I have lived in houses with casement windows and they can be a pain, at times. You may just need to go ahead and replace the windows now. New windows are so much more energy efficient and you really do save a lot of money on heating and cooling your house!

I agree the windows now are a lot more energy efficient and it will need to be done at some time so why not at the beginning of the reno when size and placement can be changed if nessessary

I agree w/ Bev & Patricia, but have question. Do these windows crank open (casement) or slide up & down (single- or double-hung)? The latter really do stick after painting. My boss has rentals w/ single-hung & workers just broke glass in two windows trying to get them unstuck from previous paint jobs. If this is what you have, now is best time to replace. Depending on where you are, you may be eligible for credits on taxes or from local gas & electric companies. About 5 yrs. ago we replaced our aluminum-cased windows w/ more energy-efficient ones, & they not only save on gas bills, they're much quieter. The double panes save on heat loss & coatings save on heat gain in summer from sun. With options available, you can probably find windows both you & your husband like.

Some are crank and some are slide up and down. Thanks for your input. With already looking at about $100k in reno, I just was hoping not to have to do the windows too. Rats! Sounds like it might be the right thing to do though.

I will definitely check into the credits from the gas and electric companies in the area we are moving. Great idea.