I have been searching the net to replace our old windows but everything is about replacement windows. Our frames and sills are total junk so best thing for us is new construction windows. Can anyone recommend who makes a decent new costruction window? Our local hardware store carries a line called Alliance....I have not asked the price of these windows yet, though most of our windows are standard size we have 4 windows that are not, they aew about 31X34 so we may have to have these custom made? also anyway to get prices online? Most site I go to want my contact info....I just want to get prices at the moment.

 

Welcome to the forums! I quite often custom order windows to fit a certain retrofit, or new odd size openings. I have used Jeld Wen, who has a local office where we operate. You could also check with Pella, Andersen, Marvin, all who make very fine windows. You will find a disparity in pricing, however, so make that a criterion in your choices. Look at the features as well as the price. Naturally the big box stores can order custom windows for you, usually in the Marvin line, or others. Consider, too, that installing new construction windows will require removal and replacing the exterior siding if they come with nailing fins.

 

What Chandler said. But I would avoid cheap windows made by small companies, some are good but there is little quarantee they will be around if parts are needed down the road. For vinyl new construction windows, I prefer Certainteed, but there are other quality windows available, none at big box(IMHO). For wood windows I like Andersen, but they only make stock sizes, although the size range is large. It may be worth resizing the opening slightly rather than have custom sizes made. Major rework makes little economic sense. Marvin will custom make windows to size, but at a stiff price.

These are companies with known track records that have been around for 100+ years.

 

Price is a huge consideration we have limited funds and a huge ammount of work to do around here, it's a 100 year old house that has seen alot of neglet. I don't think they had maybe invented the square or level back when it was built nothing is real square or srtaight then add in 100 years of settling and it is tuff to get things done. We had 2 window companies come out hee to look to give "free estimate" 1st one never got back to us and the second one siad after we do the reframe work they will come out and put the windows in....my stand is if I am going to do all the prep and framing work then I'll put the windows in myself with a little help from a friend with experiance. I'll look into the brands you guys have recommended and see if their are any distributors around here, I am up in a rural area of Maine.

 

Just exactly what is the difference between "new construction" and "replacement windows" other than new construction windows are available in a limited number of standard sizes as defined by the manufacturer, and replacement windows are available in an almost infinate number of sizes limited only by the manufacters tooling.

You stated "Our frames and sills are total junk". does that mean that the opening that is created by studs, headers and sill plate are junk, or just the framing member that makes up the window frame that holds the sashes. If its the latter you can pull out the old and replace it.

I just removed a window yesterday. I went down to the opening (rough framing) without disturbing the exterior except caulking ( the inside drywall did not fair as well). We got luckey and found a "stock window" (stock almost always means new construction) that I was able to "frame in" to fit
Just don't count on being luckey.

Chandler was right, when he said that installing new construction windows will require removal and replacing the exterior siding if they come with nailing fins.

But, remember replacement windows are not just replacement sashes, they are a complete window with an exterior frame that can be mounted to any framing member.

Nailing fins are not available on all windows, and are a convienience for maounting new construction windows quickly and efficiently but not necessary.

As far as pricing, A good place to start is your local big box store, lumber yard or window manufacturer. By manufacturer, I mean the manufacturer not a window installer. The actual manufacturer will give you a list of
distributors or dealers.

Regardless of new or replacement, You need to be absolutely sure of your finished opening sizes. You want them to fit the first time. Window distrubutors and dealers rarely have sympathy for DIYers when a window is mismeasured. Their attitude is that a card laid is a card played.

Good luck.

 

New construction windows fit into an opening in the framing. There is nothing other than air in the opening. It does not have to be a new house, however. In existing construction, the old window, including the window frame and sashes are removed.
A replacement window fits into the existing window frame. It can be a complete window as is usually the case with vinyl replacement windows. Or replacement sashes, which usually consists of new insulated glass sashes and jamb liners that fit into the old window frame. Replacement windows can usually be sized to fit any window frame. Many 'new construction' wood windows only come in stock sizes(Marvin makes custom sizes), but most vinyl windows come in any size needed.

 

Windows, windows, windows. There are hundreds of different types, styles and options. That is why you cannot get a price on the web. There are questions only you can answer in order to get the price. Size, single hung, double hung, no hung, casement, picture, etc. Vinyl, wood, vinyl outside, wood inside, color of the window, grids, low "E", the list goes on. Another question, nailing fins or without fins.
One of the top brands not mentioned above is Crestline. I use alot of these. Mostly custom made. The real key is getting the correct size. There is a trick to measuring windows. I also never get nailing fins. That way I don't disturb the siding, especially if its metal. So now to get the price. Hope this helps. Good Luck You want a full window, and you will also have to put in a new outside sill.

 

The nailing fins can be scored and easily removed. Most installers install them around here without the fin, but seal them well. Seems to work well even here in the rainy Nortwest.

 

Our outer sills are rotted, the frames are badly warped and the wood is cracked, the exterior trim (wood around the windows) is cracked, warped and some rot. The interior trim is all mismached (no two windows are alike), some of it may have lead paint on it and it is just plain ugly.

 

Our windows have 4" wood trim around the windows. The siding butts up to the outer edge of the wood trim. I was thinking of windows that have J channel all the way around, after the window is installed put new trim that will slide into the J channel and butt up to the existing sideing. That should work....rhight?

 

I would suggest removing the trim and using the windows with nailing fins.