All the details on my new windows (plus lots of photos)
As you probably know if you have read any recent blog or Instagram posts, we recently had two windows installed in a wall that previously windowless.
Some of you had asked for a post with more details, so I'm gonna do my best to provide all the pertinent info in this post.
Get comfy, because this is a long post.
First, how about some before, during, and after photos?
(One can never have enough of those, right??)
Here's what the dining room looked like when we bought the house. Take in the scene, add a big dose of cigarette smoke smell, and you've got it.
Here's what it looked like once we removed all the wallpaper, painted the walls, and put new floors in.
Then we cleared some of the extra furniture out, got a new light fixture, and added this candleholder that I spray-painted.
Over time, we painted it gray and added crown molding.
Time for a new window!
Here's the wall before a cut.
And with a cut.
The first glimpse of outside light; so exciting!
Next they put the frame in.
And then finally, the windows.
Once the window guys finished up, things were already looking pretty good. But there was still work to be done.
For one thing, see how the trim on the old windows doesn't match the new?
My dear dad brought his nailer, saw, and know-how over, and he took the old ledge out, cut it flush, reinstalled it, and then installed the new trim, which I'd just painted.
So then I did all the caulking, nail-hole-filling, spackling (a little drywall repair was necessary), sanding, and painting necessary to get all of that trim fresh and white.
Ta-da!
This is a very happy matching trim situation now.
The other issue: the holes left by the electrician who moved the outlet wire.
See them on the right side here?
Mr. FG took the lead and patched those.
We also had to pound in some drywall nails that had popped loose during the window install and spackle those.
After several sand-then-spackle-then-sand rounds, I painted it all.
We got a set of white faux-wood blinds and did an inside mount on the new window. At the same time, we switched the old window blinds to an inside mount as well.
More matching. Yes.
One last job...the drywall in the corner had split a little, so I caulked that and painted over it.
I opted to caulk because the caulk should be able to move as that corner expands and contracts as the weather changes.
Apparently there's some failure in the insulation there, but I am not about to tear apart the wall to investigate. Caulk is good enough for now.
To review, before:
And after.
What made you think of this?
I really, really like natural light. I prefer it so much over light-bulb light!
Unfortunately, the north side of our house was built with no windows on the main living level.
I don't know why they didn't add any when they built the house; there's really no reason not to!
The north side of homes tends to be darker anyway, and with no windows, it really was a dark end of the house.
That windowless wall has been bugging me for a while, and since we couldn't put a window where the piano is, the dining room was the obvious choice.
It's been probably a good 8-10 years since the window idea first occurred to me. So you may be wondering...
What took you so long to actually get the windows??
- Extra windows are a want, not a need
- We had plenty of other necessary things to spend money on
- I wasn't sure who to hire for such a small job
This year, though, we had money in the home improvement fund, and Mr. FG took the initiative to get a couple of estimates scheduled.
How did you decide who to get estimates from?
In the past, we've gotten small jobs done by hiring people who do side work on the weekend.
But our usual source for these referrals told us he didn't know of anyone he'd feel comfortable recommending to do a job like this on a side work basis (basically because you can do a lot of things wrong with a window install!)
So, Mr. FG did some searching around online and chose a couple of companies to give us estimates.
We had a big window company come and also a very highly-rated small business, run by a Polish family who immigrated here.
The big window company's estimate was almost twice the small business's estimate, and since the small company was so highly rated and also much more affordable, we decided to go with them.
How much did this cost?
The total for the two windows, the electrical work, and the installation was $1550.
I really had no idea what to expect with the estimate, and at first, I was a little taken aback. $1550 is a lot of money for something that really was just for me.
(No one else was opposed to the idea of extra windows, but no one else felt particularly desirous of having extra windows. It really was my idea, for my own benefit.)
Mr. FG asked me how I felt about spending the money (he was good with it, since he is less of a saver than me!), and as I hemmed and hawed, Lisey, who was in the room, was like, "Mom. You pretty much never ask for anything, so we know that when you mention wanting something, you REALLY want it."
