Wooden Windows: Repairing & Upgrading
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Wood Window Replacement in older Alameda home
Nov 2012
I am looking to replace existing windows with wooden windows
in my older home in East End Alameda (Fernside District).
What have been your experiences? Thank you drafty
windows
We used Frameworks in Oakland to replace the windows in our
East End bungalow and we are *very* happy with the results.
Ralph really knows old houses. The results look great, and
the improved performance over the dreadful aluminum windows
we replaced is huge. Frameworks, Oakland, (510) 653-7075
Anon
Window Refinishing and Restoration
Aug 2012
We're looking for an experienced person (not just a
handyman) to work on the interiors of our living and dining
room windows: to restore and refinish them. These are
original, small-pane windows (probably redwood) in our 1920s
era modest craftsman style house. They're just beginning to
deteriorate. Bill
Erwan Illian does excellent work restoring windows. His
phone number is 510-847-2898. He is a finish carpenter and
does extremely professional work restoring damaged/rotten
wood and replacing glazing. He restored a window for us and
it is impossible to tell where he replaced the rotten wood.
He also works to keep costs down. We have had a lot of
contractors work on our older house and Erwan is at the top
of that group for quality of workmanship. Anon
Last year I did some renovations on a home in Stockton that
has been in our family since my grandfather built it in the
1920's. I couldn't find anyone in Stockton willing to do
sash cord repairs, so I broadened my search and found Rick
Hamilton, aka Rick the Window Guy. He had very positive
references and was willing to travel to Stockton.
It was a big job on a 2 story house, but Rick was flexible
so fixing the windows was affordable. Some had broken panes,
others needed new cords or locks, and the majority of them
needed new putty. In the end 32 sash cord windows that had
been painted shut were operable. Rick worked without any on
site supervision, and I was 100% satisfied with the work he
did. Rick is passionate about old windows. He knows what
he's doing so things progress smoothly. He doesn't leave a
mess behind, he's affordable, and he's a very nice man.
His phone number is (707)799-3349 & his email is
ablehandy1@hotmail.com
Old house Owner
April 2012
Re: contractor for front porch window install
I recommend Wooden Window for any kind of window
installation. They produce THE most beautiful, high quality
windows and they manufacture everything locally. David Huff
is very knowlegeable. Give him a call at 510-530-3912.
Catherine
Wooden window repair
March 2012
We've got a 1921 house with some wooden windows that need
some repair work - some wood may need replacing, and
certainly paint needs to be stripped and reapplied. In
addition to the windows are the frames and some extra wood
surrounding the frames. I have tried asking contractors and
handymen to come and do this work, but I've not had any
positive responses. Can anyone suggest to whom I might
direct a job such as this that must be relatively common in
this area? Adrian
I highly recommend Marco Florian, he is a is a great
painter and handyman. He has done numerous painting jobs
in our home and properties as well. He did a great job
painting some furniture we wanted to have an antique look.
He has other great skils as well like
plumbing,tiling,carpentry, etc. He has also experience
remodeling bathrooms and kitchens. He can work on
weekends or evenings if needed; Marco always goes the
extra mile and his rates are very reasonable. He is
reliable, polite, creative, good nature man. You can reach
Marco directly at 510-301-5629 or marco.a.florian@gmail.com
Ana
Replacement and Installation of Windows for 1920's home
Nov 2010
Hi. We've recently moved into a cottage built in 1921 and need some windows
replaced. Anyone have a direction on favorite places to purchase windows and
individuals/companies who install them? We would rather go with wood. . . I
think. . . but I'd also like to know peoples' experiences with different kinds
(vinyl,
fiberglass also) from a practical as well as aesthetic point of view. Thank you in
advance for your suggestions.
New Home Owner
We use Wooden Window whenever we need windows on a
project. David Huff the owner is extremely knowledgable
and will advise you on what would be the best type of
window to use on your project. He is quick to respond and
they have great customer service.
