If your windows have started deteriorating, their seal has become weak, and your utility bills have grown, it’s time to replace them. As your windows age, you begin experiencing a cut in your home’s energy efficiency, and dust starts sneaking into your home.
Replacing windows can be a large undertaking, and such decisions are not made overnight. You must choose between the different window styles, consider options like glass coatings, and find the right window manufacturer and a reputable installer. This means a lot of careful planning and consideration goes into the window replacement process. Most homeowners find this process overwhelming, and ultimately, they make some common mistakes. However, considering the cost involved and the crucial role windows play, avoiding these mistakes is imperative. So, to help you make the process as pleasant as possible, we’ve listed four common mistakes to avoid when replacing your home’s windows.
1. Not Considering Other Options for Replacement Windows
Most homeowners find it convenient to replace their windows with the same style they already have. When you purchase the same windows, you miss the opportunity to find a better, more durable substitute for your home. Plenteous designs, materials, and styles of windows are available on the market today. By changing the style and material, you may experience better energy efficiency and give a great new look to your home. For instance, you may replace your double-hung window with a casement window to increase energy efficiency.
2. Making a Selection-Based Solely On Price
You don’t go about replacing your windows every year. Such an investment is made only once or twice in your lifetime, which means you should not compromise on the quality. Remember, you get what you pay! IIt would help if you found windows that fit your budget, but this doesn’t mean that your final decision is based only on price. If you’re looking for affordable options, vinyl windows can suit you. However, fiberglass can be a perfect choice if you want windows that require little maintenance. You spend once on energy-efficient, beautiful, and durable windows, which give you benefits for years.
3. Neglecting Energy Efficiency
These days, most homeowners want to reduce their utility bills. As such, they look for energy-efficient windows that save energy costs and protect the home’s interior from harmful sun rays. It’s seen that homeowners who made a hasty decision or purchased windows by simply looking at the price tag regret it later. When you choose windows that are not energy-efficient, most heat escapes your home through these windows. But if you invest in energy-efficient windows, you will see a reduction in your energy bills.
4. Opting the DIY Installation
A big mistake is choosing the DIY route for installing your new windows. Some homeowners believe that self-installation could be a cost saver when, in reality, it’s a blunder. This is because you do not have the right tools or skills necessary for the perfect installation of windows. You have spent huge bucks purchasing beautiful new windows, but poor installation will result in expensive repairs and energy loss in months to come. You don’t know how to properly seal the windows, which means heat and air conditioning will escape and enter your home. Moreover, if installed incorrectly, you’ll also void all warranties on the windows. Therefore, tasks like this should only be performed by professional window installers.
