No one would just wake up one day and suddenly decide that they need home window replacement. It’s only when you find window related problems occurring over days or months do you realize the importance of new windows. There might be sudden air leaks, thermal leaks, fogged window panes, or insect intrusions that lead you to decide that you need new home windows. However, you need to look into some matters before finally replacing them. It is important to know the design of windows you would like to have, money that you are planning to spend, prices that different home renovation companies are offering for installations and many more things. We suggest you inquire about your contractor with the right questions about retro-fit windows so they could install accordingly and fit new windows in the existing window frame.

There is no such format to remember what all you need to know before replacing windows. However, we will list down a few essential things you must know so you don’t end up fitting the wrong windows.

1) Look Out for Window Options

You won’t just select any window for replacement just because you want it changed. You should go through various style guides and design options to know what type of window you would prefer for your home space. There are different window design options available in the market. Don’t let the contractor make that decision for you and know beforehand of what you exactly need.

– Double-hung Windows

Double-hung windows are divided by slashes and slide up vertically. They can be fit in the one whole window unit. It is a very commonly fitted window and suitable for almost all types of houses.

– Awning Windows

Awning windows are another famous kind of home window which homeowners prefer. These windows are hinged on the top and swing open outwards. It has a crank handle for opening the window.

– Horizontal Sliders

Slider windows are very common ones. They have a latch that needs to be pressed in order to open horizontally. These horizontal sliders can be installed for both big and small window frame units.

– Picture Windows

Picture windows are large window panes that are installed in huge homes. These home windows can’t be opened or closed but is just for the purpose of letting the sunshine enter the homes and have a picturesque outdoor view.

2) Know the Window Materials

Window frames are available in different materials like vinyl, aluminium, wood, etc. each material having their own pros.

– Vinyl

Vinyl is the most common window material that is used in windows due to its properties. They require no maintenance and are relatively inexpensive, and have smooth operating windows. The only drawback of Vinyl windows is that they are available in limited colours such as white and tan. Vinyl cannot be painted. But due to very less cost is in huge demand.

– Wood

Wood windows are available and are mostly opted by homeowners. Wood windows may or may not be clad with vinyl or aluminum. This decision is totally up to the owners.

– Aluminium

Aluminum windows are not mostly opted by homes if they do not have it since the very start. Aluminum has poor insulation. Replacing to aluminum windows is a good idea only if you previously had single-glazed window panes and you are planning to upgrade them to double-glazed aluminum windows.

– Fibreglass

Fibreglass windows are a good option but not many choose to have it because they are expensive. Fibreglass windows are easy to insulate and need no maintenance. It can be painted in any colour as the homeowner desires to have.

3) Know Your Budget and Compare Prices

There might be home windows that you love and want to replace them but the costing will be quite high. If you are planning on replacing only one window unit of your house there is not much to worry about. However, this is not normally the situation and people usually want their entire windows replaced which will incur high costs. It is advised to first prepare a budget on how much you are willing to spend. Once the budget is decided, one must enquire at different contractors and compare prices. Don’t settle for the first contractor that you enquire.

4) Research About the Contractor’s Professionality

There are many contractors out there with professional looking websites but you need to select the best contractor/home renovation company who  have delivered promising services earlier. You need to thoroughly scan their websites, know the clients they have worked for and most importantly check their customer reviews. Know the parameters to select the best home renovation company that will install the best home windows for you. Do your homework whether the company is providing energy star products. It is important to know if they provide guaranty and warranty of their installations

5) Get Your Home Prepared For Installations

You can cut downtime on the day of window installations. Although you might consider that it is not your duty to remove the curtains or moving the furniture away from the windows, doing so reduces the time on the day of replacement. Moreover, if there are any kind of alarm systems near your windows, you should call the alarm company and get it removed. Once your home windows replacement is done, you can call the alarm company and get it reinstalled.

Getting home window replacement is not difficult if you prepare yourself and get your home ready. Most importantly select the best home renovation company that will understand your needs and will give you the best service.