Window Replacement

Depends on what you're replacing them with. Crappy windows start at $600 each (installed) and go up from there. You can easily spend $5,000 on each window.

No, generally scaffolding is not involved, as they do the work from the inside.

i actually got good windows, double hung custom made, for $250 installed. it was 10 yrs ago, but i don't think the prices have gone up more then 100%. if you want cityquiet or the other company, they'll fleece you. you can speak to other places and they make laminated windows that remove most of the sound and will cost about $100 more.

the place is windows we are in bay ridge and they own a significant % of the factory that produces the windows themselves.

my coop, on the second apartment in the same building, replaced some windows with inferior ones and they had their contractor friend only charge $500 per window. isn't it nice having the management take care of their friends that way.

Thank you NYCMatt and ab_11218. The windows in the apartment we like are in decent condition, but I don't like them. The idea of buying a place that may require new windows is a turn off, but knowing that scaffolding isn't required calms me down a little.

I'll make a note of Windows We Are, thanks!

I am currently in the process of replacing windows. I got two different estimates for aluminum double hung windows. One came out to $1200 a window and the other $1300. This includes installation. Both said that if you want wood frames, its about double, so expect around $2500.

Aluminum double-hung must be nice! We were just given an estimate of around $2200 per window for steel-casement, non-noise abatement windows for a prewar.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

Steel? What kind of a window uses/needs a steel frame?

What else were you expecting??

JennieB6, check with the condo's managing agent. The condo most likely has standards for the construction and appearance of new windows, which'd effectively limit the vendors you can use.

Many years ago co-op and condo owners in non-landmarked districts could do whatever they want -- e.g., all the different kinds of single-pane windows you see on RSD/CPW/Fifth -- but no more.

Ali, was that for your Parc Vendome place? The $2200 sounds right for steel casements to match what's there.

Yep, NWT, that was for the Vendome. I'm unclear on whether the condo is offering us owners this now so that we have an option to replace, but can get "bulk" discount pricing, or whether they're going to mandate replacement.

Nintzk, just about everything built in 1929-1930 is going to have steel-framed casement windows, and depending on the quality of the steel used at the time/direction the window is facing, those 80-year-old materials may now need to be replaced.

Are the windows a responsibility of the coop or the owner? I always thought it's the coop and now I think I am wrong. In fact, I want to replace my windows but was told the coop won't allow it unless they decide to change the windows for all residents.

Re-read the first line of the initial post. She's in a CONDO.

Thanks, NWT. It would be terrible to settle on a vendor that isn't on the condo board's approved list.

Matt, condo's have common elements. Just because someone has a fee simple real property interest in an apartment doesn't change the fact that the property is within a common structure maintained by a condominium board, employees and a managing agent.

All of the window replacement companies I have spoken with sell "aluminum" replacement windows as opposed to steel.

Most co-ops start with the window replacement being the responsibility of the co-op. The co-op can, however, transfer the responsibility to the unit owners via a signed agreement as part of a window replacement project. Sign the agreement, get new windows. Don't sign, and we have determined that your windows don't need replacement.

My building will probably go this route, as we have similar-sized units with very inequitable window costs. The cost of window replacement probably ranges from < $1,000 in the units with the fewest windows to $30,000 or more for the units with the most windows. Three units have enormous architectural skylights -- each with 8-10 pieces, angles, cantilevers, and various other complications. It will be a very ugly day when they fail, and the co-op reserve is emptied to pay for their replacement. Fortunately, they were well built and can have a long lifespan if properly maintained.