renovation Archives - Pretty Handy Girl

Build It, Home Office, Home Tour, increasing natural light, renovation, Window

How to Add a New Window to an Existing House Wall

I’ve been busy updating our 1978 dutch colonial house and I can’t wait to share all the updates, but today I’m here to show you how we added a window to the side of our existing house.

A Desire to Add a Window to Our House

Do you have a room in your house that you wish you had a window in? Whether it be for natural light or to be have a better view, I get it! Our home office was always one of the darkest rooms in our house. It didn’t help that there were only two windows on a north facing wall and that was it for natural light. For some reason, most of the houses in our neighborhood do not have side facing windows. No, we don’t live in a new community where you can barely drive a truck between you and your neighbor’s house. Our houses are on wooded 1/2 – 1 acre lots with a decent amount of space between houses. But, we don’t have windows on the sides of the house! Strange, I know. Maybe in the 1970’s they didn’t add windows on the side of houses? Anyway, I want to share how I added a window to our house where there wasn’t one before.

Being a licensed general contractor, I knew that adding a window to the side of our house wasn’t super difficult as home improvement projects go. Yes, I’d have to frame the opening and remove some of the siding, but as projects go, this one was not super difficult. The hardest step in adding a new window was deciding how big of a window to install. (If this is your first time framing or installing a new window, you might want to seek the help of a professional contractor.)

Back Story on Our Home Office

If you’ve been around for a while (a decade or more) you may remember that this home office has been a constant struggle for me. I’ve been trying to lighten up this room since we moved into the house.

When we moved in, this room had dark orange mottled walls. There were zero ceiling lights, only a switch that controlled the wall outlets. Obviously this didn’t bother the two little boys who just liked to spin on our office chairs. I can’t believe those two monkeys are now in college and over six feet tall now! WHAT?!!!

Attempts to Lighten Up the Dark Office

For the first makeover we scraped the ceilings and repainted the entire room a lighter color. I had my electrician add four can lights, and a center ceiling mounted light. This helped brighten the space up a lot at night.

But, the room still felt darker than the rest of the house, especially on overcast days. After several years, I added a cheery rug and put fabric into the back of the shelving unit. Can you tell I was really trying to find budget solutions? On a sunny day, the light wasn’t too bad, especially in the winter when the tree outside the window had no leaves.

But, ultimately no amount of updates were going to make up for the lack of natural light coming in the windows. The answer was to add a window on the west side of our house. The bonus of adding a window, meant we got to look out the window and see our veggies growing in my new raised garden beds with arched trellis (now with downloadable build plans!) And admire the shed I built.

Before running out to order your new window, you need to consider a number of factors.

Ordering Your New Window:

Believe it or not, there are a lot of decisions you need to make when ordering a new window.

Location of Your New Window

First, you need to decide where the window will be installed on the outside of your home. Are there windows on a second floor or adjacent to the new window? If so, you may want to line it up with your existing windows and make sure it doesn’t stand out from the others. Make sure your new window won’t interfere with exterior features like pipes, electrical conduit, gas appliances, etc. If you have any questions, it’s a good idea to discuss adding a new window with a licensed general contractor in your area. Also, be aware there are a lot of building codes that pertain to windows. And they will vary by your geographical location and the room the window is being installed in.

Type of Window to Order:

When you’re ordering a new window for the exterior wall, you’ll want to order a new construction window that has a nailing flange. The opposite type of window would be a replacement (or insert) window made to fit inside an existing window frame. By the way, DON’T EVER put replacement windows in your house without reading this article.

Note: We have a wood framed house with exterior siding. If you have a brick house, adding a new window is going to involve brick work and a different style of window.

Luckily, I already knew the window manufacturer and model I wanted for our house. You may remember when I was working on the Saving Etta house, I chose beautiful Plygem Mira windows for the new windows. They have the look of historic windows with simulated divided light grille profiles, but with modern features such as double-pane glass with argon gas between the layers. Low-E coating on the glass helps deflect heat in the summer and keeps warmed air inside during the winter. Plus, wood interior parts and extruded aluminum features on the exterior provide better durability.

