My house has those old single pane metal framed windows. Eventually I would like to replace them with nice vinyl window but I estimated the cost for 5 new windows and a mason to be around $700. Right now I can't afford that, any suggestions on a cheap alternative. I want to do this for two reasons.
1. Summers coming and I would like to be able to open the basement windows without letting any critters in.
2.Obviously I would like something that insulates a little better in the winter.

$700 for 5 new vinyl windows is awesome! I do presume that's the windows only (not labor), right?

There is no alternative in my opinion. I suggest you do one at a time in order of which rooms would benefit you most... and do it yourself. They are easy enough for the least experienced of diy'ers to do.

Fair enough. Thanks Rick

I spent about 30k remodeling my basement. What I did with those windows is I had Glass Block installed instead of windows. No leaks and the sun still comes in. I had 5 windows and it was less than $500.00 including labor. If you want to open the windows and have air flow, do 2 windows and glass block the other 3. It's a great alternative.