i need estimates for changing windows

How can we tell you where to get a good estimate if you don't even let us know where you live?

Most people have their city/neighborhood indicated on their profile somewhere, but since this is not your first profile and you only use this profile for posting; the only way we have to find out where you live is to match your profile to one of your other profiles... which is not worth the effort.

By the way, I've tended to just order the windows I want from Home Depot or Lowes and install them myself.  That way I know they are installed and trimmed the way I want.

I've found that the contractor and window installers that call about 2 times a week to offer "free estimates" always have high estimates and the callers are not able to answer questions about U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, and air leakage.  And if they offer "low E" they don't know what the emittance is nor how it relates to U-factor or the solar heat gain coefficient.

And I've yet to find a retailer or contractor that offers tripple pane windows, even though they are in the trade journels.

I've also never seen a retrofit douple pane aluminum slider window that will fit an existing aluminum track, thus I think that is a nitch market that could be developed.  But perhaps the various manufacturers' channels vary too much?

thanks pasadenan. i live in milpitas and i am looking to buy a condo for rental. there is one unit i am looking to buy and it needs window replacement.

What makes you think it needs a replacement window instead of just glass, or a replacement duel-pane assembly with the Argon gas?

What makes you think the window mechanism doesn't just need some minor repair or maintenance?

Why didn't you ask your inspector or your Realtor?

I had a kid throw a rock through a large picture window a number of years ago.  (The kid thought he was throwing the rock at a cat).  I just called a local glass shop from the Yellow pages.  The glass was changed out and sealed in about 30 minutes, and of course cut to fit on site.  It would have been a lot more trouble to have the glass cut remotely and have to transport it.

pasa, i know i need to replace them. i have seen the place myself and it is in a bad shape.

You haven't bought, so it doesn't matter.

But you didn't even state what it has, or what you would want, nor whether you intend to comply with Title-24, or whether you would just do it as a maintenance item without permit.

Nor did you indicate why tenants would pay more if the windows were replaced, or if you plan to cover utilities and want more energy efficiency.

Minimum price per window: $15.  Maximum price per window $5200.  Price to repair existing to new condition $50 per window.

If you want to spend more than $5200 per window, I'm sure I could find some appropriate for you for those tenants that will rent at $800 per month.

We got upper grade windows put in about 3 years ago.  We had 25 windows replaced (most were not standard size).  It cost 20K.  The house is in MO by the way.  But, I think that you could get a very good deal because most contractors are hurting for work.

I just replaced all of my window.  Actually the last few are being installed right now.  I went with Milgard style line with the Sun Max.  We put in 2-8.0x5.0, 2-5.0x4.0, 2-5.0x3.0, 3-3.0x2.0, 1-6.0x3.0, 1-3.0x3.0, and 1-4.0x4.0.  The cost was $2042 not installed.  Shop around.  I had bids as high as $2800 for the same windows without the extra sun max coating.  I'm in Oregon.  Good Luck.

We went with Milgard too but elected for the Tuscany line. Our contrator recommended them over the StyleLine. We ended up buying them online which saved us several hundred dollars and had a local, licensed contractor install them. We got 3 bids for the install and one was ridiculously overpriced so we only had to decide between 2. At the end of the day we spent just under $10k for both the windows (which included a large patio door) and the installation. So far we're really happy with the work but we won't know how good he did until we get through at least 1 rainy season!

Do yourself a favor and shop for the window online. We bought ours here: http://www.thewindowstore.com and check http://www.Craigslist.org for local contractors if you don't have any referrals from friends. Whatever you do, get multiple bids for both the windows and the labor. You'd be amazed at the difference in prices for the exact same stuff.

We just recently installed new build windows (Pella) with the j channel.  We are redoing the siding so had the option of using new construction windows.  Easy to install and cost effective.  Our largest window which was a 4 x 4 picture window with two 18" inch double hung windows on each side was $657.  The other windows at most for a large 4 x 5 window double, double hung is $373 with the smaller windows 44 x 38 at $200 something.  All low e with argon - double pane.  Argon is said to give an added r value of 2-3.  We've done both, replacement in our previous home and new construction.  Have to say the new construction seemed a bit easier.