Installing Replacement Windows: Should You DIY or Hire Out?

Are your windows failing to serve their intended purpose? Do they look worn-down or antiquated? Have they lost their ability to insulate your home?

If so, it’s probably time for a change. Should you decide that a window replacement is the right course of action, you’ll have two options: 1. replace your windows on your own, or 2. bring in a professional window installer to replace them for you. 

Wondering which of these options is right for you when it comes installing replacement windows? If so, you’re in the right place. We’re going to compare both options below. 

DIY Window Replacement

Replacing windows and doors on your own offers you complete freedom. You purchase the windows, you buy the tools, and you set the timetable for the project.

However, as they say, more freedom equals more responsibility. While you get to call all the shots, you’re also completely liable for any mistakes that you might make. In other words, while DIY window replacement has some perks, it has a lot of downsides as well. 

Advantages

First, we’re going to dive into the advantages of replacing your windows on your own. They are as follows:

1. Save Money 

The simple fact of the matter is that it’s cheaper for you to install your windows on your own than it is for you to pay a professional window installer. When completing the project on your own, you must pay for tools and resources as well as the windows themselves. However, you won’t have to pay any labor costs at all. 

Depending on how many windows you’re looking to install, this can save you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand bucks. This makes it a great option for those installing on small budgets. 

2. Learn a New Skill 

Do you enjoy learning new skills? If so, you might very well get some fulfillment out of replacing your own windows. As long as you’re able to carry the project out correctly, you will, in fact, learn how to replace an old window with a new one.  

Disadvantages 

The advantages of DIY replacement are valid. However, most would argue that they’re outweighed by the disadvantages. Those disadvantages include the following. 

1. Easy Chance of Making a Mistake 

There is a learning curve involved with installing windows. If you’re doing it for the first time, you’re almost certainly going to make a mistake of some kind. If you’re not careful, this mistake could end up being costly. 

2. Entirely Monetarily Responsible 

When a pro replaces your windows, he or she assumes responsibility for the process, monetarily covering damages to any tools, windows, or resources that are harmed during the project. On the other hand, when you replace your own windows, you are the one held monetarily responsible for these things. 

3. Risk of Injury 

You’re probably not going to get injured while installing a window at ground level. However, if you’re standing on a ladder while installing a window, an injury could happen at any time. 

Want to avoid injuries incurred during window replacement? Pass the task off to someone else. 

Professional Window Replacement 

Utilizing professional window replacement as opposed to DIY replacement is generally seen as the safer choice. When hiring such a company to replace your windows, you are essentially handing off all liability as it pertains to the project. 

Sure, you’re going to have to pay more money when hiring a pro replacement company. But, because you’re paying the company to do the job right, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your windows are safe, secure, and properly installed. 

Advantages

The advantages of utilizing professional window replacement services are fairly substantial. It’s not hard to see why most homeowners opt to use such services. Specific advantages include the following. 

1. Proper Installation 

There is a lot more involved in the replacement of windows than just placing a new window in the spot where an old one once existed. Truthfully, the window installation process can be difficult to carry out properly. 

This is why most homeowners opt to make use of pro services. Pro window installers are highly skilled and experienced and understand the intricacies of window replacement far greater than do everyday homeowners.

Not only will they install your windows in the proper manner, but they’ll also help you pick out the optimal type of windows for your home. Go to this page in order to learn more about the different types of windows. 

2. Not Responsible for Mistakes 

The reality is, once you hire a pro to install your windows, the pro is responsible for everything that goes on during the installation process. If he or she breaks your window while trying to install it, he or she will be responsible for covering the costs. 

3. Relaxation 

Installing windows properly is tiresome and time-consuming work. If you’ve never installed windows before, it’s bound to wear on you both physically and mentally. 

Fortunately, you can forego all of that strain by passing the task off to a pro. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your free time. 

Disadvantages 

On the whole, professional window replacement is the superior choice. However, it does have a few downsides. Those downsides will be reviewed below. 

1. More Costly 

You just can’t escape the fact that professional installation is more expensive than DIY installation. If you’re replacing every window on your home, it could be as much as thousands of dollars more expensive.

For some homeowners, these additional thousands just don’t exist. In their cases, professional replacement services are not even an option. 

2. Can’t Necessarily Complete the Project on Your Timetable

If you’re looking to replace your windows on your own timetable, utilizing window replacement services is probably not going to be a suitable option. Window replacement companies keep tight schedules and complete projects on their own time. Depending on your desired work hours, they may or may not be able to assist you. 

Need Help Installing Replacement Windows?

Have you decided that DIY window replacement is not for you? Need professional help with installing replacement windows? If so, our website might be of use to you. 

Find a Business That . . . is one of the world’s premier online business databases, providing consumers with information for all types of businesses. If you’re looking for a window installation company in your area, this is the place to find it. 

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