replacement windows - handyman vs. window company?

Well, most of the answers seem to be about the difference in the quality of the labor, so far... and I think perhaps you would also like to know about the quality of the windows.

Labor is labor - whether it is a family member, yourself, or a contractor. The important thing here, when dealing with others is to check references. Go look at the windows your family member installed. Also ask for references from any prospective window companies, or contractors you are considering.

Now -- as to the windows themselves - Yes, the windows 'in stock' at the big box stores, like Lowe's or Home Depot, are built to a standard size - but you can order custom windows too. You do not have to settle for the standard size windows, if what you want are replacements the same size/style as the originals. Pella, and Anderson are both high quality window manufacturers, that sell through the big box suppliers, and they will make anything you want.

Check the warranties from both, custom ordered through your local supplier, and from the 'window company'.

The window companies use the same techniques that any of the rest of us would use when installing windows. That's not the issue. You wrap the opening with a wind barrier, caulk the window, and secure it (making sure it is square in the opening, and there are no binding points), then insulate the cavity between the window and the frame opening. Many window companies use an expanding foam. If you want that, then I would suggest that you use DAP expanding foam, not Great Stuff. The DAP does most of its expansion right away, and cleans up with soap and water. Great Stuff keeps expanding up to an hour later, which can create pressure points on the window frame itself, causing the sash to bind -- and anyone who has gotten the stuff on their hands can tell you - its a pain to clean off. Fiberglass batten insulation is another choice for around the window, and it doesn't create any problems with expansion and binding.

Practice makes for a quicker install. Someone who does this routinely (as I have), can replace a window in no more than an hour, from start to finish. A second pair of hands will help too.

Someone else has already mentioned insurance... this is something you need to be aware of. Liability insurance protects your home from any damage done by the contractor. A good reputable contractor will carry liability insurance -- but it is not cheap, so many 'handymen' will not have this type of insurance. The result is, if they do something to cause damage to your home, those with liability insurance, the insurance company will pay for the damage. Those who don't have it - you're out of luck. The other type of insurance is for workers that get injured on the job. If your relative is injured while installing these windows, and he does not have this type of insurance -- then your homeowner's insurance will be liable. (The same goes for any contractor, handyman, or window company too -- you have to verify they have the proper insurance). I myself paid for liability insurance for many years, and never had a single claim, or problem - so, the quality of the worker, and how careful they are, play a big part in this. If you think your family member is a good safe, quality worker, there is no reason not to hire them, and you may save some money over cost of a 'window company', as well as help a family member. If the family member is lazy, incompetent, or careless -- pass on them, you'll only regret hiring them later.

Again, as to the windows themselves, there's no reason you cannot get excellent quality custom fitted windows through a local supplier. Just a note, they will cost more than the 'standard' size windows --but they may still cost less than those from the 'window company'.

Good Luck

1

Take some advice-find any reason you can to explain to your handyman that you cannot use him on this job. Such as, bank wants a certificate of insurance from whomever does this job,etc.

Family members tend to think there is no time table for completion of a job, and if he has just installed windows once before that is hardly enough experience to qualify.

You probably have some pretty large (tall) windows in this house. I do think you should use a General Contractor vs. a window company who pushes their own brand of windows.

I prefer either Pella replacement windows, Marvin,Peachtree,or Andersen. There are thousands of other brands, but soon as they go out of business or change their name due to pending lawsuits, you and your windows are not under any warranty.

Watch for a requested big down payment from the window companies, which I would never agree to. Any more than 10% down can leave you little leverage with the contractor.

Try to find a qualified contractor who will install any window you want.

Ask at lumber yards, other homeowners,you can find someone. Many of the local lumber yards will even come out and measure your windows for you *if you buy the windows from them.

It's hard to tell your relative someone else is doing this job, however i am sure you can find a smaller job for him to do on this 100 yr old house.

