DH and I are remodeling a small cabin and want to convert the screened porch to a sunroom to increase the living space. The (bad) photo shows six of the openings where we want to put windows. We plan to drop that cross bar down to the bottom so the windows will be full length with nothing to block the view. Where the door is now and in the opening right next to it we will put French doors. There are three openings on each side of the door and three openings going back from the left corner and three going back from the right corner, so total of 12 large windows.
We have a carpenter that can install the windows, so all we need are the framed windows. We have had two companies come out and give us estimates and they seem really high to us, but we don't really know what we should expect.
We need 12 windows. Ten will just be floor to ceiling and the other two will be 70/30 with the smaller part at the bottom that slides up to open. All of them will be 85 inches tall and vary in width from 33 inches for the narrowest to 41 inches for the widest.
We want vinyl, Low E, UV protection and from what we understand as per code, we have to add impact resistance because of the size and the fact that they go to the floor. Maybe that's what makes it so expensive.
Any ideas of what kind of questions we should ask and any thoughts as to what this should cost?
Estimates so far
First company = $18,000 including the French door, but not including installation
Second company - $19,000 does not include the French door but does include installation. (They do all their own installations and will not sell unless you let them install.)
Appreciate any thoughts, tips and help...
Patti
