Excited About New Windows (Not the Microsoft Kind)

[myrdale]

When I moved into my house about 2.5 years ago, one problem I knew about right off the bat was there were problems with the windows. I had two that had rotten seals, and 3 others that had fog sashes between the double panes.

I'd kept telling myself that I needed to have these repaired, but I kept putting it off. Needless to say the situation did not get any better. While painting one of my shutters this past summer, my ladder actually broke a corner off of the seal where it had rotted. If you were looking, you could see the damage from the road.

I found a contractor here in town, and finally called him out to price the job for me. The gentleman came out at 7pm last night because I couldn't meet him during the day. This guy was truely customer-centric.

The quote came out to $2100 for 6 windows. I'd budgeted $2500 for the job, I went ahead and cut him a check on the spot.

These are the double hung vinyl windows. I could make a list of all the gee-wiz selling points of these, but I all I got to say is I am glad I finally decided to take this plunge.

Hopefully they will be a wise investment. I've heard a new roof doesn't necessary add value to a house, but the old windows certainly took value away.

My one mistake is I am leaving a couple of the old windows in place. Two on the porch and 3 on the side of the house. They are in excellent shape. I am less concerned about the 3 on the side and more so about the two on the porch may not match those for the bedrooms above the garage. But I guess if it doesnt look right I can get them done later.

I guess the whole deal is one of those cases of walking a fine line between being frugal, cheap, pratical, procrastation, and doing what needs to be done. At the same time though, it was very nice having that money set aside and budgeted specifically for the job!

It will take about 2 weeks to get the windows in. I will let you know how it goes!

[Snodog]

You may want to doublecheck but I think you will be able to get a 30% rebate from the government due to this stimulas package.

[Goldy1]

I have Pella windows throughout my whole house. 4 on my lower level (I live in a quad) rotted and had water damage. windows were near the ground level letting snow get near.
IT cost quite a lot for these double pain wood windows. I got the tax credit back on it a couple years ago when I got them which was nice. I also got the credit on myheating and cooling system. that rocked too.

I dont' get why my parents who have cheap aluminum windows have less issues with thier wondows than I do.

I think I might buy a new front door b/c I read a special kind of door might get me a credit too. (not sure tho)

[Russell]

Wow this is certainly making me feel bad about the window work we're getting done in the next week or so. We're having the 1970s era 5 windows and 1 sliding glass door replaced with the latest and greatest vinyl, double-pane windows but our cost is $5500. We didn't think it was a bad deal but $2100 vs. $5500 that's a huge difference.

[creditcardfree]

If they are energy saving windows you may qualify for the tax credit.

Why would you pay someone before the windows were installed? That part I'd be a little worried about. What if, he walks off with your money without installing? Check with the Better Business Bureau if you haven't already.

Exciting, though!! We bought new windows at our last house. I loved them!

[Seeker]

Wow this is certainly making me feel bad about the window work we're getting done in the next week or so. We're having the 1970s era 5 windows and 1 sliding glass door replaced with the latest and greatest vinyl, double-pane windows but our cost is $5500. We didn't think it was a bad deal but $2100 vs. $5500 that's a huge difference.

Price depends on location as well as quantity and sizes. California will always be higher. You can only compare with other local bids.

Comparing your bid with other people in other states is apples to oranges. Not a valid comparison.

[myrdale]

Russell, I'd guess the door is part of it. On down the road I am thinking about replacing the front door and it looks like $1000 for the door and installation. Four of the windows are about 32" x 60". Your's may be larger. Prior to having him quote, I'd spoken to the folks at Lowes and The Home Depot. In each case with out seeing the windows, they estimated $300 a piece. At the equalivate of $350 each I'd rather deal with a local contractor rather than have to deal with a big box store should there be a problem.

Creditcardfree, to put it simply, I trust him. I do not know the guy, I have not inspected his work, or spoke to references. But he showed up at my house at 7pm with his wife and son to bid the job. This earns lots of points for me. Additionally his store front has been in town for as long as I have been, so he is not a fly by night operation. Lastly they are paid for in full. No matter what tomorrow brings, I got them darn windows paid for!!!

[myrdale]

Oh Creditcardfree, I am curious about the tax credit. This means it is something I can take off of my taxes next year correct?

I was sorely disappointed this year. I put $400 worth of insulation in my attic but I was not able to claim it on my 2008 taxes as this credit expired after 2007. At any rate, both the insulation and the windows will pay themselves back many times over I hope.

[isthisused]

Wow this is certainly making me feel bad about the window work we're getting done in the next week or so. We're having the 1970s era 5 windows and 1 sliding glass door replaced with the latest and greatest vinyl, double-pane windows but our cost is $5500. We didn't think it was a bad deal but $2100 vs. $5500 that's a huge difference.

I replaced 10 windows( 8 double hung &2 large picture) for about $1,350 and $50 worth of calk and foam. Par lumber sent a guy out to help me measure and he told me how to install them. It took about an hour per window. I could have done it faster but I wanted to fill the cavities that had the counter weights with insulation. We love our new windows but I don’t think they saved as much energy as people say.

[isthisused]

check with your power or gas company(whatever your heat source and see if they offer rebates as well. mine did but not for self installs. Not worth paying $100 install for $20 rebate.

[creditcardfree]

OP, check out the energy star credit information here.

I'm glad that you feel confident with your installer. I'm sure it will be fine. I would recommend to others to wait to pay for home repairs or even car repairs until the job is completed. Good business don't need the money up front because they have enough capital or credit to front the initial costs.

[Rainelli]

the good thing is this is that atleast you manage to fix the damage before it's too late...

[segmond]

you should have shopped for better prices, ask the first guy to give you the price quote in writing valid for one week so you can think of it. then use it to shop for better prices. it's hard times, people are willing to go lower on price.

a new roof adds to value, how? because an old roof takes away from value, when shopping for houses, i definitely don't look at any house that needs a new roof cuz a roof repair can be very expensive.