Pros and Cons of DIY Window Installation

As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to improve your home on a budget. DIY projects are a great way to keep your home in shape without draining your savings. With DIY projects, you get a sense of accomplishment knowing your energy and commitment went into improving your property’s aesthetic and resale value. Since windows play an important role in the appeal and performance of any home, you could be looking to perform window installation yourself. Before embarking on such a project, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks you are likely to encounter. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of DIY window installation to get you started.

Pros of DIY Window Installation

When you decide to install windows by yourself, you should be confident in your carpentry and renovation abilities. Intermediate wood/metal-working skills will ensure that you complete your project successfully.  Below are a few advantages of DIY window installation.

1. Reduced Labor Costs

One of the biggest reasons why most homeowners choose to install windows themselves is that professional installers charge an extra amount for their time and energy. When you perform the installation yourself, you save money as you don’t have to pay the installer. Most homeowners use the extra cash saved to buy expensive windows or use it for other home improvement projects. Either way, performing window installation yourself saves you a few pennies in installation and labor costs.

2. Improved Self-Confidence

As a homeowner, performing a DIY project improves your skillset. When you install windows yourself, you increase self-sufficiency as you can effectively perform repairs on your windows when necessary. After completing a DIY window installation, you feel a sense of pride and confidence, since your home’s aesthetic appeal is a product of your labor.

Cons of DIY Window Installation

Before deciding to install windows yourself, you should compare the pros and cons of DIY window installation. Hiring a professional company to complete your project has a myriad of benefits. With an expert installer, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your project will be completed on time and successfully. Though it comes at an extra cost, professional installation will save you from the drawbacks of DIY installation. These drawbacks include:

1. You Might Void your Warranty

Most window manufacturers have warranties that guarantee the window will be replaced if it fails to perform before a specified amount of time. These warranties only stay valid if the window products have been installed according to the manufacturers’ specifications. In many cases, installing the windows yourself will void the warranty. Professional installers have been trained and certified by the window manufacturers to perform installations. When installing windows on your own, you are likely to go against these manufacturer’s specifications, voiding your warranty.

2. Increased Likelihood of Mistakes

Windows perform vital functions for your home’s structure. They keep your home safe and make it comfortable. To keep windows performing optimally, they should be installed properly and effectively. When you install windows on your own, there is a high possibility that you won’t complete the project to perfection. Your window may have gaps and other issues that compromise your home’s structural integrity. This may end up reducing your home’s resale value. Working with an expert installer will ensure that your window is properly kept in its place, which will prevent issues from occurring.

3. Personal Injury

Replacing windows on the raised floor will require the use of a ladder. Most average homeowners don’t use ladders that frequently. Ladders are often the cause of fatal falls, so you will need to be acquainted with safety techniques when using one. Additionally, glass panes may crack and shatter during installation. Professional installers have extensive experience in the entire window installation process. They have the necessary safety equipment to ensure that the installation can be carried out without risk of injury. To reduce the possibility of harming yourself or your family, you should choose a professional window installer.

We have explored the pros and cons of DIY window installation. While it may save you some cash in labor costs and gives you a feeling of accomplishment, DIY installation has its drawbacks. With DIY installation, you could void your warranty, make mistakes that could reduce your home’s value, and run the risk of personal injury. By working with a professional installer, you eliminate these drawbacks, avoid additional expenses, reduce the time it takes for installation, and avoid the expense of procuring tools. Only perform window installation yourself if you have the necessary tools and DIY carpentry skills.

You have seen the pros and cons of DIY window installation, and could be interested in new replacement windows. If this is you, count on Aspen Home Improvements for the best in energy-saving windows. Our expert installers have been performing home improvements in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland for over two decades. Our team of dedicated experts will, therefore, perform window installation and replacement with you in mind.