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.

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.

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.

Is that correct? or, is there more to it that I am not taking into
consideration? Any thoughts or experiences regarding this idea would be
appreciated.