Installing new windows can it be done by me?

i have 5 windows on the front of my house that are old wood windows and they let in a lot of cold air so i really need to replace them. is this something i can do if i found the andersen dual hung windows i want from home depot? i am replacing the whole window its self, also is it hard to remove the existing windows i have a brick house?

 

If you plan to replace the entire window in a brick veneer wall it's a pretty extensive undertaking for a DIY project:

http://www.coastalcontractor.net/cgi...icle.pl?id=149

and easiest if you have windows custom made for the openings (unless a stock size is very close to what you require.)

In this case the installer is custom bending copper sill pans, it's much easier for a DIYer to use adjustable plastic pans:

http://www.jamsill.com/pilot.asp

Here are some other options to replacing the entire window:

http://images.hgtvpro.com/pac/fine_h...feature_02.pdf

 

I would go the route of replacement windows. Your frame stays in place and the old windows come out, new ones go in, replace stop molding, caulk and watch the game.

 

Retrofit, like Larry mentioned, leaving the frames in place.

The windows will have to be properly measured and custom built to the exact size needed. You won't find those sizes on the shelf at a big box store, but they, or any glass shop can get them very easily.

Start by talking to the folks at a glass shop. there are lots of details involved, as well as lots of options and hundreds of brands.

 

To further what Mike said, you may even want to have one of the glass companies come out and do the measuring for you to ensure a proper fit. You can do the installation with proper fit, but if you mis measure, you nor anyone else could do it.

 

A handy DIYer with a hammer/drill/screwdriver can remove/replace old windows easily. Today's replacement windows come with easy to follow instructions - and all the parts you need (except caulking/foam) to do the job. Once you figure out and finish the first one - the others will take about an hour or so each...... As mentioned above - go to a big box store and get a free instruction sheet from one of their suppliers - study it and determine if it is in the realm of your capabilities.... Measure twice/cut once before ordering windows... no refunds if you measure incorrectly....

I replaced 9 windows last summer at a cost of around $250 each.... vinyl/double hung/double pane/e-glass/Pella.......

 

If you opt to go the retrofit route, make SURE that you understand what goes and what stays, then measure carefully. As had been said, a mismeasurement on your part will leave you with an unusable and unreturnable window.

Know EXACTLY the inside dimensions of the remaining frame, deduct 1/2" from the width and 1/4" from the height. THAT is the frame size your new windows have to have.