It is almost over. You have done your research, selected the right window styles, got window quotes, compared window prices, selected a window manufacturer, placed your order, waited patiently, and finally scheduled an appointment for a window replacement. Before the replacement window installers arrive, there are some preparations that you should look after in order to make sure your home is ready.
- Security Alarms
If you have a home security system connected to your windows and doors make sure you contact your security provider prior to the day of installation. If nothing else, making such a call will let you know that you have nothing to worry about. However, you may find out that disconnecting and reconnecting the sensors may be a chargeable service. You may also find out that you need to upgrade to a wireless system as you cannot drill holes in the frame of vinyl windows. Finally, you might realize that you need to re-schedule the installation as the current date does not work for your security provider. To avoid being left vulnerable, you will do well for yourself to think ahead.
- Window Covers (awning, blinds, shutters)
Another arrangement that you have to make, especially if you are not handy yourself, is to have a knowledgeable individual re-install your awnings, blinds, or shutters at the end of the installation. This may be baffling to you – “These are window accessories, why can’t the vinyl window suppliers put these things back?” The answer is really quite simple. Consider the following example: when a house is being built there is no single tradesman that is responsible for more than one job. The concrete company is responsible for pouring the foundation, the framing company is responsible for framing, the roofing company for roofing, and the bricklayers are responsible for the brick façade. Even though siding is also an exterior finish and requires a lot of the same components like vapour barriers, the bricklayers will not take it upon themselves to put up siding. So it is with window accessories. While you can find suppliers who specialize in awning, blinds, and shutters installation it is also possible to find those who specialize in each separately. This is because each item requires its own special expertise to do properly. Just as you are trusting professionals to ensure that you get quality windows with a quality installation, so too should you trust professionals with all other aspects of your home. Having said that, if you, yourself are a professional or trust yourself to do the job just as well then you are more than welcome to.
- Protect Furniture and Electronics
The final point to consider before an installation is the cleanliness of your home. Different window companies have different customer service standards and have different approaches to keeping the home clean. Drop sheets, brooms, and vacuums are the standard to keeping a client’s home clean during and after the installation; however, even these objects are unable to contend with some of the finer construction debris in hard to reach places. Contrary to popular belief, modern windows are not installed solely from the outside, as such there is a lot of fine debris that becomes airborne during the process. Unlike with other projects, it is impractical to cordon off an area for each window – this is very time-consuming and would take almost as long as the installation itself. For these reasons if there is any furniture nearby the home windows it is recommended that it be moved or covered with linen, the same should be done with any electronics to ensure that they are kept as clean as possible. Fragile objects should be removed from the general work area because although installers always try to be as careful as possible, it is an unfortunate side effect of any construction project that accidents do happen.
Finally, to make sure that the installation goes smoothly and no time is wasted on housekeeping, almost every window company will request that all work areas are prepared before the installer’s arrival. This usually includes the removal of blinds, drapes and as mentioned above the moving of furniture. This does not mean that the room has to be bare – as it would need to be if you were replacing your floors or painting – but at least a space of 3 to 5 feet should be provided.
Now that you have everything ready and there are no forthcoming surprises or unexpected headaches you can take a step back and let the pros do their work.
Check out:
How to Clean New Vinyl Windows?
5 Things to Know About Windows and Doors Lifetime Warranty