corgilvr, We have 16 windows of varying sizes and in varying stages of health. (Most open and close just fine, some don't open, pulleys need replacing due to breakage or fraying, all are slopped with paint/stain, etc. etc.) The estimate to restore all 16 windows according to this description: "Labor cost for the restoration of the existing sash. All brick mold, sash and casement trim will be stripped, sanded, primed w/ oil-based primer and coated w/ two applications of oil-based paint to match existing." was $5525. Additionally, we requested a quote to have him build new wood storms. Click here for pictures of his sample storm. We currently have aluminum storms which make me crazy. The quote for 10 custom storms was just over $2500. I can't remember why we didn't get quotes for the rest of the windows. We had been considering postponing the window project anyway because we're planning to build an addition on the back of the house in some years (five-ish) and at that time will completely remodel the exterior of the house according to some of the guidelines in the book Bungalow Colors - Exteriors. It would be nice to roll the window cost into the remodel/addition loan but it would also be nice to have new storms now. Anyway, with the death of my FIL in late spring, the matter of the windows fell out of our heads completely and we're just now getting to a point where we can think about such things again. In fact, the quote above was emailed to me the day after FIL died so I haven't even looked closely at it until today. (I did reply the contractor to thank him for his time--he spent a couple of hours here with us one day--and explain that we had a sudden death in the family and would have to put the window project off indefinitely.) I am not surprised by the expense. The restorer seemed extremely reluctant to do the windows himself; I'm sure he intentionally charges an arm and a leg because it's such a pain. He strongly encouraged us to hire him to come in for a weekend and teach us how to do one or two of the windows, and then do the rest ourselves. My initial thought is that I should take care of the windows myself (me and my trusty copy of "Working Windows" along with the info provided by the restorer), and hire out the storms. On the other hand, we are trying to start a family and I don't know about working with paint, strippers, etc. while potentially pregnant. Sigh. So many complications. I'm interested in knowing what you think but I've now completely hijacked this thread so maybe I should start a new one. But to answer your post - Tell your husband what our restorer told us - it would be cheaper to replace the old windows with medium-quality new windows than to hire out the restoration project. You're doing well! :)

Two years back we did a barrier free shower in a Historical Home here in Vancouver. The floor joists where 2"x10" full dimension Fir. I needed to cut back 3" for my floor prep and the engineer would not let me. The span If I remember right was close to 18'. The fix there was sistering all the old joists with 8" LVL's (I was not allowed to install 7"). These can be ordered in 20' easy. Are you building a room above? Is there blocking courses in place?

Thank you kudzu9 for the advice and thank you toxcrusadr. The solid wood beam seems still solid, didn’t feel soft or sponginess. We aren’t too sure about the joist (particle board), like you said, it’s not very thick. I had two construction companies came today to see if repairs or replacements are needed and requested estimates. One construction company recommended reinforce it by put in three additional joists and two short beams to support the joists in a cross direction. The other foundation company told me that the damaged beam and joists need to be replaced. He because the moisture level is high and that level will not decrease over time. He explained that once the moisture get inside the wood, it will not and can’t be dried. So the beam has lost its strength to support the structure which would cause the floor (both 1st and 2nd floor) to sag in less than a year. He also said if I don’t replace them now, it will cause more damage to the house and will cost me more to replace it then. I feel like that guy was trying to scare me so I will hire them for the job.

Double Post https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5974992/help-needed-with-sistering-floor-joists