David Huff
Wooden Window
510 350 3912
www.woodenwindow.com
Laura
We just had the windows in our 1918 bungalow replaced. We
changed out the terrible single-pane aluminum trimmed
windows for *lovely* double-pane wood trimmed windows and
are thrilled with the change. We had our windows made by
Ralph Torres of The Frameworks in Oakland (510-653-7075).
He knows old houses and has a great eye for detail. We had
them installed by the contractor that Ralph recommended
(Dave Grubb of David Grubb Construction in Berkeley;
510-334-1275), and really appreciated the knowledge that
both Ralph and Dave had of homes from that era. Good luck!
Happy New Window Owner
Editor Note: recommendations were also received for
Prefabricated Windows
Recommendations for window installation
May 2010
I'm looking for recommendations on a contractor that can
replace all of our windows and front door. We recently had
a contractor come by and I didn't care for his seemingly
lack of interest in the project (perhaps too small?). He
seemed to think we knew all the exact details of what we
wanted, yet we're so confused over all the choices/types!
We're looking for someone with a more helpful nature and
more eagerness to work with us on this. We're in
Lafayette/Walnut Creek area.
lisa
I had an excellent experience working with Charles Seames of Sequoia Pacific
Construction. I have an old home (circa 1906) in Oakland and had five of the
drafty, original windows replaced. His was the second (and lower) of two bids I
received. I certainly appreciated the lower price, but even more, I appreciated his
clear communication, easy-going yet professional manner, and excellent
recommendations. The windows look great, and the inside temperature of the
house has gone up by about 5-6 degrees on cold days. I'm very pleased.
Charles' contact information: 415. 378. 8031 or charles.seames@yahoo.com
-Kathleen
Editor Note: recommendations were also received for
Prefabricated Windows
Repairing broken double hung windows
May 2010
We have several 88 year old double hung windows with ropes that have snapped,
and various other old window ailments. Our housepainter (who broke a couple of
these!) feels the windows are repairable, and we'd appreciate recommendations
for a window specialist handyman. The BPN website has lots of
recommendations for window replacement, but not much on wood window
repair. Thanks.
maryl
I had a bunch of double paned casement windows repaired by
Mario at the Wood Windows Warehouse
http://www.woodwindowswarehouse.com
They saved me tons of money not having to entirely replace
the non-functional windows in my new house. Some windows
needed to be replaced, some just needed new locks and
hinges. I am sure he does double hung as well. he will come
out and give you an estimate. The estimate and final price
were the same for me.
happy customer
I would call the Building Education Center (525-7610) and
ask about David Clark. He teaches a class called WINDOW
AND SASH REHABILITATION. If he does not do this anymore, he
would probably be able to refer you to someone.
AB, Architect
Contractor to replace windows in old house
June 2008
Hi- I am looking for a contractor for 6-8 new windows to be installed in our
1920's
home. I have found some replacement contractors in the archives, but not so
many
recent referrals for all-new installations in an old house. Unfortunately the
previous
owner removed 75% of our old windows AND the frames so we need to buy all new
replacement units. This entails not only new trims inside and out but breaking
our
stucco exterior and then repairing it by patching- hopefully matching the
finish! If
you've had a similar install and have a good recommendation or advice please
let
me know- we're desperate for a high quality job! So far I've had 2 window
installation companies come out and I wasn't impressed with their proposals-
I'm
not feeling like I am going to get a finished project with high craftsmanship
out of
them....Thanks
pam
I highly recommend Andreis Filtis, 415.867.2258. He is a licensed
contractor who's happy to do smaller jobs and competent to do
larger ones. He is reliable, communicative, easy-going, and
quality-oriented. Unlike other contractors I've worked with, he
and his assistant don't make a racket and clean up their mess
every day. He's a good problem-solver and does everything well,
from structural work and sheetrock to cabinetry and painting,
without a slew of subcontractors (one exception is electrical
work). I would work with him again in a heartbeat! Good luck.
