Window replacement costs in Madison

Madison's Landmarks Commission has its own form for window replacements inside its local historic districts. You number every window on every side of the house, even the ones you're keeping. Each window you want to replace gets a photo on a survey form, along with the new window's size, style, pane pattern and material. An order quote, numbered to match, can cover that last part.

For a historic window, one that dates to the district's period of significance, you also have to show why it's going. You can send a written assessment of each window from an experienced repair contractor, such as a carpenter or painter, explaining why it's beyond repair. Or you can send a positive lead test for each window, and a photo of a home test result counts. The form warns that replacing a window because of lead may not qualify for state historic tax credits.

The standards behind the form lean toward keeping old sash. Original decorative windows are to be repaired and kept. A historic single-pane sash can be fitted with insulated glass if that won't weaken it or change its look much. Storm windows have to match the pane pattern or be one-over-one, with painted or non-reflective frames.

Storm windows earn their keep here. About 16 nights a year bottom out at zero or colder at the airport.