Replacing a window yourself isn't an easy job, but with some careful research on how to do it and the right tools, you can often get the task completed successfully if you're handy. To get the job done right, you'll want to steer clear of the pitfalls that can pose a challenge for those attempting this work for the first time. If the following three pitfalls feel a little too daunting for you, it's better to seek out a contractor in your area who is experiencing in replacing residential windows.

Underestimating The Window's Weight

If you haven't previously held a window, you can easily underestimate its weight. Doing so can be costly — if you aren't adequately prepared to manage the window, you could drop it and the glass could break. Simply put, windows are extremely heavy. Glass on its own, especially in a large pane, is heavy. When you factor in the fact that many windows have two panes of glass, and that the frame around the window is made of durable plastic or wood, you can expect even a smaller window to give you a physical challenge when you're working with it.

Grabbing The Window By The Frame

It might seem logical to hold the window by the frame when you're positioning it into the hole in the wall left by the previous window, but you'll be in for a challenge if you use this position. As you get the window close to where it needs to be, you'll find that your hands are in the way. This will cause you to attempt to get a new grip on the window, but you'll struggle to do so. The result can potentially be that you lose control of the window and drop it, causing it to break. The best way to avoid such a mistake is to buy or rent suction cups for carrying and moving the window.

Improperly Measuring The Old Window

When you're ready to buy your replacement window, you'll need to measure the current window. This isn't a time to be imprecise. In many cases, you'll need to have the replacement window custom built to suit the space, which means that your measurements need to be precise. If you're off by even part of an inch, your installation process can quickly get a lot more complicated. And, if the window was a custom order, you may not be able to return it.