Month: August 2011 - page 3

Wheelchair Ramps: Making The End User Safe

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Wheelchair ramps have become a staple in American businesses, thankfully.  In 1990 the American with Disabilities Act set forth guidelines that make it law that places that operate for the public must allow equal access to all people making wheelchair ramps a staple in our culture.  The act allows for a zero tolerance attitude when it comes to discrimination against the disabled and their access into public buildings.

When thinking about installing wheelchair accessible access to your home or business consider hiring a contractor.  Professional handicap ramp installers are trained in the guidelines set forth by the ADA. They have a trained eye when it comes to obstacles that hinder the use of public spaces for people with disabilities or special needs.  Professionals also know the regulations when it comes to building a ramp, the best materials to use and measures to make the ramp accessible and safe for use with wheelchairs, walkers and other devices that make mobility easier for those with special circumstances.

The ADA does list specifications on their website for do it yourselfers.  If you have decided to tackle building a ramp you will need to review specifications and research materials.  Wood ramps are beautiful and blend well into existing landscapes.   The one drawback is that wood requires yearly maintenance.  This might be offset by the difference in price that exists between metal ramps and wooden ramps.

Ramps Specifications:

1)      The minimum width for a wheelchair ramp is thirty six inches.  This is the amount of space that is needed to comfortably maneuver a wheelchair on a ramp.  Widths can be larger to accommodate two-way traffic.  Most often you will see ramps built wider for this purpose.  Of course if this is a ramp you are installing at your home you most likely don’t have to worry about that issue.

2)      Wheelchair accessible ramps must contain railings/edges to keep users safe from spilling over the side. It is recommended to build the ramp with side rails that include handrails.

3)      All ramps must have a landing where the door meets the ramps.  This landing has to be a minimum of sixty inches long.  This allows for the door to easily swing in or out and leaves the wheelchair user room to maneuver around.

4)      It is necessary that nonslip and slip resistant materials be used for the floor of the ramp.  This makes it a lot safer especially when the weather is less than dry.

These are guidelines that are set forth by the ADA you should look into your local regulations and areas specifications to determine any other needs you might run in to when building your wheelchair accessible ramps.

When deciding what type of material is should be used consider the weight of the wheelchair and occupant and it is also important to remember that electric wheelchairs are heavier and need to be accommodated for.  It is also important that materials such as screws are used instead of nails.  Wood should be pretreated to prevent rot.  Anchor bolts should be used to secure the support posts to the houses structure to add support.  Also make sure that the slope and angle are correct.  Slopes that are too steep make it difficult for wheelchairs to go up and too fast to control on descend.  Also, include a beveled section at the end of the ramp to allow for a gradual exit and entrance.

Ramps are very common in today’s landscape.  The designs and selections available to make them a natural piece of your home or business are endless.  Make sure you take it to account the end user for your ramp project and follow regulations and guidelines set forth by the ADA and local authorities.  If you do you will be pleased with the end result.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Landscape Services: Getting To Know Your Lawn On A Budget

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Sometimes I admit I am envious of those in our neighborhood who can swing landscape services for their home.  How nice would it be to not have to spend the weeknights maintaining a lawn?  I am not only talking about mowing the lawn but the weeds, pruning, upgrades, fertilization and all those fun add-ons summer maintenance gives us.  I am also discovering in my new budget conscience frame of mind not only can I not afford the lawn services but I also can’t spend a fortune on the materials needed for a beautiful lawn.

Being the budget friendly I wanted to know how to get the biggest bang for my buck.  To do this the first thing I did was take my soil in to be tested to make sure it consisted of the mix of minerals for a lawn and plants to flourish.  Thankfully it did otherwise my budget would have been spent purchasing topsoil and fertilizer.

The first thing I did was organize a spring swap amongst the do it yourself neighbors.  It was a great was to go through clean up the existing perennials in the yard and get some new life into mine.  I also went to our neighborhood association and asked for them to purchase a new tree to be planted in everyone’s yard to help create unity amongst the homes.  People loved this idea and were thankful they were able to see what the money they contribute goes towards.

I knew I was interested in using some stones and larger rocks within the garden space.  Instead of spending the money to go out and purchase them I stopped and spoke with a local farmer that was preparing his field for the growing season about coming and gathering the ones he tilled up.  He was so grateful that he was not going to have to accomplish that laborious task that he told me if I did the whole lot I could have them free of charge.  You know I jumped on that.  We spent an entire Saturday with the kids out fielding rocks. It was actually a lot of fun and turned into a beautiful border for our landscape design and fire pit.

