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It is true--our Pella windows were normally 1k, but the 78'' ones were 2k.

Yes, it's for real.

We had all the windows in our historic brownstone replaced by Pella and they did a fantastic job, but at a price. The street-facing windows had to be wood with a custom arched top as shown in the historical photos. Vinyl windows were allowed in the rear so those were certainly much cheaper.

The new windows looked so nice that our neighbors came over to ask about the installation afterward. I gave them a card from our installer, and amazingly, they had all new windows installed a week later. Incredible, because it took us months to go through all the historic permits.

:-O

$1.5k+ for a single window? my apartment has potentially 6 street facing windows (3 front, 3 back), so that would be $9K??? Not to mention side windows (thank God they're not viewable from street!!!

is that for real????

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I didn't know of its historic designation until AFTER the closing. It was a misadventure because I was financially and emotionally drained while owning this place. Everything that could go wrong with this home did, and repairs and improvements were never straightforward or inexpensive. The taxes on this place were outrageous because it was an unabated property that had been converted to a condo near the market's peak, and the energy bills were high, because old brick is not particularly well insulated. I'm not against preserving old homes, but I think there should be some room for compromise with the preservation gestapo in which the financial means of the homeowner are taken into consideration while remaining true to the character of the home. Other communities have flexible rules that allow for modern materials to be used in repairs and renovation, so long as the design element is consistent with the home's historic period. JC chooses to take a hard line, and I think that turns off many people who actually want to do right by their homes.

In the end, I sold the place, because it just got ridiculous not being able to put away savings for retirement or take a vacation. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Hard to believe, but the window replacement by Steve Nuding was literally the only interaction with a contractor that went smoothly during my entire time in this home!

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Jaded, I am sorry to read that you characterize your historic homeownership as a misadventure. Was it because of the historic designation or just because of the hassle of owning an old house? If the latter, I am one with you. It helps to have one leg shorter than the other, since that seems to be the only way that floors seem straight - LOL.

I paid $1400 per window back in 2008 during my misadventure in historical homeownership. I agree with the others on Steve Nuding. He's the only way to go in historical window replacement if you don't want a protracted drama. His professionalism and craftsmanship are top notch. He's done so many window replacements in JC he can tell you right off the bat what's likely to be required for your home, and he's efficient at procuring the necessary approvals/permits. Don't even bother with anyone else, even if you have to wait months for an opening in his schedule.

Count on 2K a window as average. You might also have to have the molding replaced and if the photo on file (from the 30's, I think) does show long windows you will have to replace parlor windows as shown, which will add a lot to cost.
BTW, if you put windows in that do not conform the city can, and has:
1. make you take them out (happened on Erie Street)
2. put a lien on your house and the cost of installing proper windows will be taken from you when you sell.
Seriously.
Don't Fu!k With Dan or your neighbors on this one.

Can someone provide a ballpark price to replace windows in a historical brownstone? I was told by my neighbor that windows that can be seen from the street needs to have a certain "look" to them and can be expensive - I'm wondering how "expensive" it is. My windows are 36" wide.

Also, what about windows non-viewable from street - how much is replacement cost for "regular" windows?

Just want some ballpark numbers before I call a contractor in for an estimate.

Thx.

Yep - for historic windows, Steve Nuding is the absolute best - a true master of his craft.

Another vote for Steve Nuding - he is indeed the Pharoah of Fenestration.

Thanks will give him a buzz!

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Steve Nuding in Hoboken is great. He fixed a window that had been "restored" by another company mentioned on this thread, and did it quickly and beautifully.

Steve usually installs Marvin windows, but in this instance he did a complete rebuild.

201-653-8672

Hello All,

Does anyone know of a good window repair or replacement shop in the Hudson County area? I'd like for them to check my windows and advise if I need to replace them or if they can repair them. Thanks in advance!

Hehehe. Door-to-door scammers. Nice recommendation.

If you are only replacing windows and not doing a bigger job with a GC, you might consider using Power HRG -- http://www.powerhrg.com/. They are not the cheapest out there, but the windows are guaranteed for life and you don't pay a dime until the job is done and you are completely satisfied with it. Windows, installation and service (if needed) are included in the price.

They've done a bunch of jobs in Jersey City already.

If this is part of a bigger renovation project, probably makes sense to use cheaper windows and have them installed by your current contractor.

I know there was a previous thread on this but I can't seem to find it.

