Hi Carmen,
As to your questions, a little more information would be helpful. Installing replacement windows is a pretty easy job, especially for someone who has already installed a door onto a new porch. Depending on the size of the windows you are replacing, the windows themselves should not cost more than $300 to $500 each for reasonably nice window units. I suspect the $8000 to $10000 prices are for a complete installation.
My neighbor had replacement windows installed by Sears, and while he was reasonably satisfied, I thought the installer did a rotten job. He simply removed the previous double-hung windows and installed the "replacement unit" in the old frame. This made the windows considerably smaller, and left the exposed edge of the old frame, which will need to be painted just like before. The inside looks awful- lots of caulk showing!
The vinyl windows I installed myself turned out great. I removed the entire old window, frame & all, from the outside. I used a "Sawzall" to carefully cut all around the perimeter (cutting all the hidden nails), and in most cases got the old window frames out in one piece without disturbing the interior trim. The replacement windows I bought were close enough in size that very little carpentry work was needed, and I was able to install small vinyl trim strips around the windows, right to the brick, making a nice, maintenance-free installation.
"Almost 70" is not too old for this job!! That is likely how some folks would describe me, but I think of myself as "well seasoned and experienced". I can almost guarantee that you will be happier with an installation you do yourself, as it will look better & cost a lot less!
Just my 2 cents worth.
John
--- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, "carmen30534" <johnandcarmen@...> wrote:
>
> Our home is brick, 55 years old, and we want to replace the single pane alum. windows with vinyl casement style windows for ease of cleaning. If we ordered these window and wanted to install them ourselves, how difficult is this? My husband did install double French doors onto a porch he built and he cut the opening through the brick for this door. As he is almost 70, I'm sure he will try to get a friend to help as the clumsiness and weight might be a factor.
> We have scouted out three main companies- Sears- almost 10,000 to do 8 windows. A local contractor $8,000 dollars, and Home Depot wanted around $8,000 also. This is about $1500
> higher than we figured it would cost. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> carmen s./ Georgia USA
>
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