Rear Window Replacement: Aluminum vs. Wood? Landmark involvement? Ballpark estimates?

We are replacing the REAR windows of our brownstone which is on a historic block.  Three questions: 1) DO I NEED A PERMIT? I called Landmarks and they told me I had to file a permit for replacing windows even if the work was done from the interior, but two of the companies I called for quotes today said they would be in and out in a day and that no permit was necessary.  Sounds good to me, but curious what everyone else has done.  NOTE:  We are not touching the street-facing windows right now as they will require quite a bit more work/research/etc. 2) ALUMINUM vs WOOD?  What are the real cons of going with aluminum vs. wood? Has anyone done aluminim windows and regretted the choice?  The rep from Historic Windows explained that part of the selection is asthetic – the beauty of wood in the interior vs. aluminum.  And also that wood is more energy efficient.  Is there anything else I should consider?   3) DO MY INITIAL QUOTES SOUND REASONABLE?  I’ve only called a few places so far, quotes run from $625 (Vila) to $680 (LWP Lucky Window Products) to $1500 (Historic Windows of NYC) for replacement windows, not brick-to-brick installation.  Vila eventually called back to refuse the job (?!), but both Vila and LWP were offering double-hung Aluminum windows with the thermal seal, LowE glass.  LWP also offered to do insulation where needed.  Historic Windows was offering WOOD Marvin windows with aluminim capping on the exterior; we know from experience the Marvins are usually 2-3 times more expensive so not a big surprise.   I just want to make sure we’re at least in the ballpark for quotes before I continue. Welcome any advice and recommendations on installers. Thanks in advance!

pepinohill

in Doors & Windows 12 years and 10 months ago

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pepinohill | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I ended up going with Lucky Window Products (LWP). They installed Trimline’s – wood interior, alu-clad exterior. We haven’t had a single problem with these windows and they look beautiful (we opted to have them painted at the factory). Highly recommend the Trimlines and Robert Basile at LWP, at least for the rear window installation. We have Marvins on the first floor and I can honestly say, I can’t really tell the difference in looks or quality. If anything, the Trimlines are easier to open.

anotherposter | 12 years and 10 months ago

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We were doing a bigger job so had our contractor install the windows, but I believe they came from Dykes Lumber in Gowanus.  They have a showroom and a verbose salesman, but good service.

slopegirl | 12 years and 10 months ago

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we just got one aluminum window installed by bay ridge window and door and it cost $350 or $400\. I didn’t love the company though, but it is substantially cheaper than your quotes. That was approx 12 months ago.

pepinohill | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Reposting the ‘this old house’ link:  http://bit.ly/bBNTMM

pepinohill | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks, everyone!  This is really helpful.  We thought about doing aluminim windows in the rear (anything is better than what we have now), and then wooden windows next year for the front of the building (because Landmarks says so).  After some thought, we realized it might look funny if half of the house has aluminum windows and the front has wooden windows. Our current thinking is to outfit the rental floors with aluminum windows and our floors with wooden windows.  Why are Marvins so expensive??? Side note:  LWP only offers aluminim windows, but really liked them. Will definitely use them if we do the rental unit as described above.  Getting more detailed bids from Historical Window and Andrew Ferris Construction right now … will post back with prices.

orrsuz | 12 years and 10 months ago

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We replaced both front and rear windows in a landmark district a couple of years ago. All windows have to be wood for approval so we just applied for permit to cover the front windows and replaced the rear ones with [gasp] plastic sashes – which were if I recall 1/5 of the price of the wooden ones. We had aluminium windows previously and I have to say the plastic ones look good – much better than I had expected but the big benefit is they are not cold like aluminium ones [which throw off a chill in cold weather even if they don’t leak air]

Putnamdenizen | 12 years and 10 months ago

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When we got windows in my old landmark district coop building, landmarks allowed aluminum in back.

nbrooklyn | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Technically, you need a permit if you are in a landmarked district but if the windows you are replacing cannot be seen from the street, you can get away without one.  Note: If you do wind up going through Landmarks, you might not be able to get aluminum windows.

BobMarvin | 12 years and 10 months ago

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FWIW I’ve had aluminum windows for about 35 years. They’re triple-glazed, with a thermal break and work quite well. The only service I’ve needed was to have a few spring balances replaced. However, the man who I’ve found to service my windows tells me that the reason the company who made my windows went out of business was that their windows were so expensive–mine cost over $400 each in 1970s dollars–over $2,000, accounting for inflation! He says that current model aluminum windows aren’t as well-made.

anotherposter | 12 years and 10 months ago

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We put in wood marvins (we’re landmarked) a while back and the price sounds right and we love the windows.  Some people I talked to said they thought the aluminum was good until they switched a few to wood and then went all wood because of better insulation (weather and sound).  Many neighbors have had good experiences with LWP.     If you have original windows, this will be messy.  Cover any and everything that is important in the room and seal it off while they work.

Putnamdenizen | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Yes you need a permit.  Yes companies will do it without a permit.