If your old sash windows are drafty, rotten, damaged, or difficult to operate, replacing them can make a big difference in your home’s appearance, comfort level and energy efficiency. You essentially have two options for sash window replacement – do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional window installation company. There are pros and cons to each method. Evaluating these factors carefully will help you decide which route makes the most sense for your situation.
Benefits of DIY Sash Window Replacement
Cost Savings
Purchasing new sash windows and installing them on your own allows you to save money by avoiding labor fees. While the DIY route requires an initial investment in tools and materials, as well as your personal time and energy, you may spend significantly less money overall than if you leave the work to professionals.
Customization
A DIY sash window replacement project allows you to select windows with precisely the features you want. You get to choose the materials, styles, sizes, finishes, glass types and hardware. This personal customization can help the new windows suit your home perfectly.
Convenience
Removing and installing replacement windows yourself means not having to coordinate schedules with an outside company. You can do the work in the evenings and weekends when you have time, instead of taking off work during normal business hours.
Learning Experience
A DIY window replacement project provides the ultimate learning experience. As you do the work yourself, you will undoubtedly gain invaluable skills related to window anatomy, operation, installation methods and more that can benefit you going forward with home repairs and improvements.
Downsides of DIY Replacement
Difficult Process
Successfully removing old sash windows and installing new replacement windows demands specialized skills and knowledge. Without prior experience, you may severely struggle through certain steps of the complex process. Potential issues range from breaking the old windows and frames during removal to improperly installing and sealing the new units.
Safety Risks
Extracting stuck old windows and handling large panes of glass involve considerable safety hazards, including risks of lacerations, slips and falls. Unless you have professional-level experience, you may injure yourself while attempting this challenging DIY project.
Subpar Results
DIY window installation errors like beds that are out of square, incomplete seals and imprecise alignments can allow air leaks, moisture issues and operation problems going forward. Without expert skills, your replacement windows may ultimately look and perform worse than desired.
Time Commitment
From window removal to replacement installation alone, DIY sash window replacement requires multiple long workdays. Factor in the many hours needed for shopping, transporting materials, proper tool gathering, cleanup and more, and this DIY project represents a massive time investment.
Hiring a Professional Sash Window Installer
Expert Process
Professional sash window replacement specialists have the tools, materials, training, and experience to properly complete the full process, including precise removal of old units and expert installation of new windows. This expertise ensures excellent results not feasible for amateur DIYers.
Efficiency
Seasoned window professionals work far faster than amateur DIYers. For them, the process feels routine and systematic. While DIY window replacement may involve fully consuming your weekends for a month, a professional team can typically handle the entire job in just a few days.
Proper Window Disposal
Upon removal of your old sash windows, professionals will appropriately break down the units and dispose of the glass, lead, and other materials in compliance with local regulations. As an unqualified homeowner, you may struggle determining proper disposal protocols.
Safety and Code Compliance
When you leave sash window replacement to the professionals, you avoid safety risks from issues inherent to the difficult process. Additionally, seasoned contractors will complete the installation fully up to code to gain inspection approval. Avoiding injuries and callbacks makes hiring a company worthwhile.
Warranties and Insurance Protection
Professional window replacement companies offer product warranties plus liability insurance and bonds to cover damages. If any issues arise with the windows or surrounding property either during the process or after, you save massive headaches dealing directly through the contractor rather than handling repairs and financial burdens yourself.
Downsides of Hiring Window Installers
Higher Cost
The tradeoff for an expert installation and associated protections involves paying higher fees for materials, labor and the contractor’s administrative costs and profits. While the extent varies based on your market and project details, hiring a professional typically costs thousands more than DIY.
Scheduling Challenges
You must accommodate the contractor’s availability rather than working at your own pace. Rush fees to expedite the timeline also add major costs. This inconvenience remains the primary downside of outsourcing sash window replacement.
Final Words
In conclusion, replacing worn out sash windows in your home presents you with a decision between a DIY project or hiring professional installers. If you have ample free time plus the necessary skills, equipment and willingness for a major challenge, DIY replacement may work well. However, for most homeowners, the expertise, speed, risk avoidance and conveniences of hiring a professional outweigh the higher costs. Analyze the specific pros and cons in the context of your own needs and constraints before deciding which method is optimal for your sash window replacement project.
Replacing aging sash windows requires carefully weighing DIY installation versus hiring professional window contractors. Do-it-yourselfers can reduce costs, gain customization, and learn useful skills, but also risk injury, mistakes, and major time commitments. Professional installation companies charge more yet offer vast expertise for smooth results, along with crucial liability coverage, proper disposal services and other perks not feasible with DIY.
Because the project demands specialized abilities, most homeowners decide the benefits of outsourcing to professionals justify the higher price. Your ultimate decision between DIY or pro window replacement depends on your budget, availability, experience level, safety concerns and priorities regarding efficiency and warranties.