I started a composter too. This was fun and the kids love helping with this project.  I was fortunate that my parents had an extra compost bin they were no longer using.  We brought it home and created a station behind the work shed for it. I will never be in need of mulch or fertilizer again.  That actually saves a ton of money and I love knowing what is actually in the compost that I am putting in the soil around my home.

We also have an advantage over most people in that we have a natural spring that rolls through our backyard.  This is perfect because we can then pump the water out and use it for watering the gardens and lawn when it needs it saving the family money on the water bill.  Plus the spring naturally regenerates any water that seeps into the soil and is not used by the plants.

Landscape service companies are super nice to have but learning about my yard and cultivating it has its advantages also.  I love the time spent with the family working in the garden and have learned so much about the natural environment that surrounds us and have had fun reaping the benefits of something I have created.

Bladerunners Landscape

Leadership In Sales Management: Becoming A Better Leader

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How do some people naturally become leaders and others just seem to follow them?  You can see this happening from the very first personal experiences children have to adults in business.  Some people seem to have a natural quality that makes people follow their lead.  Those who try to lead often find themselves failing because they lack the qualities that make a good leader.  When someone tries to hard it is often seen as pushy or bossy and then the exact opposite of what they were hoping for happens.

This often happens with my daughter and son.  She is the oldest by three and a half years which she feels gives her the expertise to lead him and tell him what to do.  What she misses in her leadership style is the ability to get something her way without directly asking for it which is what leadership in sales management is all about.

What qualities help determine if your employees will see you as a leader they respect and wish to follow?  Many times it is the silent clues that are given that bring people to want to follow your leadership in sales management.  It is the example that you set forth, the things that you do to prove that you are part of the team an active member and that you are willing to defend them but also help them when they need it.  There are many things that you can do to improve your leadership skills below are just a few examples to improve your rapport with sales team.

Leadership In Sales Management Qualities To Strive For

  • You cannot fake caring; people will sniff a rat out every time.  In order to be a good leader you really need to have empathy and compassion.  It is important to listen when your staff is talking about what matters to them and to remember it for your next encounter.  For instance a staff member has a new baby, or parent passes it is important as the leader that you step forth to show goodwill.
  • It is important in being a leader to stay a part of your team’s daily life in the office.  Go around at least once a day just to say hello.  These are the moments when your staff will feel comfortable pulling you into their cubicle to discuss the little details that bother them before they erupt into team shattering events.  For instance if Sally has an issue with Bob and the way he is managing his part of the project they are working on.  This is the time when not everyone is around that she can come and share that with you.
  • Holding meeting regularly.  You will often see this practice at major retail chains.  They bring their staff together in the meeting for a brief run down and then do a chant to get the day going quirky but effective.
  • It is also important that training that takes place for the whole team and not just certain individuals.  This shows unity as a whole.  As an effective leader hold training for your team a minimum of two times a year.  The skills they learn should help them grow as individuals and as members of your team.
  • Team building and leadership is all about making work personal.  Allow team members to set personal goals, share your goals and team goals with them as they change and are met.  Working towards a goal and achieving it is such a momentous achievement for you and them.  Share in that gory with them as well as the defeat.
  • Manners never get old and your team will be more likely to follow you when you treat them with respect.  When you thank your staff for a good job they appreciate that you noticed their efforts and that you were thankful.

Leadership in sales management has many different faces.  You will develop the right combination of qualities with experience and by asking for feedback often.  Your staff will appreciate that you value their input.  It is important as a leader you also look for ways to better yourself and to become more effective in your handling of clients and staff.

Advise Consulting LLC

Small Business Association: Help Registering Your New Business

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Opening any legal business entity these days big or small requires paperwork and a lot of it.  Even if you are just interested in expanding on what you already have you will have to look into licensing, business permits, registrations and so much more to become a legally operating business.  The small business association has laid out five steps to help entrepreneurs give their feet off the ground and running legally.  Crossing all the t’s and dotting the i’s are an important first step in learning the rules to run and compete in the small business world.

1) What type of small business structure your small business will run as?

