Question

Stuck in a really, really hard place. We bought our home almost a year ago knowing we would soon need to replace the windows that I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE but are original to the house and have broken seals and some will not open due to being painted shut for years (big safety issue). When we brought someone out to quote us he immediately noticed the issue we had outside with gutters that were for years clogged due to being completely surrounded by pine trees (another issue we are looking into taking care of soon ‍♀️) and are now causing the wood to become rotten. Both things are important for us but coming at a time where we are at the very beginning of our journey to paying off debt. The cost of doing all windows in our house, new gutters, replacing all rotted wood and adding a door that is cracked is a whopping $18, 000. While we can afford to do the monthly payments, that number is extremely scary to take on. Is this something y’all would do or hold off knowing more damage could occur to the house over time?  

Answer 1

When we bought our house we knew wed have to replace all of our windows. 14 windows for about 13k. we went with a place where we could finance for 2yrs 0%. If you have rotting wood itll only get worse and can potentially lead to termites if that's not an issue already. You'll also end up saving some money on utilities with everything sealed up. I'd try to do them all at once for a better financing option

Answer 2

It is best to replace because it is going to cause you more damage in the long run if you can’t.  

Answer 3

Triage. What needs done first. If you need a loan then just do it and be intense about paying it off. Then save save save for the next most important thing. And so on

Answer 4

We also have to do our windows this year. We got a quote $8k for 14 windows. It was scary to hear it cost that much for windows!  

Answer 5

I think both are worth it. If I had to pick I’d do the roof/gutter first. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get reimbursements if you go energy efficient

Answer 6

Just did all the same things 2 years ago. I did a lot of research on windows and landed with Window World. Check them out. Some quotes were 3 times as much. I also got 5 estimates on gutters and repairs because my first 3 were all over the place. Take your time and make sure you dont overpay.  

Answer 7

Do you live someplace with 4 seasons? Our windows are literally 100+ years old, with the cold winters it’s so inefficient. I started doing 2 at a time. Hopefully you live someplace a little warmer and can do gutters first.  

Answer 8

I just replaced 3 windows because seals were broken. 300. 00 a piece. installed. Yikes. :) I would do it in installments, pay cash as you go, and get multiple offers.