My existing counter is higher than my (fully working) window by about 4 inches: with the Formica backsplash, the whole thing makes about a 8 inch well. The counter and backsplash just go straight across the wall, roughly cut out a little for the trim. If I took the sink cupboard out, I'd have a normal window and windowsill. I bet it's much more common than you realize, but you only notice it if someone does something conspicuous to call your attention to it. I honestly think you don't have to do anything cutesy. I definitely wouldn't be pouring water blind down the back of my sink unless I KNEW for sure where it was going. And fake ivy is just ... horrible. I stash my bottle of dish soap and a couple of other tall, inert objects down the back of the well. I'm planning on keeping it when I redo, just maybe with a little shelf atop the backsplash, but so I can still open the window. Nobody wants a sink down around their knees, or an extra couple thousand in unnecessary cabinetry. Just put everything where it needs to be. It'll be fine.

gardensean, You are right. I should blame insufficient research. Mine and I accept full culpability. I am however, inclined to warn others who may be thinking of replacing windows that they should pursue every avenue available to them NOT to do what I did and get an insert. I should have figured out that an insert window would be unacceptable - to me. I'm sure you're comfortable with the idea. For my part, I would never get one again. There is no way that it could be as robust as a proper in-place installation. As per a previous poster, apparently the Canadians agree with me - and Loewen makes no such creature. This was not a DIY job. We hired a very good window installer to do the job and he just finished it today. How much? I don't feel it is any of your business, but if the window was about $800, the installation was close to one and a half times that. Expensive enough for you? He did a very good job - insulated, shimmed, sealed, screwed in etc. It looks very clean and like a very good installation. Unfortunately for me, (a) I can't stand the sight of the frame of the insert window which is unavoidable in this insert business, (b) I don't actually like the look of Marvin's thick and chunky frames and (c) I can't imagine he could have done a better job, but I have no delusions that the caulk he put in and that is [all that is] responsible for sealing the opening will last the lifetime of the window. Actually even as I say (c), I understand he did put in some additional protections to shore up and seal of the opening. However, that is not what these types of windows are designed for - he went over and above because he knew that we were having such acute misgivings about ordering the insert. And I stand by my assertion that insert windows are just a bad concept. I do wish I'd internalized the trade-offs before I ordered one in lieu of a "new construction". I also wish I'd ordered the Loewen (which ONLY makes new construction windows) instead of the Marvin.

tonton, the reason is that most vinyl windows are designed to fit inside the "pocket" of a full framed wood window. They cannot accept another window of the same size. Any attempt to attach a smaller vinyl window into an original one will be disastrous. The only exception would be a full framed wood unit that just has vinyl cladding on the exterior. By your description, you have a full vinyl single-hung, and it just cannot be done.

sorry but I may have not made the facts clear. I am installing Andersen 400 double hung insert windows. Not to state the obvious but even when I went to Home Depot the guy at the front desk went right to the full frame replacement windows and not the insert. For those that don"t know these are very specific windows that are made only for double hung replacement as well as picture windows up to a certain size. The frame is only 3 1/8 wide. for an interior install the interior stop is removed and the upper and lower sashes are removed while the exterior stop is left in place. The windows are custom sized and just slide in place. they are shimmed and screwed into the jambs there is some exterior weather stripping but the install is easy with the interior and exterior untouched. Adersen does make an combo unit using the insert double hungs and an insert picture window but there is a size limit. I saw the notice on the computer at home depot that the 112 inches we needed exceed the max width. the andersen literature says the same. The guy at home depot says it may be because the frame of the insert is only 3 1/8 wide and may be unstable at larger sizes. I dont really know the reason. They certainly do make larger combo units but these are full frame windows and much more robust. And as I said i do not want to tear off exterior stucco or go 2 stories. This is as much as I know. and now for what I dont know. It seems one could make 3 sepertate openings using 2 mullions. For example, the openings for the double hungs would be built same as if this was an existing singe double hung window. the mullion could have an exteroir stop that is set 3 1/8 deep so that the insert window is set in place. And then the window is finished as with any other double hung insert. the mullion then serves the same purpose as one of the side jambs in an existing double hung window fram. the picture window is screwed into the other side of the mullion. The insert double hung windows are typically screwed in through the side and top jamb and the picture through all 4 sides. what I am not sure of is how secure are the mullions and is there a typical width or material type. It seems the the depth of the mullion going to the outside would just need to match the overall frame depth. Also does it make sense? If not then why.