  • Sole Proprietorship: This business structure runs under only one owner who pays income tax on profits from the business as if it is personal income.  It is the simplest business to run however you assume all the risk.
  • Partnership: This business structure runs with two or more individuals own a company.  Not only do they share equally in the risk but also the rewards of the business.
  • Corporation: This business structure is what is the most common to businesses.  A business is formed under the laws of the state and is a separate entity from the owners.  This is beneficial because the risk is shared and limited to the businesses assets and not those of individual owners.  The business has a legal existence above and beyond the owners.
  • S Corporation: This business structure is similar to a corporation but allows for certain tax benefits and allows business profit and losses to be passed on to shareholders.  There are certain rules that need to be followed with S corporations so look into those before you begin setting up this type of business.

2) Business Name Registration

In order to legally run your business under something other than your name you must register the businesses name with the government.  This will allow you to register for an employer tax id number, all licenses and permits too.  Your name is required on all documents, forms and applications that are needed to run your business.

3) How to you get a federal tax identification number?

If your business will have any employees you will need to obtain an identification number from our federal government.  If you are running a sole proprietorship and you are the only employee you may use your social security number.  You may apply for an employer identification number online or by calling the internal revenue service directly.

4) What about the state?

As with the federal government your state and local governments will have to assign your business an identification number.  Also, if you are selling any type of goods you will need to obtain a vendor license/state tax permit. Each state government has rules governing small businesses.  It is best to check with them to determine what is required.

5) Getting License and Permits

Each type of business requires different permits and licenses.  For instance, if operating a restaurant you need special food handling permits.  You must obtain specific industry permits before you open the doors for business.

The small business association provides information designed to give new business owners a look into what it is going to require just getting the business idea going.  It is not just about having a store front and claiming that you are going to sell a product.  As you can see a lot goes into the background of opening a business.  Look to other small business owners and the SBA for information on getting the wheels spinning for your new venture.

Advise Consulting LLC

Storm Damage: Dealing With The Aftermath

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Storm damage of any kind whether it is high winds, hail, floods or lightning it all make a mess out of your home and life.  It is hard to look at the mess that surrounds what used to be your home and not dive right in to start the clean up.  Believe it or not you will not want to do that.  Initially you should contact your insurance company.  A representative will come out to your home and evaluate the damage that the storm has created.  They should also lay out a detailed plan to help get your life restarted.  You will have to continue living even though storm damage has turned your life topsy-turvy.

How do you get started? Is it possible to tell who is actually going to help you and not scam you or rip you off?  Is it possible to completely trust your insurance agent?  Who do you contact for expert advice?  These questions are hard to answer when you are sitting there vulnerable after a natural disaster of any magnitude.  Here is a list of advice to get you started in the long and overwhelming process of repairing storm damage to your home.

Storm Damage Checklist

  • Contact your insurance agent.  This is of course the first and most important advice anyone can give you.  Your insurance agent is your ally.  Make sure when you are purchasing insurance in the first place that you research local insurance agents.  A good rate is one thing but an insurance company that you can count on in a time of need is something completely different.  The cheapest might not always be the best way to go.
  • Don’t start any repairs or cleanup efforts until you have had the damage accessed by the professionals.  First you don’t want to get hurt, second you don’t want to make things worse and third you need to give the adjuster the full scope of damage.  It is important that you do document in video and film the damage from your prospective.  Just in case later on down the road the adjuster gets shaky with his evaluation.
  • No repairs should be started before you have agreed upon a settlement with you insurance company.  If you do something like boarding up windows and such make sure to save receipts.  Materials will often be reimbursed.  That is the only type of work that should even be contemplated before a final approval has been gone over.
  • Your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover a temporary home for you.  Make sure to check with the agent when they arrive to scope out the damage.  They might have special restrictions on where you are allowed to stay and for how long, make sure you are aware of these things in advance if possible.

It is so important that you fully understand and are aware of the limitations that the insurance company has in place regarding the coverage on your home in regards to different events.  You want to know how you are covered and the differences in coverage for floods, fires, natural disasters, storms, hail, lightening and all that loveliness that storm damage brings.  You should also be aware that if you move to another state or another area in your state you could need special coverage for that area.  The best advice any homeowner can receive is to find a trustworthy and reliable insurance agent.  They will be your best ally if storm damage ever affects your household.

