O, to replace my windows before summer comes!

April 4, 2006 2:42 PM

Does anyone have recommendations for a company to replace windows in Washington, D.C.? I've got a few original, uninsulated, leaded-glass windows that need to go bye-bye.

The particulars: I have seven total windows that need to be replaced. They're all over 100 years old, and are all original, single-pane leaded glass; they've also all suffered the ravages of time, and take either a ton of effort (trust me!) to open, or don't open at all. And given what summer's like in Washington, D.C., openable windows are a must.

The house is in Capitol Hill, specifically the Historic Preservation District of Capitol Hill. Because of this, I need to replace the windows in-kind, which means that I need wood windows with the correct configurations (a few are two-over-two windows, and the rest are thin one-over-one windows, all double-hung). I'm looking for a reputable contractor that can measure the frames and get the correct-sized windows, and then replace the old windows with the new ones; it'd be a bonus if the contractor could also clean up the interior frame and put in nice new sills.

It seems that between the home improvement directory sites and the online yellow pages sites, using Google to answer this question just results in a bunch of listings without any idea if the contractors know what they're doing or do good work. Any recommendations?

posted by delfuego to home & garden (4 comments total)

Delfuego, I would recommend Angie's List. You have to register but it's free. We found American Windows & Siding from the list and they did an excellent job but they are in N Va and MD. Don't know if they do DC. However, there are many others on the list, though all seem to be VA/MD. Another source is the Washington Consumer Checkbook. If you are a subscriber, you can browse local recommendations for various categories, including windows installers. Again, no-one in DC but American Windows & Siding is one of thirteeen with a top rating for quality and they state that they do DC.
posted by TheRaven at 3:41 PM on April 4, 2006

I don't know about replacing them, but depending on their condition, I might take your old ones off your hands when you have them pulled out. My email is in my profile. Perhaps you would like some nicer, newer leaded windows? I could also do that for you.
If I were you I'd go down to Fragger's Hardware on Penn. in SE and ask if they know anyone that does that. It might cost a lot, but you could also look into the craftsmen group who do fancy restoration.
posted by princelyfox at 6:13 PM on April 4, 2006

Raven, thanks for the recs -- we were Angie's List subscribers here in Brookline, but gave it up when it came up for renewal this year because we knew we were moving. I'm glad to see that they're up and running in DC!

And princely, I'm happy to pass on the old windows if we end up getting them replaced (rather than rehabbed); I'll let you know. (And it's funny -- everyone raves about Fragers! I'll definitely ask 'em.)
posted by delfuego at 6:26 PM on April 4, 2006

Raven, might you drop me a line at the email address in my profile? I'd love to get a bit more info about the DC Angie's List community, and perhaps another recommendation...
posted by delfuego at 6:36 PM on April 4, 2006