1 Comment April 20th, 2009

What do I need to know to replace a single pane window with a double pane and other home improvement questions?

maxtonamvl asked:


I bought a condo in San Diego 3 years ago, I’ve done minor things to increase the value fans and the like (not too much thought because I bought the place fully upgraded). Minus the window and slider…

The window is around 20 years old, single pane, with metal frame, its about 2′ x 3′.

1) what do I need to take with me in order to get an accurate cost estimate from home depot or lowes? I want upper middle of the line, not the best not the crap, but maybe a little nicer than the middle.

2) There is Berber carpet in the living room and bedroom, I want to replace the living room with hard wood because there is no AC and I think it would keep it cooler (I live 2 minutes from La Jolla Shores so if you know area you know you only need air 3 weeks a year) But is this a good idea?

I live in a really nice area and want to keep my place competitive for the future sale, probably 2 years away; is there anything else I should be looking into for added value? I want to do the window now, then the slider in the spring…but I’m basically flexible, its already got granite, stainless steel appliances, and tavertine,

With installation, I’m a female college math professor/single mom…If that gives you any sense…nevertheless I’ll pay someone to do it

This entry was posted on Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 12:03 am and is filed under Home Improvement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

One Response to “What do I need to know to replace a single pane window with a double pane and other home improvement questions?”

  1. OrakTheBold Says:
    April 22nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    Unless you are exceptionally handy (intermediate carpenter) I would suggest you contact a company that does windows for a living. They will measure them and install them properly without leaks, and are bonded/insured. The quality will be superior to HD, (don’t know about Lowe’s). Sears will way over quote you a price. When you refuse, they will call back a week later and offer a price about 2/3 the original estimate. You can counter with 1/2 the original. If they balk, don’t cave in; go with another company. There are thousands out there.

    If you are competent to do it yourself, you will need to take accurate measurements, and calculate the true squareness of the existing window frame.
    Is there a stone or wood sill? Do you want to keep or remove the sill?
    Do you need to get zoning/condo permission to replace the windows?