When Updating Windows in Historic Homes, True Craftsmanship Matters

Our Founder Learns Sash Making — Plus Our Guide To How To Choose Windows

Learn more about the School of Window Craft

When homeowners dream about transforming their spaces, windows might not be the first detail that comes to mind. But ask any designer or builder worth their salt, and they’ll tell you: windows shape the soul of a home. From the way light moves through the day, to how a room feels in winter’s chill or summer’s warmth, the right windows don’t just fill a gap in the wall—they define the entire experience of living there.

They’re how we see the world and how the world sees in. They frame our mornings, our stormy nights, our quiet coffee rituals, and the passing seasons. Good windows don’t just keep the weather out. They bring beauty in.

James works on a project during the workshop.

Whether it’s a historic renovation or a modern addition, choosing the right windows isn’t just a technical choice—it’s a design decision with a hundred-year legacy.

That’s not just philosophy—it’s practice. Founder James Grogan has spent years restoring, replacing, and refining window choices for clients up and down the East Coast. Most recently, he headed to Tampa, Florida to train with one of the country’s top traditional window makers at the School of Window Craft, part of Steve Qullian's Wood Window Makeover initiatives to learn time-honored sash window methods firsthand.

Why the extra study?

Because when it comes to windows, the smallest details matter. And at PanGro, the details are never an afterthought—they’re the proof of craftsmanship.

“Here I am, back in school,” James says. “I’m in Tampa working with one of the top window makers in the country, learning traditional sash-making methods—and loving it.”

The Workshop Studio

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Choosing the Right Windows: What Matters Most

Here's how James answers the three core questions homeowners often ask us when it’s time to replace or upgrade windows.

1. Should I choose new construction or replacement windows?

“It really depends on the age and style of your home,” says James. “If you’re in a newer build with vinyl casement windows, it usually makes sense to go back with something similar. But if your home is 60, 70 years old—or older—and had traditional double-hung sash windows originally, it’s a no-brainer. Go back with what suits the house.”

There’s an aesthetic logic here, of course. Traditional homes look better with traditional details. But it’s also about honoring the structural rhythm of the space—keeping materials, lines, and functionality in harmony.

2. What’s the cost difference between traditional and modern windows?

“Honestly? It’s not as big as people think,” James explains. “High-quality traditional wood windows might cost a bit more up front, but they last. New vinyl windows? You’ll be replacing those in 20 to 30 years. Traditional sash windows can last a century or more—and they’re repairable, which makes them far more sustainable.”

It’s not just the sticker price. Traditional windows are often made from farmed-growth wood, which is biodegradable, renewable, and far less likely to wind up in a landfill. That alone is a reason to pause and consider your investment.

3. What if I want to do it myself—are some windows easier to repair?

“For DIYers, wood windows win every time,” James says. “If you’re even a little handy, you can re-glaze, replace sash cords, or swap out glass without specialized tools.”

PVC and vinyl windows, on the other hand, are often sealed units—nearly impossible to repair once something goes wrong. “With vinyl,” James notes, “you’re usually stuck replacing the whole window. It’s not something you can patch up on a Saturday afternoon.”

A Window into the Craft

James’s return to the classroom this year isn’t just a professional development checkbox—it’s a reflection of PanGro’s deep commitment to mastering the details. The course, Intro to Sash Making, focused on replicating true divided-lite window sashes using traditional techniques. Students walked away knowing how to build windows with nothing more than wood, hand tools, and time-honored skill.

“I’ve done plenty of window restoration over the years,” James says. “But learning the traditional methods takes it to a different level. In Ireland, where it rains almost 300 days a year, we had to make windows last. You maintain them, you repair them, and they hold up for 100 years or more.”

That’s the kind of thinking PanGro brings to every project. Whether it’s restoring a historic home’s original charm or building something new with soul and style, the details matter. At PanGro, we approach window choices the way we approach everything else: with reverence for craftsmanship, an eye for timeless design, and a deep respect for the home’s original story.

At the end of the day, a window isn’t just a pane of glass. It’s light, warmth, air, and story.

And for PanGro, it’s another opportunity to build with intention.

Thanks for reading!