Window bars on ground floor apt?

I think bars on low hanging windows are just a fact of life around these parts and practically all major cities. While they're certainly ugly no matter how "decorative" you make them, they're also give a great sense of security. They're practically mandatory these days and I think potential buyers will think of them as "one less thing they have to get when they move in."

Thanks for the feedback! I kind of figured that was what people would think.

The windows are double-hung. One thing I was considering doing was fixing the top half of the windows so that they can't be opened from the top, and getting bars that cover the bottom half of the windows (the bars would go up to about 8 feet off the ground). I thought this might be sufficient for security, since 6 of the windows face the street (and are thus perhaps less vulnerable, because of visability), and the other 5 open onto a gated parking area that's inaccessible unless you live in the building. That might be the best of both worlds, or on the other hand it might neither provide security nor preserve attractiveness. Hard to say?

Anyone else??

Put them up, you can always remove them when you resell if they are an eyesore, your broker will tell you what to do when the time comes. Also, if the buyer has half a brain they will know why you put them up and that they can be removed.

Half height, or all the way up? Bars reaching to 14 ft sort of seems like it might be overkill.

All the way, you can never be too safe or neurotic!

Just make sure you have a quick-opening (non-keyed, non-combination) gate for fire egress.

Sigh...I'm just afraid that because these windows are so large and there are so many of them, the place will look cage-like if they are fully barred. The windows are about 3.5' by 10', and there are 6 of them in the living room.At least I don't have to owrry about not getting enough light, bars or no bars!

We love the apartment, but I didn't fully think through the security issues before buying because I liked so many other things about it. I guess I'll know better next time....

Check out these decorative metal gates-

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.icmetal.com/custom-fabricated/windows/ornamental-decorative-window-guards-small.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.icmetal.com/custom-fabricated/gates-doors-windows-fence.html&h=150&w=110&sz=21&hl=en&start=31&tbnid=QB71nqpp0JzMVM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=70&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddecorative%2Bwindow%2Bbars%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

Wow, fantastic images. I'll definitely give them a call. Thanks!!

I often walk by a charming row house in Greenwich village with beautiful lacey ornamental iron panels covering 3/4 of their ground floor windows. They look like lovely black lace panels and with planted window boxes underneath, not oppresive at all.

http://www.pbase.com/hjsteed/image/51852889

Thanks, everyone...you're making me feel better!

The building is historic (it was converted into condos in 2004), and its upper floors have decorative ironwork grills across the bottom. So, I could have an ironsmith make full-length window bars in a matching style, to preserve the architectural integrity of the place and also, with luck, look decent from the inside.

Of course! Take your time & copy the other ironwork on the building, be sure you won't be trapped in case of a fire but don't cheap out & do it properly & it will certainly be an asset. Walk around the area & look. Now that you're thinking ironwork you'll certainly see lots of it. You will also want to see examples of the work of the company you are considering. I love ironwork & it can be a delighful decorative addition as well as a very important security device. Don't assume that the parking area is necessarily secure, though; you might be unpleasantly surprised.

Maybe you can just use giant Lego? It comes in lots of colors and you can take it with you when you sell.

I'm looking for leads on companies that will replace window guards. Reading streeteasy I have learned to get ones that are NYFD approved (thanks for that tip!). Right now none of the window guards in the apt. allow egress (it's a first floor apt.), and we want to replace 1 or 2 of them so we can get out in case of fire.

Also -- any thoughts on who is responsible for fixing this -- the co-op or the unit lessee/owner? I assume the current situation is a violation of fire code, and the co-op would be fined. But I'm new to all this and not sure traditionally who is responsible and also which party pays for window guards in a building. We are the only unit on the first floor and all the other units above don't have window guards (small co-op).