Replacing windows in Bed Stuy brownstone to a different color

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4f0c97fc39b88-.png

I currently own a brownstone in Bed Stuy that is undergoing a renovation. The house currently has white windows. Since the windows need to be replaced, I would like to replace them with black or brown windows. My contracter has told me that black is not possible since it is a historic building and brown windows cost much more than white windows. I cannot find any information about this. It is not a landmarked building. Am I stuck with white windows??? Thanks in advance for any info you can offer me. I am new to this!

nikkibart

in Doors & Windows 13 years and 4 months ago

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dnk | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Hi, sorry you are in this situation.  As others said here, you might want to seriously consider whether or not to go forward with this contractor:  he is either brazenly lying to you, or he is totally incompetent.  Other people on this forum might be able to recommend other contractor options.  As far as windows go, I can recommend Carl Knight from Park Ave Lumber — 718-403-0100\.  My next-door neighbors and I both bought replacement windows through him (Marvins; he does sell other brands).  He is honest, and careful about measurements.

callalily | 13 years and 4 months ago

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If the windows are large, as most brownstone windows are, I would be careful about vinyl, especially the cheaper ones. They warp after a year or two and then don’t close completely and must be replaced — perhaps the problem you find yourself in. We are considering aluminum to avoid this problem. We interviewed four window companies and liked LWP the best, but have not used them yet.

bullfrog | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Your contractor (and I use that term lightly) has no clue. Good custom made vinyl windows come in either white or brown…no price difference between the two. Most cheaper vinyl windows only come in white and that is what it sounds like he is pushing. Aluminum windows can be made in any color of the rainbow. Brown (usually called bronze) is a standard aluminum color…most other colors including black are an upcharge. You can also get wood windows (Pella, Marvin) with aluminum cladding in any color you like but those would be the most expensive option of the three. If your contractor can’t get something as simple as windows correct I would be very nervous about how we will handle more serious issues.

Putnamdenizen | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Check out Bay ridge windows.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Run to someone who knows what he is talking about or is at least will to figure it out.

rh | 13 years and 4 months ago

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What??? Are you sure you want this guy changing your windows?

wiley | 13 years and 4 months ago

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In my experience there is usually an upcharge for black. Bronze and white are usually the standard options.

Nosleeptilbrooklyn | 13 years and 4 months ago

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You’re contractor doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Black is not ok because the house is historical, but white is? It doesn’t make sense.  I also own a brownstone in Bed Stuy and replaced my old windows with black windows. They look so much better than white! The window company I used only did black windows in aluminum instead of vynl. They were not high end, but they worked out ok. If you do some digging I’m sure you can find black or brown windows.

hancockone | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Absolutely wrong, as Dave says. He is just trying to sell you the windows he has in stock. White looks awful and the color should not affect price. I suggest shopping around for another installer. If he is trying to hoodwink you on this one, look out for any other information he tries to tell you.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago

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Your contractor is wrong on both counts.  If it is not landmarked you can put whatever you want there and brown costs no different than white, although black might.