Many of us fancy ourselves to be DIY enthusiasts, but some projects are simply meant for professionals. Case in point: replacing a window.
At first glance, DIY window replacement seems like a good idea. After all, what’s the big deal? All you need to do is follow instructions, remove a window, and snap a new one into that wall space, right?
Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Installing a window requires skills that you can only gain through training and experience. It’s much more difficult than painting a wall or fixing a squeaky hinge.
Don’t believe us? Here’s a long list of solid reasons why you should avoid DIY window replacement.
Low Energy Efficiency
On top of providing sunlight, windows help keep your home insulated. To achieve that, each window must have an air-tight fitting.
If you’re installing a window yourself, this can be an issue. Even if the fitting is just a bit off, there’s a decent chance you’ll disrupt the balance of the window. The tilted placement could then lead to a window draft.
Why is this an issue? For starters, the draft is likely to influence your interior air passages. You’d need to rely more on your HVAC system to regulate the temperature, causing a drop in energy efficiency.
Needless to say, this could affect your energy bills. If the effect is subtle, you may not even notice it until much later.
Issues and Complications
DIY work may be fun, but it’s also rife with dangers. This is particularly true when it comes to things that are key to the safety of your home.
Let’s say you install a window that doesn’t close properly. At the very least, this makes it easier for intruders to get inside your home. An improperly installed window could also endanger your life in a fire emergency.
Beyond security issues, DIY-installed windows may be less efficient. Even a slight imbalance in the placement could wear on the window over time. At some point, it may no longer be able to close all the way.
Decreased Curb Appeal
Are you a professional window contractor? If not, you’re facing a much higher risk of the installation decreasing your home’s curb appeal.
Again, window installation is a subtle art. If your placement is off, you’ll end up with a look that seems slightly ajar. Even if you’re not able to pinpoint the exact issue, the visual effect could be unsettling.
If you do notice the problem during the installation, you’re facing another set of issues. Attempting to straighten the window may only tilt it the other way. The window may also end up protruding inward or outward.
This is why installing a window requires experience and a high degree of hand-eye coordination. That’s not something you can master in a single day.
Time Investment
Almost every DIY window replacement guide out there claims that you can finish this project in 4-6 hours. This is factually untrue.
First of all, installing a window with no prior experience takes a lot of prep. It includes reading the instructions, watching tutorials, and preparing the tools. Even after you perform the task, you’ll need to handle the cleanup.
As a general rule, this process will take much longer than you think. By comparison, most professional installations get completed within an hour. All you need to do is set aside an afternoon for the expert to come over.
Tool Requirements
Speaking of tools, you’re unlikely to have everything you’ll need in your household. For instance, few homeowners have a caulk gun at the ready.
Also, it’s possible you’ll need to make a few trips to the hardware store. You may begin the task, only to realize that you don’t have the right type or size of a tool. If you’re not used to it, this can be a big nuisance.
Buying tools also means you’ll need to invest more into your project. What’s more, some of these tools have no other use. Once you’re done with the project, you’ll likely toss them into the shed and forget about them.
No Guarantees
One of the biggest DIY window replacement disadvantages is the lack of a guarantee. Without it, you can’t protect yourself from installation risks.
Remember: with DIY projects, success can be deceiving. Oftentimes, the window seems to work well for a time before it starts to break down. If this happens to you, you’ll need to make the same investment all over again.
This is why professionals offer guarantees for their work and products. If there’s anything wrong with it, they’ll fix the issue free of charge. Of course, if you pick the right pros for the job, they’ll only need to show up once.
If you’re installing a window yourself, you’re liable for fixing it as well. Even worse, a DIY installation could void a window’s guarantee.
Inspection Standards
Happy with your DIY window installation? Congratulations—but there’s still a chance that any subtle flaws may cost you down the line.
For example, let’s say you want to put your house on the market. During the home inspection, your window may not pass their standards. If you don’t invest in fixing this problem, this could make it harder to sell your home.
Even if you’re not planning on selling, your new window should still add value to your home. This means providing at least two decades of comfort and efficiency. DIY projects can’t ensure this level of satisfaction.
Leave DIY Window Replacement to the Pros!
By now, you probably got the point. DIY window replacement isn’t as easy as it appears, so you’re better off contacting the professionals.
Of course, this also depends on why you want to do the project. If you enjoy the challenge, DIY can be the way to go. If you just want to get it done, go with the professionals.
Looking for a reliable window contractor to install a window for you? If so, the window replacement pros at Freeman Exteriors can take care of it! Get your window estimate right here.
