I'm planning to renovate my parents' old house, which was built in 1900 and still has all its original windows—38 in total! These windows have weights that are attached to ropes and pulleys, and I'm looking for a rough estimate of what it might cost to replace them. The installation companies I've contacted are pretty secretive about their pricing, offering deals like 'buy two, get one free' without specifying costs. I'm also considering whether I should hire professionals to do the installation or if I should tackle it myself since I'm handy and eager to learn, though I've never replaced windows before. Are these antique pully-style windows hard to replace with modern ones? Any advice or cost estimates would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For sure, measuring your windows is key! I replaced windows in my century home and managed to buy standard sizes from Home Depot. The installation cost for professional help was around $800 to $1,500 per window. Doing it myself for 12 windows ended up costing me only about $5,000, excluding materials. Just make sure to tackle any rotting wood issues you find before you start!
You might want to think about repairing those old windows instead of replacing them. Adding storm windows is another great option if you want to maintain some of that vintage charm. It can be less costly and still provide decent insulation.
Replacing old windows can be a real hassle! I started looking into it for my own home and I was shocked by the process. Pushy salespeople, crazy quotes—it's a whole thing. For 9 windows in my house, I got quotes like $6,552 for Paradigm windows and $25,000 for some triple-pane models. It's wild! If you're handy and willing to learn, going the DIY route might save you money, as hiring professionals can really rack up costs. Just be prepared for a lot of back-and-forth with estimates.
That sounds intense! Be ready for plenty of sales tactics and long appointment times. But if you can handle the installation yourself, I bet you could save a lot!
Great advice! And don’t forget to check if the window frames are in good condition before you start. Good luck!