Replacement Window
Buying Tips
Welcome to my essential tips for
replacement windows and double
glazing buyers. Apart from the first tip
(which I consider most important) the
tips are not in any particular order. We
hope they will assist you in coming to
the correct buying decision. Please note
a lot of these tips can be equally
applied to selecting any contractor.
Replacing windows on your property can
change the visual appearance of your
home considerably. You should choose a
style that matches your property and
enhances its looks. This is particularly
important with Vinyl / PVCu and Aluminum
designs when they are fitted to older
properties. It’s a good idea to look at
properties similar to yours in the area
and compare the effect of various
replacement window types. It is also a
good idea to make sure you have adequate
numbers of opening windows. It’s been
known for some salespeople to promote
designs with very few openings and of a
very simple nature. The simpler the
design and the fewer the openings – the
“cheaper” the window. Whilst you may end
up with a price you like it’s more
likely you will regret this option in
the end – especially as badly designed
windows can turn out to be a very bad
investment and even lower the value of a
property. We have known of buyers of
properties negotiating a reduced price
for a property just because of this.
What’s even sadder is that the seller
had only “replaced” these windows a few
years earlier.
Always ask your supplier how long the
delivery will be. It’s also a good idea
to have this stipulated on your
contract. Additionally ask for an
“estimate” of how long the work will
take to complete once they are on site.
One major problem with the window,
siding and roofing business is that
anyone with a pickup truck and a ladder
can easily call themselves a contractor.
Many do not even bother to get a proper
license. (Incidentally a license can
easily be obtained by filling out a
simple application form and payment of
less than $200.00 per year). These
window replacement contractors are
not required to have an office, they can
work out of their basement, back yard or
just out of their pickup truck. It’s
easy to get into the business and it’s
even easier to get out of the business.
For this reason in particular we only
recommend you deal with established
contractors who have a supporting
infrastructure.
Ask your contractor / supplier for a
written lien waiver. Employees,
subcontractors, and suppliers have the
right in most jurisdictions to file
mechanics liens against your property if
the contractor does not pay them. Even
though you may have paid your contractor
for those materials or work, if he
doesn't meet his financial obligations,
the workmen or suppliers can look to you
for payment. After you pay the
contractor, make sure to get copies of
lien waivers to protect yourself from
having to pay for the job twice.
Most window replacement projects do not
require permits. However, in the
instance of enlarging an opening and
installing a new header permits are
required. Another area to watch is if a
bedroom window has a change of style,
the building department will require the
new style to conform to the egress code.
Many contractors will arrange permits at
an additional cost - since it consumes
more of their time. Some will simply ask
you to pay for permits, which they will
arrange for on your behalf.
If permits are required for your work
then make sure your contractor pulls the
required building permits. This way you
will know things will be done to "code".
Note: many homeowners’ insurance
policies require pulling a permit on any
major remodeling to keep your home
properly covered. Some contractors
prefer not to pull permits because of
the time involved and the "hassle" with
the inspectors. Some contractors may
even ask you to get the permits. This
could be a warning sign that they are
not able to pull the permits because
they are unlicensed, or the work is
outside of their license."
How do you handle job debris? Nothing
can be more frustrating than a
contractor that has no respect for your
property. Make sure that the final price
includes removal of all job debris from
your property and full clean up. A clean
work site is fundamental to a smooth
remodeling project. Your contractor
should clean up any debris at the end of
each day, keep his tools neatly stowed,
and neatly stack any excess materials.
Fitting insulated (double-glazed - two
panes of glass instead of one)
replacement windows will provide some
sound insulation. However, if your
primary motivation for fitting
double-glazing is to reduce sound then
secondary glazing where you fit a new
single glazed frame in front of the
existing (prime) window frame will be
better. The greater the "air gap" the
better the sound insulation. For an
insulated replacement window we suggest
you consider windows with a 7/8" air
gap. Beware - there are some windows on
the market with air gaps as little as
3/8".
Some industry professionals offer a
guarantee of fuel savings on certain
windows with added benefits. These cost
a little more but offer a good long-term
return on the additional investment.
