Being handy around the house is a good thing. You can save a lot of time and money by doing things yourself. Some things, however, are better left to the professionals; window installation is one of them. In this article, we will detail some of the reasons why opting for a professional installer may be a wiser choice, both for reliability and safety.
The purpose of this article is not to scare you or convince you that you’re incapable of installing a window yourself. Instead, this article explains why you might want to hire an expert. So let’s get started.
Window Installers Are Valuable
There can be little argument that hiring a pro has value. But are you really getting the best value in attempting the job yourself? You may think that finding a good window installer in San Diego isn’t worth the effort, and it would be easier to do the job yourself. When it comes to window installers, however, most people fail to consider the many factors involved – the most obvious of which is quality. A poor quality job really doesn’t save money long-term, and can, in fact, do a great deal of harm, both financially and otherwise. When you calculate the cost of time, material, and then add in the cost of correcting a low-quality job, the choice to do it yourself isn’t optimal.
A professional window installer is accustomed to the job and familiar with the materials involved. This, in itself, can make the entire process smoother and more efficient. They will also be able to adapt to changes and address any concerns quickly. All of this together equates to large savings in both time and frustration. It is always better to have the job done right the first time, and that’s what a professional can offer you. This level of quality cannot be understated. Whether the installation is for a home or business, you want the best possible result with the right fit and finish that complements the property.
Another value of a professional window installer is the speed that comes along with the professional quality. With a professional window installer, not only will the work be done right, but it will also be done quickly, without sacrificing quality. This is something that many people fail to consider, but it is an important detail. After all, nobody wants an installation to drag on forever.
Altogether, the speed, quality, and overall expertise of a professional installer will give you an unmatched peace-of-mind regarding the entire project which is something that not all dealers offer.
Why DIY Window Installation is a Bad Idea
Besides missing out on the value of a professional window installer, attempting a DIY installation has quite a few downsides. Not only is the project likely to take longer, but there are also a number of pitfalls that can stop the installation in its tracks entirely. Sometimes we think that if we simply grit our teeth and clench our fist, we can tackle any challenge. For window installation, that kind of hubris can be costly in more ways than one.
Sure the task seems simple on the surface. Remove an old window, put in a new window. However, the true complexity of installing new windows is not obvious without proper training and experience.
Even if the job is for a single window on the ground floor, there are elements of the task that often get overlooked by novices. Replacing a window is a very involved process, during which your home or office gets exposed to the outside elements. This means excessive hot or cold air from the outdoors, which will raise your air-conditioning or heating costs. It also means insects or other animals (even people!) gaining access through the window-sized opening. Speed is essential during this time, which is likely improbable during a DIY project where proper procedures are new experiences.
Consider that all it would take is one unforeseen event, one bit of missed information, one tiny slip-up, and the project could be stalled for days or even weeks. And even after it’s completed, the result may be far from optimal.
Our window installation experts are experts for a reason. They know how to examine the exterior, the type of window framing, and the different types of window panes. They are experts when it comes to handling the delicate glass, and most importantly, they understand the necessary building codes.
Researching all of these things yourself will take time, and before you realize it, you will have spent many hours trying to learn it all. This doesn’t acccount for the time the actual job will take. You may think you’re saving money by doing it yourself, but it’s easy for these types of projects to grow into massive undertakings. Eventually, the DIY project will have eaten up so much time that you will have lost money based on time alone!
This is just the time and expertise aspect of doing it yourself. We have yet to consider the most crucial detail of all – safety!
Window Installation Safety Issues
This is one area of a professional installer’s expertise that cannot be overstated. Installing a window yourself is not nearly as benign as it may seem at first. There are hidden dangers during and even after installation that are often not considered – sometimes with catastrophic results.
The most obvious safety issue when installing a window yourself is handling the actual glass! You may be surprised by how big, unwieldy, and fragile window glass can be. Depending on the type of glass, it can also be quite heavy. Window glass often requires a team of people to move or, in some cases, even special machinery and equipment not available to the average DIYer.
