ᐅ Upgrading Windows with Mushroom Locks Allegedly Not Worth It – Opinions?
Created on: 11 May 2017 23:18
M
Mizit
Dear forum community, we would like to rely on your experience once again. We have received an offer and a recommendation but are not sure how to proceed.
I am worried about burglars, and the windows in our house, which is 23 years old, are all unsecured. We were thinking of having mushroom head locks installed on the 11 window sashes on the ground floor and also on 2 sashes on the upper floor that can be accessed via the garage roof.
Some initial, non-binding information indicated that retrofitting such mushroom head locks would cost about 300 euros per window.
Now we have obtained a second offer. The window profile depth was measured at 58 mm (2.3 inches) and the windows are double-glazed. We were told that upgrading the fittings to a security standard would no longer be financially worthwhile. The cost of a window door for retrofitting the fittings would be around 400 euros (net). Additionally, according to the supplier, it is unclear whether all fittings for these old profiles are still available. Therefore, they would rather advise us to replace the windows or at least some of them.
Well, I had already been wondering whether it makes sense to invest an amount approaching 4,000 euros in windows that are almost 25 years old. The current offer is even more expensive.
I assume that replacing 11 or 13 sashes would cost around 10,000 euros, wouldn’t it? Or even significantly more? On the other hand, these would then be new windows.
I was thinking that new windows with a U-value of 0.6 might also make sense because of heating oil costs. However, someone told me last week that this might not be a good idea, disregarding the costs, because we could quickly end up with mold in the house since there is no central ventilation installed.
Well… my feeling of security is very important to me, and of course that comes with a cost. But 400 euros (net) per window…?
I am worried about burglars, and the windows in our house, which is 23 years old, are all unsecured. We were thinking of having mushroom head locks installed on the 11 window sashes on the ground floor and also on 2 sashes on the upper floor that can be accessed via the garage roof.
Some initial, non-binding information indicated that retrofitting such mushroom head locks would cost about 300 euros per window.
Now we have obtained a second offer. The window profile depth was measured at 58 mm (2.3 inches) and the windows are double-glazed. We were told that upgrading the fittings to a security standard would no longer be financially worthwhile. The cost of a window door for retrofitting the fittings would be around 400 euros (net). Additionally, according to the supplier, it is unclear whether all fittings for these old profiles are still available. Therefore, they would rather advise us to replace the windows or at least some of them.
Well, I had already been wondering whether it makes sense to invest an amount approaching 4,000 euros in windows that are almost 25 years old. The current offer is even more expensive.
I assume that replacing 11 or 13 sashes would cost around 10,000 euros, wouldn’t it? Or even significantly more? On the other hand, these would then be new windows.
I was thinking that new windows with a U-value of 0.6 might also make sense because of heating oil costs. However, someone told me last week that this might not be a good idea, disregarding the costs, because we could quickly end up with mold in the house since there is no central ventilation installed.
Well… my feeling of security is very important to me, and of course that comes with a cost. But 400 euros (net) per window…?
You sound quite convincing.
Of course, we are uncertain partly because we’re aware that they will earn more if we order a batch of new windows, and when there is interest in closing the deal, the argument naturally leans toward “buy new.”
But the offer is currently at 400 € net (about 430 USD). Even if it is deliberately priced high. But the offer is currently at 400 € net (about 430 USD). Even if it is deliberately priced high.
If you say the mushroom-head locks can also be installed very cheaply: how exactly do I manage that when the quotes I have are completely overpriced?
Of course, we are uncertain partly because we’re aware that they will earn more if we order a batch of new windows, and when there is interest in closing the deal, the argument naturally leans toward “buy new.”
But the offer is currently at 400 € net (about 430 USD). Even if it is deliberately priced high. But the offer is currently at 400 € net (about 430 USD). Even if it is deliberately priced high.
If you say the mushroom-head locks can also be installed very cheaply: how exactly do I manage that when the quotes I have are completely overpriced?
Mizit schrieb:
If you say the mushroom heads can be installed very cheaply: how exactly do I manage that when the quotes I have are completely overpriced?Well, what does "very cheaply" mean – if it’s not quality, the whole effort isn’t worth it. This is such a popular retrofit product that you will definitely find cheap copies in several places, but what do you want to achieve with those?
What works is: “not overpriced.” For that, requesting quotes is the wrong approach—you’ll only collect scare quotes, because no one wants to ruin their new business with such jobs, especially not with new customers. The window manufacturer who supplied the windows is the first point of contact. Usually, they leave their name on a plaque on the frame (possibly inside) or on the handle. Or the neighbors all chose the same one back then, and at least one of them still knows the name.
Otherwise—rumor has it—that installers are regularly asked what their time after work is worth. A sly person might think something suspicious when they freely share their mobile phone numbers.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Also, replacing the windows for better insulation from double glazing to triple glazing with all the fuss isn’t really worth it.
From a security perspective, burglars would 99% of the time go for the patio door rather than the small window facing the street. If you keep it quiet and don’t tell anyone, it’s enough to just focus on securing the patio doors. Of course, it’s important that there’s no visible difference from the outside afterwards. (Anyone can spot new doors and will then prefer the old ones).
The fittings are definitely available somewhere to buy. They all use basically the same design. The replacement shouldn’t be a big deal. As mentioned before, the original window installer would be the best contact, since they are most likely still willing to help their former customers.
From a security perspective, burglars would 99% of the time go for the patio door rather than the small window facing the street. If you keep it quiet and don’t tell anyone, it’s enough to just focus on securing the patio doors. Of course, it’s important that there’s no visible difference from the outside afterwards. (Anyone can spot new doors and will then prefer the old ones).
The fittings are definitely available somewhere to buy. They all use basically the same design. The replacement shouldn’t be a big deal. As mentioned before, the original window installer would be the best contact, since they are most likely still willing to help their former customers.
Kampa is definitely not a small player. They probably still remember who they had under contract before. They might even be willing to provide customer service themselves.
Your windows are in better condition than expected for their age. However, I wouldn’t expect to postpone their replacement much longer than another ten or twelve years. I would consider that your “depreciation horizon.” Only you can decide what price you find acceptable at that point.
You should be able to find fair providers, but not enough to have a wide selection, especially in terms of price. @Payday has already offered a money-saving tip.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Your windows are in better condition than expected for their age. However, I wouldn’t expect to postpone their replacement much longer than another ten or twelve years. I would consider that your “depreciation horizon.” Only you can decide what price you find acceptable at that point.
You should be able to find fair providers, but not enough to have a wide selection, especially in terms of price. @Payday has already offered a money-saving tip.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/