When it comes time to replace windows in your home, you may be tempted to do it yourself. Often, homeowners look at the cost of installing new windows and think that doing the installation themselves will save them money. Although replacing windows may sound simple, it can actually become very complicated.
Accurate Measurement
Although you may think you would never measure incorrectly when it came to your windows, the fact is that homeowners make this mistake all the time. If your measurements are off by even a quarter of an inch, you may purchase windows that are too big for the opening in your home. This means you will have to return them, and it is likely you will incur a pretty significant restocking fee. You will then have to wait until the correct size window arrives. If the window is too small for the opening, additional carpentry work will be necessary, such as shims, to make the window fit properly. If the window is significantly smaller, you will have to return them. Wrong sized windows can also lead to loss of energy efficiency as air may leak around the frame. A window replacement service should guarantee that the windows they order will be the correct size. If the experts make a mistake and order the wrong size windows, it is on them to correct the problem.
Cost Savings
You may think that the price you are getting at a local warehouse store or big box outlet is low enough to justify installing the windows yourself. However, window replacement services are often able to get better pricing as they buy in bulk at lower prices so they can pass those savings on to you. Many times, the price of the windows from a smaller company is much better than the price you can get at a local warehouse store.
Disposal of Old Windows
Once the new windows are installed, you will need to dispose of your old windows. This means a trip to a transfer station or local landfill to dispose of the windows. You will also need to clear an access route to the windows that are to be replaced and remove all the window treatments. Floors and furniture need to be covered to protect them from damage and you will need to store some items during the installation process. A staging area will need to be created for debris, such as tarps over landscaping. Although you may still have to move things away from the windows and cover items in the room where the windows are being replaced, a window replacement company will handle the other items for you. They will protect your belongings and take care of the disposal of the old windows for you. In some cases, this service is offered at no additional charge, but you will want to confirm that with the window company.
What Is Your Time Worth?
What you need to ask yourself when you decide to install your own windows is what your time is worth. If you have never installed a window before, how long will it take you to install new ones in your home? Even if you have experience installing windows, the time it will take to do it yourself may not be worth what it would cost to hire an expert to do it for you. It takes the average professional about 30 minutes to an hour to install one window and a team of installers can replace all the windows in your home in one day. Professional window installers also send crews of three or four to complete a window installation which also helps the installation go faster. If you choose to do it on your own, you will likely need to ask a few friends to help you as installing a window requires more than two hands to do it properly. If you have never installed a window or have limited experience, it will take you significantly longer for you to install them than it would a professional. In addition, window installation requires tools that may not be available in the average toolbox. This could mean you would have to rent or purchase additional tools, further reducing the savings you received by installing them yourself.
Window Warranty
New windows come with warranties and most of them have clauses that say the warranty is void if the damage is caused by improper installation. If you have experience installing windows and are sure you can do it without making a mistake, your manufacturer’s warranty should be fine. However, if you make any mistakes and something goes wrong later, the inspector will likely deny your warranty claim as the improper installation could have led to the product’s failure. Be sure to ask for a copy of any warranty so that you know what is and is not covered.
Custom Windows
Another factor that could make a difference in whether you can install your own windows is customized windows in your home. If you have a bay or bow window that needs to be replaced, you are better off hiring a professional to replace it for you, not only because they are more difficult to replace but window specialists can also find unique, custom-sized windows more easily than you may be able to in a box store.
If you are in need of replacement windows, let the professionals handle their installation for you. RGB Construction has decades of experience installing windows of all sizes, shapes, and styles for people just like you. We can find your windows at the best cost and have them installed for you quickly. You can arrange for a no-obligation consultation with our window experts by calling or filling out the easy online form today. Our friendly customer service representatives will guide you through the process and help you choose the windows that are perfect for your needs, getting our expert installers to you as quickly as possible.
