Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_422656019

Mismatched windows for resale

6 years ago

Currently undergoing complete stucco exterior removal for extensive water damage from incorrect window/stucco/flashing installation. Original window manufacturer, Semco, out of business. Ordered near complete whole house replacement windows from Marvin. We are litigating against builder for repair and window replacement expenses. Defense attys argue that there is no need to replace ALL windows, since not all are damaged.


We fear if windows don't match when time to sell, potential buyers will see it as a red flag. House built in 2012, 8000 sq ft, $1.3 million dollar appraisal at the beginning of 2020. Would appreciate an experienced realtor's opinion.


Thank you.

Comments (13)

  • 6 years ago

    How close are they? Pictures? Are they all the same operator style? Same rooms or split up? Same elevations?

  • 6 years ago

    The difference between Marvin and Semco is like a Mercedes vs a Yugo. I would change them all without hesitation.

  • 6 years ago

    We felt we could not come close to a reasonable match in appearance with a quality window, patch replacing some windows here and there, some in the same room. I am looking for opinions, in the matter of resale, justifying the whole house window replacement.

  • 6 years ago

    During informal discussion with a local realtor, she conveyed that it would potentially be a big problem at the time of resale, if the windows did not match. Especially in light of the fact that we will have to disclose the fact that extensive house repairs were done.

  • 6 years ago

    I agree with oberon476, definitely change them all I was just asking a few questions to help you come up with an argument for changing them all for the court. And Semco may not even be a Yugo honestly, more like a broken rickshaw.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    i Can’t remember Oberon ever being wrong.

  • 6 years ago

    LOL!!! Trust me that I can!

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you for the replies.


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You are welcome, and I would suggest that you keep millworkman's questions in mind going forward.

    There is a world of difference between what you have now and what you will be putting in. There is no way that I can see that you will come close to a reasonable match in appearance with (or more importantly the quality of) a quality window by picking and patching and trying to match the original windows to the replacements.

    I would definitely take the informal thoughts of the real estate agent to heart concerning resale. It's relatively easy (NOT trying to suggest painless) to replace them all now as part of the larger project versus finding out in the future that you have a serious problem with potential buyers when trying to sell.

    Hopefully your attorney will be able to convey that to the court.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    “Why match, as all were not damaged”. Tell your attorney to ask defense attorney if he would agree to mismatched windows in his house.


    Honestly…covid induced, I could slap some people silly.


  • 6 years ago

    Ask for your lawyer's opinion.

  • 6 years ago

    Best advice is to talk to your attorney. I don't think that it is unreasonable to change out all the windows. If you have damage to the interior, you will have to paint all four interior walls in a room in order for the paint to match up. In a hurricane, if windows are damaged and not replaceable, the entire elevation of windows would have to be changed out. Under these circumstances, it's not unreasonable to expect that all windows on an elevation match up, too. However, they do not have to pay for a better grade of product. You may find yourself paying for the upgrade in materials.

    The attorney for the other side will try to get away with the smallest possible expense. That is his job. You need to talk with your attorney to determine what is reasonable and the best course of action.

  • 6 years ago

    OK, thank you