Homeowner question of the week: Can I install replacement windows in an older home if I want to enlarge the windows?
Renewal by Andersen of Long Island response: Sure! Replacement windows and patio doors are custom-crafted to exacting measurements for your Long Island home. Normally, our team builds windows to fit the opening left behind when we remove your current windows, but we can also work with your renovation contractors to build new windows after the retrofit or new construction work is completed.
However, if you’re thinking about replacing existing windows with larger versions to get slightly expanded viewing areas or to update the aesthetics of your home, you might be able to accomplish your goals without major construction.
Here are three things to consider before you make a final decision.
If you’re considering enlarging one or more windows in your Long Island home, you’re probably wondering how much it is going to cost. In our area, you may be looking at several thousand dollars for each window – depending on how much larger you want your windows to be, the age of your home, whether electrical wiring or plumbing needs to be rerouted and the home’s structural integrity.
When window expansion is part of a larger home makeover – say, you’re budgeting for a room addition or planning to install windows in places where there isn’t an existing window – your construction manager will probably make recommendations and provide price estimates based on your overall project design goals.
Keep in mind that widening a window requires more expensive (and, more extensive) construction than lowering a window positioned under an existing beam. You can save money by shifting the window position to the left or right, leaving one side intact and widening in only one direction. Depending on the age of the home, you may have problems finding matching siding.
If you absolutely want to install taller windows, you’ll need to factor in the cost of enlarging the beam above the opening. Besides the cost of your new windows or patio doors, you’ll need to budget for:
If you’re thinking of simply expanding your viewing area in one or two rooms, replacement windows may be a better investment than hiring a contractor to retrofit your windows and patio doors.
There are numerous options for homeowners who want to avoid the mess, inconvenience and expense of a major construction project.
Naturally, replacement windows and patio doors won’t enlarge the overall size of your existing windows, but there are advantages:
Installation typically only takes one day, as compared to several days, or even weeks necessary for major reconstruction. Remember, all replacement windows are custom-built for your Long Island home, and delivery may take eight to twelve weeks, depending on the style you order, your design features and the number of orders ahead of you at the factory.
Another consideration for Long Island homeowners is how your upgrade will impact you in the future. Installing traditional windows often means added work in the future. Wood-framed windows require ongoing maintenance – annual scrape, putty and paint chores to keep them working properly and to prevent or repair damage caused by the elements. Vinyl frames tend to sag and droop over time, exposing gaps that need to be re-caulked and leading to wind and moisture leaks that reduce energy efficiency and increase utility bills.
Installing Renewal by Andersen of Long Island windows and patio doors framed with Fibrex are guaranteed not to peel, flake, mildew or rot – all without ever having to repaint. That means your tomorrows are free to enjoy with your family instead of spending time with the men at the hardware store buying supplies.
Replacement windows and patio doors are a good choice for homeowners who want to expand their viewing area and take control of their energy consumption. If you’re thinking about hiring a contractor to replace a few windows in your home, we’d love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss options before you make your final decision. Fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
