Windows: repair/replace, advice

caper7

Hi,
I need to sort some casement windows that are in quite bad condition, rotten parts of the window sill etc...
Firstly, any general advice on what would likely be cheaper, easier, to repair or replace?
Currently they are single glazed wooden windows, if replaced it would be with double glazing and probably upvc (white).
Secondly, who would I look to for quotes for repair? General builder, Joiner, painter/decorator? Would I need a joiner/carpenter for the wood, glazier for glass and painter all separately? Who does one approach to take care of the whole thing?
Any guidance much appreciated. 

Megaross

If there's several things wrong with them and they're not an aesthetic requirement it'll likely be cheaper to replace.

travis-powers

Unless your windows are of historical value it would be more cost effective to replace, have a look for a few local window companies.

stuart45

I repair our single glazed timber windows every few years with filler, wood hardener etc. If I had to pay someone it would be a lot more cost effective to replace them. 

FreeBear

caper7 said:  I need to sort some casement windows that are in quite bad condition, rotten parts of the window sill etc...
Firstly, any general advice on what would likely be cheaper, easier, to repair or replace?
Currently they are single glazed wooden windows, if replaced it would be with double glazing and probably upvc (white).

Single glazed, with rotting sill - In my opinion, a no-brainer to replace with double (or even triple) glazed windows. Just had the last few windows replaced here. The bathroom window had a little bit of rot in the sill, or so I thought. On removal, it was rotted all the way through and is hardly fit for firewood.

Replacing with double glazed windows will save on your heating costs - I'll hazard a guess that the current windows are also draughty - New windows will plug the holes and cut down even more on the heat losses.

Call on some of the local independent window installers (not the likes of Anglian or Everest) - I used a local one-man-band and his prices were less than the outfits with showrooms plus all the other overheads (so no commission, and no hard sell).

caper7

So far it's replace not repair. Thanks all. 
Fairly sure that's what I'll do, but one window doesn't seem as bad as the rest, so any advice on what trade I call to quote for repairing that one? 
Regarding Anglian/ Everest, a friend ended up using them because they kept beating each others quote, and I was surprised someone in my street used Everest.
I definitely plan on looking for smaller more local companies, but is it worth getting Anglian /everest to quote as a comparison? and if they were significantly cheaper are they safe to use? I don't know why, but I've always thought they were best avoided... 

FreeBear

caper7 said: but is it worth getting Anglian /everest to quote as a comparison? and if they were significantly cheaper are they safe to use? I don't know why, but I've always thought they were best avoided... 

You will end on their list, and you'll probably find they are calling you every six months or so for every more.

Angian replaced a door on a house not to far from me. A late 1920s property where the original wooden frames support the outer leaf of brickwork. As the door went in, I commented on the lack of lintel... They were back a few months later to repoint the brickwork (badly) above the door. Still no lintel fitted - FENSA have issued a number of briefings over the years stating that lintels should be fitted where the original frames were supporting the outer leaf.

Megaross

The big chain companies often cost more and do a worse job. The standard of work on my mates house, I'd have been going ballistic at them down the phone - some of the windows were twisted or fitted cockeyed in the opening and not even subtly.

Independent will always be cheaper and do better work if you get a good one.

For the one that "Isn't as bad" by the time you have multiple areas repaired and repainted it you'll still be better off replacing.