Sash Window Refurbishment Can Be Expensive

| Friday, June 3, 2011
By Nathan Thompson


Homeowners who are faced with choosing between sash window refurbishment or complete replacement are usually unsure which to do. This is an understandable dilemma as both options can be quite expensive. When finances allow for it, most people opt for a complete replacement. If not possible, there are ways to improve an existing window that has been damaged or in need of sprucing up.

Sprucing-up an existing window makes senses in many cases. Depending on the condition of the frame and other necessary components, however, a make-over may actually be a temporary improvement. Long-standing durability is the ultimate goal. Finances play a large role regardless if it is a total replacement or a refurbishment project.

This window design has been incorporated into both public buildings and residential architecture plans. Regardless of the location, it still costs money for upgrades. People who opt to take on such a project by themselves soon find out it can be quite costly to complete the assignment themselves. More expensive yet is hiring a professional to do the work.

When first starting this project, the trim, stops, and sash are removed. Ideally these should be removed without sustaining further damage. Next, the frame should be looked over for signs of things such as rot and rust. At this point excess debris like nails should be removed. Next comes replacing damaged or missing glass. Once this step has been reached, the project is at least half-way done. All that is left now is painting, weights and ropes, and putting it all back together to complete the project.

There is one more issue that is often times overlooked. Professionals are generally aware of this one little fact while most do-it-yourself types are not. Many buildings and homes constructed before the year 1980 were painted with lead paint. In order to avoid any potential health risks, properly sectioning off the work area from the rest of the house or building is advisable.

Performing the work by oneself is a viable option and will save a certain amount of money; however, the frustration and time put into such a project may or may not seem worth it in the end. There are scenarios where hiring a professional is the best way to go. It is possible to sustain minor injuries while doing this type of work which may result in lost hours from a regular occupation. While the final installation may look very pleasing to do-it-yourself types, when hours lost from work and other related expenses are calculated, it becomes obvious it may have been cheaper to hire someone else to do the job.

Sash window refurbishment is a good idea for people who are in it for the sheer enjoyment of working with their hands. Individuals who are pressed for time or are short on patience may find it easier to hire-out. The bottom line is total replacement or refurbishment can be expensive.




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