Window Replacement

Julie,
This would be an architectural issue and somewhere there is a statement that will need to be changed, altered or amended. 28 years old on a window style is definitely time to get updated. You will need to have a meeting where a decision is made on an updated style. I don't think that there are aluminum widows that would pass any energy efficiency standards now. Maybe there are but I would not go that way, especially in Washington where you have some weather extremes. Work with your association to get a new standard of materials to be used. All documents can be changed and updated and this is an example of one.

I love your idea, but the darn timing is so off! I need to replace the window because of a crack (yes, I can replace just the glass, but don't want to go to that expense since they whole thing is so outdated) and we're voting in new Board Members this month. Most of the people here are so laid back that they just go with the flow. This can be a good thing - or it can bite me. The only other person that wants to be a new Board Member is, unfortunately, an extremely argumentative, unreasonable person. He literally argues about EVERYTHING. It's pretty frustrating. So, if he gets on board before I settle this, I will probably only get to replace the glass. I will have the window company representative come out and talk with people at a meeting tho. I like that idea. I don't think people will replace theirs for awhile longer, but he may be able to persuade them to at least pick out a style to go with in the future. I just can't wait that long for mine. Thanks for your reply!

No, I'm not. I'm not even sure how to find this out. I have a friend that is living in a 28 unit complex that says it's the Association's responsibility. However, I don't know if the Association would agree to pay for a whole new window when I could just replace the glass. Especially, since it doesn't look like anyone else plans on replacing theirs. The aluminum ones feel like a refrigerator and I don't understand how the other homeowners could live with them for 28 years. I've been here for 3+ years and really want them gone. I think I'll call a meeting and have the window representative come out and talk with everyone. At least we can come up with a standard and I'll have to either paint my outside frame or have the Association pay to have it done professionally when they all decide to replace theirs.

I would think that your docs would contain the information about whether or not the glass replacement/repair is covered, or perhaps a board member knows for sure. This can't be the first time that this has happened. For now, just have the HOA replace the glass and pay for it if they will. Then follow Robert's lead. Have the Board move forward and get a good contractor along with a good window that's manufacturer by one of the older companies that has been in business for long time. (you know who I'm talking about). It's much easier (down the road) to get replacement parts and repairs if stay away for the gypsy window manufacturers. Our condo board interviewed several contractors and did their research on window manufacturers. In my case, the board is not read to replace all the windows since they are no where near functionally obselete; but some of the residents did not like the triple pane metal thermal-break windows. So they came up with a standard in terms of a manufacturer, style, type, or specific model so all of the replacements look very similar to the old windows. In our case, the cost was born by the resident, but in your case, it sounds like the board needs to vote on moving forward on this, decide on a window type as well as a manufacturer. With the rising energy costs, why would they either budget for this, or pull it from reserves, or pass a special assessment. Wouldn't you think that it would also help with the resale value of the condo as well?

Judie first off I would NOT replace anything at the HOA's expense unless the documents clearly state that it is an Association expense or you could face charges of theft in office. Just look through the different posts for officers funding repairs on their property. First find out who is responsible for what; it's spelled out in the documents somewhere. Then put in your application to the ACC or BOD if your complex doesn't have one and you should recluse yourself from the process for this you are just a homeowner.

You might also try checking with your local zoning board; what was standard 28 years ago may no longer even be allowed. Also I would use the energy savings as a big selling point in fact depending on local laws they may not be able to stop you from changing them.

P.S. With the changes in window technology you can have the yucky color on the outside and another color in the inside.

Thank all of you for your comments. I can use them all! I know it sounded lame not to know if the Association was responsible for paying for the window or not, but our CCRs are too sketchy. I suggested in a meeting that we have a lawyer look them over to make things more clear and I'm going forward with that. I'll hold off on the front window until we get a standard for all of them. I can tell you that no one has made changes to the outside of our building in 28 years! No window frame has been changed - only the glass on 3. We have a new roof and the building has been painted and we have carpet on our walkway - all recently done. The building is very sound and needed no repairs before. We do our own work parties so improvements have been made to the garden and front area. The Association paid for the material and we did the work.

No we do not have an architectural committee and only one person had asked to change the outside of their condo unit. We only have one family that has been there long term so I suppose that's why. This person has been the President for a long time, off and on, and treated it like a big happy family instead of a business. Being fairly new to the Board, I'm struggling to get things "back in shape" and with only 10 units, you do not want to make people hate you or you will have a miserable life their! Plus you won't be a Board Member again. So, I'm moving forward and picking my battles. I'm not moving slowly and have put a lot of things in motion (like paying assessments/dues by percentage owned instead of one flat fee for everyone regardless of size of unit). None of us have a lot of money and I'm positive that those windows won't be changed for awhile and that's why I don't want to wait for everyone to get new windows before I can move on mine. However, you're right - I'll have a few contractors come out and talk with us and set a standard first. Maybe you're right, maybe more people will step forward and say they want them, too. I'm just not willing to wait 10 years to replace mine. Thanks again, everyone.

Wow, that seemed a bit harsh. You have no idea how much I do for the good of our Association. Believe me. Yes, I want my window taken care of. I'm not trying to make anyone pay for my window, nor am I trying to make them replace theirs. I simply want a standard for the future and I want to know what I or anyone else in the complex can do to get our incredibly old, cold, windy windows replaced before the next 20 years rolls around. That's it. I do have their best interest in mind. I've already emailed everyone in the complex and asked how they felt about having several window contractors come out to see if we can come up with a solution. Sorry if I took your response wrong, but if you knew me you'd know how much effort I have put into this Association.