It is not just a case of knowing how to source and use the right tools to use for your window fitting job and what the best materials for the job are (I would not be surprised if there are people who do not know Araldite from WD40). It is also a case of trying to ascertain the right material for your window fitting job.
Do you choose hardwood, softwood, PVC windows?
Hardwood windows tend to be the most expensive when it comes to fitting your windows in terms of the cost of them in the first place.
Softwood windows tend to cost slightly less than hardwood windows and PVC windows tend to be the cheapest.
PVC windows have the added advantage that they last much longer than wooden windows but if your property is a period property throwing PVC windows into your period property might ruin the aesthetic appeal of your property.
One of the questions posed most by DIY window fitters is where to find a good supplier. Homeowners often make the mistake of paying retail prices for materials which most trade suppliers will provide to the general public as long as the general public is prepared to pay.
In these difficult economic times 'trade only' window retailers and suppliers are not quite as stringent in their 'trade only' rules. We all have mouths to feed. Therefore, one of the most important common mistakes made in window fitting is 'paying too much' because you assume that you have to. There are countless window suppliers if you pick up your local directory or surf the web for window manufacturers. Spend a little time on this and you will find that it is worth this investment of a slot in your busy diary as the savings to be made in sourcing your own windows can be substantial.
One of the other major mistakes made in window fitting is health and safety considerations, or rather, lack of attention to the very serious matter of safety with window fitting. Glass is nasty stuff if it is handled the wrong way, however, as most windows which are fitted nowadays tend to be sealed doubled glazed units placed into either a timber or PVC frame this makes modern windows much safer to work with than sheets of single glass. That said, always, always ensure that you use safety gloves, goggles and safety shoes or boots when you are working with glass or in most areas of construction or any type of property maintenance works - including window fitting.
The beauty of fitting PVC windows is 'window trim' which can hide a multitude of sins behind it.
As long as your window is plumb (level) then you can always fill in around the edges of the window with expanding foam which you can buy in a can from most DIY retailers. Simply fill the expanse created around your window with the expanding foam (don't forget to use window fixings to secure your window frame to the wall first) and then once the expanding foam has dried you can cut it back and neatly put your edging trim over the expanding foam. There are loads of PVC trim suppliers out there. Look up PVC trim or plastic window trim suppliers in any search directory and you should find what you need. Finally put your sealed doubled glazed unit into the new frame and fit the beading (the black plastic trim which acts as a seal between the glazing unit and the plastic window frame).
Hey presto, you've fitted your own window.
Another major common mistake made in fitting windows is 'not measuring correctly'.
It is much wiser if you are going to get your measurements wrong - not that it is wise at all, to measure your windows wrong in the first place - but if you do ensure that you don't measure it so that it is too large for the opening.
Remember, within reason, you can fill the gaps around the window if it is slightly too small for the opening but it is much more of a problem if when you come to fit your window you find that it is too large for the opening you have made or of the existing window opening.
If you do end up having a window manufactured that is too large for the opening I am afraid that more often than not you will end up losing your money and having to buy more windows.
When it comes to measuring make sure that you leave room for the fillers that go around the edges.
There are window packers which you can buy which hold the window in place and which often come with the window when the supplier provides it to you.
Bring In The Professionals
Of course, if you are not sure whether fitting your own windows is right for you, you can always bring in some professional window fitters to make sure the job is done correctly.
Olivia Reynolds has written many articles about building, construction and home improvement having worked in the industry for many years. She is currently working with Top Tradespeople, the tradesmen recommendation website where home owners can find and compare quotes from local tradespeople, including window fitters, double glazing companies and conservatory companies
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