Common Contractor Scams: Home Repair FRAUD revealed

I'm going to show you how home improvement contractors will often scam homeowners and how it happens constantly.

I've been in the professional field of home improvement for decades and I'm familiar with all the shifty practices that contractors will often employ to screw over homeowners.

I'm not saying that contractors will always be purposefully trying to rip people off, in fact I believe that most contractors are pretty honest but they make business mistakes that cause poor results to homeowners. Most of the time these involve a window salesman, siding salesman, roofing contractor or small additions.

BUSINESS AND EXPERIENCE MISREPRESENTATION

It's very easy for home improvement contractors to lie about their business history. Talk with most any contractor and you'll find that they mention they have been in business 10+ years. This is because most home improvement contractors started working in the field as a kid during summers, so they often technically have a lifetime of experience. DO NOT confuse experience with skill in this field, because it doesn't really matter how long you've been doing it if you've been doing it wrong.

What are the cheapest vinyl windows?

Looking for the cheapest brands of vinyl windows? 

First we need to know whether you are considering installing the vinyl windows yourself or hiring someone to do it. A lot of the price has to do with labor, so if you are installing the vinyl window yourself, you will only be concerned with the actual cost of the vinyl window itself.

Actual vinyl window costs:

Vinyl windows come in two types: New Construction and Replacement. 

New Construction: These vinyl windows will have a "fin" that goes around the entire frame so that the window can be nailed directly to the outside jambs of your window opening instead of being screwed into the side like an insert. The benefits of a new construction vinyl window are:

• Much easier to install the vinyl window when working in a newly constructed frame; for instance if you are having an addition built or are building a home and the framing has just been completed.
• Less glass reduction. Probably the biggest concern with homeowners when they are shown replacement windows is the loss of glass space due to the insert. With new construction vinyl windows, you are installing the vinyl window to the rough opening and the frame is fairly thin, so you don't have to worry about losing glass space.
• Installation is less complex when dealing in a newly constructed frame. It's pretty much just simply installing the window by screwing or nailing it right to the jamb and that's it. A new construction window labor cost will probably be about $40 per window or less if it's dealing with a new frame opening. 

NEW CONSTRUCTION WINDOWS COST AROUND $135 - $175. These are typically the cheapest vinyl windows.

It's important to add all the extra costs though that come with the window, such as screws, nails, insulation, sales tax, delivery, disposal fees of old window, interior stop molding, caulk, etc... This can add $30 or so per window typically. 

The cheapest vinyl windows by far are new construction types that are being installed into a newly constructed opening. 

Here are some cheapest vinyl window brands and models:

1. Alside Geneva, Centurion, Excalibur
2. Farley cheapest vinyl window
3. Simonton cheap vinyl windows
4. Window World, Inc
5. Larmco cheap vinyl windows
6. Window Depot USA
7. Pella Thermastar cheap windows

Anywhere that you live in the continental USA, you'll find pretty cheap vinyl windows if you do your research. There are some links that are posted on my site here that will help you find the cheapest and most valuable labor and cheap vinyl window brands that can help you find the cheap vinyl windows you're looking for. Good luck!

Note: A new construction vinyl window is ONLY cheap when it applies to new construction framing. 

window lead rules

All about the new EPA lead rule that went into effect this year.

Did you know that the EPA now requires certain states to comply with their new lead rule? This lead rule applies to any work being done by a contractor on anyone's home built before 1978. The lead law pertains especially to:

1. Window replacement (vinyl/wood/aluminum)
2. Siding installation (fiber cement/vinyl/wood
3. Painting

Basically, if you are having any portion of your home where lead paint could be disturbed, you will have to hire a contractor that is EPA certified to work on your project lead safe.

The lead doesn't have to be abated (which means removed); it just needs to be safely worked around. The fines are pretty stiff to the contractor if they don't follow the rules.

LEAD LAW FINES, lead law fine amount.

above is a picture of the certification seal that epa lead safe contractors should be displaying in their literature and websites.