Terry
Funny that your question should come up right now. I am just
having Marius Construction finish installing duo pane windows in
my Craftsman style home. The work is great! This is the second
time I have hired Marius to work for me-his crew are hard
workers, polite, and highly skilled. They even milled the trim
to match that of the rest of the house which was built in 1910.
They arrive on time every morning, clean up after themselves
every day, and the job is done on time. The prices are extremely
reasonable and the finish work is very fine. You couldn't ask
for a better experience with a contractor. You can reach Marius
at 510-828-6551
Susan
For all sorts of window installations I recommend FrameWorks on MLK near the
Childrens Hospital. Ask for Ralph. They've done numerous windows for us and for
some of my clients.
Tom
I highly recommend Guillaume Canivet of Canivet Construction.
His website is www.canivetconstruction.com. Tel: 510-528-3700.
He and his crew just finished a major remodel of my house in
Berkeley Hills. They installed all of my windows along with the
trim on the outside and inside. Canivet Construction takes both
large and small jobs. Guillaume is honest and hardworking, as is
his crew. We interviewed quite a few contractors before deciding
upon Guillaume. Not only was his bid the most competitive,
Guillaume takes pride in his work and genuinely wants you to be
happy with the results.
Happy with my Contractor
I had replacement windows put in my home. the windows were
built into the stucco so the contractor had to cut open the
stucco around each window and then reinstalled the trim. They
then re-stuccoed around each window and reinstalled the trim.
They restuccoed around each window and did all the finish work.
He was affordable, tidy, and a good craftsman. His name is Glen
Larsen; his number is 510-232-9122. Good luck!
Lois
A Taylor Made Window
5327 Jacuzzi St. #5E
Richmond, CA 94804
510-559-5530
ataylormadewindow.com
They just replaced many windows and a sliding glass door in our
house. They were very efficient and professional. And they also
worked hard to find a solution to a siding problem we had as
well. Their staff is all very friendly and easy to work with.
I highly recommend them.
Denise
Storm windows for my beautiful old wooden windows?
Jan 2008
I am looking for someone who has the seemingly lost art (at
least in California) of fabricating and installing glass storm
windows. I am not interested in replacing my beautiful old
wooden windows--just in getting a second layer of glass--with
screen--caulked into my old Oakland bungalow. Is there anyone
who still does this work in the area?
hml
I'm not sure if they handle this service, but you might contact Wooden Windows. They
recently installed a custom wood casement window to match the existing windows in
our old 1920s house. They are true craftsman and the quality is excellent. They work
on historic homes and are very knowlegable and good problem solvers. They actually
return phone calls and respond to you even for small jobs! If they can't do this job
for
you, they can provide a recommendation of someone who might. I would trust who
they might recommend. 510-893-115, ask for Christine.
Susan
High quality custom windows
April 2007
We have a 1930's spanish style house in Alameda with unusual
plaster details at the existing windows - hard to explain
without a photo. We desperately need replacement windows due
to leakage and draft problems. I am looking for
recommendations for high quality contractors/window companies.
We would like to work creatively with someone who will take the
extra care and time to preserve the overall look of our
windows - while somehow replacing our single-pane glass with
double pane operable windows. Any suggestions?
trying to do it respectfully
We just replaced over 20 windows in our 1930 English cottage
Rockridge house. After receiving numerous bids, we hired Robert
Prestegaard, an independent window specialist, who did an
outstanding job. He's exceedingly careful, meticulous, and
respectful of the integrity of the house. He had a custom shop
manufacture the windows to exact specifications and then he
personally installed each one, fitting them into our not-so-true
redwood frames. He also reconfigured them to swing outward rather
than inward. They are now leak-free and lovely. A couple of
notes: Robert is not an advocate of double panes, which we
originally wanted, but his seals are so precise we feel ok
without them; the installation process was fairly slow, as Robert
was working solo (he sometimes has an assistant, but wasn't
available this time); however, Robert was a quiet and respectful
occupant of our living room and dining room--really not a problem
in any way. He cleaned his area each day, which was important for
our 2 young children. Oh, and his price was really fair--not the
lowest, but certainly not the highest, and I feel his value was
enormous. Robert takes great pride in his work and really cares
about pleasing his clients. We had a post-installation problem
that involved the painters, and Robert followed up assiduously to
make sure it was resolved. Robert can be reached at 510.528-7774.