I'll start with a question or two. First are the exterior of your window frames in good shape (no rot) ? If so and you want to keep the historic look to your home but want the energy savings from new windows you are a great candidate for sash replacement kits. (new insulated sash and new balances) These are very easy to install and will look like whats in there now. You can get aluminum clad sash or all wood or vinyl clad or even all vinyl. They will cost about the same as a pella vinyl replacement window from Lowe's but are much better. Second if your windows are rotten on the out side consider going with a new construction window , as if they are rotten you will have to replace the sills exterior moulding and maybe jambs. This will be in addition to the price of the replacement window you just thought was all you needed. All wood windows have not changed sizes in hundred and fifty years. You can find new all wood windows with 10 year warranties but the better choice would be a hybrid window (composite exterior wood interior) No chance for rot and open cell PVC holds paint as well as wood or better. Question two is what type of window do you want ? If you are wanting a clad unit of any kind the sizes will very from the all wood units some (not all manufactures but most) You can get them but you would more than likely have some custom charges. As for having the handyman do the install I would have him look at the application you go with (new construction or sash replacement or a replacement window) Start with on window in a small room (small window) watch him install this one and see how it goes. If you are both comfortable and pleased with the job then have him do them all. If you are not happy with his work or question if he can handle the whole house then look to the lumber yards to recommend an installer (some lumbe yards offer installation of the windows they sell and warranty. You will end up with better windows a better look and less money spent than going with the window installation company. No matter how good they say the windows are or how well they are installed you will always be able to tell they are replacement windows. (also stuck with the color WHITE inside and out ) As for window brands google pella window problems as well as andreson window problems before you pick one of them. I would recommend looking at Lincoln windows they have been around sense 1946 debt free sense 1957 and just added on to their plant. They make a full line of windows and have may products to fit your need. They are also Historicly correct in detail to the current windows in your home. Hope this helps you can send me an e-mail if you have any other question on the ideas I have given you.

You know the handyman who is your family member. You don't know who works for the professional window company, so you don't know if they are skilled at what they are doing or will take the same kind of care someone who know you might. It's easy to assume someone is a "professional" and knows what he is doing.

You can also choose your own windows instead of what the window company is pushing if you use the handyman. Go to all the home stores in your area and also look online for different kinds of windows. You may be able to order what you want if its not in stock.

I can tell you a few things about windows based on my experience. I had my house built 15 years ago and just had all of my windows replaced this past summer. Some of the windows were put in 6 years ago when we closed in our screened in porch. All of the windows had water damage and the seals were broken. They were wood on the inside and vinyl on the outside. I found out that all of the windows that were installed were not under a guarantee past 5 years. So first off, make sure you install windows with at least a 20 year guarantee. The company who installed my new windows told me that the old windows were not properly installed and were not sealed properly to keep water out. These were two different local contractors who build houses in our area who installed these windows previously. So I would recommend that you use a company who specializes in installing windows if you want them installed properly. They do this for a living, and they know what they are doing. As for the type of window that you decide to buy, make sure they are made for your climate. If you live in a cold area, then make sure your windows are made for that climate. The same can be said for climates where it is hot, which was my situation. The heat of the sun can really do a number on windows and cause them to expand. That is why you need a qualified installer who knows what they are doing. As for your 100 year old windows, you may be able to sell them to a company who specializes in rebuilding historical homes. They are always looking for original products to keep the restoration as normal as when the home or building was originally built. Good luck.

We all agree that yo can get burned by both the family 9 intentionally or not) and by companies out there) Having siad that overalll yo are much better off or at least the odds are in your favor to go with the window company installation services....versus a family memeber who only did it one time...IF it si not done properly you will pay and pay and pay for these window in the form of ehating and ariconidtioninglosses over the life of the windows. If new insulated windows are notproperly inistalled then you will have sacrificed all the factors that you paid for in the first place and they will not be enrgy efficient.Check out the company iwth the lcoal chamber of commerce/check on the website for the BBB (better business bureau) d to see if any compalints lodged against this company by other homeowers...Therer are some way and somethings you can do to help nicrease your odds of getting a better company over another one...Ask for referrals is not hte best as they will of course only give you those people who are positive refrrals

Doing windows are very easy.

I would go with your family member.

We replaced all of ours in no time at all, including a huge bay window.

It was my husband and my father that did it, together.

If you have the extra money, then go with a professional, but when you watch how they do it, you will be like, "I could have done this myself!"

You can find very good quality windows at Home Depot and Lowe's and they stand behind their products that they sell, if not that, the manufacture will stand behind it.

Many name brands in these stores.

:-)

Dunright Building Services Toledo, Ohio

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