Have you wondered what the fines are in case you hire someone and they don't comply with the lead law when working on your painting, siding, or windows? 

The fine amount is extremely high, $36,500 per violation, PER DAY!

This fine amount for not working in lead safe should be enough to keep you from hiring someone who isn't certified to work on you windows, siding, doors, or paint. 

You should research more on the internet about this lead paint law so that you have the proper information on what is to be done and who to hire that is lead certified to work as a contractor on your home. 

Cheap vinyl windows

Cheap vinyl windows are actually worth it sometimes! 


Most websites and "authorities" will tell you that cheap vinyl windows are not a good investment and will fall apart in a short time. That's not really the truth though because some vinyl windows can actually be pretty inexpensive if you do your homework and find the right kind.

I'm not advocating that you should go with any window you find that's cheaper than others, but you can definitely find some really good deals for new vinyl replacement windows installed fairly cheap.

Cheap is a relative term don't forget. What's 'cheap' to you can be expensive to others, and vice versa.

You can find great windows for a really cheap price!


A great example of cheap windows is the ones that Window World, Inc offers. I am in no way affiliated with Window World, but I am familiar with the products they sell. You'll find them located in nearly any state within the U.S. and you shouldn't have any trouble finding them in your area. Some other vinyl replacement window companies that offer low cost window installation are

1. Window World
2. Larmco
3. Mr Handyman
4. Window Depot USA

These companies advertise and carry very low priced window installation. Keep in mind a few things: 

• These companies subcontract their window installation to local contractors
• The advertised price is typically a very basic vinyl window and you'll need to add a few costs to include the features you may be looking for (such as argon gas, tax credit qualification, window capping.)
• They DO use nationally recognized window brands.

The reason these companies can sell  cheap vinyl replacement windows at such a low cost is because they do so much volume. The installers don't get paid very much at all per job, but they end up making a good living because they are constantly kept busy with work, so it adds up in the long run. 

A typical professional window installer will usually charge around $75-$200 per window installed for basic double hungs, but for example a Window World installer will make only around $35. This savings is completely passed on to you, so it's often a good deal! 

Vinyl windows warping

Have your vinyl windows warped or worried about them warping?

This is a serious problem that many homeowners with vinyl windows face today. There are thousands of vinyl window manufacturers throughout the U.S. and Europe, and many of these companies are pushing out very low quality grades of vinyl windows that are highly prone to vinyl warping.

Vinyl windows warp when the temperatures outside and humidity levels inside cause the vinyl to move. If someone did not install the vinyl window correctly, it's fairly common that the contractor will have installed the vinyl replacement window too tight, which causes it to buckle and warp when the house tries to move. This also happens with vinyl siding.

The main problem is that warping occurs when poor quality vinyl windows are used. Low quality vinyl windows are often made from recycled vinyl pellets that have been used in other applications long ago. The cost to make recycled vinyl windows is much cheaper than making the vinyl from scratch, so these window factories push out large quanitites of junk vinyl for very cheap and don't usually have a difficult time finding homeowners that aren't aware, buying them up rapidly due their low price.

Make sure you select a good contractor that can install vinyl windows that won't warp and that seem professional. Do your research and due diligence while searching for the right window and DO NOT base your decision on price alone.

Look especially for vinyl replacement windows that have reinforcement rails in the sashes. This is a metal bar that goes inside the center of the window sash so that it stops the window from warping and is only featured in  better quality windows. Alside, Simonton, Okna, Softlite, Gorell, and Sunrise windows are all major vinyl window manufacturers that offer reinforced meeting rails designed to stop vinyl replacement windows from warping. Chances are there is a dealer of one of those brands near you.

Find a good contractor and a good vinyl window and you won't have warping vinyl windows. Buy the cheap ones and use a cheap installer and chances are you'll have windows warping in no time. Make the right decision or don't do it at all.

Why do vinyl windows warp?