Which is a very fair point. I don't often come up with ideas that involve spending money.
But I have been wishing to have some natural light on that wall for a very long time, and we had the money in our home improvement budget to cover this project (while still having plenty left over for other repairs/maintenance that might come up).
It is true that I really, really wanted the windows.
So I decided to sign the contract.
Then we waited. And waited. And waited.
Home improvement materials are sometimes on a pretty bad back-order schedule right now because of the pandemic.
But I figured, hey, I've been waiting almost a decade. What's another few months?
The windows finally came in, and we got an install date.
But then it rained.
So we waited again.
Then the guys came, cut the hole in the interior wall, and discovered the outlet wire was running exactly the way they hoped it was not.
They hire an electrician to do contract work when necessary, and he ended up not being able to come for two days.
Then it rained again. More waiting.
And THEN finally we got a sunny day, and the actual install only took a couple of hours.
Was it worth it?
TOTALLY. I am really happy that we spent the money.
In fact, I'm not sure I have ever been happier with a home improvement project (and we have done a lot of them.)
This has made a really enormous difference in how the whole main living area feels, and I am particularly delighted at the thought of having more light in the winter.
We are really happy with the small company we hired
All three of the guys we dealt with were great; very polite and friendly. The work was good quality and they even sent us a hand-written thank you note after the job was done!
I don't think it would have been a wrong choice to hire the big window company, but it did feel nice to support the small business.
(If you are local to me and you want the company's name, just email me.)
Any other questions?
Hopefully I covered everything you were wanting to know, but if not, let me know in the comments!
That is amazingly cheap! I would love to add two windows to our house (I've also been dreaming about it for at least 9-10 years) but we paid more than that to get a broken window replaced and like you said, it's a want, not a need.
I hope you love them even more as time passes!
I love the new window - I am also a big fan of light and a view. My husband one requirement when we moved house was that the view from our bedroom window was nice!
I think you got a good price. I am paying £1750 a window, just for replacement of our old Victorian sashes (single glazed and extremely draughty) for double glazed units (wood framed). We are also using a local company who were recommended by our neighbor. 5 years ago we had 2 done, because of changes to our outgoings (no holidays or commute costs), this year, we have saved enough to have 5 done. We have 2 big ones and one small left to replace.
It felt like the right thing to do, to funnel our COVID savings to a local small business we value. Also it will help with our heating costs and make the house more comfortable.
Oh, yay for new windows for you! I bet you will love having better insulated windows.
You definitely got a fantastic deal and the fact that the work was done well and in a friendly way makes it a thousand percent better.
Plus, what a fantastic outcome.
It's gorgeous! And I love what Lisey said.
No windows on the north side because you live in a cold climate. Cold winds come from the north. In our home in Insanely Sunny New Mexico, there are no windows on the west side, and all the windows on the south side are covered by a porch, because we have the opposite problem: All the heat comes from the south and west.
Modern-build houses don't seem to consider weather patterns and windows much, but it used to be the norm to minimize solar heating in the warmer climates and cold drafts in the colder climates.
What Kristin said, plus the fact that windows are expensive to build. That's why modern ticky-tacky houses have so few of them.
Really, living in a place with both enough light and the right temperature is a miracle of modern living. That combination is almost unheard of, historically.
Add hot water into the mix, and you realize, boy, we are seriously living it up these days!
That's a good point.
I am going to cheerfully accept the drafts, though!
My guess is that your new windows are much better quality in terms of sealing than old windows so it won't be a huge problem!
That's true. I'll let you know once we've gotten through a winter with this pair of windows!
I’m so glad you got your window! I’m a natural light kind of gal. I saw a pic in a decorating magazine years ago where the family installed a rolling barn door on the bedroom balcony. They could literally roll the whole wall away when it was nice out. I have thought of that idea so many times over the years. In my opinion there can never be too much natural light or windows! So so happy for you!
Ooh, I bet that is beautiful!
And I forgot to say I think you got a great price. Also the workmanship looks amazing.
