sch

That is a tedious job - So cost is reflective of the manual labor of this time consuming task

I had my windows restored 6/1 80yrs old -
they removed windows, re-weighted where necessary (guy drives around with cast iron window weights :) - Glazed where needed (minor in our case), all new parting strips - I would question this, as typically this is what causes double hungs to get caught up - simple to do with windows out. All new roping

No painting - this was $200/window 5.5 yrs ago

I don't know about the "zinc weatherstripping"
This may help about weatherstripping old windows
TOH weatherstripping
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1120083,00.html

Here is a link that might be useful: TOH

Unless the glass has been out and in within the last 10 years, it really needs to come out now and be re-bedded. You're not really getting any value otherwise, and most of the labor is wasted. It will increase the price. But without that step it's a half measure.
They can't really get the windows operating smoothly unless all the contact points have all paint removed, this includes the inside of the sash and the window stops.
The item should read stops will be reused unless degraded or broken during removal. parting bead to be replaced as required with (heart pine, heart cypress, white oak, mahogany; a weather-resistant wood).
For the amount of work the price seems really good; it's not cheap to install interlocking weatherstrips.
Casey

Here is a link that might be useful: Interlocking zinc w-stripping

I just finished having mine done: between $300-$350 each for everything you mention except I did all the painting. Terrible job--but so nice to be done with it! Many of the windows were painted shut, especially the upper sashes, and many had broken or missing ropes and weights. Many needed new glass. I did 3-4 per year until all 15 were done.

I think that is a good price. Last year we had our windows mechanical restored only - for about $225 per window. They took out the window and then we reglazed our 30 6 over 6 windows. It's a long tedious task. It did save us a lot of money, though. We did the same on the second floor - 30+ Windows ten years ago.

Killian hardware is another source for the zinc weatherstripping. Our house had the original zinc interlocking weatherstripping on all but one window (the ugly step child?). We ordered it for this window and I was impressed with the heft of the new stuff...comparable to the old. In the link below, they've lumped the zinc weatherstripping in with the spring bronze; just scroll to the bottom for zinc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Killian hardware zinc weatherstripping

Killian is a retailer/reseller, Accurate (and Zero international) are manufacturers, and have their full lines. The options are just staggering. I never knew they made special press-fit metal strips to seal metal casement windows, for example.
Casey

Here is a link that might be useful: Zero

Thanks for the comments. I have spoken to a couple of other individuals where I work and they advised that the labor and time need for a good restoration/upkeep makes the $350 figure fair. I liked the contractor and thought he was thorough. I have to see if the budget can handle it.

For what it's worth, I've restored about 8 old double-hung windows in my (now my ex's) old 1860s farmhouse. They were all identical, about 62 x 32 I think...all 2 over 2.

I took them out, removed glass and old glazing, completely stripped the paint of the sashes as well as the interior of the frames, repaired with wood epoxy where needed, then reglaze, prime and paint, install new sash cords, etc, reinstall sash locks, etc. I went with spring bronze weatherstripping, had never heard of the zinc I guess.

I would estimate I spent about 40 hrs per window. Now I am a weekend DIYer so am no where near as fast as a pro, but I am happy with how they came out and 8 years later they still look great.

For what you are getting, I think that estimate is pretty reasonable. And I APPLAUD YOU for getting them restored, not replaced....it drives me nuts when people take the easy way out because of the sales pitch from all the window manufacturers about cutting your utility bills in half...that is such bullsh*t.

Thanks to this thread (and reading several others), I'm going to push my boyfriend to reconsider restoring our approximately 60" x 32" original 2 over 2 double hungs. We only have 10 of them, thankfully.

I restored my 1858 windows (74"x37", 6-over-6's), much like Mkroopy, over a period of years & I can honestly say that there is no way I would do it for anyone else for $360/per window - or any price near that! That sounds like a bargain if the work is decent.

schroads, who are you considering for your window work?

John

Mkroopy - Thanks for the kind words. The wife and I thought it was a no brainer. The house is 85 years old with chestnut and pine windows. There is little to no rot and all the wavy glass is still in place. The size and weight of the windows demonstrates that they are not going any where any time soon. They should be good for another 15-20 after reglazed and repainted with storms. Finally, they look so much better than anything else made today.

johnleeke - We are looking at WMG Restoration, JRB Historic Restoration, and local painter who does historic painting and window work (Welsh Painting).

Thanks again for all the comments and it looks like we are going to do it in phases--over the course of 3-4 years.

John, I noticed you are in Portland ME. Any recommendations for a wood window restorer in the Concord NH area? I have a 1780 colonial with windows that need help! TIA

schroads: I think your estimate sounds like it is in the ballpark.

rafor, have you contacted Dave Bowers of Olde Window Restorers in Weare? He did 25 windows in our Contoocook house over a period of a couple of years. We're very pleased.

Here is a link that might be useful: Olde Window Restorers

Where were you all 20+ years ago when I was doing this job myself?! :) By the trial-and-error process I got through all 16 but I don't know if there even was a price high enough that I would have accepted to do it for someone else-- it was tough. Unfortunately I am now almost 53 years old and ready to start it again in a few weeks. Not looking forward to the process at all, but we will probably be selling in the next 5 years or so and the windows should look good.

I just hope that we can find a nice, young, energetic couple to sell the house to...

I can assure you that getting them restored is the best route

Hi schroads, did your windows turn out well. Were you happy with the person who restored