Inspecting Foreclosures - Part IV - Windows Continued
With so many Foreclosures in and around Orange County, Sullivan County, and Ulster County NY it is important for buyers to proceed with caution. Even if a property says "As Is" a good home inspection will allow you to decide whether the house is worth the risk. Sometimes a lower price brings a higher cost in repairs later on. This continues this home inspector's list of issues that may occur with windows in his series of articles on Bank Owned Homes. Thanks to Michael Thornton for his expertise:
As I stated in the earlier, window issues cover a wide range. Failed seals in insulated windows probably accounts for the huge
portion of items written up in the report. Failed seals can range from a slight discoloration or lack of clarity to the obvious milky calcium stains. More often than not, the trained eye of a professional inspector can tell the difference between a good window and one that has failed.
Repairs to failed seals can vary. There are some window revision companies that can "salvage" these windows by drilling a small hole in the exterior of the window and spraying a solution between the panes of glass which will keep the calcium from building up between the panes. These can be done for a fraction of the cost of replacement especially if there are several windows to deal with. If there are one or two windows and they are standard size, the cost of replacement may range anywhere from $100 - $150 per sash. Larger fixed windows can run into the thousands depending on style, size, and the amount of labor involved.
Windows that are cracked or have calcium between the panes will need to be replaced. If there are several in the property, get an estimate from a minimum of 3 contractors. Have the quote broken down into cost of the window and labor. See if painting the new frames is part of the quote especially with wood windows. Hiring a painter will add to the expense.
Inspecting Foreclosures - Part I
Inspecting Foreclosures - Part II - Exterior Issues
Inspecting Foreclosures - Part III - Mechanical Issues
Inspecting Foreclosures - Part IV - Windows - Part I
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