4x4x4doors
Adventurist
Hoping that there may be some good advice to be had here even as I stretch the boundaries of "homestead".
We live in vintage 1984 tract housing in the mid-Atlantic area. Although I will tackle much as DIY, window replacement just isn't something I want to take on.
So we're shopping for replacements. The house has typical builder grade aluminum-framed double glass with grids between the glass. The seals have deteriorated on several (over half) to the point of near-permanent internal condensation which leads me to thinking replacement. The current ones are single-hung (bottom sash moves up and down, top half is immovable). I understand the basics of multi-layers and low-E glass. I've got the basics of sash material
-Vinyl: Cheaper, low maintenance, potential for shape changes
-Composite: Stonger, low maintenance, higher cost
-Wood: Natural warmer appearance, classic looks, higher maintenance, higher cost. Probably not worth it in this neighborhood or in my budget.
We will likely sell and move within 1-2 years but our approach is generally to fix it/maintain it like it needs to last much longer.
I dread shopping for this as its one of those jobs where you have to sit through a presentation of "why my window is best and you need to sign a contract now" from several different folks to even compare what's available.
We are strong/resistant enough to withstand the "sign now" pressure.
All that was said to lead to my questions. Anyone have experience, recommendations for gotchas to watch for in the shopping process? Extras that usually come up but don't get considered in the estimate/commitment process?
Thanks.
We live in vintage 1984 tract housing in the mid-Atlantic area. Although I will tackle much as DIY, window replacement just isn't something I want to take on.
So we're shopping for replacements. The house has typical builder grade aluminum-framed double glass with grids between the glass. The seals have deteriorated on several (over half) to the point of near-permanent internal condensation which leads me to thinking replacement. The current ones are single-hung (bottom sash moves up and down, top half is immovable). I understand the basics of multi-layers and low-E glass. I've got the basics of sash material
-Vinyl: Cheaper, low maintenance, potential for shape changes
-Composite: Stonger, low maintenance, higher cost
-Wood: Natural warmer appearance, classic looks, higher maintenance, higher cost. Probably not worth it in this neighborhood or in my budget.
We will likely sell and move within 1-2 years but our approach is generally to fix it/maintain it like it needs to last much longer.
I dread shopping for this as its one of those jobs where you have to sit through a presentation of "why my window is best and you need to sign a contract now" from several different folks to even compare what's available.
We are strong/resistant enough to withstand the "sign now" pressure.
All that was said to lead to my questions. Anyone have experience, recommendations for gotchas to watch for in the shopping process? Extras that usually come up but don't get considered in the estimate/commitment process?
Thanks.