There are a few reasons for while the vinyl windows tend to warp, but most of all they relate to quality of installation and quality of product. Good vinyl windows that are installed by a good vinyl window contractor will not warp. Warping of vinyl windows are caused by these reasons:

• Low quality recycled vinyl windows. (typically sold in box stores.)
• Poor window design. (often found in very small manufacturers using old technology.)
• Improper contractor installation. (installed too tight or out of square).
• No reinforcement rail inside window sash.

Warping of your vinyl windows can be a really terrible experience, especially if you've spent a large amount of money on them hoping that they would never give you troubles. If you have not selected a contractor yet or are in the process of how to find a contractor for your vinyl replacement windows, then you're in luck because you can avoid these terrible vinyl warping problems. 

Make sure that you have a contractor that can talk with you about your windows and show you information pertaining to which brand is good and has vinyl window designs that are made to prevent warping. If your contractor can't answer any of these questions or show you a part of the window that will determine how it will prevent the warping, then I would suggest not using them. Even if you have a great relationship with a contractor, if he can't offer proof of why the windows he would install will not buckle or warp, then it's not worth spending so much money on something that he cant show good evidence of anti-warping design. 

Are vinyl replacement windows expensive?

I know that as a homeowner, you probably aren't sure exactly what a new vinyl replacement window will cost. I also know how frustrating that feeling can be when you have no clue what it costs to have your windows replaced with more efficient ones.

First of all, you should know that there is no "standard" window price. Every situation is different and every contractor will set their own prices, so there isn't a standard price. Just like any product you purchase from a store, some places will have prices higher or lower than others.

Price shouldn't be your only concern though, you should also weigh the price against the quality of the vinyl window and the quality of the installer based on what information you can find. Replacing your windows is a serious task that can cause quite a lot of problems if it's not done correctly. It's not too difficult of a job to do, but it requires zero mistakes and knowledge of correct sizing, flashing, fastening, and insulating, to insure a draft free and moisture proof window.  The prices of windows are typically relevant to the quality, which comes mostly true from the old adage "you get what you pay for".

Expensive is a relative term. What's expensive in your mind may be inexpensive to another, so the question "Are vinyl windows expensive" is really a question that can't be answered without further information.

There are quite a bit of links around this blog that you'll see will lead you to different brand pricing, which you may want to check out to find out more.

As a general rule, windows will cost approximately $200 to $300 for the vinyl window itself. The labor to install can greatly vary from $75 at the lowest and $300 or so at the highest. Then you have to add he company's markup and any additional charges like disposal of the old windows, permit fees, insurance additions, bonding, etc...

If you do your research, you'll often find that some companies can charge three or four times as much as others. In fact there are actually some window and siding companies that will charge 10x what others will cost! It really pays off for you as a homeowner (and the one that has to fork out the cash!) to learn all you can before you bite the bullet and order new vinyl replacement windows.

What is the price of vinyl windows

mount: $3,000.00 Multiple Quotes Posted by: Karyn Courtney in Clinton, TN. Purchased: April, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 8 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Window Type: double hung vinyl I have received 6 quotes on relacing 8 windows. From $3000 for Alside Unta Max with a contractor, to $9,000 from Dixie Home Centers. I had to about throw the Dixie guy out of my house after 3 hours. Home Depot, Champion, Andersen were all mid-range. It is between Weather Tamer ($3200)butI have some concerns about them, and Home Depot at $5200. Don't know if my concerns are worth $2000.

Amount: $7,800.00 Replacement Windows Posted by: MelRose619 in Cary, NC. Purchased: April, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 10 Number Lineal Inches: 53 Brand: Pella Window Type: Double-Hung Installer: Pella We have very large windows and we feel that the price was pretty fair. They look great and everything with the installation went well. Sears quoted us over $20,000 for the same thing. Was this post helpful to you?

Amount: $6,120.00 Replacement Windows Posted by: a user in Burke, VA. Purchased: March, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 9 Number Lineal Inches: 82 Brand: Dream House Windows Window Type: Double Hung Installer: Dream House Windows I was in the market for windows,and had seen quite a few companies, but Dream House stood out with a great product, and a superb price. The sales person Pat Adams was such the nicest person, and very knowledgeable.