If you chose Vinyl for your replacement
windows make sure to use 100% virgin
vinyl, as opposed to reprocessed or
recycled vinyl (regrind) extruded from a
variety of used vinyl products. Regrind
will be cheaper but will not have the
same color fast guarantees etc.
Don’t accept the first price you are
quoted. Get at least two – three
estimates if you have the time. Research
all of the alternatives in terms of
product and style.
Where practical try to visit a showroom
or view other work carried out by the
contractor. Alternatively ask to speak
to other customers on the telephone. Do
bear in mind however that the company is
going to give a reference that will be
complimentary. Try and ask specific
questions such as – Did they turn up on
time? Was any thing missing and how
quickly was this rectified? Did they
leave the site clean and tidy? Don’t
always expect “perfect answers” – in
fact be suspicious if they are. Any type
of building work or remodeling can have
its problems or unforeseen challenges.
The point is “how quickly was it sorted
and was it to your satisfaction”. It’s
often been said that the true test of a
company is when there are problems – not
when everything goes perfectly.
Most companies will require a deposit
with order. Try and make the deposit as
low a percentage as possible – generally
speaking 10% is normal. Avoid paying
larger deposits than this unless your
work is particularly “unique” /
“bespoke” – such as “one off” timber
window designs. It’s likely in these
circumstances that suppliers will
require higher holding deposits. You
should also make sure that a “fair
percentage” is withheld until such times
as the work is completed to your entire
satisfaction.
Check out the Guarantee and what it
covers. It’s always best to ask a
potential supplier to be specific (in
writing) about these issues.
Always enquire about the type of locks
and security features being fitted. Most
modern insulated replacement windows
feature security locks and often for a
little extra you can have even better
security.
With PVCU (Vinyl) windows in particular
you will often hear a lot of “arguments”
in favour of using an internally beaded
window – instead of an externally beaded
window. Clearly if the beads holding in
the glass are on the inside of the
window it will be more difficult for a
burglar to remove the glass and enter
your home. Do note however that some
suppliers of externally beaded windows
will fit special glazing gaskets and
double-sided tape to the frame and
sealed unit in order to improve on the
security and some even claim security
“as good as” internal beading.
Rarely will the “cheapest” price be the
best for you in the long run. When
comparing “like with like” please also
take into comparison how long the
company has been established and the
“quality” of their guarantees.
Ask your supplier if you will be
responsible for “making good” around the
new frames when they are fitted. Most
suppliers will include this as part of
their work – but you should check.
Whilst PVCu/Vinyl and Aluminum frames
are virtually maintenance free please
note that the hinges and mechanical
parts such as locks will need regular
lubrication etc. The frames will also
benefit from an occasional “wipe down”.
Special Vinyl frame cleaners are
available.
For timber frames you will need to paint
every 3-5 years or, if you are using
hardwood, oil or varnish as appropriate.
I recommend an annual “spring clean” for
all windows and doors no matter whether
they are PVCU/Vinyl, Aluminum or
Hardwood.
My final tip in this section and perhaps
one of the most important. Do not be the
Customer from Hell. To get the best out
of any Replacement Window Supplier or
Contractor maintain a friendly but
professional rapport. Do not assume that
they will always be trying to get "one
over" on you. Their advice may be in
your best interests. If you appear
defensive and untrusting - always
assuming the worst of your supplier -
the whole experience will be unpleasant
for both you and the supplier. Be
vigilant - but always prepared to listen
to their advice - especially if problems
occur.
Whilst most trades will come prepared
with their own food and drinks - do take
the time to offer them hospitality. A
cold drink on a warm summer day or hot
soup in the winter will build on your
relationship - resulting in a better job
for you.
Barry Dunlop is the Founder of
WindowsToday.co.uk - a top online
resource for buyers of replacement
windows, double glazing, doors, porches,
conservatories and secondary glazing.
Find out more at
http://www.windowstoday.co.uk
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Dunlop
If you are looking for a window
replacement contractor in New
Hampshire, please call us today at
800-519-9944 or complete our
online request form.
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