We were told we would need "new construction windows"....?

Question

Okay, so we bought a house a couple of months ago and would like to replace the windows before the winter season hits us. We had someone from Lowe's come out and he told us he would not do the windows through Lowe's, that we would need to hire a contractor and get "new construction windows". What is the difference between regular replacements windows and new construction windows?

This house was built in 1986 and it still has the original windows. Is there a big price difference between regular replacement windows and new construction windows? How do we go about getting this accomplished? Is this something you recommend or should we call another company in the area and get a second opinion?

Thank you for any help!

Our house was built in 1986. The front is brick and the sides and back are siding. The windows and wood around would need to be replaced. I never asked about any certain type of window, just that we would like to replace them and he said Lowe's would not do them. He said I would need new construction windows and to call a contractor for that.

Answer 1

Don't take the word of one clerk. Shop around. Try another Lowes or Home Depot or a regular window store. They usually give you better deals because they are not sub-contracted like Lowes and HD.

Answer 2

I think what you want is retro fit vinyl windows. These fit over the existing windows w/very little additional work and or cost.

This style can be done by a contractor, the local window shop or local rep from the manf.

New const windows will require you or the contractor to pull the old windows and this may include drywall, sills, exterior siding and trim. the cost is going to be a lot higher then retro fit vinyl.

You will want to get 2-3 bids, but DO NOT start by looking at the price. Look for the type of windows, warranty and so on. Low E windows are the most energy efficient, but you may only need them on the sunny side(s) of the home. DBL or triple pained windows? more Paine's more cost, but less sound and or heat and cold loss. So do some research and you will have a good idea of what you want. That way when you do get quotes you will know what to ask for.

Answer 3

I've never heard of "new construction" windows. your windows depend on the type of construction of your house, is it a block or brick home or wood framing? Does trim need to be removed or replaced? do you live in an area where wind speed/load needs to be addressed? I shop lowes and home depot a lot, But I would not recommend services from them. you should call a few qualified window companies in your area. get a few estimates and they will tell you what you need. shop around. learn from what these window contractors will tell you. It sounds to me like you have a wood framed housewith siding? and the trim (on the outside) will need to be removed to replace the windows. on this type of window it has a flange that is nailed or screwed to the wood framing. on a block home the window doesn't have a flange it fits inside the opening and is secured through the window frame not a flange. also check with local building codes to see what is required

Answer 4

I was just called today matter a fact about windows. Of Course call around Call Home Depot, Look in the phone book. check out at least four or five. Good Luck

Answer 5

I can't think of a reason why replacement windows wouldn't suffice. I would call around to a few companies in the phone book and make sure this guy isn't trying to swindle you out of a few more bucks.

Answer 6

the one thing you didn't say is what did you specify when the contractor came out?? Are you requiring something special IE. wood only, or triple glazing, or special coatings, or rare gas fillings Did you ask him why? did he answer? Was the house built funky??