Amount: $4,250.00 windows Posted by: debbie windsor in niles, MI. Purchased: March, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 10 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: sunrise Window Type: doublehung Installer: all american exteriors we looked at several windows before deciding to go with all american exteriors.We thought the product was fantastic,the salseman was very thorough in explaining the different features of the windowws.He made us feel like the project was about us not them,like some of the other companies did.Everything went just as we were told it would.Instalation was great. To sum it up we loved the experience and would highly recommend all american exteriors to anyone.

Amount: $3,088.00 replacement windows Posted by: Pat Witt in Indianapolis, IN. Purchased: 2010 Numbre of Windows: 10 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Heartland Window Type: Double Hung Installer: ClearView Windows & Home Restoration I am a general contractor thats been in bussiness for many years and sold thousands of windows over the years with min. warranty issues all of whitch I or the factory have covered parts and labor. Any homeowner that would pay more than 300.00 for 1 window with Lo-e, outside trim, and install is crazy, with all the companies that give lifetime warranties, glass breakage warranties in this price range and still turn a profit to stay in bus.. Most of the larger named companies that charge 500.00 plus are just lining thier pockets with your money. Before you buy your windows from any company do your homework on the windows and the company before you decide ie. talk to references and the manufacturer if possible and get everthing in writing including etimmated install dates.

Amount: $13,417.00 pricing Posted by: Dale Feltmeyer in Harrison, AR. Purchased: March, 2009 Numbre of Windows: 13 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Shefield-Alside Window Type: double hung and sliding Installer: Midwest Modern Exteriors Inc I have no problem with the windows, there are a very nice window, I see some say they cost to much. Let me tell you that is only because of the people you buy from and this is my Experience With Replacement Windows. I trusted a company that sell these windows to give me a fair price, bad mistake. Midwest Modern Exteriors Inc. Springfield, Mo. After the fact of signing the contract with them and paying for the windows I found out that I could purchase this same brand windows for about $5,000.00 on my own,you do the math. I believe you can find a window installer for less than $8000.00 dollars. So please do some research before buying anything. This was a bad experience and it won't be done again..For sure don't do business with this company.There is more to this story and its not good, I did not do my research that's for sure.

Amount: $3,675.00 Vinyl Replacement Windows in Indianapolis Indiana Posted by: Jack Simper in Indianapolis, IN. Purchased: May, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 11 Number Lineal Inches: 101 Brand: Clear Choice Signature Series Window Type: Double Hung Installer: Clear Hoice Windows of Indianapolis Clear Choice Windows of Indianapolis provided us with the best value and price for a high quality winmdow product and installation. We are very satisfied with our "Clear Choice" to purchase our windows from Clear Choice Windows of Indianapolis. Highly Reccomend This Company. They are owned and operated by Jason Yoder of Granger, IN who also operated the Clear Choice Windows in South Bend, IN. Before purchaseing I would hope you call Clear Choice Windows just to see what they offer. Thank You Clear Choice Was this post helpful to you?

Amount: $650.00 double hung H R Windows Posted by: janet lee in Holiay, FL. Purchased: April, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 5 Number Lineal Inches: unknown Brand: Home Depot Window Type: double glaze Installer: homeowner I ordered windows in corect size. windows came 1/2 " too big.. Sent back with corrected size, error in ordering. Picked up second time, still incorrect. now they are 1 1/2 " too big. Store manager called in to rectify the order. Ordered again and call made to manufacturer to assure they do it correcly this time. Home Depot upgraded my windows as compensation but the hassle of picking up order 2x and then removing a window and finding they again are not the correct size takes away my confidence in Home Depot.

Amount: $8,500.00 Universal Windows Posted by: Michael G in Collingswood, NJ. Purchased: June, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 19 Number Lineal Inches: <101 Brand: Universal Window Type: "The Insulator" Installer: Universal W/30% tax credit, the price comes to $7,000.00 for 19 windows. Triple-pane, low-E, Argon-filled. Includes installation, disposal of old windows, job clean-up, capping, and wood frame replacement (if needed). Champion in Pennsauken wanted $14,500.00. Was this post helpful to you?

