Cost to cut windows in side of rowhouse?

[Anonymous]

We're contemplating putting a bid on a end unit rowhouse that sadly doesn't have any windows at all on the one side of the house that is exposed.

Anyone have any experience with quotes on cutting some large windows out of the side of a brick row house? how much would you budget?

[Anonymous]

Is it in a historic district? Check that first. Also, what are the zoning rules for the lot? Is the lot line right on the house of the line? If it is, sometimes you can’t put windows on the side of the house.

[Anonymous]

For each one need to cut masonry, add angle bar lintels, wood framing, install window, seal with caulk, and repair drywall or plaster. Probably $1-1.5k per window (not counting the window itself) but you will get GCs try to get you to pay $3k+ per.

[Anonymous]

If it’s a historic district and the windows are visible from the street you will be required to use architectural windows which will be around $1500 each.

[Anonymous]

Re-upping this post to see if anyone has experience actually doing this recently?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re-upping this post to see if anyone has experience actually doing this recently?

OP this is kind of an unusual thing, you probably need to talk to some architects and contractors.

If you see any houses in your neighborhood with the same modification, it can’t hurt to send them a note asking who they used.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re-upping this post to see if anyone has experience actually doing this recently?

Speak to your HOA first. They probably have rules governing this. And will say no. There is a reason you never see extensions in townhouse communities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re-upping this post to see if anyone has experience actually doing this recently?

Speak to your HOA first. They probably have rules governing this. And will say no. There is a reason you never see extensions in townhouse communities.

My house is not in HOA. It's a 120 year old row home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re-upping this post to see if anyone has experience actually doing this recently?

Speak to your HOA first. They probably have rules governing this. And will say no. There is a reason you never see extensions in townhouse communities.

My house is not in HOA. It's a 120 year old row home.

DP. Just because it's not in HOA, doesn't mean there aren't limitations if it's in a historical district.

In Old Town Alexandria for example, most rowhouseses don't have an HOA. But a significant percentage are in a historical district. Meaning something like this would not be allowed.

[Anonymous]

I’m planning to do this for my SFH in the burbs that weirdly has no windows on the side. It can be done and it’s not too hard but does require review by a qualified person to make sure the roof won’t be impacted and that the windows are framed properly. It’s hard to find places that will just take on a window or two. I found some siding contractors who will do it if we replace our siding.

[Anonymous]

If you ARE in a historic district, ask the local Historic District association or group - they will know the regulations and the good contractors who have done work like this before.

[Anonymous]

Even if you're not in an historic district you have to make sure the building code will allow you to do this. You generally can't put side windows right on the building line.

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of doing a renovation and are adding windows to our second floor bedrooms. We assumed it would be really expensive/difficult to do, and almost didn’t include it but our architect tells us that adding windows is surprisingly inexpensive and not that difficult. Our quotes don’t break it out per window, but our architect ballparked the cost as a couple of thousand per window.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m planning to do this for my SFH in the burbs that weirdly has no windows on the side. It can be done and it’s not too hard but does require review by a qualified person to make sure the roof won’t be impacted and that the windows are framed properly. It’s hard to find places that will just take on a window or two. I found some siding contractors who will do it if we replace our siding.

Ours doesn't have windows in the side of the house either (just in a part that butts out in the back). Is this a 90s thing?

[Anonymous]

No windows on side of house is a 90s thing. In my neighborhood the least expensive houses [of sort of three tiers of houses] do not have side windows. It's weird but I like that the house behind me does not have side windows looking out on my house! I didn't notice until my friend pointed it out in her house, which seemed dark inside.