Storm Window Update

[Denise Bartelt]

Drew and I are still on the storm window trail, just took a brief detour to attend to appliance and electronics malfunctions. Why do these things always happen in bunches?

Our second estimate came in. This one is from a local contractor whom we've never used before. They came very well recommended, so we had high hopes, but the estimate came in at $25,000!  Remember, the first estimate was around $5,000 and that included cool storms with screen inserts.

This extreme variance in pricing means that many people may be put off by their first estimate. I certainly never expected a $20K difference in price and would have expected something more like a couple of thousand. So, don't be discouraged by one outrageous estimate.

Next week we should have our measurements in to Indow Window. We want to use them on our sleeping porch, but I'd like to get a whole-house estimate for comparison. With Indow, you send in your measurements, they don't come out to measure until you order. I suppose they know their tolerances and a lot of people wouldn't mind breaking out the measuring tape if it keeps the costs down.They claim an average of $200 per window which would be $3,600 for us and that includes the two casement windows that were not included in the other estimate. 

I must disclose that Indow Window is doing a promotion with the HPLO. If you order your interior storms before November 15 and tell them you are a HPLO supporter, they will donate 10% of the sales price to the HPLO.

I haven't seen the Indow storms in person yet, so I can't say give my honest opinion on their look, etc. They would certainly solve our issue with the casement windows and, hey, if we really like them, less expensive is good too.

We will also be getting an estimate from a local craftsman who is doing some work for a friend of ours. He's been busy, so it took some time to schedule a time for him to come over.

I'll post again after the next two estimates.