What type of window? Replacement? New construction? What type of exterior? Lots of variables.

 

Lets say a replacement.

Not new construction.

Wood and fiber-cement exterior since it's most common around here.

 

I personally prefer to replace windows with new construction style units whenever possible. This eliminates hidden flashing and insualtion issue left by using replacement units. If there isn't trim around the exterior of the existing unit try and sell them on adding it. This will allow you to properly flash the new unit behind the trim.

As far as time, I usually figure 2 hours per window for the demo and install, an hour for the exterior trim and an hour for the interior trim. This is general as we all know accessibility and location will change those figures.

They are not hard to do...but they are easy to mess up. Caulk is not flashing!

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Caulk is not flashing!

This! Don't fall into that trap. I have always installed with a helper. It makes it much smoother. Although, I imagine if you're a Hulk beast doing an average size window alone is possible but no where near ideal.

 

Although it is nice to have help at times it is not a must. I have installed some pretty big windows by my self. Most of the time I am installing from the outside. Most of my windows have a nail fin on them, but if you are doing them as a retro or insert they still go from the outside , at lease that is how I use to do them. Mainly because you are going up against an inside stop that is already there.

The cost thing can be a little tricky, but take what it is costing for the window add some markup , how much depends on if you get any kind of price brake when buying. Add in any material you need. Then how much time you think it will take. All that gives the cost. The first few you might not make what you think , but then refigure for the next one.

Not sure how they do them out there , but having a brake is a nice tool to have when installing windows to cap the outsides. makes it look a lot nicer.

Just take your time when first doing measure and remeasure the window to make sure it will fit.

 

If you need to ask these questions I need to ask whether or not you should even be doing it.

Some time Insite is one thing how it gets installed is another you really need to understand the difference .

 

At one point in you're life wether you like it or not you didn't know how to install a window.

 

Am i missing something ?, as GC you have never installed a window ?.

 

I think the term General Contractor can be a very broad one. I know on my work comp exemption and license I list it as a General contractor to not limit myself to just one thing. To often I think we look at the term GC as one who is building houses , hiring subs and such. The OP is a young guy starting out. To me there is nothing wrong with trying to do different things and then find out as much as you can before hand to do the job, I am sure a lot of us have done that.
So I guess we need to give him credit for asking how to do things right.

 

Thanks for your input sunkist

 

It wasn't input, it was two questions.
Here is my input how the hell can you call your self a GC and not know how to install a window ?, or how long it takes or if its a two man job, and if the window gets installed from the ext or the int.
Window installs are one of the most common jobs for a contractor along with doors.

 

With a mindset like that tom it's no wonder how some never take a risk.

 

We'll see. Almost two years ago I decided to start a business. This is my first but not my last. "Where to start?" I asked. I was skilled and had experience doing this sort of stuff, but there was still a lot to learn, but still decided to go for it and learn as I went. After getting all my ducks in a row I took my paper work to L&I to register under a specialty trade as a "handyman". But the kind man helping me strongly recommend I become a general contractor. So I left and contacted my insurance agent to up my bond and insurance. To my surprise it was only $100 extra to go from a $6000-$12000 bond...
And that's the story of how a young man became a GC without ever touching a window.

 

Wow all it takes to become a GC in your state, is the help of a kind man !.
How on earth do home owners know if a GC is in fact a qualified individual, if they hand out GC certs like candy on halloween.
All that being said i am sure there must be several you tube video's on how to install windows, the most important thing is to flash the right way, get the flashing wrong and the house turns to c$ap real quick with water and mold

 

All it takes in my state is to buy an insurance policy for $1,000 it's a freaking joke and that's why now my insurance is up 36% . I am paying for them.

We have all kinds of people with no real knowledge of the construction business buying a website paying clicks on the internet and learning as they go.

I started out not knowing a lot and I still learn today so I understand Stepping Stones but the general knowledge of how a window gets installed inside or outside some basic things need to at least be known.

I was talking to an inspector today who told me they have at least 4 or 5 jobs abandoned in town because homeowners go to the Internet or hire cheap contractors that don't know what they're doing and once they realize they're not making money walk away. And there's nothing they can do about it because the homeowner wanted to save a couple dollars and sign off on the permits which gave away any recourse they could have.

 

Our City recently sent a letter to all GCs saying that they need to make sure their superintendents know what they are doing, and to actually be ready for inspections when they call for inspections. Seems to many builders are just waiting for the inspector to tell them what else needs to happen before they go to the next phase.

Tucnasam, Installation masters class will help you a lot. There are also a lot of helpful videos at the Finehomebuilding website. Maybe on the JLC Online forum too. They are however, making things a little to complex. Just remember to think like water running down the wall,, behind the siding. The window installers job is to keep that water running down, and not in.

