On Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:36:24 -0500, Jim Elbrecht
wrote:

"RogerT" wrote:

I am planning on replacing all of the windows in a house that I own that is
being completely rehabbed and will then be rented out. I am wondering about
the possibility of replacing the entire windows, frames and trim and all,
rather than just inserting new replacement windows within the existing
frames. In other words, ripping out all of the existing windows down to the
studs and putting in new windows and new inside and outside trim. I won't
be doing the work myself; I will be hiring people to do it.


I've just finished replacing all the windows in my old house. I
bought 'new construction' windows for all of them. One huge
difference is that I did all my own work- so labor was a minor issue--
but here was my reasoning behind replacing the windows rather than
getting 'replacement windows'
1. Don't know if I could get same-size replacements.
2. New windows look better, and are more energy efficient.
3. About 1/2 of the new windows were different sizes- by far- than the
old ones. I made the north & west side windows smaller- and the
south facing windows larger. I also shrunk the 36x60 windows that
were in a bathroom, a hallway & a closet.
4. When I went window shopping- I was able to shop for what I
wanted-- not what would plug into what I had.

I personally don't think the windows themselves were a lot more work-
but I *did* spread the job over 20 years.g

The downside is that siding and sheetrock need to be accounted for.
The sheetrock was no problem as I was re-doing the rooms anyway. The
siding wasn't an issue for because I've been replacing chalky aluminum
with vinyl as I go along.

Part of why I am thinking of doing it that way is that the property was
built long before 1978 and I would like to remove as many potential sources
of lead paint as possible. I do know that to do that kind of work these
days the contractors will need to be certified and use lead safe practices
etc.

Lead abatement questions should be addressed with the contractor. *If*
you have lead and have to deal with it, you have my sympathy.

How much more difficult or complicated is it to go ahead and replace the
entire windows, frames and all, versus just inserting replacement windows in
the old frames? My guess is that the window rip-out and replacement part is
roughly the same either way, and the additional work in a complete
replacement will mostly just involve buying and installing the new trim.

And maybe putting in headers and a kneewall-- my house is balloon
construction & they paid no attention to such things-- just threw a
window in where they wanted it.

They weren't difficult to do - but took more time and needed more
tearing apart of the inside wall.

Jim
And you need to remember, custom windows can be made to ANY size, so
the original can be replaced with a brand new window that fits the
original hole with no siding or drywall issues. I've even been able to
re-install the original trim in several cases.

I've seen some real butchers install both insert and frame-out windows
- - - - -.