How Do I Prepare My House For Window Replacement?
Having your windows replaced is an exciting time and a great way to achieve the look and feel you want for your home. How can you make the process go as smooth as possible? To make your window replacement a positive experience for you and the window installation crew, follow the below steps to prepare your house.
Choose the Right Replacement Windows
Before installation can happen, you need to know what kind of replacement windows you want for your home. There are several factors to consider when choosing new windows, including the size, shape, material, and more. Do you want to keep the current style of window, or try something new? Maybe your picture window could be replaced with a bay window, for example. Or perhaps you want to replace regular doors with sliding glass doors or French doors.
Energy efficiency is another important factor to consider. Windows that are energy efficient keep air that’s outside of your home on the outside and air that’s inside your home on the inside, so air isn’t leaking in or out. This helps you use less energy and save money on utility bills. Energy efficient windows are also better for the environment than windows that aren’t energy efficient since you use less energy. If your current windows were installed by the builders of the home, they could be old and not as efficient as they should be. When shopping for replacement windows, look for windows with an ENERGY STAR rating.
Be sure to also consider the cost of replacement windows and how much you’re willing to spend, as well as the quality of the windows. Different materials offer a variety of different benefits, so it’s important to choose products that match your goals. Once you’ve chosen your windows, you can order them and schedule professional installation service.
Schedule a Day and Time for Window Replacement
Knowing the day and time of your scheduled window installation is important so you can give yourself enough time to prep for it. Try to schedule an installation appointment for a date and time that is convenient for you. This will help ensure you don’t have to scramble at the last minute trying to move furniture and other items out of the way. If your plans change and you need to reschedule installation, contact your window company as soon as possible so you can choose a new appointment that works well with everyone’s schedules.
Turn Off Your Home Alarm
Before installation day, deactivate your home security alarm, if you have one. Window installers aren’t home security technicians, so if you need your alarm disconnected by a professional, be sure to have that taken care of prior to window installation. When your replacement windows are installed, you can ask the home security company to come back out and reactive your alarm and add your new windows or doors to the security system.
Keep Kids and Pets Away
Your kids and pets may be cute, but they can get in the way of the window crew while they’re trying to work. This makes it difficult to provide the best customer experience possible and deliver outstanding results. During an installation project, it’s helpful to keep children and animals away from the work site. The contractor or installation team will also have heavy equipment, like ladders, that could be dangerous to curious kids and pets. For everyone’s safety, please keep your loved ones away from the work area and in a safe location while replacement windows are being installed.
Prepare for Window Installation
When preparing your home to have windows replaced, there are steps you can take to make your home a safer work area for the installation team. This includes making sure the windows are easily accessible on the outside and inside of the home, and there’s space for the team to set up their equipment. There are also steps you can take to protect your furniture and décor from dust and debris that may get kicked up during the project. Preparing for the appointment helps the go smoother for you as well as the installers.
Clear a Walkway
Make sure the contractor can easily access the windows or doors being replaced by clearing a walkway so no one trips while they’re working. It’s also important to clear out the areas around windows. The installation team will likely need at least two feet of space in front of each window. For large windows like bay windows and bow windows, even more space is necessary. Remove items like flowerpots, wreaths, rugs, patio furniture, and other items that are blocking windows or the pathway leading up to them. The installation team may need to use ladders or scaffolding depending on how high up the windows are located, so having plenty of space to move around is crucial.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Look at the plants you have around the home exterior that may be blocking access to windows or doors being replaced, such as trees and bushes. Prune the plants to make it easier for the installers to safely reach and replace the windows.
Offer a Window Equipment Setup Area
The contractor will likely have lots of equipment to set up when they arrive to the property for your installation. Offering them space where they can set up their equipment and project materials can make the job more convenient for them. This space could be your driveway, garage, a spot in your front yard, or other spot near the home. Don’t be afraid to ask the installers what area works best for them. They will likely need to set up their equipment close to an electrical outlet and not too far from windows in the home. When the team arrives, show them where they can set up, and don’t forget to remove any of your belongings that might be in the way, such as lawn chairs, kids’ toys, dog toys, and other items.
Clear the Work Area
When preparing for house window replacement, it’s important to prep the inside of the home, too. Take down curtains and blinds so they’re not in the way during the installation process. If you have wall art hanging up, such as paintings or framed photos, take them down before the installation begins. Vibrations in the walls caused by replacing windows can cause wall art to fall and possibly break, so it’s a good idea to be proactive and remove them from the work area. It’s also smart to remove fragile items from nearby shelves. Be sure to store your home décor somewhere it won’t get dusty from construction until after the replacement windows have been installed.
Additionally, move any furniture out of the way of the windows so the window team has more space to move around. Removing obstacles helps ensure the team stays safe while doing their job, as well as helps protect your belongings from accidental damage.
Secure Your Belongings
During the replacement process, there’s a time when the window will be completely removed from the wall. This can allow breeze to come in and move loose papers, such as paperwork on a desk, paper craft projects on a table, or papers on a refrigerator that aren’t securely held in place. If you have lightweight items in the room where windows are being replaced, move them somewhere they’ll be less likely to fly about if the wind picks up.
Cover Your Furniture
As old windows are removed and new ones are installed, this construction can kick up dust and debris. Before windows are replaced, protect your furniture by covering it with blankets or sheets. Your contractor may also bring their own cloth to cover your furniture and floors to protect them from dust. Be sure to ask ahead of time what they will supply versus what you should cover on your own.
It’s also helpful to move your furniture away from the work area, ideally at least four feet from windows. If there’s anything else you’re worried about getting covered in dust, cover it or take it out of the room.
Having replacement windows installed can make a big impact on the look and feel of your home. Before work begins, there are steps you should take to prepare your home for the installation process. This helps ensure a great experience for both you and the installers.
Of course, it’s also helpful to work with a trusted company. At McCloud Windows, we’re passionate about helping people improve their houses so they can say “I love my home!” We use only high-quality windows that are made locally and provide the most value for your investment. Our installers are factory certified and have years of experience, so you can expect high-quality work. We also pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service. Contact us at (614) 984-6322 to learn more about our services and get a quote.