HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE:
PREPARING AND PLANNING FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION
New windows can make a striking difference in any structure. Installing replacement units in your home can allow you to open up your home to picturesque views and become more efficient at keeping the elements at bay. Changing out your old windows for new can provide you with so many amazing benefits that it can be difficult to find another project that’ll bring you bigger bang for your buck. When getting new window units, you can choose from a number of different styles, materials and features that offer a variety of functions, from letting in fresh air so your home is always well-ventilated to allowing natural light flood your interior. Finding suitable new windows for your home, however, isn’t quite as simple as just picking out a design that suits your fancy. Investing in window installation requires you to consider numerous factors, such as durability, performance and energy efficiency and finding a style that’ll best suit the architectural elements of your home. Because window replacement isn’t quite as easy as learning your ABCs, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you ensure the success of your upgrade.
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 hardearned 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: Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• “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. Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• “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 call personally 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. Now that you know how to find the right contractor for your window upgrade, it’s time to explore your replacement window options! Check out the second part of this ebook series to learn more about which windows can best complement your home’s style. Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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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:
Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• 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. Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• 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 doublehung 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®. Choosing a window style that matches your home’s architectural design is easier said than done. To maximize your upgrade, you need to find the style that will work best with the existing design elements of your home. Thankfully, you can always consult our professional team for design ideas. In the final installation of our three-part ebook series, we take a closer look at the preparations you need to do for your home before starting your window upgrade. Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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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:
Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• 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. • 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. Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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• 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.
Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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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.
Home Improvement Guide: Preparing and Planning for Window Installation
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RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN® OF CINCINNATI 11785 Highway Drive, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45241
(513) 283-8981 www.rbacincy.com