Removing an old window and installing a new one may not seem that big of a project. It may even look like something that your neighborhood handyman or weekend warrior can handle without difficulty. But trust me–so many things can go wrong during a window replacement project. When it’s time to replace your windows, you need not just good quality replacement windows, but a highly reliable company to do the job as well. Unfortunately, finding one can be much easier said than done. There are times when the hunt for reliable window contractors can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’ve never hired a window installation professional before. If you make the mistake of hiring the wrong company, a failed installation could just well be the beginning of a long list of problems. Read on to see what I mean and get some valuable tips and ideas on successfully working with a window replacement company.
Why is it Important to Hire a Reliable Window Replacement Company?
If you’ve ever had the chance to check the market for replacement windows, you’ll know that new windows can be a significant investment. Just like any other investment, you definitely don’t want anything going wrong with the window or with its installatio
HANDLED WITH CARE. Windows have large glass portions that can crack if they are not handled properly. Window replacement companies have the necessary training in handling replacement windows safely.
The first thing that can go wrong is in handling. Windows have large glass portions that can crack if they are not handled properly. Window replacement companies know this all too well and their personnel has the necessary training in handling replacement windows safely and properly. Honestly, the same thing can’t be said for the common neighborhood handyman.
Another aspect that you’ll need to be concerned about is the removal of old windows. Most windows are actually extremely sturdy. They were made to stand up to very high pressure, so removing them from the wall is not supposed to be an easy job. Certified window companies are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to safely remove and dispose old windows. Moreover, there could also be structural problems that inexperienced or under-qualified window installers may not be able to detect.
Lastly but most importantly, new windows need to fit perfectly when installed. Any alignment issues can easily damage them. If the new windows aren’t the exact size as the old ones, ensuring a perfect fit can be quite challenging to someone untrained and inexperienced. However, a professional window installer has the capacity to finish this job flawlessly.
By hiring a reliable window replacement company that is well-rounded in avoiding these common installation problems, you can rest assured that the replacement project will be completed without damaging the new windows and the home’s structure.
Window Replacement: The Ideal Workflow
It’s important that you should know exactly what to expect from a window replacement project. Knowing how the entire process flows will enable you to prepare yourself and your home so that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s how an ideal window replacement should go:
Step 1. Contacting a contractor. Once you’ve made the decision that your home needs new windows, you’ll need to contact a trusted window company in your area and schedule an in-home consultation and estimate. Most reliable window companies offer this initial service for free.
IN-HOME CONSULTATION. A window replacement company will check the condition of your homes and windows, and explain the different types of products available and recommended for your needs.
Step 2. In-home consultation and estimate. You should expect a visit from the company’s sales and inspection team. They will check the condition of your homes and windows, and explain the different types of products available in their inventory that they think are best suited for your needs. When you’ve selected the type of windows you want to be installed, they should provide a written, detailed estimate or quote.
Step 3. Measurement and manufacture of windows. If you agree with everything that is written on the estimate, you will be provided with a contract–make sure you read and understand its inclusions before you sign it. When the contract is signed, the window contractor will schedule a date for their window installers to visit your home and take measurements, and then the manufacturer of replacement windows will proceed.
Step 4. Installation. Once your replacement windows are available for installation, the crew will come back to your home as scheduled. They will prepare and protect the area of installation, as well as nearby items. The old windows will be safely and carefully removed, and the new windows will be installed to place. Adequate caulking, weatherstripping, and finishing trims and touches should be applied, too
CLEAN AS YOU GO. The window crew must clean up after themselves and take care of the disposal of old windows and other wastes
Step 5. Final inspection and cleanup. Once the window replacement crew is done installing the new windows, their company’s quality control officer should check the new windows. You will be asked to check the windows yourself, too, so take the time to see if you can operate them properly and easily. Finally, the window crew must clean up after themselves and take care of the disposal of old windows and other wastes.
Steps You Can Take to Ensure a Successful Installation
The success of the installation of your new windows will largely rely on the skills of the contractor and the condition of your home. For instance, if the contractor finds problems after removing the old windows, they’ll need to fix those problems first and that will likely add more time to the contract.
While you won’t be able to do anything with the skills or condition of your home, you can also help by ensuring that the contractor has a clear path to the windows and sufficient workspace. This means that you’ll need to remove any objects near the windows, such as furniture and artwork.
It’s also likely that the contractors will be bringing their own equipment. Make sure that you arrange for space for them to keep their equipment, and provide access to electric outlets.
Lastly, do everything you can to ensure that the contractors aren’t interrupted in any way during the installation process. If you have pets or children, it would be best to let them stay away from the area of installation while the project is ongoing.
Dealing With Window Installation Problems
You should remember that even though you want the project to flow as smooth as possible, you should also prepare yourself for unexpected problems. For example, contractors will need good weather to complete the installation, especially once they’ve removed the old windows. If the weather turns against you, you’ll need to expect that the project may take a bit longer.
Additionally, there could be issues that may result in an increase in the initial contract price. If this happens, it’s important that you’re fully aware of what the problem is and what they intend to do to fix it. Don’t hesitate to make suggestions, especially if your ideas are likely to help reduce costs.
Indeed, replacing your windows may be a bit more complicated than it would seem. However, with a reliable window replacement company, the project should go as smoothly as it could. Should you encounter any unexpected problems, you can trust a reliable contractor to overcome those. So, if you’re still considering a weekend warrior to do the job, you might want to think again.
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Author Bio:
Renewal by Andersen is the window replacement subsidiary of Andersen Corporation, a company that has revolutionized the window and door business for more than 110 years.
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