Amount: $8,500.00 NuSash Posted by: K Oloughlin in Indianapolis, IN. Purchased: May, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 11 Number Lineal Inches: 98 Brand: NuSash Window Type: Xtreme 5 Triple Pane Low E Installer: NuSash NuSash installed my 11 window. Triple-Pane, Low-E, Argon-filled.. They did an Excellent Job! The Sales Lady was very knowledgeable and profession. The company was very professional from sales to the installation. The Installers were very courteous and careful with our home. They hauled the old windows away. Their window included wrapping exterior wood and Has a Lifetime Warranty including Glass Breakage! NuSash Windows Qualify for the $1500 tax credit. We would recommend NuSash and have to everyone! Thank you NuSash!

Amount: $7,632.00 Vinyl Replacement Windows/1944 brick twin Posted by: Isabel in Allentown, PA. Purchased: June, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 12 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Gorell Window Type: DH Installer: ABE Doors & Window Gorell 3003 center picture window w/2 side casements (replacing an old bow) + 11 Gorell D/H 5155 windows (Energy Star compliant & eligible for $1500 tax credit). Very happy with windows and installer. Called 5 companies, got 3 bids. Went with trusted local company even if not the cheapest of the 3. Very professional staff, done in one day and very neat/great finish work & trim.

Amount: $8,400.00 Aluminum thermal break windows Posted by: a user in Jacksonville, FL. Purchased: 2010 Numbre of Windows: 20 + 1 patio Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Window Type: Aluminum Spent about 8,400 for aluminum w/ thermal break windows (lowe, argon gas filled, grids, white alum.) -- about 20 windows plus patio door. Reasonable?

Amount: $8,740.00 Milgard Tuscany Vinyl Windows in Los Angeles, CA Posted by: Paul H in Los Angeles, CA. Purchased: May, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 20 Number Lineal Inches: (14) 47.5 x 47.5 (6) 35.5 x 35.5 Brand: Milgard Tuscany with 3DMAX Window Type: XO Sliders Installer: Door and Window Plus Milgard Tuscany with 3DMAX XO Sliders installed by Door and Window Plus. Door and Window Plus saleman was Bryan that came out to my house and helped me decide on Milgard Tuscany for my home. Door and Window Plus phone number is 626-399-1569. I had gotten other estimates including one from Costco for the Milgard Tuscnay Windows and Door and Window Plus estimate was right in line with the others. I felt the most comfortable with Door and Window Plus after doing online research on all the companies I was looking at. Window installation went great and am very happy with how the windows turned out. I will be getting money back from Milgard and the $1,500 tax credit. Would highly recommend Milgard Tuscany windows and Door and Window Plus.

Amount: $5,577.00 Clear Choice Windows of South Bend Posted by: Denise Kitts in South Bend, IN. Purchased: June, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 13 Number Lineal Inches: 101 Brand: Clear Choice Signature Series Window Type: Double Hung - Triple Pane (R-7) Installer: Clear Choice Windows of South Bend We contracted with Clear Choice Windows of South Bend for our replacement window purchase. We have had several estimates from various companies in the area. Clear Choice gave us the best value at a reasonable price. We wanted triple pane windows. clear choice quoted 429.00 per triple pane double hung window, others were between 200-700 additional per window. The clear choice signature series window is high quality and lifetime warranty. The installation went perfect, our home is quieter than ever before and the air runs about half the time it use to with the old windows. Great Investment! Plus we get our 1500.00 tax credit!

Amount: $2,800.00 Clear Choice Windows of Fort Wayne Posted by: Tom Hicks in fort wayne, IN. Purchased: May, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 8 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Signature Series Window Type: Double Hung Installer: Clear Choice Windows of Fort Wayne We purchased 8 new vinyl windows from clear choice windows out ou fort wayne, in. We paid 2800.00 and the windows qualify for the tax rebate. we love our new windows.

