Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Vinyl Window Installation
Vinyl Window Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Vinyl Window Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Vinyl Window Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Vinyl Window Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Vinyl Window Installation labor cost? What are the important Vinyl Window Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Vinyl Window Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Vinyl Window Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Vinyl Window Installation expect to pay between $0.89 to $1.22 per unified inch. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Vinyl Window Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Vinyl Window Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Vinyl Window Installation work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Vinyl Window Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the vinyl framed windows may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Vinyl Window Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Vinyl Window Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Vinyl Window Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Vinyl Window Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Vinyl Window Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Vinyl Window Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Vinyl Window Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Vinyl Window Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed Vinyl window layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the Vinyl window meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Installed vinyl framed windows will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- Vertical edges of vinyl framed windows will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- Each window frame will open and latch closed with light effort
- Each window frame will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each window frame will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- Each window frame lockset/latching mechanism will be held immovable by the strikeplate when closed - there will be no "play" of the lockset within the strikeplate
- The vinyl framed windows will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- Nail holes will be filled with a suitable putty, leveled and sanded smooth before final finishing, so as to be undetectable through the finished surface
- The Vinyl window surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Vinyl Window Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Vinyl Window Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the vinyl framed windows work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Determine if permit is required for Vinyl Window Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of vinyl framed windows, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order vinyl framed windows; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of vinyl framed windows; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store vinyl framed windows in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Remove existing vinyl framed windows (optional)
- Install vinyl framed windows using construction adhesive, screws or galvanized nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Vinyl Window Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Vinyl Window Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
