Casement windows restore/replace?

[EmmaT]

Hi all,
Our next project - dealing with our casement windows. This was prompted by spending the weekend unsealing one that had been painted shut and replacing the broken handle - found that there was precious little solid wood into which we could screw the new handle.

We're happy to spend the time and energy needed to rennovate them as far as our skills go - so stripping the paintwork, and attempting to strengthen the rotten bits, but are concerned that they'll then fall apart! We've also got a couple of cracked panes of glass that need replacing.

We'd be interested in finding out more about getting replacement windows - obviously wooden, appropriate to the period of the house, rather than evil UPVC. However, we've absolutely no idea how much this might cost, even a ball park figure per window, so we can see if we ever might be able to afford it or whether we need to get working on rennovating them ourselves!

I've found a number of companies that do replacement sash windows, but casements are usually a by-the-by kind of service - and no indication of cost. Any advice, figures, suggestions?

 

[thiambal]

We have paid about £700 for a replacement single glazed sash window. painted and installed - and there must be more work in making one of them than a casement window - just a question of finding someone.

But beware - unless you live in a listed property or a conservation area , if you have a completely new window, or are replacing more than 80% of the original, then you will find it hard to get away with not have double glazed - of course this does not mean it has to be plastic.

 

[EmmaT]

Great - thanks! That at least gives us a starting point. The painting part we can do, it's the construction and installation that's a problem. Thanks for the reminder on the regulations as well - we'd actually want them to be double-glazed as it should take the sting out of the heating bills as well as being a bit more environmentally friendly. I'm aware that you can get double glazed wooden windows, but guess that'll take the cost up even more.

 

[thiambal]

The increase in cost for dblg wooden windows should only really be in the cost of the sealed units - in the extra wood required is minimal.

Do remember that if you are not going to have a FENSA registered company to install them you will need to go down the building regs route so that will an additional cost

 

[Becka]

from memory I think I was quoted about £400-£500 quid for a double glazed casement window.. which i think included fitting.. didn't go for it in the end so I'm not 100% sure but if yours are of a fairly common style theres quite a few companies doing them.. try smaller glass/window companies and joiners.. I found out rather late after I'd gone a rather convoluted way to DIY that a specially made one from a joiner would not actually have been much more than an off the shelf one from jewsons :roll:

 

[Mark]

you could always replace the frame first and then the casement.

our local building regs people sounded fed up with the red tape when I asked about repairing / reinstating sash windows.

 

[biffvernon]

Do remember that if you are not going to have a FENSA registered company to install them you will need to go down the building regs route so that will an additional cost

The Building Regs fee is usually £50+VAT That's per application, not per window, so its the same £58.75 if you change a whole houseful of windows. That is not always more expensive than using a firm that has paid to join fensa and then passes on the costs.

 

[madeline]

Hi there
I am selling oak casement windows from France with outwards opening; I have recently quoted a single opening window 650x1475mm for 450 Eur (300 GBP). This includes the frame, the sash, the double glazed unit (4/12/4), the stainless steel hinges, and the locking ironmongery, 2 points lock (top and bottom)
This price doesn't include the transport.
hope this help
Fred

 

[biffvernon]

the double glazed unit (4/12/4),

That probably wouldn't pass muster for Building Regs Part -L over here now. You really need 4/16/4 argon fill low e-glass to get a U-value below 2

 

[EmmaT]

Thanks again guys - next step is to measure windows and work out if all or just a couple need replacement. Bit more in-depth investigation required!