Window replacement costs in Virginia Beach

Virginia's statewide building code goes easy on a straight window swap. In a one- or two-family home, replacing windows with ones of similar operation and the same opening size, without changing the framed opening and where fire-rated windows aren't required, is exempt from a permit. Turn a slider into a casement, or widen an opening, and you're outside that exemption. The exemption only covers the paperwork. The code says the work still has to meet its other requirements, and if you ask for a permit anyway, one has to be issued.

The same section keeps two escape hatches, and in Virginia Beach the flood one deserves a close look. A building official may still require a permit for exempt work in a special flood hazard area. The other covers siding, roofing and windows in a historic district the locality has designated. The city's floodplain office says a permit is required for all construction and development in its special flood hazard areas, and it points owners to the city's online map to look up a property.

If your lot turns out to be in one of those areas, the permit question comes before the window question.

Near the ocean and the bay, salt air works on metal, so ask what the hardware, screen frames and fasteners are made of, not only the glass.