This alone can make installing a window yourself too cumbersome to risk breaking an expensive pane of glass for. This is better left to the experts.
Speaking of experts, one of the most dangerous areas of safety, not only for you but for your family, is failing to address pre-existing structural issues. Most people don’t even know what to look for, much less how to correct these issues properly. These issues can range from minor nuisances to things that can threaten the physical health and safety of those you love the most. Furthermore, imperfections with insulation and drywall, for example, which may not be visible to a novice, can lead to interior mold or water damage issues over time.
Additionally, if the structure is old or damaged, the window frame itself might be in need of repair. Again, these issues may not be apparent to an untrained eye, but they can cause a lot of problems. A damaged window frame can cause everything from mold and mildew growth to a loose-fitting window with bad seals.
Such improper installation of a window can lead to more than just a bad appearance. It can also mean weather damage. It’s okay if a window lets sunlight in, but you don’t want it to let wind, rain, snow, or other particles into your home. This can lead to all sorts of damage, and the costs could quickly skyrocket. Not only could the outdoor climate damage the inside of your home, but an improper seal can also lead to your A/C unit working overtime.
Cleanup is another thing to consider in a DIY type of situation. When doing-it-yourself, the job isn’t completed when the new window is installed, you also need to dispose of the old window and excess material. A typical window will not fit in a regular trash bin, and care must be taken for certain materials. It is your responsibility to haul the old window to an appropriate disposal site when you install a window yourself. Failure to properly dispose of materials could lead to fines ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Window Installation Warranty
This brings us to perhaps the most overlooked aspect when performing any self-install or DIY project on your home: the lack of a workmanship warranty. As the old saying goes: “The most expensive project is the one you need to repeat.” While sometimes a warranty is seen as an extra luxury, this is certainly not the case in window installation. For all the reasons mentioned so far, you want the confidence to know that the work is done right, and backed up with a warranty that can be trusted. Your own safety and the safety of those you care about is worth it.
When you install a window yourself, any warranty that would cover workmanship is forfeited. This means that you’ll be the one eating the costs for any damages or replacement parts. This can also include any damage to the overall building structure.
We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re searching for quality window installation in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and correctly – the first time! And that’s why we are confident enough to offer an extensive window installation warranty, where we cover everything from professionalism to measurements, and even clean up.
From the moment your order is placed to the time we drive away, your entire experience with us will be professional and courteous. You will have confidence in knowing that you have made the right choice, starting with your first conversation with us. We are experts at both residential and select commercial window and door installations,
and we can even advise you on the best types of materials to choose. Most importantly, we stand behind our work. At US Window & Door, we are honored to be your trusted experts since 1987. With that title comes the assurance that you will receive the quality and care you expect from the leader in window expertise when you call us.
DIY Not Worth the Risk in This Case
Windows affect your home inside and out. They have an aesthetic quality, as well as a protective aspect. And as we have seen here, a poorly installed window can have cascading negative impacts on the rest of your home and your budget. Add to that the many safety risks, rules, and regulations, and it simply makes more sense to hire a trained professional.
Windows affect your home inside and out. They have an aesthetic quality, as well as a protective aspect. And as we have seen here, a poorly installed window can have cascading negative impacts on the rest of your home and your budget. Add to that the many safety risks, rules, and regulations, and it simply makes more sense to hire a trained professional.
Let Us Painlessly Install Your Next Renovation
If you’re in the greater San Diego area, we’re here for all of your window and door installation needs. Feel free to browse our full selection of windows and doors, and reach out to us with any questions.
We’ll make sure that your new window is installed safely and efficiently, so you can be blown away by the beauty of the finished product instead of being overwhelmed by the project itself. There’s a reason why we have so many glowing testimonials. We are passionate about windows and doors, and that passion leads to an unmatched level of excellence and quality. We are reliable and insured, and we look forward to serving you.
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