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Article:
Should You Do Your Own
Home Replacement Window Installation?
I'm telling you there
are tons of websites out there telling you how easy it is to install
replacement windows yourself.
Not! (ok, maybe if
you're Tim Allen or Bob Villa...)
I bet a lot of you
are trying to figure out how to install windows because of the crap
contractors out there and you don't want to trust this major project to
THEM!
However, by
installing home improvement windows yourself you might end up even worse
off than a bad contractor's work if you don't tell yourself the truth
about what it really takes to work with replacement, or new construction,
windows and your home.
And what it
really takes is a solid knowledge of how to measure for ordering the
replacement window (NOT the same thing as measuring for pricing of the
windows). It takes knowing where to cut in your home. It takes a certain
physical strength to lift the home windows in and out of the tear out--
and if you have the strength, it DEFINITELY takes a certain BALANCE of
hefting even normal size windows (which is why the best installers usually
come out in teams!). And it takes certain tools and knowledge of how to
seal a home back up or patch stucco or brick or siding afterwards...
Finding a solid and
trustworthy contractor is a better idea even if this seems daunting at
first.
Tip: Ask any
prospective home replacement window installer/contractor (and definitely
talk with at LEAST 3) if they took--and passed- the "Installation Masters"
windows installation course. Be sure the person actually nailing on your
house is the person who took the class--not just the owner of the shop!
The owner will SAY they've taken the class and trained their installer--
but the next question is if the owner's installer is an employee or
independent (you DON'T want the independent) and if the owner is asking
for ANY payment upfront-- they should be willing to get payment only after
guaranteeing their install to your satisfaction before ANY payment is
made!
This "Installation
Masters" class used to be a formal class overseen by AAMA (American
Architectural Manufacturers Association), the windows industry-regulating
body. The class is now offered by a separate company that is an original
off-shoot of AAMA (no longer owned by them) but that formally trains
replacement window installers around the country.
Additional Tips for Hiring a Contractor
1. Ask friends,
neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals.
2. Contact
local trade organizations, such as the local Builder
Association or Remodelers Council for the names of members
in your area. Call AAMA or BEST-- Call the window manufacturer
for references to their TRAINED dealer list and STILL ASK THAT
COMPANY THE QUESTIONS.
3. Check out
the contractor with your local or state consumer
protection officials.
4. Ask the
contractor for customer references who have projects
similar to yours.
5. Ask for a
copy of the contractor's current insurance certificates
and licenses.
6. Get written
estimates from several companies/contractors. Make
sure bids are based on identical project specifications.
7. Get all
guarantees, warranties and promises in WRITING.
8. Agree on
start and completion dates, and have them written into the
contract.
Michael Dennis
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About the author
IPS Group,
Inc. Board Member and Director of their Home Improvement Division,
Michael Dennis is an avid real estate fix and flip investor, a former
long-time replacement window salesman, and the
author of several books and websites on home replacement windows including
How to Save Thousands on Replacement Windows: The Homeowner's Insider
Secrets Manual, and the tell-all report on the big-brand home
improvement centers, The 7 Myths The Big-Brand Home Improvement Centers
Want You to Believe About Replacement Windows. Visit
their website at
www.vinylwindowmanufacturer.com to get your copy TODAY.
Copyright © 2006-2009. All Rights Reserved.
www.vinylwindowmanufacturer.com
IPS Group, Inc.
191 University Blvd Ste 860
Denver, CO 80206 USA
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