Go Maher

Wheelchair Accessible Ramps: Modifying Your Home

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Making sure your home space is wheelchair accessible is one of the most important steps you can take when preparing for life with a loved one that is wheelchair bound.  Each person’s needs are a little different and modifications will need to be made to adjust for them.  What is important is that as need arise in your loved ones life that you make adjustments to fit the need.

It is important in making a home user friendly and wheelchair accessible that you have a starting point.  When looking at your home you will look at various parts with more concern than others.  The yard is something that can continue to be a work in progress.  It is okay if not everything is immediately set for them as long as it is continually worked towards. However as this progress is taking place make sure smooth paths and raised flower beds are a part of the plan.  This way your loved one can still enjoy time strolling around the gardens independent of major obstacles such as grave, dirt, or extra grass that needs to be edged away.

It is important that the areas in to the home are accessible.  This includes building wheelchair accessible ramps and creating ample space for turns. Today’s wheelchairs maneuver better than those of yesterday but still require a fair amount of space for access.  Threshold ramps should be obtained and doorway openings should be at least thirty six inches wide with a clearance of four feet on either side of the door. Wheelchair accessible ramps can be made out of metal or wood.  Whatever material you choose make sure that traction is applied to prevent accidents that can result from slipping.

Next it is important to make the interior home environment as safe as possible.  It is best to hire a professional that is trained and certified in aging in place remodels.  They can better assess the homes features and plan for the homes faults and areas lacking in accessibility for a wheelchair.

The first place you will be told to modify is any and all threshold that exist within your home.  If a threshold exist between the rooms in your home it should be round and be no more than a half inch different than the flooring. When a threshold is too high a wheelchair user will have to exert extra effort just to maneuver within the home.

Hallways are an area of particular concern in most homes that need to accommodate wheelchairs. It is important that hallways be clear of obstacles and that they are wide enough to allow for ample room to maneuver a wheelchair in and out of the rooms off of the hall.

Closets should also be made to accommodate the wheelchair.  Make sure access is available for the wheelchair to move in and out of the area freely and use a closet organizing system that maintains a close enough range for reaching hanging clothes without trouble.

Flooring options should also be evaluated.  Plush flooring is not recommended for homes that are accessed in wheelchairs.  The best surfaces are this that are smooth, easily cleaned and that can withstand a lot of traffic.  Laminate or wood flooring are always a good choice in homes where occupants use wheelchairs.

Bathrooms create a tricky situation for those who can only access it confined to a wheelchair.  In order to allow for independence and modesty  install a stroll in shower that has grab bars and a bench to transfer on to for showering making sure to leave space for wheelchair storage where the chair will not get wet.  It is also important that a shower head is installed that is removable for assistance in those hard to reach spots. Sinks and cupboards should also be made to accommodate the wheelchair. Toilets should have grab bars positioned strategically around and a higher toilet for easier access.

The same goes for making the kitchen are easier to maneuver in.  Leave extra spaces beware of the ease of faucets you choose and keep storage low.  Stove tops, oven and sinks can be adjusted to fit the height of the wheelchair.  This alleviates any possibilities falls that can happen because of reaching and leaning too far out of the wheelchair.

Making your home safe for a loved one is only half the battle when it comes to sharing a home with a loved one who uses a wheelchair.  You want things to be convenient and for them to feel that this home is as much theirs as it is yours.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Automatic Gates: Pros and Cons

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Why are automatic gates important?  The popularity of living within a gated community is increasing but why?  Are people concerned with status or safety?

Automatic gates are gates that open and close without the assistance of a person when the conditions are presented and fulfilled.  For instance, in Oscoda where we vacation we have an automatic slide gate.  In order to exit or enter the facility we must press in a code, a different number for each resident.  We enter this code into a small access control system that sits to the side of the gate. When we key in the correct code we are then allowed to enter or exit. Emergency vehicles such as police and fire trucks are given an emergency response code to access the gate in case of an emergency with in the cabin association.

There are many positives and negatives associated with gated communities.  I love the freedom it allows us on our family trips to the cabin.  We know everyone in the association and traffic is always minimal so you feel very safe letting your kids play with other kids in the area without the worry of outsiders entering.  The safety I feel on vacation is worth every dime we paid to have the automatic gate.  It also gives us a greater sense of security with the cabin when we are not around.  I am not as worried about someone entering the cabin and removing our belongings.

