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If the windows in your Michigan home have started to show signs of wear, replacing them is likely your best choice. There are two ways to go about this. You could have the windows professionally installed, or you could undergo DIY window replacement. In almost all cases, the former is your better option. DIY window installation rarely goes as well as planned. Below, we present five reasons to avoid replacing your home’s windows yourself.
1. DIY Window Installation Takes a Long Time
Installing windows is not a simple or quick home improvement task. If you don’t have much experience, it may take you a few hours just to replace one window… and those hours can really add up quickly. You will need to dedicate several weekends, at the very least to replacing your windows. Professional installers, on the other hand, are able to move more swiftly because they have experience, the proper tools, and educated team members. They can get most window replacement projects done in a day or two, so you can move on and enjoy your new windows.
2. DIY Window Replacement Can Affect Efficiency
These days, energy-efficient windows are all the rage, and for good reason. The right windows can significantly lower your energy bills and keep your home more comfortable. But no matter what energy efficiency benefits your chosen windows offer, a faulty installation can render them inefficient. In a DIY installation, tiny mistakes are quite common and can result in windows that let in a lot of cold air. Professionals, on the other hand, know how to install windows for maximum efficiency, and they can also customize their approach to each type of window.
3. DIY Window Replacement Voids Warranties
Most windows come with some sort of warranty, but read the terms carefully before you commit to a DIY installation. Many window warranties are actually void if you install the windows yourself, meaning that if the window breaks, you will be responsible for all related costs. Plus, when you install windows yourself, there’s no warranty on the installation. A good window installation company will offer a warranty not only on the windows themselves, but also on their work, so if any mistakes are made, you are not accountable for related damage.
4. DIY Window Replacement Can Damage Your Home
If you do not quite install the window properly, you might end up damaging the rest of your home. Water may seep in and damage your dry wall. If you have to re-size the window opening and make a mistake doing so, you may have to replace an entire wall. Suddenly, your Saturday window replacement project has turned into a week-long repair project — and a costly one, at that.
5. DIY Window Replacement Is Not Really Cheaper
One of the main reasons Michigan home owners choose DIY replacement is to save money. But in fact, you won’t save a lot of money in the long run by taking this approach. Between the decreased efficiency, the hours of labor you have to put in, and the costs of making future repairs not covered by warranty, DIY replacement is rarely cheaper than professional installation.
If you’re ready to replace the windows on your Michigan home, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home estimates, and all of our estimates include the cost of professional installation.
Topics: replacement windows for your Michigan home, Michigan home, window repair or replacement, DIY window replacement