To DIY or Not to DIY: The Pros and Cons of Professional

11:45AM / Friday, July 05, 2024Print Story | Email Story

Window Installation

Replacement windows are a considerable investment for homeowners. However, the upgrade process doesn’t end with ordering new frames; it also involves installing them. Should you take the DIY approach to save money, or go with the pro? Let's explore the factors to consider.

The Window Replacement Process

Before weighing DIY vs. hiring a window company like Rite Window, it's helpful to understand the

typical window installation process. Here are the major steps:

1. Removal of existing windows, interior trim, and exterior trim or siding to expose rough opening

2. Repairing any rot or deterioration of the rough frame

3. Properly sealing and flashing the opening for water resistance

4. Inserting the new window unit and shim/level as needed

5. Insulating around the window

6. Reinstalling interior and exterior trim

Replacing even a single window involves meticulous preparation, expert construction knowledge, and very precise measurements and cuts on your home's openings. It's a multistep process that requires specialized tools and materials like flashing, sealants, insulation, and more. So should you DIY or not?

Trying the DIY Route

Let's start with the potential advantages of doing it yourself if you have some home renovation

experience:

Major cost savings on labor
Learning experience and sense of accomplishment
Freedom to work at your own pace
Customization to get exactly the window styles and options you prefer.

However, there are some serious potential downsides and risks to consider:

Precise measurement and proper flashing are critical to prevent leaks, drafts, and air/moisture infiltration
Disposal requirements for old windows containing lead paint
Ladders and heights pose fall hazards, especially for multi-story homes
Very heavy window units require two people to lift and maneuver
Potential to make costly mistakes from inexperience in construction techniques.

Even for relatively skilled DIYers, window installation novices frequently underestimate the challenges involved. Issues like improperly sealing and flashing windows can lead to water damage, air leaks, and major headaches down the road. One miscalculation in measuring or cutting the rough opening can mean an entire new window unit is wasted.

Here's a quick checklist to assess if you're truly ready to DIY:

Prior hands-on experience with other construction projects
Full set of tools like ladders, pry bars, sealant guns, flashing, etc.
Ability to accurately measure and make precise cuts
At least one stout helper to assist in lifting heavy window units
Understanding of any local permits and disposal regulations
Patience, attention to detail, and careful observance of installation instructions! If you don't feel you can confidently check all those boxes, hiring professionals is likely the wiser choice for an investment as significant as new windows.

The Benefits of Window Installation Professionals

Replacement window companies employ crews with specialized training, tools, and years of specific installation experience. While their labor costs represent the premium over DIY, there are some great reasons to go this insured, certified route:

Expertise: They eat, sleep, and breathe window installation best practices. Professionals handle every aspect of the job with skilled precision — from preparing the rough opening to flashing and sealing to insulation and trim. This maximizes energy efficiency and prevents moisture issues. Their proven techniques ensure an airtight, leak-free installation with perfect operation.
Proper equipment: Window companies have all equipment from pry tools and ladders to sealants, flashing, insulating materials, and more to do it right per code. They also responsibly handle the disposal of the old windows if they contain lead or other hazards.
Warranty protection: While individual components have manufacturer warranties, most window installers guarantee their workmanship for several years too. Any leaks, drafts, or operational installation issues can be quickly remedied at no cost.
Speed and convenience: While you may take weeks juggling the window project around other priorities, their efficient window crews can install an entire home's worth of new windows in just a day or two with minimal disruption to your life.

When evaluating potential window installation companies, look for ones that:

Employ properly certified, insured, and experienced installers
Use high-quality, energy-efficient window products from name brands
Provide robust, transferable warranties on materials and labor
Have an established reputation for quality service in your area
Offer financing options if you can't pay full price upfront.

Getting multiple estimates is wise, but avoid simply going with the lowest bidder. Cheap materials and inexperienced crews can nullify any upfront savings when problems and issues inevitably arise.

The Verdict

While DIYing window replacement may be tempting to save money, it represents major challenges and risks — even for homeowners with some remodeling experience under their belt. Missing critical steps like properly preparing the rough openings, flashing, and sealing can cause water leaks, drafts, and costly damage. There's also the potential for injury from working at heights, lifting heavy window units, and dealing with hazardous materials.

The investment in professional window installation helps ensure your new windows look great, operate smoothly, and provide maximum energy efficiency and value for years to come. It prevents the dangers, hassles, mistakes, and headaches of trying to do it yourself. It is safe to conclude that hiring qualified window installation professionals is generally the wisest choice for this major home upgrade.

Toys for Tots Bringing Presents to Thousands of Kids This Year

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:21PM / Friday, December 05, 2025

Volunteers organize toys by age and gender in the House of Corrections storage facility.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Plenty of toys are on their way to children this holiday season thanks to Toys for Tots.

Christopher Keegan has coordinated the local toy drive for the Berkshire Chapter of the Marine Corps Reserve since 2015 and said he has seen the need rise every year, last year helping more than 6,000 kids.

"This is 11 years I've been doing it, and the need has gone up every year. It's gone up every year, and I anticipate it going up even more this year," Keegan said.

On Thursday, the Berkshire County House of Corrections storage facility was overflowing with toys making it the county's very own Santa's workshop.

Keegan said Berkshire County always shows up with toys or donations.

"This county is outstanding when it comes to charity. They rally around stuff. They're very giving, they're very generous, and they've been tremendous in this effort, the toys for pride effort, since I've been doing it, our goal is to honor every request, and we've always reached that goal," he said.

Keegan's team is about 20 to 25 volunteers who sort out toys based on age and gender. This week, the crew started collecting from the 230 or so boxes set out around the county on Oct. 1.

"The two age groups that are probably more difficult — there's a newborn to 2s, boys and girls, and 11 to 14, boys and girls. Those are the two challenging ages where we need to focus our attention on a little bit more," he said.

Toys For Tots has about 30 participating schools and agencies that sign up families and individuals who need help putting gifts under the tree. Keegan takes requests right up until the last minute on Christmas.

"We can go out shopping for Christmas. I had sent my daughter out Christmas Eve morning. Hey, we need X amount of toys and stuff, but the requests are still rolling in from individuals, and I don't say no, we'll make it work however we can," he said.

Community members help to raise money or bring in unopened and unused toys. Capeless Elementary student Thomas St. John recently raised $1,000 selling hot chocolate and used the money to buy toys for the drive.

"It's amazing how much it's grown and how broad it is, how many people who were involved," Keegan said.

On Saturday, Live 95.9 personalities Bryan Slater and Marjo Catalano of "Slater and Marjo in the Morning" will host a Toys for Tots challenge at The Hot Dog Ranch and Proprietor's Lodge. Keegan said they have been very supportive of the drive and that they were able to collect more than 3,000 toys for the drive last year.

Volunteer Debbie Melle has been volunteering with Toys for Tots in the county for about five years and said people really showed up to give this year.

"I absolutely love it. It's what we always say. It's organized chaos, but it's rewarding. And what I actually this year, I'm so surprised, because the amount that the community has given us, and you can see that when you see these pictures, that you've taken, this is probably the most toys we've ever gotten," she said. "So I don't know if people just feel like this is a time to give and they're just going above and beyond, but I'm blown away. This year we can barely walk down the aisles for how much, how many toys are here. It's wonderful."

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