The gate is also a wonderful addition to keep the kids from traveling outside of the allotted area. A busy road is right outside the gate.  I don’t worry at all about my children accidentally riding their bikes out into the traffic causing a potential deadly situation.  The gate holds two purposes keeping people out and keeping people in.

I also really like the class status it gives to our cabin association.  It defiantly makes the grounds and landscaping richer.  I am sure when people drive pass they are thinking about the level of people that live within.  Not realizing it is really just us, cabin dwellers.  It is funny how something like an automatic gate can change the status of an establishment.

Many people consider automatic gates and inconvenience.  My girlfriend hates that when she visits us at the condo she has to call us and we have to buzz her in.  I never give my code out to anyone.  Personal information such as that is meant to stay within the family and that is it.  If someone uses the cabin they are given a temporary code that the association assigns and is only viable during the dates we give them access to the cabin. I know the resale value of our cabin went up once the gate was installed and operating.  Of course I see this is a benefit but potential home buyers may not.  Gated communities tend to be a bit more pricy than there non- gated counterparts.

Before you decide on living full time in a gated community way the options available to you which will help you make a more educated decision.  I know or home is not located within a gated community and I feel equal as safe allowing the kids to play and stay home alone.  I have spent time making friends with the neighbors; I choose to live on the end of a private dirt road with minimal traffic and installed motion lights around the house for the evening hours.   This and the knowledge that I keep very good tabs on the where about of my family at all times makes me feel like I have made the right choice for both our cabin and residence.

SAC Fence

Handicap Ramps: Easing Accessibility

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I have never had to be in a wheelchair.  Once I did break my lower leg and ankle causing me to be confined to a bulky cast and have to use crutches when I did leave the house.  Getting in and out of the car was miserable and stores forget it.  I really did not want to attempt getting around anywhere it was so difficult and not because of the pain but the accessibility was not available to someone that does not move around like the a person that has use of both of their feet.

That is when I really started to take notice of all the things in life that were harder because the use of both of my legs was so limited.  The doorways were always hard to get the crutches over, the car provided enough leg room but access into the car was tricky and there were multiple businesses that we went to that did not have access besides stairs.  Stairs, crutches and me did not see eye to eye.  I started to really think about how people using handicap devices such as wheelchairs, shooters and walkers got into places.

I know that the ADA specifies that all public places have devices in place so that access is open to the entire public.  However, from experience I found that not all business applied this law.  Handicap ramps were used at a few establishments and lower curbs were available some of the time but not always.  I specifically remember a shop where my family wanted to show me something and the only way to access the store was three steep stairs.  No way would I attempt that and I did not like the idea of being carried in so I just didn’t but for someone who is bound to a wheel chair for life being left should not be a way of life.

I understand that many smaller businesses might have a cost issue in regards to building handicap ramps.  However, I believe with the price of metal ramps these days I don’t see that being a huge concern especially when it is the law.  It is imperative that we start to look at each person and their individual rights when it comes to public access.  I have noticed that area parks are starting to become more wheelchair friendly.  They have larger openings for the bathroom doors and have threshold ramps where the height of the door might be an issue.  It is hard to get a wheelchair over the threshold of a door that is a few inches off the ground.

I think that it is about time that car manufactures look into options for sedans that are made to be accessible to those with special issues regarding the mobility.  It is hard to move a leg that does not want to move especially when the car does not accommodate for this need.  I worked with a beautiful lady whom was affected by MS.  She was able to drive using hand controls and got around using a walker.  It was always a struggle to get her feet inside the car and required much lifting and bending.  It would have been much better if the car manufacturer offered a sedan that had seats that would shoot completely back, allowing for maximum maneuvering and then scooted forward for driving.

My co-worker had function of everything but her legs.  Life for her in the office was even tough.  We found that the cement that was poured creating a mini ramp for her and the walker was narrow and hard to use.  It often was easier for her to sit on the walker and have us wheel her in because of the limited space to turn.  The other issue we found is that the entry door was not flush and the hump to get her over was always a bit of a challenge.  It was easier for her to shuffle her feet then to step so these obstacles made it even more challenging for her to move.

