Replacing a garden window, cost, options?

18 years ago

Hi,

I'm doing a major kitchen remodel, and it's time for this old aluminum single pane garden window behind the sink to be replaced.

Here's what I'm looking for:

Size: about 36" tall, 60" wide

Construction: Vinyl, dual pane with low E glass

Options: I think I would prefer a casement or awning style opening, but the problem may be getting to the crank (remember there is a 24" countertop between me and the window). The existing window has the two side windows double hung.

The installation will take a bit of skill, as I have a stucco exterior and a new shelf may have to be built, plus I will take 8 inches out of one side to accomodate a corner wall cabinet.

Does anyone have any experience with what I should expect to pay just for the window?

I was initially quoted at $2400 by one company, then (later) they wanted to add another $975 to the labor when the installer took a look at the exterior shelf (apparently the new windows extend out only 14" but the existing one sticks out 16", so the entire shelf must be demo'd). Are all garden windows a fixed depth, is 14" the new standard, or are these guys just trying to fit what they've got? (My house was built in '82).

The interior finishing isn't included, as I'm doing an extensive remodel and my kitchen remodelers will be in a better position to do that.

If any else has experience in this area I would love to hear about it. Seems like ~$3400 is a bit steep, is it?

Thanks

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Comments (5)

theporchguy
18 years ago
Garden windows are made by many different manurfacturers and are custom made to fit your requirements, including the projection.

A professional window measurer can get the exact GW to fit into your opening, I'm sure.

Today they come with casement windows on the left and right sides with the crank handle located as close to the inside as possible and are the most practical choice.

Although my first love is porches, I've installed windows in the Northeast for 30 years to pay the bills. I am now retired one year.

I'm not sure what you mean by a shelf, but the new GW's come with a new 1 1/8" bottom as part of the window.

Additionally, I understand you to say that you will be reducing the opening by 8" in width to accomadate new wall cabinets. Is that correct?

If it is, then you would be reducing the width by 8" and will have to fill in the inside (EZ), stud, insulation and sheathing and then apply the stucco to the outside.

If I am understanding you correctly and that is what you have to do then you could expect to pay approximately 500.00 for just that part of the alteration.

If you can get it all done for 3,000, I'd take it.

All the Best,
The Porch Guy
plm999
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks Porch Guy.

The shelf I was referring to is the support (which is part of the house) that the base of the GW rests on, (I guess it probably weighs close to 200 lbs).

The window they proposed is made by Milgard. The window doesn't have casements, (I would like casements, for sure!),the side windows are double hung (and look pretty smallat that).

I just found the window on-line for less than $900, so they would be hitting me up for $2300 for installation and incedental materials? I can understand everyone needs to make a profit, but sheesh!
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cba11
18 years ago
plm999...I have to agree w/ porchguy. 2400-3000 for what you propose is reasonable. As for interior finish, I always "finish" my own work for several reasons. Remeber that after the initial $900 dollars and reputable company has to pay for a crew (1 man won't get that in) tax, insurance, delivery, permit, office work, phone calls etc. There is alot more than just buying and sticking it in. Why don't you purchase the unit and have your remodel crew install it?
plm999
Original Author
18 years ago
Yes, having the kitchen crew install the window is a possibility. On the other hand, there's something to be said for just letting the window pros do their job. I have pretty good confidence in their workmanship, as they did the whole rest of the house a few years ago (they weren't cheap then either!). Then there is the whole warrany thing that the window company is in a position to make.

Another twist is that the countertop, (some kind of solid slab, probably granite), extends in to cover the window seat, so it may require some tweaking of the window height after the base cabs are in, (so possibly two trip for the installers). I guess all in all it may be better to spend the $3200 and (hopefully) get it right the first time rather than worry about trying to save $500 and regret it later.

Thanks.
theporchguy
18 years ago
plm999
From all information I've gathered so far from you, Your GW installation is not EZ or regular, considering the granite.
Pay a little more and get it ordered the right size and installed by a company that backs up their workmanship.

All the Best,
The Porch Guy