Happy to answer more questions if you have them.
polly
A great company to use for your replacement windows is Sinan's
Windows. My friend at work recommended them and I am so glad I
called. Paul (I believe that is the owner's son) came to our
house and was very knowledgeable. He spent time with us and
answered all our questions. At first I was overwhelmed but in
the end I was surprised at how easy the process was. The
installers are very professional and skilled. I thought I
would be left with a big mess but they did a great job cleaning
up. I am very happy with the wndows and Sinan's is FANTASTIC!!!
I can't say enough. http://www.sinanswindows.com/ in
Oakland.
Dan
About 7 years ago we used Wooden Window, 510-893-1157, to
replace a bunch of original 1930s standard-size, single-pane,
double-hung windows with Marvin dual-pane, double hung windows
(wooden on the inside but permanently coated/colored/protected
on the outside). They also replaced an aluminum plate glass
window with a simple, beautiful custom, dual pane, three-panel
window. We were very happy with the company and the windows.
Those dual-pane windows haven't failed (lost their vaccuum)
yet, although one Marvin window (out of many) in our addition
has failed. I hear that technology has improved since then, and
you can get the same sound/temperature protection as double
pane by using something like a transparent mylar layer, instead
of vaccuum, between two sheets of glass.
peg
Replacing windows and sashes
Sept 2006
Any recommendations for window & sash replacement? We have an
old home (c.1924), and would like to use wood, if possible,
without spending a small fortune.
anon
Hello: I used Wooden Window warehouse in Emeryville.652-1662
Mario came out to the house to measure the windows and was
curteous. Their delivery time was reasonable and their price was
fair. I had the weatherstripping added and I like it. There was a
problem with one of the sashes, and they had no problem in making
me another. I did the installation, although I think they do the
service as well
Good luck
Tim
An inexpensive, do it yourself fix is to buy kits to re-frame the
windows. Essentially, they come out, as do the old-fashioned
sash weights, and the edges are trimmed slightly, then lined with
vinyl sliders, on the windows and correspondingly on the frames,
so they fit much tighter and they open in to wash. Not as good
as new double paned that are well-installed, but a quick fix for
windows that are leaking air around the sides, and WAY cheaper.
(Cheap or poorly installed double-paned windows are no help at all.)
We did this in Minnesota and it made a huge difference. (We had
storm windows for winter, however.) In this climate, I question
whether spending huge $$$ on double-paned windows makes economic
sense--the payoff would take years and years. Windows that are
leaking air on the sides etc are a different story--they are easy
to fix as indicated.
From the snowy north
We just replaced two of our single-paned windows with new Marvin
windows - all wood - and used Wooden Windows. Their office is
just up from downtown Oakland, and they were great. They
responded to emails and phone calls quickly when we were first
looking. They were curteous and timely when they came out to
measure and install and they were very communicative while we
were waiting for the windows to arrive. They were very well aware
that the windows wouldn't fit perfectly as ordered, the house not
exactly being square any more, and they came with all the
equipment to deal with that. They cleaned up great too.
The drawback? The price. We have a c.1908 cottage in Temescal
and our two new windows cost around $2,000. Mind you, the
windows are non-standard size and had to be special ordered and
are now double paned (which is really nice) but certainly not
cheap. The thing is, at least from my perspective, if you put
non-wood windows on an old house it just looks funny. So we
sucked it up and put down the cash.
Oh yeah, the other drawback, our window coverings don't fit any
more. They added some molding to ''finish'' the window on the
inside because the new windows are less deep than the old ones,
but now our shades which used to fit inside the window no longer
fit and we have to figure out what to do: curtains or new shades.
I can't say we were expecting that.
