Measuring Your Replacement Window Project

Well, let’s get to it. To add to your information regarding your window project, I've  streamlined some value information you may find of benefit. 

First; Windows traditionally have "somewhat" standard sizes. 

Let's find out just how many windows are in your project. For this info you may need a tape measure, a notepad, and a pen or pencil. Your measurements simply get you in the ballpark, but it’s a small ballpark. Windows are measured in “United Inches”, or U.I. This is simply measuring the width and height and then add them together. So, a 32” wide by 66” tall window would be 98 U.I. 32 plus 66. Generally speaking, prices initially are all somewhat in the same price range for each style of window less than 100 U.I.

Let's make this easy. If you simply count your windows for a total including garage and basement, this will give you a great starting point. If you wish to do the exercise, for each window, measure the window frame (the actual part that holds the sash) and add a couple inches to both height and width. (This will account for the frame behind the trim.)

* Due to current market conditions and shifting manufacturer's pricing, It will be simpler to give you some guidelines about pricing. Again, Our Prices are inclusive of ordering, installation, removal of old windows, and lifetime warranty. There are NO surprises in our bidding process. Some companies play a game of sizing, of things "not covered" in the discussion, and assumptions most homeowners make. These include but aren't limited to; sizing considerations (their ad on a park bench or side of the passing bus says, "Windows as low as $399". You'd think that a regular window would be in that category, wouldn't you? Usually not true. This usually are windows that are the smallest bathroom or basement window imaginable. No Low-E glass, Argon treatment, sometimes no screens, trim, and even a charge for removing and discarding of the old windows!  In short, their price enticed you to call. They trust their sales person to "upsell" you into a price that is realistic. Others use the old idea of getting something "For Free". Buy One Get One... or Two or Three. If you think buying one and getting more of the same product for free is a deal, then ask yourself... Just how much is that First Window (to cover the cost of one or two more?) I was born at night, just not last night... 

For your basic information, our normal configuration is for a double pane unit with SB70 (SolarBan70) meaning 3 layers of Soft-coat Low-E with SuperSpacer and full screens. This will apply to both double hung and 2-line sliders. This window is traditionally costing out at around $800-$900. I've been asked if I can compete with several Large marketing companies. My response is usually the same. YES, I can drop my window "down" to their offering. I offer credits (deductions) for ½ screens, SB60 glass (2 layers of Low-E, not 3), and Warm-Edge spacers (been around for over 20 years) instead of SuperSpacer.   

NOTE HERE:  Style of window does have a pricing effect. As stated earlier, sliders and double hungs are similar in pricing. Picture windows can run a slight bit higher, and the most expensive style is the casement due to more invilvement in the operations.

Additional pricing adjustments are should you choose colors other than white. Generally, beige/sand color is approximately 10%+ higher, earthtone brown 15%+ higher, and customer paint like a green or black can add up to $300-$500 more per window. Another charge will come with internal grids. The divided lite "look" comes in a couple styles and can be discussed in a face to face meeting.

*Remember 2 things here. First, measuring is the same whether it be for slider, single/double hung, any other style window. Secondly, if your measurements are off, the actual measurements will be adjusted and priced accordingly before ordering. You are pricing merely for a close approximation. You are NOT going to be hundreds of dollars off! An inch or two may make literally a few dollars difference. With that being noted, Style of window can and will make a pricing difference.

After measuring each opening, choose the “style or styles” of window you wish to place in each of these openings. For wide openings, a single 2-lite slider may fit, or, you may wish to use 2 double hung units to fill this opening. The choice is yours depending on personal taste and the look you wish for your home. (Sliders do cover a wider opening which means that a wide opening may cost you a little more for a "large window" versus paying for two double hung windows to fill the same opening.) NOTE here that there are solid reasons for choosing either. I'll be happy to discuss these with you as your investigation gets closer to project time. 

I’ve installed double hung windows in a bedroom that was next to a 3-lite slider in the living room. Other owners wished to use all the same type of window. This is purely personal preference. You may begin looking at various neighborhoods with homes similar to yours to begin recognizing preferences or dislikes you see, You will find some common samples of these in the PHOTO GALLERY.

Looking BELOW, you will see minimums and maximums per window style. This is due to how big or small windows can safely be built. Most units can be put together, or mulled, as a multi-unit installation. There is a small charge for mulling units due some extra material and setup time. The charge is less than $100 per mull, however.

An example of a wide opening; for a 60” wide opening, you may choose a single slider, a pair of double hungs, or casement windows to fill this distance. 

Please review the following table for Minimum and Maximum Sizes per style of window. Again, should you have questions, do not hesitate to call or email.

* See the next table to insure what you are planning can be built and installed.

Double Hung Minimum: 14” x 22”

Double Hung Maximun: 52” x 102”

2-Lite Slider Minimum: 21 7/8” x 13 ¾

2-Lite Slider Maximum: 80” x 72” 

3-Lite Slider Minimum: 31 ½ x 12 ¾” (all 3 equal size)

3-Lite Slider Minimum: 40” x 12 ¾” (1/4-1/2-1/4)

3-Lite Slider Maximum: 101” x 60’ (all 3 equal size)

3-Lite Slider Maximum: 89” x 72” (1/4-1/2-1/4)

Casement Minimum: 16”x 20”

Casement Maximum: 40” x 80” 

Picture Minimum: 10 ¾” x 10 ¾”

Picture Maximum: 90” x 84”

Awning: 

CALL FOR OVER-SIZED WINDOWS WHICH PUSH  "BOTH" WIDTH AND HEIGHT MAXIMUMS. THERE ARE LIMITATIONS TO BUILD IF BOTH ENDS FOR THE DIMENSIONS ARE MAXXED. WE DO HAVE TOTAL U.I. CONSTRAINTS.