Installing New Windows and Doors: The Basics

When your door feels drafty or your windows stop opening smoothly, it's time to start looking for replacements. Installing new windows and doors can boost your home's curb appeal and help with energy costs, especially in summer and winter. That said, installing new windows and doors is no small task, especially if you're not a professional.

Today, let’s go over the key things you should know before installing new windows and doors in your Tri-Cities home.

Tools to install windows and doors

To tackle any renovation project successfully – whether that’s installing a new window to replace a drafty one, putting in a new door, or something else entirely – you need the right tools for the job. If you’re new to DIY home upgrades, make sure you have all these tools before you get started:

• Safety equipment, like sturdy goggles and safety gloves
• A tape measure
• Screwdrivers in several different sizes and types
• A hammer
• A level
• A bolster chisel or crowbar
• A saw, either hand or electrical
• Spacers (also called “shims”)
• A utility knife
• Weatherstripping tape or caulk

The more tools you have on hand when you install a new door or window, the better. These tools will help you take accurate measurements, remove old pieces from their places, and ensure you install your windows or doors into their frames properly.

Weather matters

When you're preparing to install new windows or doors, keep in mind that the weather will determine which days you should work. Rainy or snowy weather is a no-go because letting moisture get into the seals or frames of windows and doors is never ideal. Wet materials make for poor installation results, plus the possibility of mold or rot affecting your new doors and windows from day one.

The better option? Wait until the weather is agreeable before starting your window or door installation project. Dry, sunny weather is excellent, which is why the summer and fall are excellent times to attempt these kinds of renovations.

Choose the right windows and doors for your home

No two windows or doors are exactly alike, and only some will be right for your property, your preferences, and your budget. It’s imperative that you pick the right windows and doors for your home renovation – otherwise, you might find yourself in the middle of a far larger project than you first anticipated.

For example, imagine that you want to install a few double-hung windows throughout your living room. You should replace those with similarly sized double-hung windows or other window varieties. It’s much harder to replace your original windows with completely different ones, like bay windows or picture windows.

Take careful measurements

To ensure you choose appropriate doors and windows to replace your current ones, measure their spaces very carefully. It’s best to take a “measure twice, cut once” approach to installing new windows and doors. Use your tape measure, a marking pencil, and a level to take accurate measurements before looking for replacement windows or doors.

Maybe you want to replace your front door to impress guests and raise curb appeal. Measure your existing door a few times, then compare those measurements to new door options. Before buying a new door, you’ll want to check the fit and confirm it’ll fit in the door frame without leaving any gaps.

Sometimes, the door frame or window frames you want to use won't be perfectly level. A sanding tool can be handy in these instances, helping you flatten those surfaces so you can take accurate measurements and install a new window or door with a tight seal.

How much is it to install windows and doors?

Before jumping into installing new windows and doors, you should think about your budget. After all, your total renovation budget will determine things like:

• What kinds of materials you can choose for your windows and doors
• How many new windows or doors you can replace at once
• The types of windows or doors you can install

New windows and doors have a range of possible prices. For instance, new windows can cost anywhere between $450 and $1,400 each, with prices varying due to materials, labor, and design. New entry doors often cost up to $1,700. 

Generally, higher-quality windows and doors are better choices for your renovation than cheaper alternatives. That's because quality doors and windows will last longer, as well as provide you with extra benefits. Energy-efficient windows, for example, can save you money each month on your utility bill – so they can pay for themselves over the years if they're installed correctly.

Some experience is ideal

Proper installation is critical, which is why it’s helpful to have some experience before installing new windows and doors. If you've never attempted a DIY home renovation project before, starting with a smaller replacement – say, swapping out the tiny attic window for a new one – is better than attempting a huge upgrade that involves replacing several windows at once.

Of course, it's never a bad idea to turn to expert contractors just to be safe! Skilled new window and door installation specialists can often complete your home renovation project of choice in no time at all, plus do so without the risk of minor mistakes or damage to your property. While it's true that you have to pay for labor, many homeowners find this trade-off to be more than acceptable, given the benefits.

Get help from the experts

Finding the best contractors to help install new windows and doors is easy if you’re a Tri-Cities homeowner. At Window World of the Tri-Cities, our experienced contractors can help you with any renovation project you have in mind, whether that's replacing windows, upgrading your entry door, and much more!

That’s not all. Our showroom also has plenty of windows and doors for you to pick from; it's a great opportunity to see these in person before choosing the ones you want to add to your property. Stop by today to explore all of our options or request a quote online to get started!