I really, really love this improvement!!! What a difference!
You will enjoy this for a very long time. Definitely money well spent!
Windows look great!!! Enjoy the sunshine!
Love the comparison between old and new! Such a HUGE difference. And sometimes, you do have to spend money for happiness. Come winter time, you will really enjoy the window.
That makes such a huge improvement in that space, love it!
I've found I generally prefer using smaller companies for home improvement work, provided they are bonded and insured.
My experience with the much bigger companies is that because there is such a long disconnect between the person selling me the service and the person actually performing the service, there's not as much ownership to actually do the job really well, and they seem to have more difficulties with trouble-shooting.
The smaller businesses also seem to be more willing to call in an expert if they encounter something they can't do themselves, and they tend to have really good networking connections to other local business people. They know they have to depend on local personal recommendations, not just advertising, and so seem to be more willing to work with the homeowner to figure out solutions.
That said, my neighbor across the street has also had bad experiences with local folks, so it's not a slam dunk to just hire small business, but to also ask around and look at reviews.
Yes to the disconnect issue! The guy who did the estimate was actually one of the workers who came to help with the install; nice to have the same person do both jobs.
The new window is fantastic! You will love having that natural light. Kudos to you for choosing a local company. I try to do the same, whenever possible.
So, totally none of my business, but I was so excited when you got the window and showed pictures. Then my OCD self noticed that the sills didn't match. I'm so glad you were able to get them to match (though again none of my business) but it looks AMAZING. I would love all the extra light too. We are currently saving for a bathroom renovation and I would really like to get a transom window installed above the shower. Just so the bathroom has some natural light. Great job! I really need to learn to patch holes and fill nail pops myself so I can do some of those improvements!
Ha, multiple readers were bugged by the non-matching sills. I was making everyone suffer temporarily!
I love windows and natural light too. I think it was a great project for you and completely worth the cost to make you happier in your home!
It looks great, and I know you love the added light now. I know the frustration of having to wait once a project is finally started - I waited 10 years to get our porch re-done, then had to wait a few more weeks when the new front door arrived the wrong size, then the correct size came, but was damaged. But it was worth the wait! I can't believe you still have photos of the original dining room around to post! I'm impressed that you have such a good record of its transformation over time.
Re: Kristin, yes, same here in Florida, we positioned our house so that a porch shades the large south windows, except for one small one in a room we added to the house plan, and we have only two small windows facing west, one of those being shaded by a back porch. We accept the loss of extra natural light - we spend more time hiding from fierce sun than looking for it.
My first house had, I think, a fairly similar layout to yours. We had sliders to the deck where you have the first set of windows, so it was bright enough, especially with skylights in the living area. Where you have the piano, I had a woodburning fireplace installed (yep, second floor). Then we sold the house two years later and bought a house with three fireplaces. Fireplaces are kind of my thing.
Fireplaces are your thing, windows are mine!
Hi Kristen,
I felt I had to leave a comment today. I remember your before photos, I remember you painting and hanging the candleholder. I am so pleased for you that you have your windows and your light. I have always admired and gained encouragement from your thoughtful and frugal care of your home. I too love Lisey’s comment. It is really lovely that she knows you so well and provides you with encouragement for your dreams when you need it too, as does Mr. FG.
Congratulations and enjoy your bright, light-filled winter!
Sometimes Lisey knows me better than I know myself!
Thanks for sharing in my joy. 🙂
Yes, yes and yes for small local companies.
We had both bathrooms done a few years ago--first time anything done to them since the house was built in 1962. Chose a big company . The work was OK, nothing more. Then the toilets both began to leak below.
We found a highly recommends tiny local firm. They discovered a major flaw in installation = no allowances in height made for new stone tiled floor. Work was done quickly and beautifully. It may have helped that the workman was Lithuanian as I am, 50 per cent, and we exchanged long forgotten nursery rhymes in this native tongue!
Looks gorgeous! Good for you. I love that Lisey talked you into going with your own desires. Isn't it cool when our kids get old enough that they can look out for us like this?
