New Windows

**KimZ** · 08-10-2011, 10:03 AM

I have realized we need to replace some of the Windows in our home. We have the old slat windows which are not very energy or cost efficient. I am getting 5 estimates - I know sounds like a lot but it really isn't because it's 3 local business, Lowe's and Home Depot. I want to make the BEST decision! I am replacing 2 at time since I don't want to end up in the poor house.... the 1st 2 to be replaced are the bedroom windows that face the east since it gets very hot in those rooms... then the bathroom which is actually 4 and them my mom's bedroom which is another 4. Anyway....... What questions do I need to ask? I know I want energy efficient... but they are asking if I need to replace the frames etc. and being a Single Woman ...... with no construction background I am a little um shall we say OVERWHELMED by my ignorane

Bring it on peeps... I want to make a descision and start saving some SERIOUS cash with my Air/Heat!

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-10-2011, 10:31 AM

We had ours done, frames and all from Window World, one of those $189 a window type places. They custom made each window to size and came out 2 weeks later and installed them. The only thing we had to decide was color and what kind of window trim we wanted. It was a very easy process and we are happy with the new windows.

I thought the Lowes and Home Depot options were a bit expensive, and the specialty window and door place we consulted was outrageous.

**craftypam** · 08-10-2011, 11:46 AM

My dh does this for a living. Be sure you get qualified people to install. That is just as important as the windows. Dh is at work now, but when he gets home I will ask him what specifically you need to get or questions to ask. One thing I do know is double pane. We have a company here that advertises their window frames are fiberglass and very strong; they are very, very, expensive and not worth it. I will also ask dh about home depot and Lowe's quality. Even my dh doing the labor we did ours a couple at a time and my dh put a larger doorwall in my fr because it was a small one we had.

**mommy4ever** · 08-10-2011, 11:59 AM

We have done some windows. 2 were customs from somewhere and very expensive, we installed. 3 we purchased from home depot and put in ourselves. The home depot ones are MUCH nicer. They were about 75% LESS than the others. We'll replace the rest from home depot as well.

That said, we did have to do other work surrounding that. Since they weren't custom, we had some drywalling, and siding to do. This was ok by me. Even with the purchase of the siding, it was still 65% less. And we were planning on doing the siding anyway. So it's all good.

If you CAN do it yourself, you'll save, but if you can't you are doing it absolutely right.

Look around many companies will put signs out after they do an install, stop and ask the people what the workers and company were like to work with.

**frugalfranny** · 08-10-2011, 05:14 PM

One factor to consider if you are going to have
Home Depot and Lowe's do the install is that they use
SUB-contractors.............in other words, if you have a problem
with the window.........you don't go back on HD or L........you go
to the subcontractor.

check to see if it is the same in your area.........

I don't like using "sub-contractors".........for that reason.

**KimZ** · 08-11-2011, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by craftypam

My dh does this for a living. Be sure you get qualified people to install. That is just as important as the windows. Dh is at work now, but when he gets home I will ask him what specifically you need to get or questions to ask. One thing I do know is double pane. We have a company here that advertises their window frames are fiberglass and very strong; they are very, very, expensive and not worth it. I will also ask dh about home depot and Lowe's quality. Even my dh doing the labor we did ours a couple at a time and my dh put a larger doorwall in my fr because it was a small one we had.

Hey Pam what did ya find out for me =) ((((Kim waiting in anticipation)))) =)

**Greebo** · 08-11-2011, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by KimZ

We have the old slat windows which are not very energy or cost efficient.

You mean these?

Where there are counterweights on the inside of the frame?

If the frame itself is in solid shape (the wood around the window - NOT the wood HOLDING the glass, the wood that's in the walls themselves) you do not need new frames, you just need replacement style windows.

Make them come do the measurements themselves to be sure of a correct fit.

**KimZ** · 08-11-2011, 09:34 AM

No kind of looks like this but the glass is wider

**Greebo** · 08-11-2011, 09:53 AM

OIC!

Well, same rule about the frames.

**McD** · 08-11-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Greebo

You mean these?

Where there are counterweights on the inside of the frame?

If the frame itself is in solid shape (the wood around the window - NOT the wood HOLDING the glass, the wood that's in the walls themselves) you do not need new frames, you just need replacement style windows.

Make them come do the measurements themselves to be sure of a correct fit.

We have these. I hate them and want to replace them, but we will also be replacing them one or two at a time.

**Libby** · 08-11-2011, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

One factor to consider if you are going to have
Home Depot and Lowe's do the install is that they use
SUB-contractors.............in other words, if you have a problem
with the window.........you don't go back on HD or L........you go
to the subcontractor.

check to see if it is the same in your area.........

I don't like using "sub-contractors".........for that reason.

I'm on the other end of this. Maybe its different between the two countries? Or their policies have changed?

When we had our roof done, we chose a Home Depot approved / recommended contractor. We paid Home Depot and they offered the warranty. Yes sub contractors were used but Home Depot was the one handling everything - purchasing, organizing the sub contractor to come over, follow up inspections, warranty and any concerns/questions/complaints we had were all handled by Home Depot directly. We were beyond pleased with the service we received from both Home Depot & sub contractor and got a very fair lower price compared to direct quote from other roofing companies.

Maybe call Home Depot/Lowes etc to see if they offer the same type deal as we got or if it its how frugalfranny mentioned. That would make a huge world of difference.

**nuisance26** · 08-11-2011, 02:19 PM

~Slat windows are usually called jalousie windows. i don't know if the process of replacing the is the same as regular windows but I don't see why it wouldn't be.
We paid $400 a piece for a mid-high range energy efficient vinyl window replacements from Home Depot. For that price, here's what was included:
*A preliminary session with the sales rep who brought samples of all their windows so that we could see and operate them.
*A second session with a professional who measured every window to be replaced and ordered our windows.
*10 double pane, insulated and glazed, tilt-in vinyl windows with child locks
*Installation of 10 windows in less than 6 hours by two wonderful and respectful carpenters.
*Any and all replacement wood on the window framing before installing the replacement windows
*Exterior trim
*Interior sealing
*Lifetime warranty on glass breakage, screens, and installation, transferable to new owners.
*Complete site clean-up and old window removal

So even if 5 years from now if we've sold the house and the new owners get a leaky window that was the installers fault, Home Depot will replace it or free.
The warranty was important to us to protect the value of our investment.
My dad about had a heart attack when he heard what we paid but we feel it was money well spent. We love our new windows! Every room is more comfortable and beautiful. ~

**craftypam** · 08-11-2011, 05:30 PM

I showed my dh your pics. He said he would replace the whole window. Get double pane and aargon gas between panes. They usually come like this. We have polar seal windows that are a good quality, but less expensive. We have vinyl, but you can also get wood inside, but you will have to stain and pay more. My dh is working 2 jobs right now, but he said he would check out home depot and lowes quality of their windows; maybe he can do it online. I'll get back as soon as I can.