Disclaimer: Plygem has been a long time sponsor of this website, and they agreed to work with me on installing a new window into our home office.

What Size Window Do I Order?

From the inside, look at existing windows in your room and try to match the width and style of the existing windows. Ideally, you want all the tops of windows to be even in the room. If the window will be the same functional style as the other windows (i.e. double hung windows or casement windows), you will probably want them to be the same width.

Next, ask yourself if you have a desk, bed, cabinet, or furniture that needs be in front of that window? If so, you may want a window that’s bottom is located higher on the wall. For our home, I used the existing windows as a guide for the width and style for the new window.

Next you need to know the thickness of your wall framing before ordering. Standard construction in the US is either 2×4 framing or 2×6.

How will the window open?

Determine how you want the window to function.

Double hung (allows the top of the window to lower for more air flow)
Single hung (only the bottom sash opens)
Non-opening (picture or decorative window)
Casement opening (a window that swings open from the side)
Sliding Window (like a double hung window by on it’s side)
Awning (a window that angles out from the bottom.)
Tilt-In for easy cleaning (an option on some newer windows for easy maintenance)

Glass Privacy Concerns:

Is your window in a bathroom or near a street where you will need privacy? If so, order a window with enclosed blinds, textured, or obscure glass. Or have a plan for adding window treatments or a frosted film (like I added in the Saving Etta bathroom).

Finally, be aware of any building codes to address?

Does the window meet egress standards for a bedroom?
Is the window in a location that requires tempered glass?
How far is the window from the ground? (Does it need to have a safety stop?)
Do you need a permit to replace your windows?

Do you want screens for your window?

Oh how could you forget screens? In the south I don’t think this is even a question, it’s a necessity.

Preparing to Add a Window to the House

I began talking to my siding contractor about adding a window to our home office. We’ve worked together on many projects and he trusts me to do some of the work ahead of time. We agreed on a time frame and work distribution (I’d cut into the sheetrock and reframe inside the wall for the window opening. He would prep from the outside and perform a professional window installation from the exterior.

Before you do any work, be sure to move any furniture, rugs, art, and protect anything that has to stay with plastic.

To prep for the window, I chose to tarp off half of the office because I knew I’d be making a big dusty mess and this way I could leave the furniture in the other half of the room outside the work zone.

Cut out window – I began by cutting into the drywall around where the window opening would go. Using my oscillating tool, I was able to cut a neat section of drywall and save it for patching later. This will be the first peek you’ve had into your walls. Look for any utility lines that need to be relocated. If you have plumbing, mechanical, or electrical lines that need to be moved, hire a licensed professional to give you advice and an estimate.

Framing for a New Window

Once the wall is opened (and any utility lines moved), you can then assess framing needs – determine which studs needed to be moved and how much further open you need to make the window opening to accommodate the rough opening (usually specified by the window manufacturer. Be sure to brace your wall if it’s not on a gable end (or is a load bearing wall.)

Framing for a window requires at least two jack studs, two king studs, and a header. Depending on the width of your window, you may need more jack and king studs, and you may need a larger header to carry the load. It’s best to check with a general contractor or structural engineers to recommend your framing needs.

Ideally your rough opening should be an inch wider than the window. Your window manufacturer should have information for all the dimensions of your new window including the rough opening. Plygem has a great table for the Mira window specifications on their website.

Installing a New Window on an Old House

Finally the day came for my siding contractor to install the window. He began by pulling off the siding from the side of the house. We were originally going to cut just around the opening, but the siding was in poor shape and not installed correctly, so we decided to remove it and re-side the house after installing the window.

Proper installation of a new window into an existing wall is important for energy efficiency and maintaining operation of your new window. I have a very detailed tutorial with photos you can read to learn how to properly install, flash, and finish the window installation from the exterior.

Insulating a New Window

After the window was installed I left the siding guys to their work installing the new siding and trim outside while I focused on the inside portion of this installation.

Did you know that a new window is only as energy efficient as the installation and insulation around it? If you don’t add spray foam insulation between the rough opening and the window, you’ll get horrible drafts. In fact, you may want to peel off the trim around your existing windows and see if your windows have insulation around them.

