Basement Windows

[deadwing]

I am starting to plan ahead for next year's house projects.  I think I need to replace my basement windows.  I suspect the current ones are original to the house (~95 years old).  I suspect this isn't a straight forward project.  I doubt the openings are a "standard" size.  The exterior of my foundation has a type of decorative stucco-like layer, which encroaches on the window frames.  One of the windows is partially obstructed by a wall that is perpendicular to the window.

The good news is my basement is unfinished and I have no plans to change that, so I don't need anything fancy like an egress window.  The windows are 6"+ above ground level, so I don't think I need to add window wells.  Just modern double-paned windows the open/close and latch securely.

Is there anything I should take into consideration for this project that isn't common sense?  I would assume most window companies handle basement windows (I live in an area where basements are the norm). 

Is it too early to start looking for a contractor knowing I'm not prepared to pay for this project until the spring?  With all the material delays and high demand for contractors it feels like getting started early makes sense.  

[winecat]

I'd refurbish (reglaze, strip/paint, etc) the existing windows. There's no way modern windows will last 95 years. Reframing the windows to meet current standard windows or getting custom windows made might be in the same ballpark as having the originals refurbished.

[deadwing]

Jul 13, 2021 12:54:51 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'd refurbish (reglaze, strip/paint, etc) the existing windows. There's no way modern windows will last 95 years. Reframing the windows to meet current standard windows or getting custom windows made might be in the same ballpark as having the originals refurbished.

I never would have thought of this.  Who would you hire to do this type of job? The glass seems to be in decent shape, so saving it seems doable.  It's really the frames that are leading me to do this project.  The frames are deteriorating - cold air gets in during the winter, most of the windows don't open, one frame might have dry rot.

[winecat]

Jul 13, 2021 15:04:33 GMT -5 deadwing said:

Jul 13, 2021 12:54:51 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'd refurbish (reglaze, strip/paint, etc) the existing windows. There's no way modern windows will last 95 years. Reframing the windows to meet current standard windows or getting custom windows made might be in the same ballpark as having the originals refurbished.

I never would have thought of this.  Who would you hire to do this type of job? The glass seems to be in decent shape, so saving it seems doable.  It's really the frames that are leading me to do this project.  The frames are deteriorating - cold air gets in during the winter, most of the windows don't open, one frame might have dry rot.

I'm in a FB group where I've seen it discussed.  Here's a link to one post:  www.facebook.com/groups/myoldhousefix/posts/1067486657066686

There's lots of discussion about window restoration in that group.  I think a wood window or historic window expert/company would be a start.  Or, if you have a historic home nonprofit they might have recs.  Historic Denver has a list of contractors experienced with historic homes, if you pay a membership fee.  

Someone put new vinyl windows in my house.  They went to shit within 10 years.  

[SusanBAnthony]

You can definitely get custom sized windows, that isn't an issue.

Lead times for windows+ install are approaching 6 months, so you definitely aren't planning too far ahead of you want them installed in early 2022.

I guess for an unfinished basement I'd ask myself what my goal is. If it's less air infiltration, being able to open them, insulation, just looking better, etc.

[woowoo]

The only thing I will add is that we just had new windows put in this week that we ordered in DECEMBER (we used a local company and a local manufacturer, not sure if big box stores are getting them any faster).

So if you want to do this project next year, plan on a pretty long lead time to actually get the windows in.

[lo]

We eventually need to replace/restore like 30 windows in my 1897 house. Some are in much better condition than others and we would like to restore if possible. Window restorers are apparently booking out like 12-18 months. Also we got just got a quote for 3k PER WINDOW and that is just not happening. We had some lower quotes as well, but damn, this is expensive and will get done piecemeal over time.

[aprilsails]

My Mom went the window restoration route… and then replaced all the windows with vinyl 5 years later. Now I don’t think she paid a lot for the restoration (certainly not $3k per window!) but they were quite disappointed to have to swap them all out so quickly.

Custom window sizes are standard for replacements to be honest, so you are not going to have to pay a premium there. Yes, I would start getting quotes and scheduled in with someone now. It is always easier to book ahead.