Can anyone recommend a good company for replacement windows ? Not a historic building. Modern construction.

As owner and operator of New Jersey Woodworking, I have to cry foul.

I have never had an unsatisfied client. I and my employees conduct ourselves professionally at all times.
We have done restoration work on several National Historic sites throughout NJ and NY and hundreds of private residents without issue.

What a cowardly and damaging thing to do to a company and a person's reputation! Shame on you, I_heart_JC .

If you truly were a client of mine, why did you not voice your concerns directly to me?

I stand behind my work, my good reputation is extremely important to me.

This is a nonsensical complaint against me.


-John Kiritsis
New Jersey Woodworking LLC

Whatever you do, avoid John Kiritsis at New Jersey Woodworking.

I hate to slag a small business, but this guy was the WORST. Wouldn't show up on the days he promised; kept the windows out (and plywood in) for weeks longer than promised; installed "restored" windows that are drafty, the wrong paint color, and don't open any easier than the old windows he took out; and of course, he charged a fortune.

Worst part? The most condescending attitude you can imagine. When he'd finally show up after keeping me waiting hours or days, he'd stand right in front of me and say to his lackey, "ooh, she's maaad..." in that patronizing "leave it to us, little lady" tone that should've gone out of style in the 50s.

John is the amalgam of every bad contractor story you've ever heard. Wish we'd just gotten brand-new windows, instead of trying to be historically accurate.

We've still got half the house left to do, but need more time to recover from this clown.

For historic Marvin windows - I agree with the above - Steve Nuding (201-978-3609) is the best. He consulted on the installation of our new windows and sorted out a number of issues with those previously installed.

We also posed to him a challenge:
Please figure out a way to make the upper sashes of the windows open and close more easily.

He sourced the pieces from England, installed them and made everything way more practical.

All of this was done at a very reasonable price.

Our windows are on their last leg - can anyone recommend reliable contractors that can do the job?

Thanks in advance.

Go with Steve Nuding. His number is posted above. Every one I know in VVP area raves about him.

Palisades Lumber has a contact they use, Steven Nudin. You can call them to get his contact information. He's the "window whisperer".

If anyone is interested my condo building went with Pella - they are familiar with historic district criteria and filled out all the applications needed.

Hi - I'm looking to have some windows replaced. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for a good contractor or window replacement service? I met with Home Depot, but their quote seems VERY inflated to me, so I want to shop around a little bit...

I'd go with either Pella (Architectural Series) or Marvin. I have both in my house and the warranties are 10 years plus. The windows open in so you can clean inside and out.
If you want quality stay away from Home Defect and Lowe's. They sell Pella but bottom of the line windows. Go to the Pella store on Rt. #17. You want to save $ on heat and a/c in the summer then do yourself a favor and spend now and the rewards will follow. Remember you get what you pay for and Pella and Marvin stand behind all of their products. You can call them anytime but probably won't have to.

Hello,

Anyone knows ppl can repair old double hang window in brownstone? I have damaged storm windows and screens/locks that need some work.

Weehawken Glass is really cheap but you do have to speak Spanish. There is a lady who speaks English that will call you back. You will sava a few hundred buckaroos with them

Decent windows typically cost $600+ to have installed. Beware of the lower grade vinyl windows and pay close attention to their warranties. Lower grade vinyl windows, especially the very tall ones found in brownstones, will warp over a period of about 5 years.

Those "lifetime" warranties typically only cover the cost of materials, NOT LABOR!. Servicing the windows in the future is how the company makes more $$$.

Companies like Harvey, Marvin (whom you may be stuck with if you are in a historic district) back their windows with something along the lines of a 20 year warranty. If anything goes wrong with the workmanship, the factory send out a rep (not the installer). There will be no charge for parts and labor. So if your contractor gets hit by a bus, you are still covered.

Had to replace all of the windows on the south side of our house and got bids from three different window contractors in January. Hansen Brothers did the job in March and we were very very pleased with the price, the product and the installation. There were some custom windows that had to be manufactured and they did an excellent job ensuring a perfect fit. It's a family owned company in North Bergen and they definitely take pride in their work. Phone number is 201.866.4832. I highly recommend them.
http://www.hansenbrosinc.com

We went to Lowe's because of a sale at the moment. Took too long because we wanted it done on a weekend but it only took 5 hours.

Though when choosing the windows get the ones with argon gas. You'll get 30% back in your next tax return.