Home : Review Topics : Replacement Windows DIY
Replacement Windows DIY Introduction
If you are interested in replacement windows DIY style, you have a couple different options. One, you can take my list of good windows and search for local dealers who may or may not be willing to sell to you directly. This approach is kind of a crap shoot, but I have certainly heard of local window companies who are willing to sell direct to the "public." Offhand, Okna Windows is one of the brands that I've heard will occasionally sell direct. Scroll down for more of our discussion on replacement windows DIY and to read about past homeowner's advice and experiences.
My Take On DIY: Getting local window companies to sell to you is probably going to be on a case to case basis. However, if you can find a good window and can install them yourself, you will obviously save a ton of money.
(Always Get 3 to 4 Local Price Quotes - And My Personal Advice)
Dane - Site Editor - Original Publish Date - May 28, 2022
Page Last Update: January 29, 2026
Page Sections
- Replacement Windows DIY Introduction
- Do It Yourself Options
- Cost Considerations
- Replacement Windows DIY Q And A
Get Our Recommended Window List
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Do It Yourself Options
If you can't find anyone willing to sell to you directly, you will probably have to go one of the big box stores. These include places like Hone Depot, Lowes, Dixieline, Menards, etc. Mostly, these big box stores sell lower end or mid range vinyl windows and patio doors. However, a decent mid range vinyl window with competent installation is not the worst option.
Additionally, I would suggest speaking with the people in the window department and asking the following question - "if you were putting a window in your home that you sell here, what would it be if money were no object?" I like this question because they are sort of putting their money where their mouth is -- not totally, but you get the idea.
Cost Considerations
Replacement Windows DIY Q And A
Browse below to read all of our replacement windows do it yourself questions and answers from me, Dane, your site editor. If you have a DIY question, ask it here and I'll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
Dane - Site Editor
Replacement Window Installation DIY Question
Hi Dane, I found your review of replacement windows online and you say to contact you for your good, better, best list. I'm currently looking for fourteen replacement windows for a home I will be selling. I want a decent white on white double hung replacement window to install myself.
So, really this is a two part question... can you please send me your list and also offer a way or place to buy windows and install them myself. Most of the info online is from resellers / installers.
Tony - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
[DIY List Redacted -- contact us directly (Dane or Tim) for our good and great windows list.]
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Mid-Range Window For Direct Purchase
Good Afternoon Dane, I really enjoyed reading your window review site and I've learned a lot. I was dismayed to see that most of the high quality windows recommended come bundled with installation. I've had some experience in installation and have been looking for the best vinyl double-hung windows that are available to buy for DIY install.
I'm located on the East Coast in the Washington, DC area. Could you please recommend a good mid-range window that may be available for direct purchase in my area? Thank you so much.
Chris - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Answers]
Chris, if you are interested in DIY, here are my recommendations. [DIY Recommendations List Redacted -- contact me directly (Dane for our good and great windows list.]
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Big Box Stores And DIY
Good afternoon! I love your site! I am sure I ask the question everyone asks. Is there a decent window that I can purchase and install myself? I have a 1970’s brick ranch with 19 normal 32x38 and 32 x 57 windows and am very able to install windows. The big box stores windows seem to be garbage but window companies want to charge me an arm and leg to replace.
There is no rotten wood and we do not want capping on mounding. I found a local hardware store that sell win tech windows but not sure about those. Is Great Lakes an okay window? We live in Ga and are very close 14 miles to Alabama. Thanks so much!
Bernie - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Answers]
If you are interested in DIY, you have a couple different options. One, you can take my list of good windows and search for local dealers who may or may not be willing to sell to you directly. It's kind of a crap shoot, but I have certainly heard of dealers willing to sell direct to the "public." Offhand, Okna Windows is one of the brands that I've heard will occasionally sell direct.
[DIY List pulled -- contact Dane for the list.]
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Replacement Windows DIY
Dane or Tim, thanks to you both for your integrity and passing on your knowledge of windows! Many have befitted. I'm looking to replace 60 year old wood, single pane (with storm window), slider units in Whitewater, WI. The original cedar siding butts to the external window frames.
I've seen units on YouTube where the contractor uses a circular saw and cuts through the wood siding exposing the nailing flange. After which the window is removed and a new vinyl window with and oversized brickmould is then sealed and screwed onto the existing framing after the replacement unit is shimmed in place. A snap trim then hides the attaching screws, similar as used with a storm door.
I would appreciate your suggestions on vinyl windows. I don't want a replacement as I want to seal the cavity between the construction framing and window unit with w/d foam. I would prefer a 'local' manufacturer and I will be installing them myself. Thanks for your time and expertise gentlemen.
Steve - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Answers]
Steve, If you are interested in DIY, you have a couple different options. One, you can take my list of good windows and search local dealers who may be willing to sell direct. [For the window list, simply email Tim.]
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
DIY Handyman Windows Question
Hello my name is Jeff with no limit handyman service. I'm looking to close in a screen porch and I need to get six windows I need four of them at 52 and 1/2 by 59 and 3/4 and I need one of them at 45 and 3/4 by 59 and 3/4 and the other 144 and 1/2 by 59 and 3/4. I'm trying to look for a sliding window they don't have to be expensive brand the cheaper the better because it's just for a rental could you please email me back I don't need someone to install them I just need the windows herself thank you and have a nice day.
Jeff - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Jeff, if you are interested in DIY...here is my DIY spiel.
[DIY List Redacted -- contact us directly (Dane or Tim) for our good and great windows list.]
Dane - Site Editor - from 2021
Zen Price Drop
Hi Dane, in your opinion - with full replacement of our 2- 6 ft sliding patio doors what brand/ model would you recommend? We were going to do full replacement because we’re not sure if there’s rotted wood beneath. We were going for the vinyl also.
Also Zen came back with 1600 decrease from original quote-some movement but not much? We were thinking to save a little money we would buy and install the patio doors ourselves. That would get them down another 8 to 10,000. Will be interesting to see what they say when we tell him that fact. Thank you for your page on replacement windows DIY - this whole process is confusing.
Scott - Homeowner - from 2020
[Website Editor Reply]
Good quality door makers include Jeld Wen, ProVia, Soft-Lite, Andersen, Sunrise, Okna, and Pella. Zen coming down $1600 is pretty good actually, I can't remember the total, but that's nothing to sneeze at.
Door units can be bulky, but they can be done DIY and that will certainly save you some money if you can buy direct from the dealer. Not always possible. As long as they are the same size as the unit you are taking out, custom sizing can get pretty tricky.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2020
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