PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION

Window installation or replacement is no easy task. Even if you have hired the best contractor your research and referrals have suggested, they still could use your assistance and support in order to execute their work more efficiently -- homeowners must know their responsibility in preparing for the scheduled window replacement project. This guide provides you with information that can help you ensure that the project is completed without problems.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PREPARATION

When you hire a window contractor, you might expect that the installation process will be quick and that they won’t need your help. While this is often true, it still helps to familiarize yourself with what installing a new window entails -- and the things you can do ahead of time to make the job easier and go faster.

PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

Once you have settled on a schedule for the work to be done, take the time to prepare yourself and your family for the upcoming construction. Here are some of the things that you should consider doing.

Decide how much involvement you want to have. Do you wish to be around and be able to help the crew a bit or do you want to just leave them be? No matter how much involvement you opt to have, make sure to talk to the contractor about it, so they won’t feel intimidated should you decide to stay around while they work.

PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION

Ask for details that will have the most significance to you. Details ofthe project such as order of construction, estimated time of job completion per room, required space and electrical outlets, etc., can help you be better prepared.

Make necessary plans ahead. Window replacement and installation may take a few days so you need to plan in advance. Are you going to let your kids and pets stay at home during the construction? If not, where are you taking them for temporary care?

Make necessary calls. If you are residing in a private, guarded village, make sure to advise the security department about the arrival of a window crew. (And secure permits, too, if needed.) You may also need to call your home security provider, especially if you have to remove and turn off alarms and sensors installed in the windows.

Understand that window installation can be messy. Understanding basic window replacement procedure is often helpful not just in preparing yourself for the job to take place, but to help facilitate a fast, efficient, and safe construction. Furthermore, knowing beforehand that the project can get messy, will help keep you from worrying and being surprised at what your house looks like during the construction.

PART 2 - PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION

Preparing your home for the construction work to take place is as important as preparing your family -- or even more, actually. This will ensure that your contractor can do their job safely and possibly, faster. Below are the most important tasks that you must do before the window crew knocks on your door.

CLEAR THE WORK AREA

Take down all blinds, curtains, and other window treatments.Trim down plants or bushes near the windows. You need to provide

at least two feet of space for the contractors.Remove any hanging objects and ornaments such as mirrors,

paintings, picture frames, and clocks from the walls adjacent to the construction area. Vibrations from drilling and hammering might cause them to fall and break.

ENSURE EASY ACCESS FOR THE WORKERS

Make sure that the contractors have a clear path from their service truck to the windows, as they will need to bring in their equipment.

Move everything that might get in their way -- from big furniture such as cabinets and sofas to small items such as rugs.

Remove things that block the electrical outlets in the rooms where the contractors will be working.

PART 2 - PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION

COVER UP

While reliable contractors always make sure to leave the house as clean as when they came in, you still need to cover your belongings such as furniture. You can also remind them to bring a drop cloth or tarp to protect the floor.

REMOVE SECURITY DEVICES MOUNTED ON WINDOWS

When getting window replacements, you will need to turn off the security system and remove security sensors mounted on your existing windows. Call your security company and advise them that you are having some home improvements done, and that you may need them for assistance in removing sensors, and re-installing them once the job is finished.

PART 3 - THINGS TO DO DURING AND AFTER WINDOW INSTALLATION

Your participation in window installation and replacement does not end in the preparation phase -- however, you should remember that there are also limits. There are things that you should leave to the contractors and you should not worry about. Furthermore, there are also factors that you must look into after the project is completed. Let us take a closer look at what you should do during and after window installation.During the Installation

Be accessible and approachable. Even if you decide to leave the contractors alone, they might need to consult you regarding some urgent concerns such as if they can move or use something. If you have to go to work or need to leave the house, make sure to give them a phone number they can call or designate the decision-making responsibility to someone else in your family such as your spouse. Furthermore, stay nice so they won’t hesitate to approach you.

Stay calm. Remember that you are dealing with professionals and they know what they are doing. Do not panic or even more so, don’t be negative. Stop worrying that they might drop or break something. After all, if you hired a reliable contractor, they should be fully insured so if they break anything, you will be compensated accordingly.

Be considerate. Yes, your contractor is a professional, but they are human too. If you notice something wrong, try not to be too discriminating. Relay your concerns calmly.

PART 3 - THINGS TO DO DURING AND AFTER WINDOW INSTALLATION

AFTER THE INSTALLATION

Check your new windows. Tell your contractor right away if you notice something wrong, so they can fix it immediately.

Settle the bill. Once everything has been done and all the mess has been cleaned up, pay your contractor as agreed. Giving them honest yet constructive feedback can also help them better their craft. If possible, leave a testimonial on their website or social media pages.

Call your security company - Have them re-install sensors and alarms and ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Take a closer look at your energy bill. If it suddenly rises, there must be something that the contractors missed so have them check the windows they just installed.

Following this advice and tips can help you have a fulfilling, non-stressful window installation and replacement -- and even help you build a good rapport and relationship with your window contractor. And once everything is finished, you can sit back and enjoy the breeze and sunlight coming in from your new windows!

RENEWAL BY ANDERSENOF HOUSTON

9825 F.M. 2920 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77375

(281) 547-6177

RBAHOUSTON.COM