We installed our first window about a week ago. I bought one prior to ordering the rest just to make sure that I didn't make a very expensive mistake. Installation methods for wood frame homes are pretty simple and straightforward, but on a trailer with 2" aluminum studs I spent many late nights researching what others had done.
In the end, I followed the direction of the manufacturer. The downside to doing things their way is that I have to use exterior trim. Initially I considered sandwiching the windows between the skin and the studs, creating a very clean exterior finish. That would have required removing or at least loosening 2 of the 4 structural elements framing the window. It would have looked good, but made it nearly impossible to deal with any problems that arise in the future.
So now we are considering trim options. The trim is really only needed to conceal the flashing tape and nailing flange. I ripped some cedar into 3" widths and it looks like it will do the trick. I may buy some paint that matches the window color and try that out as well. We are still considering all options, though, and we don't have to decide any time soon. It's nice to be faced with a decision that doesn't need to be made immediately.
I started framing the floor a few days ago. I'm just using treated 16' 2"x6" lumber for the joists. The scrap 2"x6" that were the old joists are getting diced up to be used as cross bracing at 4' intervals. We've decided that our finish floor will probably be some type of salvaged antique wood. So the plywood sub floor that's going underneath the finish floor is just 1/2" cdx plywood. My daughter and I did a thorough cost benefit analysis of plywood types ranging from 1/2"osb to 5-ply 3/4" tongue and groove A-B plywood. The cheapest option was about $200, and the most expensive was $750. We're somewhere in the middle balancing the necessity of quality and application with our checkbook. She's so damn sensible.
