A Bittersweet Change to 173
I loved the grill work in the door and the windows. By-the-way, the lady in the picture is (along with her husband) the only owner of this house before us! They owned the house since it was built in 1928! The guy in the picture is the father of one of my best friends! As a matter-of-fact, she's one of the kids in this picture:
Making the Best of What We Had
A couple years after buying 173, we put a lot of work into the front porch. At the time, we did the best we could with what we had, and it turned out pretty good. The picture below shows the front porch after stripping the clapboard down to the bare wood, putting in a new ceiling, installing a ceiling fan, and a lot of painting.
Notice how the windows opened into the porch? Looks nice doesn't it? Well, it wasn't. They were constantly in the way, and they weren't the least bit weatherproof...
When Repairs Were No Longer Enough
The other thing about our original remodel was that there are 13 windows in the front porch! That's a lot of money, and back in the day, we just couldn't afford to replace them. Well, a couple months ago I told you about hiring a contractor to work on the porch roofs. Well, the guy did such a great job, I hired him to replace all the windows and doors! So, last week (or maybe the week before) we moved all the porch furniture into the dining room, and I hinted at the project here:
Oh...and for years now I have lost sleep over the wisteria that we planted on the side of the porch. That stuff may be beautiful in the summer, but it's insanely invasive, and beginning in the fall, all the way through 'til spring, it looked like this:
I was oh-so-sad to learn that in order for the windows to be properly replaced, the wisteria would have to come down! (Can you read the false sorrow? LOL) Anyway, the outside of the porch was really looking rough too. The wood was so old and weathered it wouldn't hold paint anymore.
Now, 173 is by no means a fancy house, but we do take pride in it and want the ol' house to look nice. THIS does not look nice:
New Windows and a New Beginning
Five days after the contractor started...we have new windows, and a new door with side lights. I haven't taken the "after" pictures yet. The inside of the porch won't get the spruce up from a painting perspective 'til spring, so I'll save that for another post in a few months. In the meantime, here's a sneak peak...
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when old porch windows are beyond repair?
When the frames no longer hold paint, the windows leak air and water, become difficult to operate, or require constant maintenance, replacement often becomes more practical than continued repairs.
Is it worth replacing original windows on an enclosed porch?
It depends on their condition. Original windows can add character, but when comfort, weather protection, and functionality suffer, replacement may be the better long-term investment.
Why were old porch windows designed to swing inward?
Many enclosed porches used inward-opening casement windows because they provided excellent ventilation and were easy to clean. Unfortunately, they can also take up valuable interior space.
Do replacement windows change the character of an old house?
They can, which is why it's important to choose windows that respect the scale, proportions, and appearance of the original porch whenever possible.
Should all porch windows be replaced at the same time?
When multiple windows are failing, replacing them together often provides a more consistent appearance and can reduce labor costs compared to replacing them individually over several years.
How much difference do new windows make in an enclosed porch?
New windows can dramatically reduce drafts, improve comfort, lower maintenance, and make the space more usable throughout the year.
What should homeowners consider before replacing a porch door?
Durability, weather resistance, natural light, security, and how well the door complements the home's architecture should all be considered before making a final selection.
Can mature vines damage porches and windows?
Yes. Plants like wisteria can trap moisture against wood surfaces, damage trim, interfere with repairs, and make exterior maintenance significantly more difficult.
Why do exterior renovation projects often uncover additional problems?
Once old materials are removed, hidden rot, water damage, failing trim, or outdated construction details often become visible for the first time.
Is replacing windows an investment or an expense?
For many homeowners, it's both. New windows improve comfort and appearance immediately while also helping preserve the structure and value of the home over the long term.
Why is it sometimes hard to let go of original house features?
Old-house owners often develop an emotional connection to original materials and details. Even when replacement is necessary, there's often a sense of preserving the spirit of the house while updating what no longer functions.
Why do old-house projects seem to happen in phases?
Because most homeowners balance time, money, and priorities. Many successful restorations happen gradually over years rather than all at once, with each project building on the last.
Keywords
Front porch renovation, porch window replacement, porch door replacement, enclosed porch windows, old house renovation, front porch remodel, replacement windows, wisteria removal, curb appeal improvements, historic home updates