Replacing old windows in Victorian

I did a window replacement project in my one-story stucco home this year. It was an experience! I got 5 estimates and learned a lot - too much to summarize in this message. If you want to talk about it, send return email.

Richard

I've had many windows tuned up and/or replaced in my 100-year-old home over the past 20 years. First of all, I recommend that you get more than one bid - look on BPN and Yelp for places to call and check references. My second piece of advice is: be aware that even wooden windows that are more than 100 years old can still be sturdy and robust and don't need to be replaced, but just need new hardware, or need to be shaved down here and there to fit better so they open and close properly. So you don't necessarily need to rip them out and put in new windows. Often staying with the original windows is a much better option, financially and aesthetically. 

I have used Wooden Windows several times over the years. They do high quality work and I am very happy years later with all the windows they have worked on at my house. However I do think they are more expensive than necessary. And their process is irritating. For example they send out someone to look at everything and give you an estimate, but the actual workers don't seem to have gotten the memo about what it is you want done, and how you want it done. So you do want to be there when the workers arrive. Also, sometimes the workers have good suggestions that make more sense than what the original estimator recommended, so you need to be there to approve changes. One time, work that I discussed with the estimator was not included in the final bid, and I was not careful enough to verify it was there. However, despite these irritations, I have been very satisfied with the final product. Wooden Windows workers are very skilled and they really know what they are doing, and I will probably call them again the next time I need a window repaired or replaced.