Amount: $3,600.00 Michiana Window World Replacement Windows Posted by: G. Whitney in mishawaka, IN. Purchased: April, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 10 Number Lineal Inches: 100 Brand: comfort world 6000 Window Type: Double Hung Installer: Michiana Window World of Granger, IN STAY AWAY FROM WINDOW WORLD! We purchased 10 windows in April 2010 from the window world in granger indiana. At first we thought we were getting a great window at a great price. We were wrong. The windows if properly installed may be good, but the bad install makes our NEW windows very hard to open. They look good but are not user friendly. We can not get them to fix the bad installation. They say our house has settled and that's why our windows don't operate right. That's BS. Window World does not stand behind there windows or service. If you use this company make sure the windows are operating with ease before the installers finish.

Amount: $6,930.00 Felco Windows Posted by: Bob Rayburn in Michigan City, IN. Purchased: June, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 11 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Feldco Windows Window Type: Double Hung Installer: Feldco Windows I have purchased our windows from feldco. Our experience at first was ok. The salesman was great. The windows looked nice. When the windows were installed I noticed that the installers did not insulate around the window, they just put window in opening and finished with caulk and trim. When I asked thre installer about it he said that the insulation was not needed with this type of installation. My neibors had the same windows, same company and the installers insulated there windows, the same old windows came out. Bottom line is the charged us 630 per window and refuse to redo install and insulate around our windows. I ended up hiring a handyman to remove indide trim and insulate, replace trim and recaulk inside of windows. this took 2.5 hours and cost me 25 per window more.

Amount: $4,000.00 WINDOW WORLD Posted by: BABABOOE in PHX, AZ. Purchased: July, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 5 PLUS PATIO DOOR Number Lineal Inches: Brand: ALSIDE EXCALIBER Window Type: H-SLIDERS,VINYL Installer: WINDOE WORLD APPROX. 3 BEDROOM 4X4 1 KITCHEN 6X4 1 LARGE LIVING ROOM 6X8 A PATIO SLIDER 8 FOOT DOUBLE PANE, LOWE, ARGON, QUAKIFIES FOR TAX REBATE...

Amount: $4,250.00 Jack's Wholesale Windows Posted by: UnHappyCustomer in Edwardsburg, MI. Purchased: July, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 10 Number Lineal Inches: Brand: Window Type: DH Installer: Jack's Wholesale Windows Terrible Installation. Window is ok. Not Reccomended! STAY AWAY

Amount: $2,250.00 BRL Posted by: a user in Las Vegas, NV. Purchased: June, 2010 Numbre of Windows: 4 Number Lineal Inches: 108 ea Brand: Simonton Window Type: vinyl slider Installer: BRL Simonton 7300 dual paned low e 366 with argon and super spacer. Paid $550/window installed. They did a fantastic job. Quality windows and install.

Lead Rule for Window replacement. New RRP law.

The Lead Paint Renovation Law

On April 22, 2010, the new EPA  Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule went into effect. The rule applies to all persons who are paid to perform renovation, repair and painting projects where painted surfaces are disturbed in pre-1978 housing, child care facilities and schools where lead paint is present. The rule contains requirements to distribute an EPA informational brochure in advance of the work and to follow lead-safe work practices outlined in the training, including proper clean up and verification testing to determine compliance with the rule, as well as requirements for proper record keeping. The rule requires EPA certification for contracting firms and contractors performing the work. Window and door replacement is impacted by the rule.

The EPA’s ruling goes into effect April 22 and it requires that lead safe practices are used during any Renovation, Repair or painting project (RRP) done on homes built before 1978 where lead is present.   This ruling means big changes for contractors accross the country - including your favorite Universal Windows Direct window installers. 

The EPA’s ruling addresses certain types of renovation, repair and painting projects (including window installation) that disrupt lead based paint in homes and child occupied facilities.   The ruling promotes education homewoners on  the dangers of lead based paint. It  also requires that  contractors use lead safe work practices on job sites where lead paint is present.