The installation of handicap ramps makes life more accessible to people using walkers, wheelchairs and scooters to get around.  It is also important that we look at the things in our lives and start to view then from the perspective of someone that does not have use of both of their legs.  Stores should make sure their clothing racks are accessible to those who require more open spacing.  Aisles need to be constructed so that they are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers without trouble.  Think about these struggles the next time you are out and about.  I bet you will see things a bit differently.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Unsecured Business Loans: Getting Your Business Up Off The Ground

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You have a brilliant idea for a business, you have the manpower to begin but now how do you go about getting the funding to sustain the business till it is bringing in revenue.  That is where unsecured business loans come into play.  An unsecured business loan will be available to you to draw on for the needs of the business as it flourishes like an open loan agreement up to a point.  Often times this type of loan is good for the start up cost involved in opening a new business such as; equipment, expansion or modifications of the existing office and advertising needs.

Going about acquiring an unsecured business loan is much like any other type of loan agreement.  The major difference is that you are now required to put up any collateral to secure the advance.   The great thing about this type of loan is that you are only accessed interest on the amount of the loan that is used.  So even if the loan is for twenty five thousand dollars if you only use five thousand, interest will only occur on five thousand.

In order to receive an unsecured loan many lenders will look into your business plan and the credit history of the business.  Of course, this is an issue if the business is brand new.  Lenders want to ensure that they will be able to recoup the lent funds.  It is imperative that your businesses credit score get established.  In order to do this you will need to make sure the outstanding payments the business does have are paid on time and in full.

Establishing a good business credit score can be done by taking out small loans with multiple lenders that report to the SBFE.  You can also establish a business credit history by using business credit cards and with your vendors and the lines of credit they establish for you.   Just be consistent with your payments and you will find yourself well on your way to establishing a credit history worthy of an unsecured business loan.

It takes time to get a small business, or any business for that matter off the ground.  With some strategic planning and a lot of hard work and a bit of luck you will be well on your way to establishing your dream.  Remember when starting out when you take off don’t let it go to your head.  Getting too big for your britches does not make you successful in business.  Work at a steady consistent pace to receive the rewards which you are working towards.

Ask 4 Funding

Replacement Windows: How To Replace Your Own Windows

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Replacing windows is not really as difficult as you would think it is.  It is not imperative that you hire professional window installers when replacing an individual window.  It will take a little bit of sweat equity, some instructions, general household tools and a little bit of time and you can install your replacement window.  Every type and brand of windows is a little bit different so it is imperative to look into the directions that came with your window to properly install it.

So the first thing you will need to do to install your replacement window is to get together all the tools you will need to complete the project.  The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the job and realize you don’t have everything you need to do a finish the job.  Most jobs will be completed with items you have around the house from previous work that you might have done.  The following is a detailed list for most replacement windows.  Be sure to double check the instructions included in the box with your new replacement window also.  You will need; clear caulk and  caulk gun, a small pry bar, hammer, tape measure, shims, square, level, utility knife, chisel for wood, drill, sandpaper, saw and the actual window.

The first step to replacing a window is to order the replacement window.  You will want to take measurement from the inside window jam.  You will take six measurements in total.  First measure the middle of the window jamb to the opposite middle of the jamb from top to bottom and then side to side.  The other four measurements will be to the left and right of the first two measurements from the center of the window.  You will use the smallest measurement you get.  There will be a difference in measurements from wear and time but hopefully they will be within a quarter inch of each other.

The next step is to remove the old window.  From the inside of the house you will remove the stops and sash.  The sash is the moving part of the window and the stops are the part that prevents the sash form falling into the house.  You will want to be very careful and try and salvage whatever materials you can from the existing window to use in the replacement.  This includes the window sash and stops.  You may need to use your utility knife and shims to protect some materials.  By running the knife down the cut any paint that might have adhered to the old window.

The next thing you will need to do is prepare the frame for the window to be installed.  This will include patching holes, taking care of splintered wood and adding insulation.  You will want to place the window into the prepared site to get a feel for how it is going to fit into the new space.  Once you have positioned it so that it is leveled you can go ahead with the actual installation of the replacement window.

You must first caulk the inside and outside then install the sill angle and secure the header and footer into the space.  It is then time to add the window.  Using the square and level you will want to put the window in place and add shims to create fit.  You will then insert screws into the jamb and the window should be in place.  You should then test the window to make sure it is working correctly.  Slide the window open and closed.  If it is not smooth you will need to adjust the screws.  If the ends of the shims are sticking out you will need to cut them so that they are flush.  The window will need to be caulked on the inside and the inside stops installed. There you have it a finished window that you replaced on your own.

Heatkeeper