Hello Coastal Window & Exterior blog readers! I’m Jen from Migonis Home. I blog about the transformation of our Cape style house in Manchester by the Sea, MA. We purchased our house in 2010 and have been slowly fixing it up. The home was built pre-1940, most likely as a summer cottage (there was no insulation!). We believe the windows are original to the house and have lead paint throughout them.Because of that, we needed a window company in Massachusetts certified to remove and dispose of the old windows. Additionally, our house almost certainly has lead paint, requiring proper handling and disposal by trained professionals.
Enter in Stephanie from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
She quickly set us up with one of her fantastic installation crew members who visited our home. First, Rocky reviewed the replacement windows we ordered and then took all the critical measurements for installation. Meanwhile, he remained patient and kind to my two kids, who ran around during the measurements. Additionally, he measured the new energy-efficient windows carefully to ensure a perfect fit.
We intentionally ordered replacement windows slightly larger than the existing ones to maximize natural light between the studs. To install the larger windows, Rocky will cut into the exterior clapboard a few inches on each side. Additionally, he will cut into the interior drywall to fit the new window size. Fortunately, Rocky made it clear that this adjustment would be simple. He confidently explained that installing slightly larger windows is an easy process for him.
We are adding one new construction window, meaning Coastal Windows & Exteriors will install a window where none existed before. Meanwhile, all the other windows are considered replacement windows. To get the correct measurements for the double hung window, Rocky climbed onto our front porch roof. Then, he carefully measured to find the halfway point between the two existing windows.
Then, he brought me into the walk-in closet and showed me exactly where the new window will go. It will sit behind a chest and where the closet pole currently hangs. He also explained what items we need to move before he returns to install the new energy-efficient windows. Fortunately, we had delayed installing any built-ins because we didn’t yet know the exact window placement.
After Rocky finished his measurements, he wrote detailed notes while using my son’s car board as a desk. Then, he walked me through each next step and explained what to expect. Additionally, he gave me his phone number so we could directly schedule the installation date.
Here is what I learned today…
1. Rocky measured to the 1/8 of an inch so that all of the double hung windows would have a snug fit to ensure proper energy savings as well as to install them quickly and efficiently in one day.
2. To remove the old windows, because we most likely have lead paint in them, Rocky needs to completely tarp off the area inside the house so no lead filled dust flies around. This is considered a LSI…a Lead Safe Install.
3. I learned that any home built before 1978 requires an LSI, and skipping it can result in a $30,000 fine. Good thing we have Coastal!
