topic Re: Windows question in Among Friends

Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:12:59 GMT

Our home is two story...all windows match and are roughly 20+ years old.

The window in the family room is broken...it needs to be replaced.

In the front of the house there are two windows upstairs and two windows downstairs..on the front of the house.

I am certain that we cannot replace 1 window that matches all the other windows.

My thought is to replace the two windows on the 1st floor...maybe have those two windows 'nicer' in style that the rest of the house so that the lower level is a bit more dressed up than the upstairs...would that look odd?

thanks.

Re: Windows question

Janey2 — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:37:18 GMT

First of all google 2 storey homes and you can see hundreds of pictures. See if different windows would bother you by looking at the pictures. If you decide to go with different windows on the bottom level I would make sure they go with the style and design of the top windows. I would also do the same color. I would also go to a reputable window place and they could lead you in the right direction with design. Without seeing your house it is hard to tell you my opinion.

Re: Windows question

gizmogal — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:40:54 GMT

I think your idea is very good. You should always match two windows that are side by side or close together. Uh But if you maintain symmetry on the lower floor it does not have to match the upper floor, even at the front of the house to be seen from the street. Replace the window that requires it and pay for its mate on the same wall, same level of the house to keep it cohesive. But uppers do not have to match lowers.

The front of my house has two double hung windows upstairs, about 5 feet apart from each other. Those are my bedroom windows. On both sides of each window are shutter panels to have the effect of open shutters. They are hunter green against the white siding. On the street floor there two double hung windows same as upstairs but with only a narrow space between the two. There are no shutter panels on the lower windows. But the house still is neatly presented to the curb view and has balanced symmetry. All the windows are the same but spaced differently upstairs and street floor and shutters on second
floor but not lower floor.

You have a good way to solve the replacement without making every window match, just show balance for any two near or next to each other.

Re: Windows question

SilleeMee — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:43:06 GMT

If it was my house I would call a window company and have them come and give me some advice.

Re: Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:53:19 GMT

When you live in a slightly rural area, it's difficult to have choices near by. I do not not want to go to Menards or Lowes which is about 25 miles away.

I will need to call a window company...in the large city about an 75 miles from our town.

I appreciate the comments, thanks

Re: Windows question

fthunt — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:31:45 GMT

YES YES YES.........replace both first floor windows with a modern style!

Re: Windows question

SilleeMee — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:34:17 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

I understand about the distance from your home to the window stores. Perhaps you could take some pictures (inside and outside), along with some measurements and send them over the internet for the window companies to see.

Re: Windows question

Janey2 — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:38:00 GMT

@Mom2Dogs If you cannot get to really good window stores maybe you can find an architect or designer. Sometimes they will work with you with just pictures.

Re: Windows question

RedTop — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:43:31 GMT

Do you really need to replace a broken window frame, or just replace a broken pane of glass? A local glass company can take care of putting new insulated glass in the current window frame.

Re: Windows question

Nightowlz — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:02:59 GMT

I would rather have all the same windows at least on the front of the house. If you go with same style to put on back or sides of house would look ok. If someone was walking around your house doubt they would notice.

If you have double hung windows you could go with casement windows so you really can't tell the difference.

Check out energystar dot gov for rebates on windows.

Re: Windows question

bikerbabe — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:48:00 GMT

@Nightowlz
My initial thought is that while it may look nice to replace all the windows on the front, the OP may faint when she hears the price.

@RedTop asked a good question: Is the pane just broken or do you truly need to replace everything including frame?

Re: Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:02:56 GMT

@RedTop The actual window frame is broken, not the glass. It is a window that gets a lot of use.

Re: Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:09:09 GMT

@bikerbabe I did look at some photos online and many homes dress up the lower level windows, which looked nice. It modernized the house. I don't think it will look odd, but I do have a couple of contractors to contact for pricing and advice.

I am concerned about the cost but the window must be replaced before winter, we are having trouble locking the window now.

Two windows we can handle price wise but not four...we have been putting money aside for a new roof.

We prefer to pay cash for projects and do not have a window fund.

Re: Windows question

debfau — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:23:11 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
When you live in a slightly rural area, it's difficult to have choices near by. I do not not want to go to Menards or Lowes which is about 25 miles away.

I will need to call a window company...in the large city about an 75 miles from our town.

I appreciate the comments, thanks

If a window company wants your business they will send someone out to your house (even though you are 75 miles from big city) to look at your windows and give you an estimate, sometimes the more your replace at one time the better the deal they give you - never know until you ask.

Re: Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:13:53 GMT

@debfau wrote:
@Mom2Dogs wrote:
When you live in a slightly rural area, it's difficult to have choices near by. I do not not want to go to Menards or Lowes which is about 25 miles away.

I will need to call a window company...in the large city about an 75 miles from our town.

I appreciate the comments, thanks
If a window company wants your business they will send someone out to your house (even though you are 75 miles from big city) to look at your windows and give you an estimate, sometimes the more your replace at one time the better the deal they give you - never know until you ask.

We will only replace two...the others are just fine. I did go to Lowes just to look at window styles and found something I like. We have an appt with a local person to give us an estimate, LOWES also will come and measure for no charge. I have never had a big box store do work for me, I m not sure if it is a good idea or not.

Re: Windows question

RedTop — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 21:49:28 GMT

@Mom2Dogs

The way that works in this area is that Lowe's will subcontract that window installation job to a local contractor.

Re: Windows question

patbz — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:57:08 GMT

@Mom2Dogs : I live in a rural community 3 hrs from a big city and we had 4 windows replaced 2 yrs ago by Renewal by Andersen. I was a major purchase ( comparable to replacing a small roof) but they offered one year same as cash and we paid it off during that time. We are very glad we did it and may do the other windows in about 5 yrs. It really improved our heating and cooling bills.

Re: Windows question

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:17:11 GMT

I have contacted two different companies for a quote. One is a local contractor. He got right back with me to say he would be interested, but I have yet to have an appointment set up.

Lowes came out with in a few days, and I got the quote the same day.

I need two bids so I guess I will contact a company further out from home to see if they are interested.

I wanted to work with someone local....