Windows - A to Z?

Question

Windows and home price point? Does it really matter?

Matt M. · Answer

If you are doing a spec, isn't your GC helping you with windows, etc? It is going to depend on your price point as they are all over the place.

I see a lot of Milgard going in for the new stuff here in Denver. You might speak to one of their dealers.

As far a saving costs on plumbers, electricians, etc you could shop it, but what does your GC say about that? I wouldn't want my client bringing in subs I had no experience with on a job.

On the basement and really everything else, look at the comps. What are they doing? x2 on what Account Closed said "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Steve R. · Answer

I work for a window company, and although I am in Canada, some info could be relevant:

the most insulation you get from the most to the least: fixed, awning, casement, sliders, hung

the most expensive are usually awning and casements, then hung and sliders, and then fixed

if choosing between vinyl and wood, I would recommend vinyl.  Life expectancy is much higher, they cost less and if ever glass unit has to be changed, it is much easier as vinyl windows come with glass stoppers that just pop out and then back in.  I would also suggest to go with what is called vinyl package: the jamb/extention and casing/trim is vinyl as well.  Double glass is usually sufficient as opposed to triple glass (depending on weather and noice conditions), but I would recommend a thicker glass (usually it is 3mm, but upgrading to 4mm glass would not cost much more and it would provide better insulation and resistance to accidental breakage).

if you need any more info, just ask

Manolo D. · Answer

I think i have misread your statement, makes more sense now. sorry about that.

Tyler Divine · Answer

Account Closed Thanks. Funny - they suggested a crawl and no structural basement. We have to build on piers, regardless, so I'm not sure why they did not suggest doing a basement on piers... but I suppose it was significantly more costly than doing a crawl? Does that sound right to you??

Tyler Divine · Answer

Very well put Account Closed! Last question, or two for you: :) I REALLY appreciate your help.

1. How to save on costs of an electrician doing the whole house as well as plumbing. Any tips/tricks there?

2. What do you generally do in poor soil conditions ( if you have run into this.... ) a structural basement, or crawlspace? We chose to go crawl, but having second thoughts on paying the additional to have a full - structural basement put in. Likely, too late at this point -- but what have you done?

Tyler Divine · Answer

Account Closed Spec - although trying to educate myself on all aspects of smart window selection in regards to budget. I'm familiar with wood/vinyl options etc. What do you generally do?

Account Closed · Answer

It's all good! Heck, it seems that half the time when I go back and read something I wrote, I find mistakes, so it wouldn't have surprised me to see that I wrote it wrong!

Account Closed · Answer

I think we've miscommunited... basements aren't less costly... as I wrote, "a crawl space foundation on piers is less costly than a basement foundation."

Account Closed · Answer

Yes, a crawl space foundation on piers is less costly than a basement foundation on piers... notwithstanding the obvious differences, the pier condition is likely affected by the taller foundation wall (e.g., pier sizes may have to be larger, or they may have to be more piers to accommodate the heavier weight of the foundation); the slab would require structural supports or grade beams or a combination of the two.

Account Closed · Answer

My pleasure @Tyler Divine...

1) Essentially same advice as posted about in your lumber purchasing post... detail the scope of work, specify fixtures or state the allowance for them, and review all bids to ensure apples to apples.

2) Funny you should ask about poor soils, as I was recently consulted by a builder on this very topic as they didn't perform soil tests prior to acquisition and excavation and spent upwards of $70K on the fix! In this case, since they had access to free suitable soil, the excavated down some 18' to good ground (turns out the spot where the house was placed was a spoils pit at some point past) and placed compacted lifts of suitable soil to get it back to the intended elevation.  There are a variety of ways to build in poor soils, structural slabs, deep foundation (e.g., caisson/piers), etc..  I suggest consulting with a local geological engineering firm to evaluate the options available for that specific site.

The choice of foundation vs. crawl space depends primarily on two things as I see it, what is the market there and what is the structural fix for the soils.  If you do as the builder did above and backfill with compacted suitable soil, then it's likely that the basement slab may not need anything special to support it and so a basement was a no brainier.  With a crawl space, that's a moot point.

Good luck!

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