The house we bought a few years ago meets our needs, but there's one thing that really bugs me about it - the doors and windows. The frames around both the windows and frames are metal - something you might find in a commercial application, not in a 50's brick ranch home. I've started replacing the doors, not a huge issue. However I'm kinda stuck on what to do with the windows. Here's a picture of an existing window/frame: http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c62/bclasen/Misc/window_01.jpg The metal frames are not plumb, level and have may layers of paint on them, I want them out! Actually removing the frames should not be a problem (sawzall), but I'm wonder about what I'll find & need to replace. As I mentioned, this is a brick house, I don't know if there are wood sills & headers or how or what the things are attached to. So I'm thinking I'll have to put in 1" headers & sills (I'll could plane down a 2x6), but any suggestions would be appreciated. Once the things are out I want to put in a craftsman finish to the interior. Another question deals with the existing windows which are vinyl. When the previous owner put these in, for the life of me I don't know why he didn't put in a new frame at the same time. I'd guess the windows are around 10 years old, I'm pretty sure they are not of good quality (he was cheap), but they are functional. So my window questions are: - Would you use the existing windows are replace them? If I redo the frame and cheap vinyls don't last more than 10-15 years, it would be the time to replace. - How do you think the they are attached? They are not screwed into the frame on the sides where I would expect it, I think they must have used glue or something. The caulk is old & yellowed. - If the vinyl windows are salvageable, would an oak craftsman interior look OK with vinyl? - If I replace the windows, knowing I'd prefer a oak craftsman look, are wood windows a good way to go? I imagine they are more expensive than vinyl or fiberglass. Thanks for any input! Bob

One of my pocket doors has a one inch gap at the bottom. Is there any way to fill in this gap without replacing the door? Thanks....