Absolutely I'd recommend working with Wooden Windows
Claire
May 2005
We want to repair/replace some of the windows in our home. I looked on BPN but most of the postings were several years old. We're looking for quality craftsmanship to either fix or recreate the original six paned windows. Thanks,
Sara
My wife and I recently had a wonderful experience with Sinan's Windows in Oakland. They are a family business that really care about what they do and it shows. They have a refreshing "no non-sense" style, and low pressure approach, while offering 1st class service from the beginning to end of our project.
We got bids from several other companies (V&W, lumber yards, Larsen), but found Sinan's to offer the best value by far. Their prices were competitive, but they had better service, knowledge, and were really nice people to work with. We also felt really comfortable with the installers in our home while we were at work!
We are really happy that we chose them and would use them again without hesitation. www.sinanswindows.com
David
June 2003
Hi,
I have been looking for a wooden window repair man to no avail.
any good experiences out there for such carpenter +
installation person ?
thanks.
dani
We recently had our double-hung windows repaired, and I
have two names to pass along: Robert Prestegaard, 528-
7774, and Glen Larsen, 232-9122.
Both men were nice and responsive and seemed very
knowledgeable. Prestegaard specializes in installing,
restoring and ''troubleshooting'' wood windows and came
highly recommended. We ended up using Larsen, however,
because he also was able to do other handy-person work we
needed done (electrical, grouting, fencing, etc).
Glen Larsen did a great job opening our old double-hung
windows that had been painted shut, fixing the mechanisms
and doing the necessary patching and repainting of the
frames. He and his co-worker, Juan, also did a fine job
with the rest of our long list of repairs. They were
friendly, accommodating, returned phone calls promptly,
cleaned up thoroughly and generally communicated very well
with us. We recommend Larsen highly.
Larsen's rate is $43 per hour (plus materials); I forget
Prestegaard's rate, but I think it was $60-something per
hour.
Please email if you want more information.
Robin
Although Wooden WIndows is not cheap, we would never go to
anyone else: Windows are custom designed, built, and
installed and their sales and construction folks are top-
notch professionals. We had a small latch problem on one
of their windows one year later and they came out
immediately to repair it. They also caulked (glazed?)
three windows gratis. The windows are beautiful. good luck-
CJP
November 2002
I have seen some dated messages regarding window contractors but
would like to ask for recent experiences with the following
contractors. I am currently accepting bids and would appreciate
comments on:
Frameworks
John Staton Windows
V & W Windows.
Please comment on quality and type of windows installed, quality
of work performed, value / cost, timeliness of installation, and
anything else I should know!
Thanks,
kathryn
Frameworks made some windows for our house. First they
came out to take measurements, and one of the employees
installed the windows. As I recall the installation was
technically considered separate from Frameworks, but they
arranged everything. The price seemed reasonable and the
windows look good, but one of them leaked significantly.
The Frameworks rep who came to examine the leaking window
declared that it was the roof, not the window that was
leaking. Turned out that it was the window, as I learned
from the contractor we hired to fix the problem. I don't
know if I would use them again, but the windows do look
good.
to the poster seeking recommendations for frameworks - i
can not speak more highly about their work. i dealt
directly with ralph, the owner - who was cordial, on
budget, and produced magnificant windows and doors for my
home. I have a 1920s berkely bungalo, in which someone had
put alumunium windows. frameworks built replacement windows
for all but the two original windows - matched the design,
etc. They also built a french door, and a beautiful
craftsman door. Ralph suggested a stained glass designer
for the lites in the front door windows and also two small
windows on each side of the fireplace - beautiful work. And
highly recommended.
margo
May 2002
Some time back, I posted about my experiences searching for
replacement windows for my home. I hadn't yet chosen anyone to
do the work, but had narrowed the field to two or three strong
contenders.
Someone on the list recommended Tony Diamantine to me, giving
him such a glowing reference that I decided to call him. Indeed,
he was extremely pleasant--and came in with what seemed an
unusually low bid for replacing ten good-sized, custom windows.
I actually wondered how he could possibly make much of a profit
with such a low bid!
