Replacing old windows does not only improve the over look and aesthetic of your home, it also improves energy costs and your property’s value. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, new windows have a cost versus value between 74% – 79%, depending upon the type of window. While new windows can be costly, but installing them incorrectly can also cost you in energy savings.

Homeowners who decide that its time to change and replace their windows should also think about whether to hire professionals for the job, or do it on their own. In order to save money, some homeowners decide to take on the task of window installation on their own. While it’s possible to install new replacement windows in your own home, there are pros and cons with both professional and DIY home window installation. By researching and having more information about the process—including the risks, you’ll feel more comfortable in your final decision. Here are some comparisons to help you decide:

Do-It-Yourself Window Replacement:

Face it: it’s more likely that you’ll mess it up, especially if it is your first time and you don't have prior experience nor knowledge on the task at hand. Add to that the fact that DIY window installation is in fact, very easy to make mistakes. One wrong measurement can cause your whole project to go awry and set you back several weeks. Having said this, the measurements play a crucial role in the whole process. It needs to be exact in order to correctly fit within the window’s original opening. Many homeowners who don't have an experience in this can easily mess it up, or have little patience with the process, causing a mis-measurement.

But, it does not end there. Even if you get the measurements right on your new windows, there are still more hurdles that you need to overcome. If you improperly install your windows, there is a risk for leaving gaps around the frames. These gaps promote a substantial amount of energy loss and will directly impact your energy bills.

It happens more than you can imagine: in the middle of the replacement, the windows can break. This means that you have to buy another one if you’re unfortunate. Sometimes accidents happen on installation day. You might accidentally break a window, and the bad part is that this cost is on you. Unfortunately, breaking a window means that you’ll shell out even more money to replace it with another.

Are you aware of the fact that in the last 10 years, 43% of the fatal falls recorded involved a ladder? If you’re not a practiced ladder-climber, then just consider leaving the job to the professionals instead of risking your safety.

Professional Window Installation:

Since it is their jobs and they are expected to do it best, professional window installers know what it takes to properly measure your windows. There is a lower likelihood of wrong measurements or broken windows mid-installation. This guarantees that the process will likely finish on time, without any complications.

Moreover, think about the savings you can get by having the job done right the first time. If you leave the window replacement to the professionals, then there is less time, resources, and effort will be wasted on do-overs. Homeowners will also have the peace of mind that it will not fall off, or improperly installed that can cause accidents in the future.

Hiring professional window replacement contractors can also benefit your pockets, more than you acknowledge. These professionals also know how to properly seal and install your windows. This ensures that drafts are kept at bay and your utility bills remain low.

The chances are low, but if it is unfortunate that a replacement window breaks before or during installation, the window company eats the cost—which keeps more money in your pocketbook.

 

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