in the warmth of our home. This year the drafty old slider is going. This we will probably have Lowe's do, as its too heavy a job for DH, as he has some health issues. You will not be sorry, no matter which way you go in installing them, the difference is amazing. good luck!

**warramra** · 05-22-2008, 03:56 PM

Truly if I thought we would sale our home any time soon, I would be okay with slapping any odd vinyl up there. But, we plan on staying here for the long term and I have been working really hard to make my house more energy efficient, for us. Someday I want to add solar panels to our house and be able to use them as our primary energy source. I just feel more comfortable in my gut having this done by someone who knows what they are doing and backup their work. I don't just look out my windows, but use them a lot to control air flow and interior temperature.

I have a couple more companies coming out tomorrow, so we will see.

**Libby** · 03-01-2009, 12:20 AM

I dont know...8 windows for $5k sounds like a much better deal then $1700 for the 4. Plus its done for you, you don't have to do them all at once like you said. But do you have to pay for them all at once??

I'd go with the Champion Windows place just based on that price alone. Especically since you want it done well, once and not have hubby touch this repair project. The time and effort seems worth it but get more quotes if you can and always compare the types of windows and their efficency ratings.

**rainbowgc** · 03-01-2009, 01:21 PM

Is it unreasonable for me to want to pay upfront more money for peace of mind down the road?

No! Quality and peace of mind have a price! Also isn't there some kind of tax deduction for these types of repairs for this year?

**Thevail** · 03-01-2009, 05:41 PM

Do it once..do it right. It's the old carpenter's motto. Measure twice, cut once.

And if there is a measurable difference in window quality, then get a second quote from the local guy with comparable windows.

You'll probably find that the price doesn't vary nearly as much once the price of the better windows is included.

**warramra** · 03-01-2009, 05:51 PM

This post was from last Spring. We finally went with a local door and window company that was recommended by a friend and were very, very happy with the price, work and quality. We replaced 4 casement windows with 4 slider windows which I love! The final price was $1900, and that included upgrading one of the windows to privacy glass (bathroom window). We would really like to replace 3 more windows this summer or fall if we can afford it, and will be going back to the same people.