I put the batt insulation back into the stud bays and used expanding spray foam insulation between the new window and the rough opening.

adding spray foam insulation around window frame

Before replacing the drywall, I decided to add a few outlets under the window (where there was only one before) since this would be a long work surface area and we’d need access to power in different locations.

Drywall and Other Finishes

Then I patched the wall with new drywall and finished the seams over the next few days. I’ve learned that good drywall finishing requires patience and several days of mudding and sanding. You can’t rush drywall finishing!

Next step was to add the window trim. I have a tutorial to help you add window casing. Here’s a tutorial for adding decorative header window casing.

As a reminder, here’s the room before the window.

And here it is after:

We still have some work to do on this space, but already I love how much natural light comes into the home office now.

We opted to install a wall mural on this wall and I’m in love with it. The before and after of this wall makes my heart sing.

What do you think? A lot more light, right? Do you have a dark room in your home that could use another window?

Share this post with someone by pinning this image:

August 13, 2026/0 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

DIY, renovation

Home Renovation 101: What to Know Before You Start

collage with 4 images featuring home reno projects

Planning a home renovation? Get expert tips on hiring contractors, dealing with permits, managing remodels, and handling common road blocks like asbestos, termite and water damage. Start your project with confidence!

Home Renovation Tips

Thinking about tackling a renovation project? It can be a really good idea, whether you’re hoping to refresh your space, tackle a few DIY projects, or add value to your home.

But before you grab your tools and start tearing things apart, there are a few small details you’ll want to think about first.

From setting a budget to planning ahead, a little preparation can help your renovation go much more smoothly and save you from some major headaches along the way!

Renovation 101: What to Know Before You Start

Ready to give your home a fresh new look? A renovation can be an exciting way to update your space, make it work better for your family, and even boost your home’s value.

But before the demo begins, it’s important to think through the details and have a plan in place.

From figuring out your budget to knowing what to expect along the way, a little preparation now can help you avoid surprises and make the entire process much easier!

How to Survive without a Kitchen during Renovation

So, you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen, but you’re planning to stay in your home throughout the process. One of the first things you’ll want to think about is how you’ll manage without a kitchen while the renovations are underway.

From setting up a temporary kitchen to choosing a kitchen island that can serve as a focal point, there are plenty of ways to make the process easier. Updating light fixtures is also a great way to refresh the space, but keep in mind that a kitchen renovation can take a lot of time! I’m sharing some tips to help make your kitchen remodel a little easier should you choose to take on the challenge!

How to Hire Great Contractors and the Questions You Need to Ask

As a general contractor, I’ve learned exactly what to look for when hiring great contractors. Over the years, I’ve put together a list of important questions to ask when interviewing contractors and checking references for any home remodeling project. Don’t get stuck with the wrong person for the job. Learn how to hire a trustworthy, reliable local contractor with confidence!

Asbestos Removal - Everything You Wanted to Know and More

Asbestos is a word you may hear mentioned when planning or starting a home renovation, especially in an old house. The first step is to understand what asbestos is, where it may be found, and what’s involved in the removal process. Today, we’re diving into the best way to remove asbestos—everything you need to know and more!

When and Why You Should Get a Permit

Everything you need to know about how and why to get a permit before starting any home improvements. Learn why permits matter, when you need one, and how getting the proper permits can help with long-term savings and protect you and your home.

Water Leaks, Polybutylene Pipes, and Mold - What to Do

Water leaks can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when they involve older polybutylene pipes and the risk of mold. If you discover a leak, having a solid plan can help you tackle the problem before it gets worse.

From addressing polybutylene plumbing to safely dealing with mold, you may need to set aside some extra time to get everything taken care of. If you’re dealing with a leak throughout your whole house, these tips will help you know what to do and how to prevent future problems.

Are You Sure You're Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?

At some point, every homeowner considers taking on a home renovation. But before you grab your hammer and start swinging, it’s important to ask yourself: Are you really ready for a renovation? Today, I’m here to help you figure out if you’re prepared to take on the project.

