I had a couple of companies give me quotes on replacement windows. The first two measured from the inside. The last guy also measured from the outside. I asked him why and he said he was proposing to replace the entire window frame, not just provide an insert for the existing frame. He told me he preferred to take the entire window out, ensure the insulation around the window is good, then seal up and trim. He said putting an insert into an existing frame could end up solving only half the problem.
Obviously, his is the most expensive bid. The windows themselves are not too much more but installation is.
Which approach is better? The house is 45 year old, in a northern climate.
anderson windows and doors
Comments
I did my own windows on a house built in the early 50s so we are about the same. Two of my neighbors did inserts, I did the full job, the store called it new construction windows. The inserts are cheap and dirty and both of my neighbors have approached me about sealing their windows. They tell me that between them they don’t have one window that isn’t drafty. I strongly recommend you do it right the first time. Get a second and maybe even a third bid on the full frame deal and be ready to not have it all done in a couple of hours. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of days though.
I have been told you may or you may not get what you pay for but you will damn sure pay for what you get.