Woodwork -- Windows Doors in Brownstone

Wood trim refinishing/finishing is a highly specialized area that most GCs are not equipped to handle. Yes, it can be very expensive but like everything else you get what you pay for. There's a big difference in the look, feel and restoration accuracy between, for example, slathering on Minwax stain and a coat of polyurethane and a correct layered finish of fillers, dyes/stains, sealers, lacquer finishes, waxes, etc. and the stripping phase can be done lots of ways correctly and incorrectly. So if you care about aesthetics and want truly "restored" woodwork that's period correct, take your time and find a qualified specialist. There are also many online guides for home restorers to help you tackle the very labor intensive stripping process and save yourself big money -- just google.

Maybe talk to this guy:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20263376,00.html

Agree with West34, and would add that most GCs don't want the hassle.

If you're truly interested in having the woodwork brought back to a 'like new' state, it's going to cost money, and it's your decision whether 'it's worth paying', not your GCs. Since this is an aesthetic issue, not a structural one, if you want it, and the GC doesn't, find a new GC.

If the GC is saying that the amount you're willing to pay for will not get you what you want, then you probably should listen to him and adjust your price or expectations accordingly.

If you're talking specifically about repair/restoration of original windows, no matter how 'original' they end up, you may be unhappy with the air leakage and lack of insulation that newer windows would provide.