old window repair & restoration

[mfel...@gmail.com]

Hi all,

We're relatively new bungalow owners and we've got 20 original double hung sash windows in need of varying degrees of repair and restoration. The wood on nearly all of them appears to be in good condition. I've only gotten responses and estimates from 2 of the 10 contractors I've contacted. Their estimates came in high and low - $400/window to nearly $1000/window. One of them is from the bungalow association's resource list - definitely seems expert and experienced - and the other is a handyman with some experience repairing old windows. I'd like to get a few more estimates since those two were so far apart. Can you recommend anyone not on the association's list (since I've called all of those already)? 

Thanks!

[megan...@gmail.com]

I am not sure if this is any help, but my husband and I were in a similar situation about 2 years ago when we renovated our bungalow. We had a lot of original windows and also needed some new windows for added on areas on the 2nd floor and back of the house. We ended up working with Schaaf Windows in the south suburbs to get all new windows that were custom made to match the original windows. We got wood interior with aluminum exterior. We had someone stain the interior wood to match the original woodwork/window frames. For us this was a more cost effective way to handle our windows - I think we paid between $150-$375/window depending on size. it also made it easier for us to have screens that were in good shape because all of ours were pretty shot when we bought the house. Not the same as original, restored windows, I know, but we really do love how they turned out.

~Megan

[ord...@gmail.com]

we were confronted with the same problem but we decided to tackle the problem ourselves.  we replaced the sash cords, stripped the wood, stained it and slapped on a coat of poly.  we did have someone in to reglaze the outside of the windows and then we painted the exterior of the many windows.  we then special ordered triple track aluminum vinyl coated storm windows slowly but surely.  in the end, they look great and keep the house toasty.

[Matt Schademann]

Been there done that. I heard of a place on the SW side that cold dips sashes at about $35-$50 a window - scraped mine myself.
Used Tung oil instead of poly but I know they were painted from original. Doug-Fir. Also I'm about to rip out  my triple track and get hung storms :-D

[Randomengineer]

Try Old World Carpentry Restoration and Repair (773) 597-8970.  I haven't used him, only asked him about repair of a newer window, which he doesn't do.  I think he got good reviews on Angie's list.