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Storefront Window Repair, Commercial Window Repalcement, Home Window Replacement
DIY Window Replacement Cost
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
DIY Window Replacement Cost
You can save some money on window replacement by doing it yourself, and many people do!
As with professional window replacement, the cost of DIY window replacement varies a lot based on different factors. The difference is that you do not have to pay for someone else to come in and spend their time replacing your windows; you spend your own time, which is theoretically free.
The actual amount that you spend on DIY window replacement is just going to be the price of the replacement window itself plus any tools you need. Generally, your local hardware or home improvement store can help you find out what these costs are going to be, but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. If you skimp and get the cheapest windows you can find, you might end up regretting it when they start to let drafts in after only a year.
How to do DIY window replacement
In order to do DIY window replacement, you are going to need to take apart your existing windows and remove the window stops. This is a very delicate process, because you absolutely do not want to damage the stops or the frame behind the stops while you are getting the window out. You will be putting the stops right back in after the new window has been installed, so you have to be very careful. With a steady hand and a bunch of patience, this is absolutely possible.
You will then need to remove the old window, prepare the window frame for the new window, and install the new window. Make sure that there aren’t any holes that need to be filled, as these can cause drafts. Make sure to caulk the window thoroughly, and test the fit of the window in the frame before you start screwing it in.
Pros and Cons of DIY window replacement
As with everything else in the world, there are definitely pros and cons to doing DIY window replacement. Let’s look at what you can expect to gain and what you might lose if you choose this route.
Cheaper: You will save money because you aren’t paying for someone else to do the work
Opportunity cost: On the other hand, how much is your time worth to you? It will almost definitely take you longer to do than a professional. Could you be making more money taking care of your own business during that time than you would end up paying an expert? Even if not, is the time you would miss out relaxing or spending time with your family worth the savings?
You get to gain skills: Any time you learn to do something yourself, you gain skills that will be useful to you later. Next time you need to replace a window, you will know how to do it!
You might damage your property: On the other hand, there’s always a risk that you will mess up and end up damaging your window. You may end up having to buy new parts that you didn’t expect to or even call in a professional anyway because of damage that you caused. This is a risk that you just always run when you try any DIY project, and you have to be prepared for it.
Fewer choices: Generally, you are going to find the best windows and the greatest selection at specialty window stores such as The Glass Experts, and generally we prefer to install the windows ourselves so that we know that you are going to be happy with it and you won’t be calling us back in a few months because the window is no longer working as a result of an installation fault. Your local home improvement store will have some energy efficient options but will not have all the different features that we have here at The Glass Experts. As a result, if you are looking for the best in window replacement options, you should be looking for windows here at The Glass Experts!