New Windows!

We decided to get new windows. It's been a sticking point in this house since we moved in. They were terrible. Painted and puttied shut from the previous owner. Hard to open, drafty, no screens, some were broken, and originally old... 1954 stamped on the inside aluminum!  We priced it out ~2 years ago just after Des was born, but decided that was bad timing even though it was a good price. We at least had an idea on what we were up against cost-wise.
Well we decided to have another look and called a few companies. We really liked the one company, even though their Windows were probably a little more expensive than some others. They really seemed to be top quality, and all locally designed and manufactured (London) which is important to us.  Centennial Windows and Doors.  Even though the company research showed up clean with good reviews (most did say they were more money than other companies), there's something about (all) window companies that makes you feel like you're getting taken for a ride.... there's just something very "used car salesman" about it.  We won't talk about price, because I still have trouble uttering the amount.  :p

They started on them yesterday, and so far look great!  They were supposed to be back today to finish, but a winter storm rolled in and they had to cancel. They'll be back on the weekend to finish.  It would be nice to have them done before the weekend to get the house back in order, but there's nothing we can do about that.  They were all put in except the one in Desmond's room and the two large picture windows (which is actually 6 windows total) in the dining room/living room. After those 3, they have all the trim and exterior finishing to complete.  All windows except the large picture windows will be completely replaced down to the studs instead of "retro-fitted" where the original window frames remain. We chose that because we didn't want to mess with the "look" on the inside for those windows. They really give the room more character they way they are. We were told that you don't lose efficiency when you retro-fit - it's mostly just a cost savings and/or looks thing.  So we found out that it's more expensive that way - more labour, you end up with slightly larger windows (because they're not inset into the existing frames), so more materials, glass, wood, etc..

I'll post some pics when they're done. For now, I just have a cell phone snap that Marn bbm'd me yesterday of the window in our room. So it's pretty low quality.  SO excited!

It will be SO NICE to finally be able to easily open the windows, and not have 100 bugs fly in during the summer!!  I literally had to step into it to open them and ensure I kept a straight back as to not injure myself!