Has anyone here fitted their own windows?

I’ve seen a fair few people talking about DIY windows installs. Some say it’s straightforward, others say it’s a nightmare. If you’ve ever tried fitting your own windows, how did it go? Was it worth it, or would you call in a pro next time?

Quiet Echo wrote:I’ve seen a fair few people talking about DIY windows installs. Some say it’s straightforward, others say it’s a nightmare. If you’ve ever tried fitting your own windows, how did it go? Was it worth it, or would you call in a pro next time?

I've done it many times both in new and old construction. With the correct tools and supplies it's no big deal at all and it really doesn't take much. With basic hand tools including a level and square along with a few shims is about all that's needed. Make sure to use minimal expanding foam for sealing gaps and cracks. That super expanding stuff makes all kinds of problems and often leaves inoperable windows! They literally get so tight you can't fore them to move in any direction...

I agree with Larry that a level and a square will make a space to fill in with a window.

If you are talking about replacement windows that is another story because you are dealing with a space someone else made.

On the home improvement shows I have seen the windows are ordered, the old window taken out. and the new window is installed usually by two people, one inside and one outside.

I have installed many new and used windows without issue.  Do a little self education on the process, and you shouldn’t have issues.

I did. Since the wall is compressed earth block - masonry expansion anchors would not remain stable - after few turn ins/turn outs they would become loose.

I have purchased stainless all-thread 5/8" rods, drilled and tapped one side with M10 thread. I needed to purchase a lathe to do it, still cheaper than a local shop would charge for such a basic operation.
Then I drilled the holes in the custom frames, positioned frames within the wall, predrilled pilot holes in masonry, removed the frames and drilled with 16 mm bit for the length of the anchor: 100 mm for windows, 200 mm for doors.
Anchors would be gliued with Sikadur resin. Then I bolted the frames with socket head bolts.
I have used 8 bolts per window.
Actually Hilti sells all-thread anchors, but they did not have right dimensions and were still more expansive than custom made stainless anchors plus the cost of the lathe and tooling.

If I built another adobe structure I would cast some concrete in place of a future anchor location and use regular masonry anchors and it would be 10 times easier.

I replace one window. The most annoying part to me is that the new construction window was cheaper, but required me to take off part of the siding to install it. That was annoying... but I saved a good amount over the replacement windows which do not require removing the siding.

I just reread the OP.  I have encountered very few home  tasks where, even allowing for my mistakes, that I could not do a better and cheaper job than using a so called pro.  

Thanks for all the comments. I’ve ordered my uPVC sash windows from the manufacturer. They don’t do the fitting themselves, only recommend local contractors, but the quotes I’ve had are quite high. I’m tempted to try installing them myself to save some money.

Quiet,

You will do it yourself, just start with the least visible and used window, observe any mistakes and improve on the next one.

here is probably a worst case scenario ...where you'll have to redo drywall and stuff inside as well:

Demo and install:

 

inside work: