Should I DIY install windows or not? *PICS*

[boolie]

Looking to replace the first floor windows of my old house (build ~1900). They're all sash windows, but thought I'd start with the smallest one first. Do you think this is a job I can undertake (just this one window for now? - 1400mm x 1000mm = HxW). I have DIY skills - do my own plumbing, etc

Pictures of the window attached (from inside and outside - the one on the left), any advice appreciated. Even the basic stuff please, like how to measure for the replacement

 

[blup]

There are plenty of self help videos on youtube, but be aware you have to get prior bc approval unless you use a fensa approved installer. Installinga window/glass at height is a safety issue. The market is very competitive and it might be a lot cheaper than you think to get a local supplier/installer rather than one of the big nationals.

Blup

 

[Notch7]

Looking to replace the first floor windows of my old house (build ~1900). They're all sash windows, but thought I'd start with the smallest one first. Do you think this is a job I can undertake (just this one window for now? - 1400mm x 1000mm = HxW). I have DIY skills - do my own plumbing, etc

Pictures of the window attached (from inside and outside - the one on the left), any advice appreciated. Even the basic stuff please, like how to measure for the replacement

a competent DIYer can do it, yes

its not the easiest window to survey for a starter -what you have at the moment is a non original window, its a relatively modern sliding sash on balance springs with solid jambs not weight boxes

the complication is the window is fitted in the wrong place -its been fitted in between the external brickwork, but its been made smaller than the brickwork because the original was probably set behind the outer face of brickwork and internally it looks like the the reveals have been packed out where the sash box was -the very long horns on the windowboard are an indication

ideally you want to fix the new upvc sliding sashes behind the external brickwork if you want them to look like they should do and avoid large side trims externally


Your next problem is ordering the correct specfication to ensure you have a window that is compliant for building regs, especially in terms of: passive ventilation, egress, risk of falling, safety glass, part L. But with some more info you could get that advice on here I expect.

 

[boolie]

a competent DIYer can do it, yes

its not the easiest window to survey for a starter -what you have at the moment is a non original window, its a relatively modern sliding sash on balance springs with solid jambs not weight boxes

the complication is the window is fitted in the wrong place -its been fitted in between the external brickwork, but its been made smaller than the brickwork because the original was probably set behind the outer face of brickwork and internally it looks like the the reveals have been packed out where the sash box was -the very long horns on the windowboard are an indication

ideally you want to fix the new upvc sliding sashes behind the external brickwork if you want them to look like they should do and avoid large side trims externally


Your next problem is ordering the correct specfication to ensure you have a window that is compliant for building regs, especially in terms of: passive ventilation, egress, risk of falling, safety glass, part L. But with some more info you could get that advice on here I expect.

Thanks Notch, you clearly know what you're talking about. Well done figuring all that out from the pictures. Feeling a bit nervous about DIY-ing it, these old houses always throw a spanner in the works! I've asked a professional to come in.. ball park he said £800-900 per window.. but will give me a proper quote when he gets here.

Any questions I should ask him?

 

[Notch7]

Thanks Notch, you clearly know what you're talking about. Well done figuring all that out from the pictures. Feeling a bit nervous about DIY-ing it, these old houses always throw a spanner in the works! I've asked a professional to come in.. ball park he said £800-900 per window.. but will give me a proper quote when he gets here.

Any questions I should ask him?

Ask him where in the window they will be fitted -fitted where they are now will result in a lot of frame showing, ask what the sight lines would be - customers are shocked when modern windows have far more frame / sash and lot less glass

If moved back, the brickwork reveal exposed might be damaged with drill holes, mastic etc.

ask about vertical DPC as you don’t want plasterwork touching external brickwork

it might need the reveals internally redoing if so ask about what the install includes.

traditionally the windows might’ve had liner and architrave - if you are a bit DIY maybe you could do that

 

[blup]

My experience of replacement windows is that it is just that, they will cover anything exposed with plastic cills or strips but essentially its replacement. So check what reinstatement will be done, especially if you are going for wood.

Blup

 

[oldbutnotdead]

As @blup you need someone competent, not just a window slinger. How to tell them apart (before they do the job)- tricky. The worst of the windowslingers will deliberately undermeasure and make up any gaps with frame extenders (which can look utterly fugly).

 

[ETAF]

we had some old sash type windows - and they fitted some basic metal windows before we moved in.
1904 small semi - 2up 2down style

We had a great company come and fit some American aluminium sash stye windows - they made a fantastic job of the inside , which was just left as bare polished wood. it took them a long while to get these windows looking good - I seem to remember it took 4+ days to fit 2 windows 1 ground floor , 1 1st floor
Very expensive , only 1 importer of these windows - i think there are more now - company went bust soon after they fitted ours - and we had to get a different company in to fit the back 2 windows , and a pain dealing with the importer as well

ended up using an independent specialist local builder

So it can be very difficult to find a really good fitter , these windows could have easily looked rubbish , had not been for the professionalism and craftsmanship of the original fitters....