Dear
Pat,
We plan to add on to our bungalow in the future,
but we need to get the house in better shape
first. Our concern for now is the windows: they
rattle in the wind and leak cold air all winter.
Most of the sash cords are missing, so we keep
them raised with sticks in the summer. You
mentioned in a past column that window
replacement doesn't get a high return when
selling, but we'd like to get your perspective
on our situation, especially since we plan to
stay here.
--Counting the Kids' Fingers
Dear Counting,
First things first! Close your windows. Go to
the hardware store, buy the little metal
thingies (called window controls or sash
controls) which, when slipped judiciously
between sash and frame, will prevent your
windows from cleaving the fingers of the
innocent. It's true, I have voiced misgivings in
the past about the often-unnecessary
installation of replacement windows, yet I don't
want to be known as the Madame Defarge of real
estate!
Now, on to the long-term
problem: your least-expensive option is to
reglaze and refinish the windows, install new
sash cords and weatherstrip. Along with
decent-quality storm windows, this
rehabilitation may well leave you nearly as
comfortable as new thermopanes could. Big bonus:
by preserving the original windows you are
actually enhancing your real estate value.
Today, buyers reward the restorer's efforts more
than ever before, as housing and furniture
tastes look back to sturdy Craftsman and Mission
styles.
It's hard to keep smiling when
I walk into a lovely old bungalow, rich with
natural wood, and see its simple coherence
marred by new white vinyl |
 |
 windows.
But new windows have their advantages; and if
you can afford them, the better grades of new
windows offer architectural integrity and beauty
as well as functionality. True divided lights
(very expensive) or simulated divided lights
(look similar, less expensive) can very nearly
duplicate the windows you are replacing-but in
all cases, you must use wood, not vinyl. Wood
can be stained and varnished inside, so it
conforms to the rest of your millwork as it
acquires the patina of age. Outside, you can
paint it to create an accent of color, and
change it over the years-just like we've always
been able to do-but without the job of reglazing
since there is no putty to deteriorate.
So, if you're willing to dig
deep, Counting, a quality new window can keep
you warm and your children whole-but if you're
willing to spend the time learning how to
recondition your present windows, you can
accomplish most of the same things, at a
fraction of the expense. I'm sure you'll do the
right thing. Good luck!
| Pat
Rosaves is a full-time real estate
professional living in the Seward -
Longfellow area. She has more than 24
years experience in helping people with
their real estate needs. Questions may be
sent to her at River Realty, 2543 38th
Avenue South, Mpls, MN 55406. Or call her
at 612-724-1314 or email her at
pat@riverrealty.net
|
|