All About Termites and Clean Up with The Bagster Bag

Termites can cause serious damage to your home if left undetected, so it’s important to know the warning signs and how to protect your property. Don't let this little insect cause costly damage to your home.

How to Remove a Soffit - Kitchen Renovation Update

Wish you could reclaim that dead space above your cabinets? Learn how to remove outdated soffits and opening up the entire space for a fresh new look. Follow along to see how to safely remove an old kitchen soffit and take one more step toward creating the kitchen of your dreams!

10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

It’s no surprise that a dated or poorly functioning kitchen can turn potential buyers away. If your kitchen needs a refresh but you’re working with a budget, I’m sharing 10 smart and budget-friendly ways to renovate your kitchen without breaking the bank!

I hope you found these renovation ideas and tips helpful! Whether you’re updating a few living areas or renovating your entire house, taking the time to plan ahead can make all the difference.

The right improvements can make your home more comfortable, functional, and beautiful while also adding to the value of your home for years to come.

PIN FOR LATER

9 image collage featuring home renovation project images with text overlay

July 28, 2026/0 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance, Kitchen Renovation, renovation

Are You Sure You’re Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?

There comes a time in any homeowner’s life when they contemplate taking on a home renovation. Today I want to help you answer if you are sure you’re ready to take on a home renovation?

Are You Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?

Today I wanted to approach a subject that is often on the minds of homeowners who have lived in a house long enough to wish for more space or a space that is renovated to their needs and desires. Reading the rest of this article will help you decide if now is a smart time to start that home renovation project you’ve been thinking about.

When is it time to take on a renovation?
Will it be a good investment?
Do I have the desire to deal with the stress?
Can I handle upheaval?

I can tell you from experience that there are times when a home renovation is a smart decision and there are times when it makes more sense to deal with your home as is for a while.

I hope this article helps you make your own decision as to whether you are ready to take on a home renovation.

As a general contractor and a serial renovator, I can tell you the rewards of renovating your home are wonderful. But, the actual process can be a nightmare.

Do You Really Want to Renovate?

I’m going to be totally blunt about this, having your home renovated is NOT FUN. It’s a huge upheaval for you and your family. Having walls torn out or even just painted creates dust, chaos, and mess. You can forget about privacy because while the renovation is going on, workers (almost complete strangers) will be traipsing through your house. Even if you do the work yourself, you’ll have to cover furniture or move it out of the room being renovated. And if you need to pull permits, you have to be ready to have inspectors show up unannounced to inspect the work.

Depending on the room you are renovating, you need to make arrangements to avoid using that room. Where will the furniture go? If it’s in your kitchen, how can you cook and do dishes during the kitchen renovation? If it’s a bathroom renovation, do you have another bathrooms you can use while the one is out of commission.

How long will it take for the renovation to be completed? In today’s era of TV renovation shows, homeowners think a home renovation is a quick and easy process. I can tell you from lots of experience, much of the process on those makeover shows happens behind the scenes and off camera.

If I haven’t scared you off yet, let’s tackle some of the other factors that will help you decide whether or not you’re ready to take on a home renovation.

Are there Cheaper Alternatives to a Renovation?

Truly ask yourself if renovating a perfectly good kitchen or bathroom is a smart decision. Oftentimes, you can make your kitchen look like a new space by painting cabinets, replacing the backsplash, cabinet knobs, or other cosmetic changes. (Here are 10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget) . Simply adding an island may be enough to make you fall in love with your kitchen again. Always explore alternatives before pulling the trigger on a full blown renovation.

Are You Planning on Moving?

The number one thing you need to ask yourself is if you are planning on living in your home at least 5 more years. If you are planning on moving in less than 5 years, chances are you won’t recoup the cost that you put into your renovation.

However, if the renovation is one that is sorely needed due to a room being outdated or in disrepair, it could potentially help you sell your home faster and for more money. Definitely consult with a reputable realtor before taking on a renovation before listing your house for sale. They will be able to tell you what comparable houses in your neighborhood sell for and the level of finishes that are common in the area. They may also be able to give you a recommended budget for your renovation. This is also a great resource for comparing cost vs. value on home renovations.

What Rooms Bring Your Biggest Return on Investment?

Kitchen and master bathroom renovations are the two areas in a home that give the best bang for your buck and allow you to increase your home value in a short period of time.

Putting in a swimming pool or an exterior building (like a shed) result in the least return on your investment. In fact, oftentimes a pool is a deterrent to buyers (especially young couples who already have or are thinking of having children.) You also have to factor in higher homeowner’s insurance premiums and the cost of operating the pool.

Locale is a good determining factor for exterior structures. Take into consideration your climate. Adding a garage isn’t necessarily a negative in certain parts of the country where weather is more extreme (snowy and icy climates.) In that example, a garage might be more important to buyers. In warmer climates that have a lot of insects, a screen porch might be a good investment for your home.

What’s Your Budget?

Before you embark on any renovation, it’s important to hire great contractors. I have an entire article with questions you should ask when vetting contractors. Always get several estimates before you make your final decision to renovate. Make sure you have money in your budget for the renovation. Always allow 15 – 20% over the budget for surprises or incidentals. You never know what you might find in your walls when they are opened up. If you don’t have the budget yet, save another year or so until you are ready to take on a home renovation.

Once you begin construction, keep a close eye on your budget. Make sure you aren’t splurging on too many high end finishes. If you are using a contractor or sub-contractors, be sure to keep tabs on the bill as they are working. Ask if you are still on target and within budget. It’s better for everyone involved to keep the lines of communication open.

Who Will Do The Work?

There’s no doubt that doing a renovation yourself will save you a decent amount of cash. However, if you DIY something that you aren’t knowledgable about, you may pay twice if you have to call in a professional to fix your mistakes. If you decide to do the work yourself, be forewarned that the renovations may take 3-4 times as long to complete. Professionals work with a crew and have the expertise to knock out that renovation in no time. Regardless of who is doing the work, make sure you check with your local city/county to find out if you need a permit. Don’t just take your contractor’s word for it.

How to Hire a Great Contractor?

If you decide to hire a contractor (or even a sub-contractor) do your research! I have an entire article on how to hire great contractors! I highly recommend you take a few minutes to read it, plus you should download these top questions you need to ask potential contractors!

Check to see if they are licensed and insured. Ask the contractor for several references of previous customers that you can call and ask questions. Check the BBB database to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor. It’s also worth a small investment to check out their rating on Angie’s List.

If the background check turns up positive, work with your contractor to draw up a contract that spells out all the details of the job: time frame, work to be completed and any warranties on their work. My father likes to build in a clause where the contractor has to deduct money from the amount owed if he or she goes over a certain deadline for work completion.

How Do You Pick Out Materials and Fixtures?

Be sure to research your fixtures and materials as diligently as you did your contractor. Read reviews on brands and products you plan to use. Ask friends or neighbors if they have an appliance brand they love or hate. You can also ask your contractor if they have clients that have fixtures you’re considering and see if they would be willing to let you talk to the client. Avoid trendy or unique choices unless you plan on living in your house for decades. You may love that pink shag wall-to-wall carpeting, but will you still love it in 10 years? Or will that be the decision that comes back to haunt you when it’s time to sell your house. Use quick change objects like art, home décor and pillows to bring in that unique punch of color instead of things that are hard to swap out.

Who To Notify Before Your Renovation?

For starters, be sure you check with your city/county to find out if you need a permit. Check with your city planning office to see if you live in a historic overlay area. If you live in a neighborhood with restrictive covenants, discuss your renovation with the HOA board especially if you are adding on to your home. You may also want to let your neighbors know that there will be an increase in street traffic and noise during renovations. Discuss start and stop times with your contractor to keep the peace with your neighbors. After the renovation is complete, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent to let them know about the changes you have made. They will be able to make sure you have sufficient limits to cover the structure and contents of your home.

Congratulations! If you made it this far, you are ready to take on a home renovation project. I wish you all the luck in the world and remember to be flexible. Things can and do come up that are not exactly according to plan. But, the good news is you will make it through and you’ll have a beautiful new room/structure at the end of it.

