The Joys of Homeownership

[Roadtrip]

If you do go on your own (DIY), just make sure you order the right type of window... most come in a new construction and retrofit versions. The retrofit ones are designed to fit into framing per your measurements of the window openings.

Some government programs allow you to deduct a percentage of the labor cost as well, so that could factor into the overall cost. All it takes is one goof to really negate that DIY savings if the difference isn't substantial.

[Irulan]

If you do go on your own (DIY), just make sure you order the right type of window... most come in a new construction and retrofit versions. The retrofit ones are designed to fit into framing per your measurements of the window openings.

Some government programs allow you to deduct a percentage of the labor cost as well, so that could factor into the overall cost. All it takes is one goof to really negate that DIY savings if the difference isn't substantial.

No program I know of lets the homeowner deduct DIY costs,(much to our annoyance) but you can count contractor labor. The forms you submit require documentation such as a receipt or invoice, and a copy of the energy ratings sticker and dimension sticker. You do need to be careful, some programs require that you be above a certain R rating before you get anything back.

[Roadtrip]

No program I know of lets the homeowner deduct DIY costs,(much to our annoyance) but you can count contractor labor. The forms you submit require documentation such as a receipt or invoice, and a copy of the energy ratings sticker and dimension sticker. You do need to be careful, some programs require that you be above a certain R rating before you get anything back.

Right, which is why if you DYI-It you can't get a tax credit for your labor, but if you pay a contractor you can, so when figuring overall costs it could make a difference.

We added insulation to our attic this year and with tax credits it ended up being the same cost as materials alone at the local hardware store and we didn't have to spend time up in the HOT attic with itchy insulation.

[withm]

Yeah - there's a tax credit on windows up to 30% - OR $1,500 max. Still it's a help for renovations on your primary home. The credit is not available for improvements to a 2nd or vacation home.

$19,000, while a lot of money seems about right. Higher quality Pella or Andersen windows would probablly run more like $25,000-30,000.

From the Energy Star website:
Qualifying products purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost. Installation is not included; be sure to obtain an itemized invoice from your retailer or installer. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters) is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010.

[limewave]

WoW! I did not know replacing windows would be that much money!
I think our house was built in 1940's. And it needs new windows. We did a new roof last year.

Our strategy, thus far, is do a window or two a year. Thankfully, DH is very handy and does an excellent job with this kind of work. When we did DD's nursery a few years back, we went ahead and did new windows in her room. We did the same when we did DS's room. This year we're hoping to replace the window in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.

[Irulan]

WoW! I did not know replacing windows would be that much money!
I think our house was built in 1940's. And it needs new windows. We did a new roof last year.

Our strategy, thus far, is do a window or two a year. Thankfully, DH is very handy and does an excellent job with this kind of work. When we did DD's nursery a few years back, we went ahead and did new windows in her room. We did the same when we did DS's room. This year we're hoping to replace the window in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.

(uh oh, I was looking for "like" button. I think I have a problem)

Count your blessings. I play chief gopher with all these projects: making sandwiches, running out for parts, etc while he does the heavy work. So far we've done two bathrooms, a roof, a new deck, about 1800 ft-sq of hardwood laminate, and doors and windows. I think part of the "problem" is that DH just can't sit still. Every time we look at bringing a contractor in, we do the math on hiring someon versus losing a couple of weekends and the lost weekends win.

..and dealing with contractors... we WERE going to have one do the second bathroom just for time reasons. We contacted several, got no return calls, and got one return call NINE MONTHS later. "You still want your bathroom done?". Jeez.

[Crankin]

It's worth the $. We replaced 33 (yes, 33) windows on our 1982 contemporary home with 4 levels. All odd shapes and the house is not that well insulated. The savings on our energy bills have been enormous. Even on days when it is close to 100 degrees, our AC does not go on until at least noon time. It's much warmer in the winter, too. Before, we had issues with some rooms being freezing and some being too hot and that's gone away.
I have learned in home repairs, yes, you should get several estimates, but generally, you get what you pay for. Obviously, previous owners of my house did not subscribe to this theory.