As the old saying goes, if you want to have something done right, then do it yourself. Perhaps, this is what has driven the DIY craze among homeowners, which we’ve witnessed in the last few years. Today, more homeowners are willing to get their hands dirty when it comes to handling home improvement projects such as window replacement. When seeking to improve your home, one question is likely to come to mind— is DIY window installation a sensible idea?
Homeowners ought to understand that repairs are necessary if they want to maintain their properties’ aesthetic and monetary value. Windows are the eyes to your home since they are one of the most noticeable installations. With continued use, they get worn out, thus necessitating repairs or replacements.
Important Facts to Consider
Before embarking on a DIY window replacement project, you should ask yourself whether you have the necessary knowledge skills. This entails knowing about the different window types, as well as your replacement window needs. You should know whether your home needs full-frame replacement windows or insert replacement windows.
It’s also important to evaluate whether you have the necessary tools for DIY window installation or replacement. Depending on the type of replacement that you want to do, you might need safety glasses, a pry bar, a tape measure, a level, a hammer, a power drill, and a screwdriver among other tools. If all these tools are in place, it will be easy for you to undertake the project on your own.
Time is another essential factor to consider before embarking on do-it-yourself window replacement. Replacing one full-frame window can take up to 6 hours. If you don’t have enough time, the DIY route may not be the best for you because you may end up doing the job incorrectly.
If you are thinking about replacing your home’s windows, you should think about the size of the project. How many windows to be replaced? And how long will the entire project take? If several windows need to get replaced, avoid taking the DIY route because you may not have the tools or technical expertise to replace them within the available time. If only one or two windows are faulty, DIY replacement may be the best option for you. Nonetheless, it’s better to leave bigger jobs to experts.
With continued use, you may need to replace a window and its entire frame, or just the sash, jamb, and glass. If the whole window and its frame are worn out, it would be best if you hired a contractor to undertake the replacement. On the other hand, insert replacements don’t require considerable technical expertise. Therefore, you can do it provided that you have the right tools.
Why Try DIY Window Replacement?
Most homeowners opt to replace their windows themselves to save money. The cost of hiring a contractor for a home improvement project such as replacing windows is higher than what you’ll spend if you undertake the project yourself. You can even use the savings that you’ll make to buy higher-quality windows. Besides, DIY is the best option for those who can’t afford to hire a contractor.
DIY installations also increase your confidence and self-sufficiency. Nothing is as exciting as attempting a task on your own, and learning a new skill while at it. Replacing a broken window allows you to boost your technical expertise. You also get to learn everything that pertains to window replacement. Ultimately, you get a sense of satisfaction from the fact that you’re caring for your house by yourself.
Possible Downsides of DIY Window Replacement
Since average homeowners lack safety training, DIY projects can be quite risky. For instance, if you’re replacing old windows on your multi-story home, there’s a risk of accidents, especially when working on the upper floors of the building. Such accidents may be fatal or lead to costly medical expenses. Licensed contractors have the requisite safety training, and therefore, the risk of danger is low when you hire them.
Likewise, any mistake when undertaking DIY window installation can adversely affect your home’s value. The house could end up losing its aesthetic value if the windows don’t come out exactly as you envisioned. Replacing multiple windows can be a big job, which can’t be done by anyone. You should keep this in mind before you embark on a DIY project.
Windows are among the first things that people notice when they take a look at your home. The home’s value is as good as the condition of its windows. Therefore, it’s imperative to ensure that the windows are in good condition at all times. Once they start showing signs of extensive use, replace them immediately to not only maintain your home’s value but also to keep your loved ones and property safe. Before hiring contractors to fix your windows, you should first evaluate whether you can do the job by yourself.