Don’t forget to learn how to hire stellar contractors to help you make the home of your dreams.

Be sure to pin this article to refer back to:

March 3, 2025/7 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Build It, kitchen, Kitchen Renovation, moulding, renovation, Tutorial, Window, window dressing

How to Install Trim and Casing Moulding on a Casement Window

After installing a new casement window in our kitchen,I chose to install a beautiful decorative window moulding. Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to Install Trim and Casing Moulding!

How to Install Trim and Casing Moulding

I’m excited to be sharing more tutorials from the kitchen renovation. I hope you’ll excuse me as we jump back and forth in the renovation process. I’ve been trying to get the most relevant tutorials to you as soon as I can. Speaking of relevant, I understand there are a lot of under-dressed windows out there that need trim or could use a little more “WOW Factor”! Is that your case—ment? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Let’s go over the details for installing window trim and casing on a casement window. Have no fear if you have a double hung window or other, these techniques will work for those windows too. Replacement vs. New Construction Windows:

But, let’s back up for a minute. I wanted to share with you a little snafu that happened with our casement window. When I ordered it, the guy taking the order asked me a few questions and somewhere there was a translation breakdown. He thought I needed a replacement window because I was replacing an existing window. What he didn’t realize is that I was increasing the size of the window opening and therefore needed a new construction window. In the end, I was stuck with the replacement window, but my handman and I used as many weather-stripping, caulking, and water barrier techniques we could think of to keep it water tight. This is what you need to know when ordering a new window: If you are removing the old and putting in a new window into the same frame, you can order a replacement window. If you are expanding or changing the size of your window opening (or you want to start with a full window replacement that you can flash on the exterior and add insulation around the rough opening) you will order a new construction window. But, let’s learn how to install trim and casing moulding on a window. Materials: (I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions for Installing Trim, Casing and Moulding on a Window:

The window has been installed. Use this opportunity to use an expanding foam to seal around the window frame while it’s exposed. This will cut down on drafts. Allow the foam to cure and trim off any excess that would interfere with the casing installation.

How to Frame and Install Window Casing and Trim by Pretty Handy Girl

Find the center of your actual window (not the rough opening) and make a pencil mark under the window. Use this mark as your guide for the stool and the window trim.

First measure and cut the window stool. You can use a jigsaw, coping saw or hand saw to cut out the edges of the stool so it fits snug against the window and has a reveal over the sides of the window. Take into consideration the width of the window casing and trim on each side and add an inch for the stool to extend beyond the trim. (see photo below to visualize the end product.)

With your stool dry fit in place, check the level of the stool and use wood shims to level if necessary.

Add a bead of construction glue and set the stool on top. Secure the stool moulding to the window sill with nails.

Safety note: When using a finish nailer be sure to wear eye protection and hearing protection. Don’t worry, you’ll look totally cool in your snazzy safety gear. It’s better than the missing eyeball look.

You may need to build out the window frame by cutting a 2×2″ board for the top of the window. Level the top with shims and secure it with finish nails.

Cut two more pieces of 2×2 for the sides. Make sure you have the same reveal on the window for each side (refer back to your center mark.)

Make sure the sides are plumb. Secure the sides with finish nails and break the shims off by scoring them with a utility knife and breaking them with your hand. (You don’t have to sing the Kung Fu Fighting song when doing this, but I do.)

Time to add the side pieces of casing and backer board. The backer board is not necessary, but I like to beef up the trim on my doors and windows. It’s an easy process, and makes your home look more custom and less builder-grade. Decide what amount reveal you want showing on the window stop. Mark this depth on the 2×2″ window stops. Typically 1/8″ to 1/4″ is used.

Measure and cut your window casing to meet the 1/8″ reveal. Be sure you have a consistent reveal from top to bottom and then secure the window casing with finish nails.

Measure and cut the backer band to the same height. Set it tight against the casing and secure with finish nails.

Your window should look like this at this point with the two side pieces of casing installed.

Cut the 1″ x 6″ board to fit even with the outside edges of the casing and backer band. Attach it above the window with more finish nails.

