>>John
Leeke will no doubt have more (and better) reasons why new windows are NFG,
and
I'm surprised he hasn't erupted yet. Best yet, have John come up there and
explain to the locals why they should keep (and fix) the windows they have
rather
than spending a fortune to get shit.
<<
Huh? What? Oh, I been busy daydreaming about Greek masons who are busy
building a white temple in the pink clouds right outside my office
window.......
Everything Ralph says--goes double.
Let's run the numbers: What would it cost to exactly reproduce one of those
old commercial store-front wondows--exactly same glass, good wood, paint,
etc.? Let's say $8,000., and the old one can be fixed up like new for,
let's say $2000., or maintained to last another 8 years for $500. Now, the
aluminum double-pane insulating glass commercial window replacement would
cost $1,500. So, the shop owner is actually considering throwing away a
window that has lasted 100 years and is worth $6,000. (8,000-2,000=6,000)
and replace it with a window that is only worth $900. ($1500.-40% markup)
that will need to be replaced again in 8 to 15 years at twice the price. If
the shop owner has an interest in the building that is any longer than 8
years then the only one coming out ahead in this situation is the guy
selling the aluminum window, which has at least a 40% markup ($600.). If the
shop owner considers maintaining or fixing up the window, the maximum markup
for the tradesperson doing the work is about 10% (if any) or $50. to $200.
Considering the "commercial climate" of this culture there is a "high
pressure system" hovering over the aluminum replacement deal since that is
where the most money can be made. The window replacement guy is building up
the pressure by saying anything to the shop owner to make that sale, such
as, "you are smart," (but, not as smart as me) "you will save a pile of
money," (but not as big as my pile) and "your new window will look real
shiny." (we've got a big pile of Shinola out back and we'll rub quite a bit
of it onto your windows, no charge) The preservation carpenter will say, "I
can make your window look old" (and I'm proud of it), take it or leave it"
(I don't have enough overhead built into my price to spend time educating
and convincing you this is a good deal). What's wrong with this picture? We
don't pay the preservation carpenter enough to bump up his marketing program
so he can compete effectively with Alcoa, PPG and the window replacement
guy, even when he has a lower cost alternative. What can we do about this?
Got any ideas?
John (oh great, the masons have taken a lunch break and now I missed how
they fit that entablature stone onto the abacus) Leeke
John Leeke, Preservation Consultant
26 Higgins St.
Portland, Maine 04103
207 773-2306
[log in to unmask]
www.HistoricHomeWorks.com
--
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<http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>
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