"We are pleased to offer a promotional financing plan of $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest for 1 year subject to credit approval." Visit our expanded showroom & see firsthand all of the windows and doors we have available. ”


Window Outfitters Blog

  • Pinterest Icon
  • linkedin Icon

Some Basic Information on Replacement Windows for Minneapolis Historic Homes

Buyers of historic and other older homes know they come with upsides and drawbacks. The traditional craftsmanship can’t be beat, and it’s rare to be able to find wood of the quality that was used back in the day.  But those old homes usually have windows that are far from energy efficient, and drafts and high utility bills are the norm.  So often when a homeowner purchases one of these houses, their first thought is to replace the windows.

Would it surprise you that as a Minneapolis replacement window company that our first recommendation is NOT to do that?  Yes, we specialize in window and exterior doors for historic homes. But our goal is to help homeowners chose the best solution for their homes. And often that means doing what is possible to preserve those old windows.  (Click here to read this previous article on some of the reasons.)

When Historic Home Window Replacement Is Needed in the Twin Cities Area

We do recognize that at times those old windows are in such bad shape that retaining them is not a good option. But before you take any action, you need to be aware that historic homes and historic districts are usually covered by restrictive rules and regulations that will dictate what you can and cannot do.  The intent, of course, is to preserve as much of the original character as possible.

Is your home listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places?  If so, the National Park Service oversees standards that must be maintained.  For more information, see their website.

Is your home located in an historic district? Even if the house is not on the national register, if it is in an official historic district (not just an area where a lot of older homes are prevalent), there will be regulations and/or standards that cover any remodeling you can do, including window replacement.  Depending on the location, those standards can be lax or very stringent. In the very least, you’ll most likely have to submit your plans for review.  Fortunately, we’re used to working with historic district entities, and we can help you navigate the process.

Or have you just got a beautiful older home? Even if your home isn’t covered by any official regulatory body, if it’s an older one with a lot of intact architectural features, you may want to do what you can to preserve its look while bringing it up to date in terms of energy efficiency and maintenance.   We work with a number of replacement window manufacturers who offer modern windows that retain the look of the old-world craftsmanship that is so very desirable for many homeowners.

You don’t have to sacrifice the look of your home for comfort and lower heating and cooling bills.  There are many options to let you have both. If you have any older home – historic or not – and you’d like some help with your windows, please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation.  We serve the greater Twin Cities metro, but we also work with homeowners in other areas where these gorgeous old homes are located, like Fairbault.  

Share

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

Archives