Posted on 04/07/2015 6:08:45 PM PDT by gop4lyf
I need to replace several windows in my house to get it ready to sell. I have had a few estimates made and frankly, I cannot afford to have them professionally done. Even if I could, I wouldn't recoup half of what i would spend. Therefore, I am endeavoring to man up and buy the windows and install them myself. I have seen a few Youtube videos (I know, I know) on replacing aluminum windows, but in two rooms I have these double hung, side by side windows. I guess what I really need is some advice on how to go about 1) properly measuring for the new windows, 2) finding out exactly what does and what does not need to be demo'ed, and 3)how to go about hanging the new windows. (I don't even know if they would install from the inside or from the outside.)
This is the center piece between the two windows.
This is the full width of the window.
This is the bottom right of the right window and window sill.
This shows the left jamb with the window in the raised position.
This shows the left jamb of the right window next to the center divider that is between the two windows.
Two more questions... 1)Do I need to buy two windows? OR 2) Should I buy one really large window?
I know nothing about replacing windows, but ai know new siding could help you make them disappear.
Could you afford to have it “professionally” installed if you just put in one slider? Did you check with Lowe’s?
I’m a contractor. Those look like aluminum windows with a nailing fin installed behind the siding. Can you get the sashes to out of the windows?
Oh, I don’t know. They don’t look that bad. Just a little soap and water.
Seriously, unless some inspector says they need replaced, I wouldn’t do it unless it is a requirement to sell.
Buyers request different things - sometimes they don’t ask for the obvious.
And if they do, just offer to take 3/4 of the total price off in the negotiations. Let them do it.
I haven’t checked with them yet but they subcontract all their work anyway.
The best way to keep costs down is to buy standard size windows that will fit the rough opening.
Most likely a two man job. Can you hire a handyman who can help and knows what he is going?
I haven’t tried.
Just replaced a Double, Double hung window with the 2 it looks like you got now.
Single windows at Loews ($120 each), kicked the old one out, framed with 2X6’s, Trimmed out with 1X8’s, looks great.
I am in a 120 year old house, my replacement windows were free.
My labor, well, my Doctor says to stay busy and stress free.
I probably could if I knew someone that were able to help. I can get the muscle, but not the know how.
You probably can’t buy a window large enough. They don’t make them as big as they used to. Or, they require safety glass in them which really raises the cost. Building codes have changed.
I have 2 giant windowa in the front of my house (living and dining rooms). When we replaced them, we had to give up having them “operate”. They look like double hung, but they are stationery. I hope I’m a fly on the wall the first time the next owners tries to fling them up!
Go to Home Depot or Lowes and see if you can hire one of their installers. Or call around and see if you can get a Pella, or Anderson, installer who will work for you when he’s not at his other job.
We just had our windows redone (vinyl replacing aluminum) The one guy was pretty good. The other was a kid and was pretty rough on the walls and put cracks in the inside sheetrock paint and even cracked the outside cedar plank siding.
The older guy said our window frames/sills/joists or whatever (the wood part) weren’t nailed in properly when they built the house, so they moved during removal/installation. I don’t know - maybe.
Regardless, it wouldn’t hurt to put some more nails in to keep them from moving around and making it a bigger project. We were planning on getting the outside painted anyway, so the outside cracks can be fixed then. The inside cracks aren’t too bad. Debating on putting in window frames to cover them up, and they would look nice.
Gee, they look like they have ‘character’ to me! Consider too your new windows can’t clash with the other windows.
But if a realtor said to replace them then you should of course.
If I replaced them with vinyl windows, what would I do about the center piece?
Take screens out, clean well, spackle, paint, caulk.
Just needs to look ok.
You won’t get your money back on sale price.
These aren’t the only windows that I am replacing, I am just stumped about the side by side part.
BTY. The ones that appear to be divided into individual panels are actually one large dual pane glass with "dividers" inserted between the panels to make it look like smaller individual panels. Check it out closely, there is usually a lever to pop them out or you can usually jiggle and juggle to pop them out of the runners. I did that to all mine (19 windows) saves a bundle and I have new glass all the way around. I used flat enamel for touching up the frames.
Recommend you get a few 90 day bids from local handymen and attach the bids to the property disclosure statement with a note you are willing to split the cost 50/50 (you are not selling a new house).
Alternatively, set the price you would be willing to sell for, add 5%, list the house "as-is" and be willing to negotiate with a bona fide buyer.
I would be more inclined to spruce up the landscaping/curb appeal than make significant repairs.
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