One relatively simple way to increase the value in your home is to replace the windows. This not only improves your home's appearance, but it can add modernization and style as well. It's also a good idea if your home is older and you're looking to save on energy costs. If you do decide to replace your windows, choose a style that goes with the current look of your house and adds to its appearance. This is most important with vinyl/PVC and aluminum designs when you install them in older homes. Before you start, look at homes similar to yours in your area and determine which effect looks best for your particular type of home. One important thing to keep in mind is the delivery time. You should always ask your windows supplier how long it will take to have yours delivered. To protect yourself, make sure this is stipulated in your contract as well. In addition, you should ask for an estimate of the work's duration once installers are on your home's site.

One major drawback to the window, roofing and siding business is that just about anyone can call himself or herself a contractor. Many do not have formal contractor licenses. (Even getting a license is no guarantee of good work; usually, you can get such a license by filling out a simple application and then paying less than $200 per year.) Contractors are not required to have an office and can work out of their own homes or even just out of the back of a pickup truck. This is why it's important that you should only deal with contractors who are established in the community and to have an established infrastructure as well; it's also a good idea to get recommendations from friends. Before the work starts, ask the contractor you choose to give you a written lien waiver. In most jurisdictions, suppliers, subcontractors and employees have the right to file mechanics liens against your property if the contractor you choose does not pay them. This is true even if you have paid your contractor materials needed or for the work; if the contractor himself does not meet his financial obligations to anyone working with him, suppliers or workmen can come after you for payment. Therefore, if you pay the contractor, make sure you get him/her to sign a lien waiver and get copies of its so that you can protect yourself from having to pay should he not pay those working under him.

Always ask your supplier how long the delivery will be. It's also a good idea to have this stipulated on your contract. Additionally ask for an estimate of how long the work will take to complete once they are on site. One major problem with the window, siding and roofing business is that anyone with a pickup truck and a ladder can easily call themselves a contractor. Many do not even bother to get a proper license. (Incidentally a license can easily be obtained by filling out a simple application form and payment of less than $200.00 per year). These contractors are not required to have an office, they can work out of their basement, back yard or just out of their pickup truck. It's easy to get into the business and it's even easier to get out of the business. For this reason in particular we only recommend you deal with established contractors who have a supporting infrastructure.

Most window replacement projects do not require permits. However, in the instance of enlarging an opening and installing a new header permits are required. Another area to watch is if a bedroom window has a change of style, the building department will require the new style to conform to the egress code. Many contractors will arrange permits at an additional cost - since it consumes more of their time. Some will simply ask you to pay for permits, which they will arrange for on your behalf. If permits are required for your work then make sure your contractor pulls the required building permits. This way you will know things will be done to "code". Note: many homeowners insurance policies require pulling a permit on any major remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Some contractors prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved and the "hassle" with the inspectors. Some contractors may even ask you to get the permits. This could be a warning sign that they are not able to pull the permits because they are unlicensed, or the work is outside of their license."

If you'd like to upgrade the appearance of your home, one good way to do it is to replace the windows. It may positively but subtly upgrade your home's appearance and may also help you with such things as energy costs. In addition, it will update your home's style relatively simply. If you have decided to replace your windows, be sure to choose a style that goes with your home's original appearance. The Andersen or Crestline replacement windows should not be so "modern" in a classically styled home, for example, that they stand out garishly; rather, they should blend in well with whatever style your home is. This is especially important if you choose vinyl/PVC or aluminum materials in older homes. Before you start the installation, go look at homes in your area that have had this type of work done and determine which style looks best for your particular type of home based upon what you see.