Replacing basement windows in DC rowhouse

[Anonymous]

We are remodeling a half bath in our rowhouse basement into a larger laundry/bath. I can't decide what to do about the three windows in the laundry area. They are the original six paned (six light?) wood windows with hinges on top that swing inwards. There are old wood storm windows on two windows (missing on the third).

Should I keep these charming historic windows even though they are drafty, maybe replace the wood storms with modern storm windows?

Or replace the windows (for double paned, well-sealed ones), and if so with what? I hate the look of vinyl windows but that's all I seem to find online for basements. (We are in a historic district, but this is the back of the house so I think there are no restrictions.)

[Anonymous]

We did nice Marvins upstairs and cheaper vinyl downstairs in the basement - looks fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are remodeling a half bath in our rowhouse basement into a larger laundry/bath. I can't decide what to do about the three windows in the laundry area. They are the original six paned (six light?) wood windows with hinges on top that swing inwards. There are old wood storm windows on two windows (missing on the third).

Should I keep these charming historic windows even though they are drafty, maybe replace the wood storms with modern storm windows?

Or replace the windows (for double paned, well-sealed ones), and if so with what? I hate the look of vinyl windows but that's all I seem to find online for basements. (We are in a historic district, but this is the back of the house so I think there are no restrictions.)

If you do not liven the basement area then spend the money else where. But if you see it becoming a living space, spare room late one, then take them out and replace with modern double glazed windows. When you get new ones you can go bigger, it is the rear of the house so historic does not care. We just did our rear basement window, make a large sliding window where a small hinged window once was. This now serves as an agree window.

I used Pella for this, they can do the opening, and the install which is handy, and they have a high end line with wood trim which is good. But they are a total pain in the as to deal with. I think it cost 2K. They took 6 weeks from when I ordered it, but they came and did it in a day. Unfortunately some other door and windows they did that day needed repeat return vista and one door was, and still is the wrong color, so you have to really manage them because no one is really managing the process from their end.