Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
I have 18 windows to replace in the next few days. To keep my interest up and to keep myself accountable, I'm starting this thread. I am a self-managing DIY landlord specializing in 70-100 year old SFR properties in my city and its near suburbs. How do you handle window problems in your properties? Do you contract it out to a specialized window-replacement company, hire a handyman, or DIY it? Why? What kind of properties have you changed windows for? Do you prefer to fix or improve the existing windows?
Rental Property Investor · Greenwich, CT · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6y
Why are you replacing the windows, @Jim K.? Unless they have failed in some way (broken glass, rotted frames, etc.) it's almost never worth replacing them. The payback period is like 20+ years. If it's a matter of drafts and energy efficiency, consider storm windows.
@Jim K. I use window world they warranty for a lifetime and honestly they are good quality and I get the cheapest windows possible from them no low E and no Argon it’s a nice appearance. Any issues I call them and they handle it.
Do you know what the low emissivity coating and the argon between the panes actually does? Why give up such a big part of the benefit of new windows?
@Jim K. Because it’s not benefitting me these are for my tenants I could care less tbh. Why would I care about their utility bills ?? Are they gonna pay extra rent for these features ? I have them in my house triple pane and low e and argon in a tenant occupied house doesn’t do me any good