According to the inspector, the thermal seals are bad on 13 windows. I don't see this as being a detriment to our quality of life, but who knows how our buyer will see it? Anyway, if they were to be fixed, what kind of $$$ would we be out? I'm guessing it's more than I want to spend. Would it be cheaper to have them replaced?

13 windows will not be cheap, just what is he calling thermal seals? I have installed hundreds of windows and never heard that term. a window is sealed by the strips around the edges and the glass (single, dbl, trpl pane)frames are the most likely to let heat or cold pass. all aluminum frame will let a lot of heat or cold thru, wood not so much, vinyl clad less, all vynl the least.

what type of windows do you have and how old are they?

fish read this and see if it applies, its starting to sound like this inspector is workin for the buyer to screw you.
if your windows are dbl pane and not fogged or wet inside the thermal barrier is still good (this is what it has always been called by our suppliers).

http://blueskyhs.com/askhomepedia/publish/windows/Fogged_Windows_Broken_Thermal_Seals.shtml

That is my thinking, Hop. I have seen a lot of homes sold in the neighborhood over the years, all made by the same few builders. I'm yet to see a single one have its windows replaced prior to the new owners moving in.

Do you have moisture between the glass? This is common on one to two windows, but 13? thats alot.

13 windows replaced, geez, if they are "normal" size, nothing round or oddball, i'd say maybe 3500-4500 installed. what a PITA it would be too.

you would reglaze them before replacing them

you would reglaze them before replacing them

Yep the inspector does work for the buyer, I just went through all this. There were a few things that were wrong but nothing that would stop the financing. I just worked out a deal with the seller, and I didnt rape him on things. WE negogiated a few things and cost to fix it and all was well. By the time all said and done, we both were happy.

At Window World, for some vinyl windows, he's looking at around $263/ea (including tax) installed with a lifetime warranty. So, your estimate is not far off.

I just bought a home and the seller had to replace seals on 9 windows. To do it, they basically had to replace the double panes on all windows. I think his repair bill was in the neighborhood of $1300.

check the age of windows most glass manufacturer warranties are for ten years on multi-pane windows.

I can fix them for $75.00 a window.

uhh do you realize your kalifornicate spam is on a TEXAS fishing forum?

I cannot imagine having bad seals on all windows. I had a couple in my house in Roanoke. I just fixed them for like $60 a pane. Cheaper than full replacement. I am not fond of home inspectors. The one I had was a total idiot. He was just there to try get the buyer a lower price. I said sorry I am selling as is.