One of the biggest gotchas for new installers is measuring the old window to find the R.O. size. Many window sales people can't even figure that out, after years in their industry. I rarely do insert style installs. I've always focused on full frame replacements with new trim in and out. Painting and staining of new windows is also more involved than many people realize. But if you're sticking to vinyl or fiberglass windows, that's not an issue. See if you can find a quality supplier that offers a little of everything, from price conscious vinyl to higher end offerings like Marvin or Pella. Building that relationship will help in the long run. I know most of my suppliers are eager to find more installers. There aren't enough people doing it well in our area, and that has been true for the past ten years.

 

Yeah I'm not cheap and do my home work. I guess I could just go and do the window, but asked for advice first. Thanks for the help guys. The rest can bugger off.

Gtg. I'm on a job.

 

Lot of ways to install windows, most of them wrong. My honest and sincere advice would be to get Installation Masters certified and try to maybe work with an experienced partner subbing window installs for another company for a while before you offer it it as a service, or bring in a guy if you do sell them yourself. It is not rocket science as you alluded to, but there are a lot of variables that will be encountered. There are some things that can only be learned through experience.

 

My first window I had a friend come over and show me how to measure for the window, cut the old one out and explain the best practices for flashing on install. He is highly experienced and although I never expect him to lend a hand actually doing the job, the advice has been free flowing. Always good to have a mentor.

Youtube.com has tons of videos on window replacements mounted into all types of casings. Go watch a bunch, rule out the wrong way to do it, and learn from those that offer good advice. It is a great resource for many "How To" videos.

 

I know a lot of guys would laugh and mock at such an idea as how to videos, but there are guys out there willing to share their knowledge. I did this on a job at my own house right now. Am adding on to it and am laying up block for the foundation, now I have never layed block in my life,concrete yes. , but I watched some good videos, talked to a mason friend and it is coming out just fine. Will I ever be a mason? Nope , but at lease I have a understanding now and could do a small job just fine.

 

Oklahoma GC here. Here all that's literally required is a $10,000 bond with the city. Fill out WC paperwork and bam. General Contractor! Don't even require any insurance

 

We do not licensing laws in NYS as they were smart enough in the 50's to realize they had no way to enforce it
it is fun to sit and read about the problems that Fla and Cal contrctors have with unlicensed contractors.

No law will make a person a better contractor. i would much rather keep the responsibility local so that when you go for a permit they require you to actually have insurance in effect. At least then a person has a chance that the contractor may have a clue.

Now having said that, i have installed a great deal of windows in my career. A lot new construction and a lot of vinyl replacement windows. Frankly I think I still learn on every job new things.

The big advantage we all have today as opposed to when I started is the internet. all window companies have instruction manuals online. My suggestion is to read them, then go to utube and find some that follow the instructions. It is not hard to install windows, but you have to follow the instruction manual to the
t or they will deny a claim for warranty repair work.

 

By code and by contract our (replacement) windows have to be installed per manufactures' instructions. Also, not doing so usually voids any warranty which can really hurt a small company or new GC starting out.

Reading the instructions can help you decide if it's something you're ready to get into, so can youtube videos.

Last, what's code in your state for disturbing lead paint? If we're installing in buildings built prior to 1978, we have to have certification. But we do quite a bit of CAP contract work. Lead can be on the old windows, surrounding interior walls or exterior siding, trim, etc. It's a pain, it's a safety risk and it's law here.

 

Same EPA rules apply here. I am lead certified as I am trying to focus on old window refurbs (spring bronze and T-flanged weather strippings, etc.)

Thanks for the input guys.

Who are you to say that anyone is ready or not? Some people never think they are ready even when they are, and won't take on the risk.

It's just like the joke we call college. Just because you go learn from someone does not mean you were taught the correct way. I might possibly go and work for someone else, and turn out to be the blind leading the blind.

Just because I do not know how to do something yet, does not make me incompetent.

 

Just because I do not know how to do something yet, does not make me incompetent.

Yes it does. Hey I commend the ambition really and I did a lot of learning on the job just know the difference on the type of windows your dealing with at least.

 

Finding another contractor who needs help doing windows is a good way to learn. Of course, finding a guy who is willing to teach the competition is a whole other matter. Finding a window company who is willing to train you as a sub, might be an option.

They can be easy, but it is all the tricks you learn along the way that makes it that way.

 

As far as measuring goes. Here in Kentucky you can run into so many types of openings it'd be hard to even try to turn you to one direction. Just go scout out a bunch of brick ranches, always money to be made on windows in a brick ranch. Seriously though if at all possible using a new construction flange is the optimal application, but, some customers don't want to pay to remove siding to make it possible. In brick, cabin, historical applications you'll likely not be able to use without downsizing openings. Windows are one of the most profitable things we do.

 

Hey tucnasam, why don't you tune into my viwinco thread...you may learn a bit.

I'll be updating progress tonight, a lot of good pics to come.