He just finished the work a few days ago, and I am thrilled with
the work Tony did. The windows look dynamite. During the
project, he and his helper left no sign that a big job was going
on, leaving everything immaculate at the end of each day. He
noticed a tiny fingerprint on the glass between the double-
glazing on one of the windows (I *never* would have noticed it)
and insisted that he come back with a clean replacement pane. He
also disposed of the old windows and screens for me. I could not
be more pleased!
Tony Diamantine's phone number is 510-410-3039. His fax number is
707-792-9697. If you ever need to replace your windows, he's the
man to call!
cas
March 2002
I would like a recommendation for someone that can replace the windows
of my old home. I don't need the window sash and sill replaced. I simply
want to replace the sash. So these would need to be custom made to fit my
windowsills. I am currently getting a bid from Wooden Windows but
would like to get at least a couple of more estimates.
Diana
You should at least call Frameworks, in Oakland, on, I
think, San Pablo. They do a good job, and specialize in
windows and doors, including custom stuff for older
houses. In my limited experience, Wooden Windows is
not the most cost-effective way to go, although the
quality is very high. You might also drop in to Truitt
and White and see what's available through them.
They're very helpful. Ashby Lumber is another option.
Wendy
I would like to recommend Aladdin's Sash and Glass, Windows and Doors (510) 264-9353.
They are located in Hayward but do work in Oakland/Berkeley area. Not long after we
moved in to our 1927 built home, the guys at Aladdin came over to look at my windows and
doors. Instead of recommending replacement of many of the windows, they told me some of
them shouldn't be replaced. A few of the windows are mahogany with hand blown antique
glass. Others needed some elbow grease to get back into good shape. They took the time to
explain to me how I could either hire someone to restore them or how I could do it myself.
Aladdin both orders and installs custom replacement windows -the sash - and can fabricate
very specialized replacements in their shop in Hayward. I was truly impressed that they
didn't
try to take advantage of the naivety of a young first time homeowner. I will be using Aladdin
again.
Kara
October 2001
We're looking for a good person (or company) to redo/replace a number
of double hung windows in our house. Any suggestions? Thanks!
We recommend Wooden Window [510-893-1157]. They repaired
six double-hung wooden windows at our home about six years ago.
They also put in two new casement windows. Although not cheap,
they are very skilled, reliable, conscientious and neat. They do not
replace frames. They only work with wooden windows. Suzanne
2001
We used Wooden Windows (893-1157): Extremely reliable, elegant
windows, expensive. Doug & Jean
We went through a similar search to find replacement wooden windows.
I ended up gonig to Ashby Lumber to see what they carried. They
provided a reference to a guy named Jim Cooper, at 510/531-2263. We
are having Cooper replace 17 windows in our house -- the windows are
supposed to arrive any week now, so I can't vouch yet for the quality
of his work. However, thus far he has been very agreeable to work
with. Cooper only installs Marvin tilt-paks, which are wooden, double
hung, double pane windows. His price seems decent. For a couple of
more complicated openings that require carpentry, we are having East
Bay Construction do the work. They did a fair amount of internal
carpentry on our house before we moved in, as well as foundation work,
and we are quite pleased with their work. Again, not cheap, but not
as expensive as we'd thought. Jody
We recently used Frameworks in Oakland to build custom wooden windows. They did a
nice job and the windows fit perfectly into the design of the 1920's building. I don't
know if they build double pane/insulating windows.
Pamela
Frameworks in Oakland made and installed some replacement wooden windows for my
house a couple of years ago, and they are okay. Frameworks will send someone out to
your house to take measurements if you want them to.
Donna
If you want to build windows that looks like the old ones, I can
recommend Wooden Windows in Oakland. They replaced 5 windows in my old
house this year, building them from scratch to look like the originals.
They look great. We also had some new "friction hinges" put on all the
windows in our sunroom, which meant they took all 8 windows out, cleaned
them up, replaced broken hardware, and re-installed them with new hinges
so that they now open and close properly. Also they repaired two old
wooden french doors that had dry-rot near the bottom; they saved the
upper 80% of these doors, and cleverly made new bottom sections for
them. The Wooden Windows people were very professional and very skilled.