It IS!
This made such a big impact. Looks awesome. I can see why you wanted it done. Could you share what needed to be done on the outside after the installation? I’ve been thinking of putting in a set of French doors where I have a single window but am terrified of cutting into an outside wall. Thanks.
The window installers took care of all of that for us! I'm not sure what needs to be done if you are switching from a window to a door, but I'm sure if you hire installers, they'll know what to do.
The outdoor work did not take our installers very long.
It made such a difference!
We, too, had lots of tobacco-scented wallpaper to deal with when we moved in to our house. I feel your pain. But what a transformation! Frankly, I thought the cost for the window was going to be higher. I'm sure that there were no windows on the north side of the house to save money when it was built. Like you, I'm a natural light fanatic and I think you made a smart decision, especially if you plan on staying in your house for a long time. Thanks for letting us in on your journey.
Looks great!!
What a difference the window makes! The room looks so nice.
Do you ever get a hint of cigarette smoke, say on a rainy day? We do in our fireplace. Very faint, but it's there! There is hope for people considering smoked-in homes, though! New flooring and new paint really does do wonders!
This used to happen sometimes in the summer if the house was shut up for a while. But I haven't smelled the scent in quite a while now.
We used Kilz on all the floors, walls, and ceilings, and replaced all the flooring. And STILL there was a bit of a scent for a while. Smoke is tough to get rid of!
It's lovely. I am actually one of those weird people who keeps the blinds closed all the time and thinks the darkness is "cozy", but it does look so nice! I'm curious what it did to the OUTSIDE? Do you have brick, siding? Did that need to be repaired?
Me too! From the very beginning I have been wondering about the outside. I have done several inside remodeling projects, but never really considered touching the outside walls. I so agree about natural light. I think it is good for us!
Oh wow! You and I would drive each other crazy because I immediately open up all the blinds in the morning!
The outside of this area of the house was siding; I imagine that brick would be more expensive to deal with. Siding you can just slice.
Fantastic upgrade! I really enjoying seeing the before and after pictures. Thanks for sharing!
You mentioned you really like Home Depot blinds and I am needing to replace some of mine. Which brand did you use? Are they light or heavy?
I do not know the brand off the top of my head, but I think Home Depot only sells one brand of white faux wood blinds.
They're relatively heavy, but the newest ones we bought don't even need to be pulled up by a string. You just lift them up from the bottom and they stay up!
We replaced our kitchen blinds with that type and it’s great!
It's funny how the expensive can be a relative term. When you said $1550 for the whole job I was like WOW! that's cheap. It does look beautiful and even though you're not planning on moving anytime soon, it will likely improve the interior appeal having more light when you go to sell in the future. My house had tons of wallpaper too. I just cringe when I think about how long and how tedious it was to get all of that wallpaper off the walls. Every Single Room! Yuck! Enjoy your beautiful windows. You deserve it.
Oof, yes, wallpaper is so tedious to remove. Especially the super thin stuff. The thicker wallpaper is much easier to take off!
Wallpaper used to be really popular. It was the in thing. When I was 12 we moved into a house that had it everywhere too. Even the door in the bathroom. You closed the door and it disappeared. I got really good at removing wallpaper. My mom painted all the walls. She did put wallpaper borders in a couple rooms, but those are just below the ceiling. I remember the house walls having a smoky layer, but it was from kerosene heaters instead of cigarettes.
Yes, wallpaper borders are definitely easier to take down!
I'm so glad wallpaper is less in style now; paint is such a flexible wall surface. Way easier to switch up than wallpaper. And it's easier to apply too.
The one MAJOR aspect you failed to mention is THAT GORGEOUS VIEW. Now you have a lovely view of your backyard that is visible from the dining room and the kitchen. Natural light is fine and nice but a VIEW really makes a major difference (to me). The view is spectacular now-- and cheerful Plus you can keep track of your backyard while you are home-schooling or working in the kitchen. The new window really opens up your life to the outside--
That is true; if we'd put in a window in where all we could see was the side of another building, it would be significantly less exciting.
I think it's just beautiful. I would totally spend the money on such a huge change. It's a mood-changer!
You said you got two new windows; was the one on the end also replaced?
No, just the set of two is what I was referring to; a double window install vs a single window.
Oh! I see. 🙂
It looks like you went with vinyl windows? Can you share the brand?
Yep, we sure did. Our windows in the rest of the house are vinyl, so that made sense to do for the new ones as well. Here's the brand our current window guys use: https://vytexwindows.com/
It is amazing what updates do! Looks very nice.
Hooray, Kristen! It looks absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the process with us. Sounds like the project will pay dividends in mental health.
I know I certainly feel a difference in mood when I have natural light. In fact, natural light + minimal visual clutter in my home = a very happy me!
My friends had a dark dining room that had no windows, and there was no good place for windows. So their solution was to put in 2 sky lights. It brightened up the room, and as far as I know the skylights never leaked, which would have been my worry.
Funnily enough, I've also thought, "Where could I put a skylight in my house?"
Windows in the walls, windows in the roof...windows everywhere!
Wow, Love the before and after. I didn't realize how "hideous" the before was. Lol. I love windows and natural light. Love what you have done here. Enjoy!!
Very nice. I have a room that is even worse than that but alas we can't do what you did as it is a party wall (semi-detached house) and so the window would open directly into next door's downstairs bathroom! So the room is where we have the exercise bike, piano etc. Things that are only used for specific periods of time.
The entire space upgrade is tremendous, so well done. I also think it was inexpensive for a home update project, and you've added future value to your house. Looks amazing!
I hate to say this yet I just have to because I am a builder.....judging by the area that was cut I can see no way a header was installed. A header is the main support system which is secured to a king stud and a crippler stud which is fastened to the ceiling and floor sill on each side of any opening on a bearing wall. All exterior walls are bearing; bearing means to hold weight in building jargon. Is there exterior work that was not shown? Was a permit pulled? Again I state this because as a builder I would of opened the wall (from at least one side) completely in the work area so that a header and studs could be properly installed (the hole would of been bigger than needed to do such). Also, if you where told the top was 'headed off' it is not the same as a header. Heading off is using two piece of the same stock lumber of the wall (ie. 2x4 wall means 2-2 x 4 where stacked to head things off) to hold joist together in a fashion so the support a hole opening yet this is no where near the size needed for a bearing wall. Standardized headers are 6 x 4 and larger; what is used is what standardized span states. In your case the span looks to be slightly over 6' so a 4" x 12" header should of been installed. This can all be checked at your local code department. So what happens on an opening when a header is not installed....well the wall will sag over time making the window bind yet the worst part of it all is if the opening is wide enough your roof can collapses (even more so if you have a two story); This is why I have concerns
Other than that the wall and new window look great. I love light in a home so understand totally how refreshing it is to have such.
Oh yeah, the picture I showed were not at all a complete view of the process! I only took pictures of the part that was interesting to me, and I didn't take any pictures of what they did outside. 🙂
Whew, ya had me worried because although the cost for the window install may of seemed high I can clearly state lifting a roof line is much much more expense and some things are to precious to take such chances (ie. loved ones / family).
What material is your house made of? Just asking because I’m wondering if it would cost more/less depending on if it’s brick or wood. I was thinking $1500 doesn’t seem too outrageous.
The lack of natural light in our house is really starting to bother me the older I get. Our front door is on the north side but there are no windows, and the one room on that level of our tri level has become our homeschool room and I’ve really noticed the need for more light. Our dining room is on the southeast side and I would love to replace the windows on the east facing wall and install French doors instead. There are no windows on the south facing side and I’d love to add a window. It’s so dark in the evening, and even with 4 floor lamps it’s still not enough. We aren’t ready to spend that kind of money but maybe someday.
This level of the house was siding, so that's pretty easy to deal with, I think. Brick would definitely up the cost!
It looks great! Thanks for sharing. I love “small improvements” that make such a huge difference.