In short, the  EPA’s ruling will affect your window install in 5 ways.

1. All companies must hold the Certified Firm designation by the EPA.
2. Every worker on the job site must hold the  Certified Renovator Certificate from the EPA, or have been trained as a non-certified worker by someone who does.
3. Every homowner must receive a copy of the “Renovate Right” brochure  prior to the window install beginning.  Homeowners must sign a receipt of the pamphlet, and in some cases may choose to “opt out” of the lead testing.
4. If the home is built pre-1978 it must be tested for the presence of lead paint.
5. If lead based paint is present, the window installers must follow lead safe practices and lead dust containment throughout the project.

So now the government wants to regulate Lead paint removal, huh? I guess there just isn't enough work for them in the Gulf with the oil leak and all...right. Effective April 22, 2010 (Earth Day ironically enough) the EPA put into place very strict procedures that all renovators, including window replacement companies, must follow or be subject of fines of EXACTLY $37,500 per day! Hmmm, wonder what the meaning behind that number is? Oh well, I digress. Seems that the EPA wants to make sure that Window Replacement companies are held responsible if they circulate lead paint dust or particles into the homeowner's environment without cleaning it up properly. On the surface, this sounds like a great idea because Lead Paint has long been linked to developmental issues with children under the age of 6 and birth defects in pregnant women. But upon further review they have created a 3-headed monster that they will not be able to control. First, they cannot inspect companies effectively to hold negligent installers' feet to the flames. Second, they open the doors for home improvement companies to make this another profit stream when they overcharge unsuspecting or uneducated consumers with good 'ol price gauging. Finally, there is no provision if YOU, the homeowner decides to do this on their own. That's right you can tear your own home apart to your little old heart's content and no problem with the government at all. You can unknowingly expose your children and pregnant wife to the very thing that the rule was intended and designed to eliminate, They at least tried to try Jack Kevorkian for helping people assist in suicide. Here they say "Go right ahead and kill yourself, we don't mind at all". The basic premise of the rule is simple and has 3 components:
1. Communicate to home owners what you are going to be doing and have them sign off on it.
2. Eliminate all dust and debris from leaving the work area by containing it and using safe practices while working in the area.
3. Clean up afterward in such a fashion that there no mess that could be left over for any of the occupants to have to deal with.

Most companies are charging beetween $50 & $125 per window installed or even a fixed percentage of the total of the sale of up to 10%-25%. The current Opt-Out is going away very soon and all window replacements will be subject to this type of red tape, regardless of size or region of the country unless your house is built AFTER 1978. You can check out all of the details at the EPA's websitehttp://www.epa.gov/lead/. So when you get the estimate from your local contractor and it is more than you thought it was going to be, remember that there is still even more  that you never asked to HAVE TO PAY, but the EPA thinks you should pay for the changes that they think should be made. Perhaps they have a solution for th Gulf Oil issue, too...

cost difference to install windows rather than hire a contractor

Assume you're upset with the way your old windows look and work, and you decide it's time to upgrade your home to some new vinyl replacement windows. You get a few contractors to come out and give you quotes. After they leave, you're shocked at the prices. Having to get financing to replace your windows just doesn't seem right. 


Let me explain why the vinyl windows can be so expensive. In most cases, you're paying the salary of the salesman who comes over to give you your "free" estimate. Then, you have to pay the salary of the installers that will be putting the windows in and finally you have to pay the owner of the company. Of course there's also the office staff that needs to get paid, as well as their rent, business expenses, office supplies, insurance, workers compensation, and advertising costs.  In some cases there is a broker who acts as a middleman, and he or she gets a cut too. No wonder you need financing! Now imagine if you already knew how to shop for windows, how to measure for new windows, how to remove the old windows, and how to install the new vinyl replacement windows. You've just eliminated everybody that was having to get paid! All of a sudden you can afford to replace your windows without financing them.

