Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation

Part 1: Choosing a Contractor: Questions to Ask

It’s one thing to buy a pair of shoes and not get a refund for their return; it’s another thing entirely to spends hundreds or even thousands of hard-earned dollars on a home upgrade project only to have things go awry. That’s why it’s crucial you take your time and do your homework, especially when it comes to choosing a reputable contractor for your project.

At Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati, we know that a window replacement project can be a serious investment, so we want to help you make the best decision. While we’d love for you to choose us, no matter who you go with, we’d advise you to make sure it’s a solid company that stands behind their work. To help you through the selection process, we put together a list of questions you should ask before hiring a window installer:

• “How long have you been in business?” There’s no real harm in choosing someone relatively new to the business, but those who have been around longer will, of course, have a better understanding of the industry. Make sure your window installer holds a pretty reliable track record in successful window installation.
• “Are you properly licensed and insured?” Check that they have a license to operate locally and that they’re properly insured. Solid credentials are proof of their capabilities; not only do they show that they have the capacity to perform according to stringent work standards, but also have policies in place to protect you from having to shoulder the costs of mid-project mishaps.
• “Can you provide me with references?” Before agreeing to a contract, it’s best to see the quality of work they produce firsthand. Reputable companies can provide you with references from previous clients, or give you their names so you can personal call or pay them a visit. Doing so will give you a better feel for the quality and workmanship you can expect.
• “What warranties will I receive?” Warranties protect you from unnecessary costs that could potentially result from product or installation issues. For your own peace of mind, make sure of both material and workmanship warranties before hiring a contractor.

Part 2: Choosing Your New Windows: Matching Windows with Home Styles

When planning your upcoming window installation, taking the time to research about your home’s architectural design and its unique features can help you choose options that are both stylish and functional. Identifying which window styles can best complement your home’s style can be challenging: With so many window options on the market today, having the help of a professional can make the process of choosing the perfect window style for your needs much easier.

Fortunately, Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati can help. Here, we will discuss a few popular home styles and explain which window options will work best for each:

• Craftsman Bungalow – This home style has a shallow pitched roof with deep overhangs, as well as elaborate structural components like brackets, rafters and columns. The Craftsman Bungalow is traditional in style, which is why double-hung and casement windows that are vertical in proportion are your best options. You can also add vertical grilles to these windows for design consistency. We also recommend you go with earth tones, such as burgundies, yellows, browns and greens.
• Ranch – Often low and horizontal, ranch homes typically have an open interior layout.  Most of these homes are built of local materials and typically have an L-shaped floor plan surrounding an outdoor patio. Windows with large panes, such as casement and picture windows that allow you to enjoy a panoramic view of the outdoors, are the perfect choice for these often sprawling homes.
• American Farmhouse – This home style first emerged in the Midwest during the mid-1800s, and usually features a simple, open floor plan as well as a one-and-a-half to two-storey structure. Most American farmhouses feature tall double-hung windows with a simple grille, dividing the window glass into four panes. The ideal window colors for this type of home are white, canvas, red rock and Terratone®.

Part 3: Preparing Your Home for Installation Day

Window installation is far from being an easy and straightforward project — it requires lots of careful planning. Besides hiring a reputable window contractor for your upgrade, you must go through the process of choosing the best window styles to match your home’s architecture. Another essential to consider is adequately preparing your home for this project.

So that your project runs smoothly — with minimal to no issues that can lead to delays in your timetable — we’ve prepared a few tips to help you out:

• Remove window treatments and other accessories. Before the installation crew arrives, make sure to strip your existing units of window treatments. Remove glass ornaments, plants and other decorative items from your ledges and sills. This will give your contractor the unhampered access he needs to your window openings.

• Clear the path to the work area. Designate doors and a pathway for workers to get to and from the work area. Also give them space in your yard for their tools and equipment, as well as a separate parking area for their vehicles.

• Provide the crew with an ample workspace. The installation crew will need ample space to work on the installation of your replacement windows. Move large furniture and other breakables elsewhere before the work begins. The construction will involve lots of drilling and hammering, so take hanging items off of the wall to prevent any breakage.

• Practice safety measures.Make sure to keep young children and pets away from the work area while the installation is ongoing. Discuss your window removal with the contractor and ask them what measures you can take to keep the mess involved to a minimum.

Your installation crew is bound to appreciate your cooperativeness, and these additional measures will not only help keep everyone safe, it’ll also help keep your house as clean and orderly as possible during the course of the project

Replacing your home’s windows is an important investment that needs to be done right the first time, every time. This means choosing the right installer, installing the right windows, and preparing your home extensively to prevent potential issues in the future. By making the right decisions, you can fully enjoy the impressive benefits of window replacement, such as improved aesthetics, an increased property value and enhanced energy efficiency.