So, you’ve just signed a contract for new windows in your home. Congratulations! A new window installation project for your home can be quite exciting. But as you think ahead about greater energy efficiency, increased property value, and enhanced curb appeal, it’s important to know what you can do now to ensure the installation process goes well.
During the installation day, your home will be busier than usual, and prior preparations will go a long way to keep things on track. This post is a step-by-step guide to preparing your home for window installation.
Contact Your Provider a Few Days Before the Installation Day
Regardless of how prepared you think you are, it’s always possible to overlook a few things in the process. Making sure you contact the contractor before the installation day will ensure that you’re on the same page to avoid unnecessary stress and misunderstandings.
Consider going over things like how long the installation will take, whether they will be installing the windows from the inside or outside or both, and other details, so that you prepare accordingly.
Unobstructed Access to Windows
New window installation will require about two feet in front of every window. This will allow the technicians ample space to use their tools and place drop cloths as necessary to remove the old windows and install the new ones. Keep in mind that once the old windows are removed, wind could periodically gust through some parts of your home.
It’s recommended that you collect and relocate important papers and other small items that could be disturbed. Be sure to cover all electronics and computers and consider relocating them temporarily as well. Relocate any furnishings that could interfere with the installation process.
Remove Any Curtains, Blinds, and Alarms
Curtains, vertical blinds, mini blinds, roll-up shades, drapes, shutters, and any other window coverings can cause unnecessary delays when the contractors come for the job and have to remove them first. It’s also best to place them away to avoid them getting damaged during the installation.
Disarm and Disconnect the Alarm
Window alarms will also have to be disarmed and removed before the new windows can be put up. Sometimes, it’s in your best interests to have your security company come and help you disconnect the alarms before the contractors come to your door.
Remember to also schedule when the security company can come to rearm the alarm so that your home won’t be unprotected longer than necessary. Most window replacement companies are not alarm experts, so this should ideally be handled by your security company.
Bushes and Plants
Sometimes, the technicians will need to access landscaped areas around your home that are adjacent to the windows. Beforehand, survey your home and look for potential obstructions. Some overgrown bushes and trees may need to be pruned to allow proper access to the windows.
Consider temporarily relocating any delicate plants immediately below or near windows, especially if they cannot survive being stepped on. While technicians may try their best to be careful working around such plants, their main priority is their safety and proper installation of your new windows. Otherwise, be prepared to lose a few plants.
Cover Your Furniture
As mentioned earlier, removing old windows and installing new ones will generate dust. Be sure to take some proactive steps that will make the cleanup process much easier. Consider covering your couches, beds, and other furnishings with drop cloths or old sheets. If you want anything specific covered, such as expensive flooring, discuss this beforehand with your contractor.
You may also want to consider removing pictures from the wall. There’s a good chance that there will be vibrations during the removal and installation processes. For this reason, you want to remove anything hanging around the windows beforehand to avoid any breaking or falling due to these vibrations.
Have a Plan For Children, Pets, etc.
During the installation day, your home will likely feel like a work zone. There will be lots of noise and dust. Make sure that you plan for the kids and pets to be away from this. Depending on your schedule and lifestyle, work with your contractor on a plan to make the days as minimally disruptive as possible.
Be sure to also restrict access to the installation area to keep children, pets, and the installers safe. Curious pets can get underfoot of the installers or be unnecessarily frightened by all the activity.
Account For a Staging Area
The installers will likely need a place to set up their equipment and stage different products in your driveway or around your home. Talk to them about the most convenient area with the easiest access and minimal chance of disruptions.
Schedule a Walkthrough
Plan for a time when you could look over the work to ensure everything is completed to standard and as planned. This should also allow you to learn how to make the most out of your new windows and maintain them properly. Be sure to ask any questions you might have.
Get Prepped For Your New Windows Today
Preparing your home for new windows or window replacement can certainly help you avoid a lot of problems, and ensure the process is completed quickly, and safely. With the tips discussed above in mind, you will be sitting back and enjoying the benefits of your new windows in no time.
The windows experts at Family Windows & Doors can walk you through the entire window installation process, from choosing the right windows for your project to what you need to prepare your home for installation.
