Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Replacement Window Installation
Replacement Window Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Replacement Window Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Replacement Window Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Replacement Window Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Replacement Window Installation labor cost? What are the important Replacement Window Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Replacement Window Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Replacement Window Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Replacement Window Installation expect to pay between $1.42 to $1.95 per unified inch. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Replacement Window Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Replacement Window Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Replacement Window Installation work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Replacement Window Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the replacement windows may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Replacement Window Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Replacement Window Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Replacement Window Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Replacement Window Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Replacement Window Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Replacement Window Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Replacement Window Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Replacement Window Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed replacement window layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the replacement window meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Installed replacement windows will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- Vertical edges of replacement windows will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- Each window frame will open and latch closed with light effort
- Each window frame will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each window frame will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- Each window frame lockset/latching mechanism will be held immovable by the strikeplate when closed - there will be no "play" of the lockset within the strikeplate
- The replacement windows will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- Nail holes will be filled with a suitable putty, leveled and sanded smooth before final finishing, so as to be undetectable through the finished surface
- The replacement window surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Replacement Window Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Replacement Window Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the replacement windows work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Determine if permit is required for Replacement Window Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of replacement windows, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order replacement windows; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of replacement windows; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store replacement windows in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Securely attach flashing and vapor barrier around perimeter of replacement windows
- Install replacement windows using construction adhesive, screws or galvanized nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Replacement Window Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Replacement Window Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
