Southwest Door & Window has developed a reputation as one of the premier providers of exterior doors and replacement windows. We started the company almost a decade ago to further his passion for providing entry doors that truly enhance a home’s architecture and give homeowners pride in its facade. We know that purchasing a new window package can often feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help navigate you through the selection process all the way to installation. Please call (214) 341-2212 for a quote on any of your exterior door, interior door, or window replacement needs today!
You’ve made the decision to go with replacement windows in your major home improvement project this year. That’s a great commitment. Not only will your Rockwall home benefit from this investment, but your entire family is also going to enjoy improved security and comfort throughout the year.
Now that you’ve chosen the style of replacement windows for each room in your home, it’s time to get ready for them. You know that an experienced, professional installer will be coming to your home with your new windows when they are ready and that you’re not going to be helping them with the actual installation process, but there are some things you can do to make this process go smoother for yourself, the installer, and everyone else in your family.
Below are a few tips that you may want to keep in mind when anticipating those replacement windows arriving at your home.
Ask the installer if he or she needs anything in particular from you.
Most of the time an experienced installer will already discuss these options with you, but in the event that you have chosen somebody who doesn’t have the kind of experience you would’ve expected, it’s a good idea to make sure that everything is all set on your end.
You may have to work on the day the installers are going to arrive, so you want to be sure that everything is in order first. If you’re not sure about the experience level of the installer who is scheduled to work with you, check their credentials first. If you purchased your windows or are considering that from one of the home improvement megastores, keep in mind that the installers they rely on are independent contractors who are not directly associated with the company. The best option is to always choose a specific window and door company, such as Southwest Door & Window who have their own experienced installers on hand.
Clear the window areas.
Installers generally work from inside your house and that’s why it’s important to make sure that all window areas are free and clear of furniture and other items. Some people simply don’t have the ability to move large pieces of furniture on their own and therefore will rely on the installer to help with this, but if that’s the case empty whatever cabinets or other furniture items are there to make it easier for the installer to move them.
In most cases, experienced installers don’t need a tremendous amount of space work within, but not clearing the area directly in front of and to the side of any particular window that is being replaced is going to increase the workload for the installer, slowing down the process overall.
Also, make sure the exterior portion of the house is clear.
Even though the installer will be working from inside the home, it may be necessary for them to do something from the outside. If that’s the case, certain items can complicate the situation for the installation itself.
While there isn’t anything you could do about shrubbery and other plants or flowers, if there is a hose, storage bin, or other items that are directly below certain windows that are going to be replaced, try to move these ahead of time in case the installer needs to access the window from the outside.
Know what you’re going to do with old windows.
Most installers and window replacement companies will take away your old windows for you, but if you have an idea to use some of those windows for other projects, make sure you let the installer know ahead of time. If you plan on keeping some of your old windows, be sure to clearly mark which ones you want to keep and which ones you would like to have removed.
If the company doesn’t offer removal services for your windows, you may need to get a garbage disposal bin in which to place your old windows and have them removed by a carting company.
You can make interesting keyframes, corkboard frames, and even picture frames from old windows. This doesn’t mean you should keep every single window that is being replaced, but you might want to keep one or two, especially if they have cut-ups which can be a great way to add some unique decor and flavoring throughout your house.
To tip or not to tip?
Finally, one question that often comes up with regard to installing replacement windows is whether the homeowner is expected to tip the installation expert or not. To be honest, that all depends on the installer or the company he or she works for.
In most cases, the installers are doing the work as part of their regular job and get regular payments from their employer. If they are an independent contractor, they might be very open to tips and other bonuses, but in most cases, they are not considered necessary.
The best thing you can do is contact the company through which you purchased your replacement windows and asked them about their tipping policy. They may have a policy in place that discourages tips for certain reasons.
If you’re not sure about any aspect of the installation process, contact the company through which you purchased your replacement windows directly. If you haven’t purchased those replacement windows just yet, you deserve a company that places your needs first, has experienced and professional installers who will make the process much more comfortable and easier for you, and have the best selection of the highest quality windows from which to choose. If that sounds like the right company for you, contact Southwest Door & Window today. Visit Southwest Door & Window at 10255 Miller Rd, Dallas, TX 75238, or call our team at (214) 341-2212.