Cut the small cove and the small base trim pieces to fit across the top and bottom of the 1″ x 6″ board. The ends should be mitered where they meet the edges. Cut, two pieces at a 45 degree angle to act as a return for the moulding. Here’s a closer look:

Before securing the returns, add a dab of glue to hold it in place. Then use painter’s tape to hold the returns while they dry. After the glue dries, secure the returns with a finish nail in the center of each.

Now the window trim and moulding is finished and it’s time to putty all of the nail holes with wood putty.

Caulk all the seams where the trim pieces meet each other and the wall and window. If you need a tutorial for how to caulk like a pro, I’ve got you covered!

After the wood putty has dried, sand it smooth using a sanding sponge. Wipe off any sanding dust off with a damp rag. Prime and paint your window. And you’ll never see the seams!

Congratulations, you just learned how to install trim and casing moulding.

The depth of our sill, it’s just enough to set a vase onto. You may note I decided to forgo the traditional apron, and ended up using pencil edge marble tiles instead.

That seemed relatively easy, don’t you think? Trimming out a window is a personal affair, so be sure to experiment and get creative with your trim moulding. Remember, it’s your house, you can dress it up the way you want!

Here is another great trim tutorials:

How to Install Window Trim by Remodelando la Casa

More Window Resources:

How to Install a New Construction Window How to Add Privacy Film to Any Window How to Clean Your Windows Like a Pro Things to Consider When Choosing New Windows Sto p! Don’t Replace Your Windows Before Reading This

Pin this image to save for later!

February 18, 2025/20 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance, renovation

How to Hire Great Contractors and the Questions You Need to Ask

As a general contractor, I’ve perfected how to hire great contractors. Over the years I’ve put together a list of questions I ask when interviewing contractors and calling references. Don’t let yourself be scammed, learn how to hire great contractors.

How to Hire Great Contractors and Questions You Need to Ask

Hiring a great contractor can be a tough task. The actual experience can be so paralyzing that some people ultimately give up on their dreams of a renovated space. I have a good friend who felt completely overwhelmed by the challenge of hiring a contractor to renovate her master bathroom. With media stories of people getting ripped off by bad contractors, I could understand her trepidation. Today I want to give you some tips on How to Hire Great Contractors. Plus, you can download a printable with the Questions You Need to Ask both the contractor and their references here.

Recently I’ve been vetting contractors to work on the Saving Etta project. I know first hand how difficult and scary it is to hire a stranger to work inside your home. When you factor in the amount of money you will be paying this person, it’s enough to lose sleep over the decision. Let me break down the steps for hiring a reputable contractor so you can finally have that renovation or addition you’ve always dreamed of.

How to Find Contractors:

I am of the belief that you should start with recommendations from people you know or at least people in your circle (neighbors, social groups, or friends.) I frequently use Nextdoor.com to look for referrals for contractors. (Especially if there are multiple neighbors who used the same contractor and were all pleased with the work.) Another reason I like finding contractors through neighbors is because I know the contractor is familiar with renovations on homes that were built around the same time frame as our house. This is important, especially if you have an old home.

If you can’t get any recommendations from neighbors, ask your friends who just had a renovation completed.

If you’re still striking out, go visit a local kitchen and bath showroom and ask if they have any contractor recommendations. Oftentimes, the designer can tell you who they work with. You can also hire an interior designer who may have a contractor they work with regularly.

As a last resort, search for contractors on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Craig’s List, Nextdoor, or the Yellow Pages. It may be daunting to find contractors through this route, but hopefully the rest of this article will help weed out the dishonest and disqualified contractors.

How to Use the Web to Look for Reviews:

After acquiring a list of names, I like to perform some online sleuthing. Search for the company name in the Better Business Bureau database and read all the complaints. If they’ve had one or two, you don’t need to completely eliminate that business. But, if the contractor has numerous complaints, it’s probably best to remove them from the list of contractors to consider.

Next, perform a Google or Yelp search for the business name (be sure to include the city and state they are located in) and or the business owner to see what pops up. More recently, people are posting their reviews and cautionary tales on Nextdoor.com.

