How To Prepare Your Home For New Window Installation
New windows not only make your house look better, they likely also provide better efficiency and insulation compared to the old windows. While your window installers will handle the bulk of the installation work, there are some things that you can do to help them out. Preparing your home for installation ensures everything goes smoothly and helps prevention accidental damage. These tips can help you get ready.
Tip #1: Remove Window Treatments, Inside and Out
Blinds and curtains will just get in the way of installers, which also increases the chances of damage to these items. Remove all indoor window treatments and store them away before your installers arrive. Make sure there is no hardware protruding dangerously from the walls – you don't want anyone to snag themselves on a screw or nail while working.
Next, remove any items that decorate the exterior of the window. This could be shade awnings, exterior shade blinds, or window boxes.
Tip # 2: Create a Clear Access Path
Installers will need to access the window both inside and outside of the home. Remove any furniture, rugs, or decorative items that are near the window or along the simplest path the the window. Outdoors, move your lawn furniture, garden hose, tools, and lawn ornaments so they are in the general environs of the window. Not only does this make access easier, it also ensures these items aren't damaged during the window installation.
Tip #3: Look for, and Remove, Falling Hazards
Pulling out an old window and putting in a new one can cause walls to shudder or shake slightly, which can cause pictures to fall. Remove all pictures from the walls that have the windows before the installers arrives. You may also want to remove breakable items from shelves and cabinets along any wall that is getting a new window. Outdoors, remove hanging items, like wind chimes, from the walls and eaves. If you have trellises or other décor items leaning against the wall, you may want to move it if you can do so without damaging the landscaping.
Tip #4: Protect the Environs
Finally, make sure everything is protected. Window removal leaves behind dust, and occasionally a window may break. Cover floor vents with plastic to keep debris out. Drape sheets or drop cloths over furniture and over carpeting. Outdoors, mow the lawn and prune back trees and shrubs to minimize the chances of damage to plants near the windows. You may want to drape cloth sheets over shrubs directly beneath the windows to provide further protection.