On Sun, 9 Jul 2006 08:08:50 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm,
"Robert11" quickly quoth:

Hello,

Have a few wooden bedroom windows that are about 30 years old, have
some rot on them, and need to be replaced.

Have never looked at window replacements for many a year.
Would like to get some basic info. prior to calling in a contractor.

These are the pretty typical wooden bedroom windows.

a. Do I want to consider Vinyl, which always seem to be advertised ?

Yes.


There seem to be so many types available like all wood, vinyl over
wood, etc.
Could someone describe a bit re the pros and cons, and costs, of some
of the different types of construction ?

What are the pros and cons of vinyl vs. wood ?
e.g., cost, quality, etc. ?

Vinyl is modern and stark but needs no upkeep at all. It wipes clean
and practically nothing sticks to it.

Wood is much more beautiful but needs semi-annual maintenance and/or
refinishing to stay looking good. Had you been more conscientious and
kept yours up, they wouldn't have rotted (as quickly.) Consider annual
home inspections, either on your own or with a handyman or inspector.
It can save you a bundle.


b. Can a few vinyl windows blend in "well" with the remaining house's
wooden windows ? Are they paintable, or do you just match the outside
vinyl's color to the trim used on the existing wooden windows ?

If you paint the wooden sash windows to match the white vinyl, they'll
blend nicely. Like I said, nothing sticks well to vinyl.


c. What is meant by "double hung" windows ?

2 sashes, usually movable vertically.
http://www.jeld-wen.com/_images/win_...ould_DH_ko.jpg

http://www.jeld-wen.com
http://www.pella.com
http://renewalbyanderson.com

Read all about the windows and then formulate questions you want to
ask contractors, Robert.


d. Is it worth the extra cost for insulated glass, etc. ? These are
not massive windows; just the regular bedroom size

Insulated (double pane) windows are ABSOLUTELY worth the extra price.
The'll save it for you in a year or two of lower utility bills and
they'll make the house a lot more comfortable doing so.

I had wooden double-hung sash windows in my last home, a 1939
California ranch style. The windows were a nightmare because of
overpainting and rot. When I moved into this newer (mid-60s) home in
Oregon, it had aluminum framed single-glazed windows. I spent $2,300
(installed) refitting all new white vinyl windows in. 3x6-footers in
the bedrooms and office, 5x10 picture in the living room, 3x6 and 3x4
in the shop (aka garage) and a 6' slider in the dining room. I did my
room first and the difference was 5 degrees within an hour of the
installation. It was warmer than the other rooms even with the door
open. I was sold on the things right then.

My sister lives in the San Francisco Bay area. Her windows were
wood/vinyl and cost $11,000 installed. Mine were JeldWen, hers Pella
or Anderson. Both the windows and installation were at least double my
costs.


e. what else should I be thinking of, but aren't smart enough to know
enough to ask here, or to make sure to ask the contractor ?

I like the low-e windows which prevent more loss of heat in the winter
or heat gain in the summer sun. Ask the contractor what types he
carries and recommends. In a very cold area like that, they might
suggest triple glazed windows. Ask your neighbors what they have. The
manufacturers might have something along that line on their websites,
too. They ship truckloads of different types to different climates.


f. I realize there are a zillion variables involved, but what (live
outside of Boston) are "typical" window prices ? And, as a total price, with
installation ?

I got a real deal here. The window company was an offshoot of his old
man's company and he gave me great prices. A typical vinyl window
(3x6') at the local home improvement center was $139. He sold them to
me for $125 and installed each for $35. Sucha deal!

I weighed the options:
1) that I could take 2 weeks + $100 extra in trim, probably half
killing myself doing them on my own
or
2) give him the extra $420 to do them in 2 days.

It was a no-brainer to let HIM do them for the roughly $300 more.

You'll probably have to triple those prices for Boston. g I
heartily suggest that you get at least 3 bids before doing the job.
Ask each contractor what they suggest and write it all down. If anyone
gives you a new piece of info, use that in asking about your next bid.

Be sure to have them finish trimming and caulking all windows the very
same day they install them. If there's a freak rainstorm, the house
will be sealed against it.

Also, get every change and promise in writing. It will protect you if
something goes wrong. If you have a digital camera, take photos of the
before, during, and after for reference. The better contractors might
want copies so they can put them in their portfolios along with your
kind words for the contractor.

Good luck!


--
When love and skill work together, expect a miracle.
--John Ruskin (1819-1900)