Contacting Contractors:

When you call the contractors you have selected, be upfront and honest about your project, the time frame, and your budget. Oftentimes good contractors may not be able to take your job right away or may charge more than you can afford.

Ask for References:

Get at least three recent references. (Ask for clients they’ve worked with in the last 3-6 mos. And ask them for client’s who had projects similar to your’s.)

Questions to Ask Contractor’s References:

This is probably the most valuable resource for you. Many people will call a reference and simple ask “were you happy with XYZ contractor?” But, you can get a lot more information about the contractor if you ask a few more questions. This is only a few of the questions I ask:

1. Were you happy with the job the contractor did? Was the work performed to your standards?
2. Did the contractor hire any tradespeople to help complete the job?
  - If so, what was the quality of the tradesperson’s work?
3. Did you have to manage the tradespeople or did the contractor oversee their work?
4. Were there any errors or mistakes that happened during the process?
  - If so, how did he or she handle them?
5. What was the condition of your home (or job site) after the work was complete?
  - Was it cleaned up or was anything left behind?
6. Anything you wish the contractor had done better?
7. Was the contractor upfront with any cost changes?
8. How accurate was the contractor’s timeframe?
9. Did he/she show up on time or let you know of any delays?
10. How were the inspections? Did he/she pass the inspections easily or were there any issues?
  - If there were issues, how were they handled?
11. Did the contractor need to pull a permit and if so what for?
12. Have you needed him/her to come back and fix or finish anything?
  - If so, how timely was that accomplished?
13. Was the contractor open to your design preferences?
14. Anything you want to add or any suggestions you have for me moving forward with this contractor?

For a complete list, I’ve created a questionnaire with all the questions I ask the contractor and their references. You can Download this printable questionnaire to use. (Feel free to make copies, but for your personal use only.)

What to Get from the Contractor BEFORE Work Begins:

Always get a quote before you hire a contractor (this can be a ballpark quote, but be sure to ask the contractor to alert you if they need to go over the quoted amount.)

If the contractor is a general contractor, electrician, plumber or a tradesperson that requires licensure, ask for their license number. Call or visit the licensing board website to verify that their license is up to date and the information matches their records.

Ask for a general liability insurance certificate (have your name and address included in the certificate holder’s field.)

Ask for their workman’s comp insurance if they have anyone working for them. And call the insurance company to verify that the policy is still active.

At the end ask for a final lien waiver release after the work is done. This will protect you should the contractor fail to pay his or her subcontractors. If you don’t have a lien waiver and the subcontractors are not paid, a lien can be placed on your house until they receive payment.

Have a contract signed by yourself and the contractor that details the work you are expecting them to accomplish, the amount they quoted, and a timeline.

Red Flags to Look Out For:

Was the contractor forthcoming with the above information?
Ask the contractor if you need a permit. If they say no, be sure to ask more than one person if a permit is needed. And maybe even call your city permit office to verify that information.
Regarding the quotes, you will undoubtedly receive a range of quotes for your project. Be very wary if one contractor’s quote is significantly lower than the others. There is truth in the old adage, you get what you pay for.

During the project, occasionally ask your contractor if you are still on target and within budget. It’s better for everyone involved to keep the lines of communication open. Always allow 15 – 20% over the budget for surprises or incidentals. You never know what you might find in your walls when they are opened up.

Never Pay in Full:

If I have one important takeaway from this article, it’s to never pay in full until the job is completed to your satisfaction. Never fall victim to the claim, “I have to pay my guys.” If the job isn’t 100% complete, retain at least 10-15% of the total until the work is done. Once the contractor has all your money, you’ve lost all your bargaining chips.

More Information about Hiring Great Contractors (Video Chat):

A few weeks ago, I hosted a Facebook Live to talk more about how to hire great contractors and avoid getting burned. Here’s the Facebook Live video:

Good luck and remember, you can do this!

Now that you are one step closer to getting started with your project, you need to read this article: Are you Sure You’re Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?

If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, I have some great tips for Surviving without a Kitchen during Renovation:

Pin This to Save for Later:

October 2, 2020/5 Comments/by Brittany Bailey