The only caution I have - Wooden Windows is not cheap, and they could
not give me a breakdown ahead of time as to what each of the different
jobs would cost. They gave me one figure for all the work. As the work
went on, I changed my mind about a couple of things, and was happy to
pay the difference. However, new problems came up that I was charged
extra for (replacing one pane of a leaded glass window turned out to
require the entire window to be re-built). Worse, one job we'd
discussed that I thought was included in the total, actually did not end
up in the written agreement, so they would not do it without an
additional charge. These two things were not exactly a case of
dishonesty, but given how expensive the work was, and given that there
was no breakdown of individual items, I was left feeling slightly
dissatisfied in
the end. So if you go with Wooden Windows on a big job, see if you can get a
breakdown of expenses, and carefully review the written agreement.
Ginger
We are at the tail end of a major remodel/seismic retrofit project on our
house. Our contractor used ASAP Custom Windows at 5515 Doyle St. ,
Emeryville. at 601-6901 to make custom windows for our project. They are
beautiful and match the style of the other windows in the house. And these
windows are now the feature of the house, since they are seen from the
street and span the living room. The cost for custom windows was,
surprisingly, less than the cost for Marvin Windows at V&W in Berkeley. And
I am not passing judgment on either Marvin or V&W, but manufactured windows
would have been a big mistake for our house. I recommend you get a
detailed bid from more than one supplier/contractor.
Lissa
I have replaced 20 wooden windows in my house. I got several estimates.
Wooden Windows was the costliest (3 times the price of what I ended up
paying). They seem to be the most "craftsmanlike", but who knows. I ended
up ordering my expensive Marvin windows through Ashby Lumber. They have a
list of trades people who do almost exclusively window installation. These
people will measure your windows for the order. (Do not do that yourself --
you want them to be responsible for the correct fit!) They charge about $100
per opening. I was happy with the results, though I had to ask them to
modify a few things. I later did 5 windows myself with my regular
"handyman". You don't have to be a rocket scientist, but I wouldn't do it
again. Ruth
We just has Manor Windows in San Leandro fit us with new windows, and they
are great. Very reasonable. The best ones, it seems, are the vinyl. We have
also those decorative squares put in, which make the house look cute.
Good luck GBGear
We just relpaced 7 of our windows. They were crank windows and large single
paned glass windows. The company we used is Save Energy Company
800/728-3878, or go to savenergyco.com. We replaced our windows with
milgard windows, expensive but worth it. The man to talk to is John Gorman,
he's the owner and has been in business for 15 years. I highly recommend
them! Stacey
Linnea
I've been working on getting just two large windows redone in my
home. It
*is* expensive, but probably well worth it in terms of comfort and
energy
savings (and perhaps value added in design quality) if you plan to
stay in
the house. Also adds to re-sale value down the road. I've decided
not to
use companies that specialize in window replacements and instead use
a
reliable and experienced contractor. Visiting a good window store
is very
helpful. I've been impressed by V&W Windows in Berkeley and I think
I will
order my windows through them. They know their stuff and can give
you
immediate quotes that are accurate.
I just recently purchased a bungalo in Berkeley, and replaced virtually all
of the windows in the house......... Companies like Marvin, etc. did not
work for me because of the vareity of different sizes, and the fact that I
wanted to duplicate the style of the few windows I did keep (the classic
"small lite pattern" running along the top).
I make a very strong recommendation for Frameworks, located at 4530 Martin
Luther King Jr Way, telephone (510) 653-7075. The owner's name is Ralph. He
has been in the business for 20 years....... What impressed me about him
was his knowledge of the subject matter, and the beautiful professional
quality of the windows. The price was quite good also. He also makes
beautiful "craftsman style" front doors.
Margo
August 2001
Window repair: We used a guy named Michael Ashley in Oakland. Nice
guy,
good job.
-Leslie
this page was last updated: Feb 13, 2013
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