Build windows in or out?

Question

I just bought a 124 year old house in manitoba and it is in desperate need of windows. I don't want to order them in and would rather get them at clearence prices. Problem is the clearence windows are not the rights sizes. Is it easier to build them in or out? and why? I will be doing the work myself with help from family and friends so there won't be any window professional there. Any other advice, tips?

No, it has to be cheap. Thats the reason I'm going with the either build them in smaller or out option.

Answer 1

Hello, I just happened to come upon your question tonight for some reason...

I have an extensive background in window sales, service, and installation. The windows you are getting on clearance- are they vinyl, aluminum, or wood (improbable)? Are they 'block' frame or flush fin? Depending on the materials and style, some are easier than others.

Opening up a rough opening further than current rough is not that good of an idea. For example- in California, you are required to obtain a demolition license or a demolition permit prior to extending a rough opening. Send me an email with your answers to the above questions and I will walk you through the process.

Take care,


James

Answer 2

If this is just going to be a place to live & you don't care too much how it looks, Just get the windows that come closes to fitting in side the frame.

Then you box in the area, set the window in & finish off the area around. This don't always look real good.

If the house has nice sized rooms & nice woodwork & is in good repair I would make every effort to make what I do look good. A home is a big investment & improvements that make it better tend to increase the value.

For the short term you can cover windows with plastic, And just replace the windows you can afford to.

Check the house from top to bottom for all of the things that need to be done to make this in to the home you want.

Answer 3

I have special ordered vinyl replacement windows at Home Depot, for about the same price as the stock ones. With replacement windows you can leave the trim and jambs in place and just remove the sashes. You may want to remove the trim to insulate the spaces between the jambs and the rough framing, if the old windows used weights. If the old windows don't use weights you can drill holes into the jambs and inject some minimal expansion foam insulation to fill the space. Vinyl windows are fairly inexpensive, but you can still get simulated muntins to give you the style or look you want.

Answer 4

It is much easier to rough cut the wall to accommodate a larger window than to try and build up the rough opening to accommodate a smaller window. In addition, it just won't look right. The inside of the room is easy enough to fix with drywall, but the outside would need to be resided in that whole area. That isn't cheap either.

If you can't purchase matching windows for the house, you should really wait until you can afford it. You don't need the best windows in the world, but you'll have a hard time selling it later and will wind up losing out in the end.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Its not very easy or quick to decrease the window size. I understand you want to save money by using clearance windows and thats great but the money you'll be spending for other material to change opening size will not equal out. Since your diy you won't have a labor charge. If you have to enlarge it would be simpler because your cutting away siding, plaster, and putting trim back up. With decreasing, you'll have to somehow extend the siding and plaster to the point that trim will cover it. As far as framing, you'll have a different size header, sill, cripplers (short studs under sill), and jack/king studs (sides). By buying windows that fit the opening, you just install them, you don't have to change stuff. I hope your new windows will fit the era of the house. Some people ruin the old look by installing things that just dont go with the style of house.

Answer 7

Its easier to build in, but then you lose valuable light when you do. I prefer getting windows custom made to slip in the space available, and eliminate the flashing around. All I have to do most of the time is sprayfoam insulate and caulk it. If you have to build out, make your rough opening an inch wider and an inch taller for wiggle room then use shims to plumb it. You can install the windows yourself then get an aluminum guy in to flash around the windows...oh and good for you to try this on your own, Goodluck!

Answer 8

Buy the correct size replacement windows, it will be the best way. Don't mess around trying to fit other size windows.

I have been doing this kind of work most of my life, I learned the hard way when, I was much more naive ,to just order new correct size windows.

Don't learn your lesson the hard way, listen to my advice.

Answer 9

Well
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Cheers ;)

Answer 10

Get them slightly smaller and fill in the gaps. You may cause structural damage making them bigger.