Melissa and Cody Tyler knew they would need to replace their windows when they purchased an older home. Cody initially didn’t want to buy the house because the original wood windows were rotting so badly. But Melissa, with a knack for completing DIY home improvement projects, saw the potential in the 35-year-old home.  

They both fell in love with the forest feel of the backyard on a large lot overlooking a creek in the woods. Ultimately, they decided to purchase the place that they knew would take a labor of love to make it feel like not just a house, but their home. 

Why Not Install Replacement Windows Yourself? 

Melissa had figured out many of the other home improvement projects herself, but when it came to replacing the windows, she had absolutely no idea where to start.  

“I started by doing a quick Google search in our area and I didn’t find a ton of information,” said Melissa.  

Despite completing a lot of do-it-yourself projects in the home already, she knew this wasn’t something she was comfortable tackling on her own. 

“I do a lot of DIY on a day-to-day basis, but regarding DIY, that’s what it is. I’m not a professional... it’s very much learn on the go, even now after years of doing it,” said Melissa.  

“So, when it comes to a big purchase that was important for years to come, that wasn’t something that you can easily fix or replace if it doesn’t go right. I knew having professionals do it was extremely important as far as sealing the windows and making sure the existing wood rot was taken care of.”  

After researching window brands and local dealers, Melissa and her husband selected fiberglass windows from Infinity from Marvin – Ohio to complete their window replacement project.  

“I could have pulled the windows out and who knows what I would have ended up with, what you’re going to find,” said Melissa. “And having someone who knows exactly how to fix those problems when they arise was very important to us.” 

Getting the Design Right with Custom Replacement Windows 

One of Melissa’s biggest concerns was that new windows would look like bland, bulky “replacement” windows and wouldn't complement the overall look of her home. 

She also had questions about replacing the casement windows in the front of her home with double hung windows. And she wanted to make sure the window grids were positioned for a more updated, traditional look rather than the outdated design the windows had before.  

With Infinity from Marvin – Ohio, Melissa was able to custom-design her new windows to match her design vision.  

“The design of the front of the house went from being very dated, very obvious that this was a 1990s house to just looking so fresh and so updated,” said Melissa. “That’s my favorite part.”  

Though she didn’t replace the windows herself, Melissa did enjoy watching the installation process and engaging with the install team from Infinity from Marvin – Ohio. 

“The entire experience was mind blowing. These guys came in within 30 minutes, they had our floors protected. They had the edges of the windows protected, they were already pulling out windows,” said Melissa.  

“It was so fast, so efficient. They were incredibly clean. Watching them lift these ... we have massive picture windows... they’re taller than I am, wider than I am. And watching them just lift them into place and secure them, it really was just an inspiring experience.”   

Now that the window replacement project is done, Melissa, Cody, and their family can enjoy the treehouse views that made them fall in love with the home initially from their new windows.  

“It was a very easy experience,” said Melissa. “We expected it to be stressful and instead it was kind of fun.” 

The Verdict: Can You Replace Windows Yourself? 

Buying and installing your own windows may sound doable, but it’s extremely difficult to get right. Replacing your windows is an investment in your home that requires design and installation expertise that, for most homeowners, is best left to the experts.