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I need to replace all the windows and sliding glass doors in my house. They are so old and drafty that with the increased price of electricity, I am literally throwing money out the window. I have a handy hubby and a sturdy son – I’ll do the research and the buying – they will do the hard physical stuff. Do you think I am biting off more than I can handle?
The house has two sliding glass doors and thirteen windows. That’s a lot to replace.
I am planning on getting
three quotes from companies that are specialists. Most of them also sell the windows that they install. I know that if I use a company to replace the windows that I will most likely pay a 100% markup on the windows and labor. The quote will include a commission for the salesman, travel costs, worker benefits (if any), fees, and taxes. That makes for A BIG markup.
I know that now is a good time to get bids because most companies are slow and will lower their prices and give lots of incentives. There are also tax breaks for homeowners who upgrade their homes for energy efficiency. Los Angeles currently has a home efficiency rebate program that offers rebates on new windows, air conditioners, refrigerators and pool pumps.
I am still in the process of getting quotes for this job, but my first quote was way more than I want to pay – $7,500!!! This was already down from the original $9,000 quote. Yikes. If I just redo one of the sliding doors (which is the upgrade I want the most), it will cost me $1,500. That’s more than I want to pay to put in a door.
OK, so what is my alternative? We could do it ourselves. My hubby is VERY handy and my 20 year-old son is strong. I mean, how hard can it be? (Famous last words.)
Here’s where I am starting. I watched a free preview of a DVD that seems to have excellent instructions on how to install vinyl windows and doors. The two videos – one on windows and one on doors – cost almost $40. I looked at the library, Amazon and a DVD swap site, but they wasn’t there. I figure it is worth $40 to save possibly $5,000. (The cost of labor in the quote I received. Still have to cover materials.) Plus, the entire family will watch these videos together and learn valuable information. This is the kind of life lesson that home schoolers love.
I am considering hiring someone experienced to work with my husband and son for at least the first day. The question is, do I hire an expert or do it myself? What do you think?
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Don’t! We’ve tried to install a window and failed miserably. It’s way harder than it seems and it’s just one of those things you really should get done professionally. My grandparents are retired contractors and I’ve seen them do it with a lot of trouble. In their old age they don’t even attempt it anymore. It’s like when your a brunette going blonde-you have to go to a specialist or your going to be worse off and end up with egg yolk yellow hair (I did this as well…).
Jessica is right! DON’T! This is something you do no want to do yourself. It will end up costing you more! If your house is stucco, if requires a whole process. It’s not as simple as it looks or seems.
Having watched the installation of my sliding glass door/window leading out to the back patio, I know what a difficult job it is. Stucco is not easy to deal with, and if there are any electrical outlets, etc., involved, it becomes even more difficult. You’ll be better off finding the best offer you can find for installation of the vinyl windows/doors, and leaving it to the experts. Your hubby and son can watch, and then thank you! We did the patio entry as one job, having already done windows in the living room and front bedroom. Most companies offer another discount for multiple installations.
@Jessica, Jill & EllieD – I hear you, but… I have now watched the installation videos that I spoke of in this post. These videos are super informative on what it REALLY takes to change out a window or door. I can see that it takes muscles, patience, exactness and a tolerance for a mess. It is not an easy job, but it DOES look do-able for someone who is used to physical labor (as opposed to working at a keyboard all day.) I agree, EllieD, that it is a harder job if there are electrical outlets involved. Fortunately, there are no outlets or pipes in the way.
I’m looking at doing one door and one window first. I hope that I am being brave but not overly silly.
I’m still hoping that someone that has successfully changed their own windows and doors will comment here.
That is a good quote. We have 37 windows and 3 patio doors and were given a quote of $23,000. I’d go for with it because the windows are easier to open and prettier than the old black faded out aluminum windows that we have now, but hubby doesn’t want to. As far as cost savings, there is no way that installing new windows would recoup the amount you spend. Even with the rebates, you still are making an improvement/investment to your home and that is just it; an investment in your home, which you may or may not get back when you sell. We plan to stay in our home for the next 10 years and clearly if we use the a/c and or heat and we use it moderately, we’re not throwing away $23,000 by keeping our existing windows.
It really doesn’t pay to replace your windows. You don’t save much energy. Your in Los Angeles not Minnesota. For drafty windows get some foam tape to seal the edges and maybe get window film to keep out the sun. Here’s an informative article on the subject. http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/ask-pablo-is-replacing-windows-a-good-investment.html
Hire a handyman to help. Not a standalone handyman (unless you know of a good, reputable one) but one that works for a handyman company. This person should have door and window installation experience and the company should have each of its employees bonded. Or you can just contact DIY, HGTV or This Old House and see if you can have one of their contractors help with the installation of your doors and windows.
Or if you are really gung ho about doing this, volunteer with a group like Habitat for Humanity and obtain the experience first before you do it on your own home.
@Keya R – Your above suggestions are EXCELLENT! Thanks so much. I was considering getting a handyman to help us, but I like the idea of someone that works for a company. I also love the idea of doing some time with Habitat for Humanity. I wanted to do some projects with them when my kids were younger, but there is an age minimum. I’m sure that they are old enough now. I think it is a wonderful way to learn building skills – not just windows and doors, but all of the skills necessary to build or renovate a house. I’m not sure about hiring a contractor. I think that would blow my budget.
@Steve K – Thanks for the link to the article about Investment to Return ratio of replacing the windows. I read the article and all the comments. Some good stuff to think about. One of the reasons that I am looking at doing the work myself of replacing the windows and doors is because it doesn’t make financial sense to pay someone a lot to do it. I’m looking forward to the day that I can sit in front of my big sliding glass door during a chilly day without wearing a hat and gloves.
Sorry for the dilemmas. We had an old Civil War house with in need of some love. Caulking some of the windows keeped my windows from fogging up. It also lowered my energy bill by 10%.
DON’T replace them yourself! I tried replacing our windows and I either didn’t get the measurements right or I messed up the sealant. Trust me you’re gonna save yourself a lot of time and heartache by hiring someone. Good job asking people beforehand though!