It's important to properly measure for your windows. If you order them too small, you're going to end up having to shim in order to get them to work. Even if you do get them to work, you're probably going to have problems. And if you order them too big, you're really in trouble. Chances are you will be ordering more windows. So, measuring is very important. Fortunately, it's also very simple. We are dealing with old double hung wood windows here, so if that doesn't apply to you, don't worry. Future articles will discuss other types of windows. In the case of the wood sash windows, you want to measure the width first, and height second. When you go shopping for windows, always give the dimensions as WIDTH X HEIGHT. To measure your width, you want to pull a tape measure from the top right corner to the top left corner. Put the tape measure in that 1 1/2" pocket where the window frame slides. Measure to the sixteenth of an inch. Do the same thing at about the midway point, right above where the window locks. Then, raise the bottom sash and take the same measurement at the bottom. If you can't raise the window for whatever reason, go outside and measure from there. You will have to remove the screen though.

The majority of the time all three of those measurements will be the same. If they're not the same, use the SMALLEST measurement. Now subtract 1/4" from that measurement. This is your width for the new window. The height is a bit tricky. If your window sill outside slopes downward for water drainage, you have to make sure that you measure from the HIGHEST Point of the sill. You want to measure from the top right corner to the bottom right corner. Put your tape at the top where the upper sash closes. If the bottom has a 5/8" high inside wood sill piece to prevent water from coming inside, you need to raise the bottom sash and run the tape past the 5/8" sill and down to the high point of the sloped sill. Do this in the middle and on the left. Once again, take the smallest measurement, but this time deduct 3/16". 


On the other end of the quality spectrum, you can buy an economical replacement window that will not have the tilt-in feature. The mechanism that holds the window open will consist of a block and tackle assembly made up of a spring and string. Another mechanism in lower quality windows is called a spiral tube balance. These lesser grade assemblies are notorious for failing after 5-10 years. The spacer material used on lower quality windows will be aluminum or something called swiggle seal. And many times the U-Value of these lower grade windows will be up around .50. The thing to remember is that a window that uses a super spacer more than likely isn’t going to use a block and tackle balance system. It would be like buying a new car with leather interior and no power window and door locks Follow those guidelines and you will have a good idea what quality you are buying. Once you make the decision and purchase your windows, it's time to get them home and take out your old windows. 


This is your height. If you order your windows using these dimensions, they'll fit perfect and leave just enough room to adjust if needed. The final step is to measure the depth of the pocket where both sashes slide. By depth, I mean from the point outside where the top sash rests against the outside wood stop to the point inside where the inside bottom sash rests against the inside stop. This measurement should be between 3 1/4"- 3 1/2". The reason you need to know this dimension is because not all replacement windows have a 3 1/4" depth frame. You want a replacement window that's going to fit right into the existing pocket of the wood frame. If you purchase a window with a 2 5/8" frame depth, you're going to have approximately 3/4" to fill. That means buying new wood stops for the inside of the house that are 3/4" wider than the existing stops. Get the 3 1/4" frames and save yourself a lot of extra work. Now, if you're on a really tight budget, the lower grade windows will be the 2 5/8" frame, and you will have to get the wider trim. But that's something you should weigh in your mind, whether the money saved on the lesser grade window is worth the extra expense and time of installing new stops around the inside of all your windows.

So, now you have the measurements and it's time to go shopping. What should you look for to know you're getting quality windows? A top quality double hung replacement window will have tilt-in sashes that allow you to clean the outside glass from inside the home. All double hung windows have a mechanism that keeps the window in the open position. The better windows use a state of the art mechanism known as a constant force balance coil. All replacement windows will have double glazing, meaning there will be two panes of glass in each sash separated by a 1/2"-5/8" spacer material around the edge of the unit. A quality window will use an intercept spacer or something called a super spacer. Find out the U-Value of the window. The lower the number, the better insulating properties. You want a window with a U-Value under .40. There is a special glass called LowE that will lower that U-Value number. In fact, most quality windows include LowE as standard. Those are the main things to ask about when window shopping.