1. Yes and no. 48x65 is the maximum size for most manufacturers in a double hung window. Many factories max out at 46" and a few will make them as large as 56".

2. I would recommend sash re-inforcements for those window sizes.

3. The installer should check the condition of the wood. If there are signs of rot, that wood should be replaced. The brickmold should all be wrapped with PVC coil and sealed with high quality caulk to prevent deteriation.

4.I'd be looking at triple pane glass that far north. If I had my choice I'd get a TP with Cardinal LoE2-272 glass with argon gas. With Double pane I'd go for a dual coat LoE with argon gas.

A quality installation is very important.

Thanks for the reply.

What exactly are sash reinforcements? Is the sash the top of the frame? And what are the benefits of double hung versus single hung? For the number times per year that we wash our windows, I don't mind doing it from outside. Are single hung windows more efficient, or is double hung pretty much standard now?

Is Cardinal LoE-272 an option that is common, or is it rare to a few manufacturers?

We are probably going to go with double pane, we are looking to move in the next 5 years. I highly doubt that we will be here 10 years from now. Other than an increased savings on heating costs, I don't feel that we will realize an increased selling price for the home with the difference, does anyone feel differently? We are in a nice neighborhood, 1800-2000 square foot homes, but not expensive.

Should I be concerned that the sales people that have come out haven't even looked at some of the windows? They just walked into the room and assumed that they were the same size as the ones they had measured previously. I don't want to get into a situation where they start find out the wood frame is bad and the cost starts to skyrocket.