Sky Manor Window and Door Info: SECTION 3
How to measure and input into the window list
(This is a training and reference page and not for customers!)
Section 3: Measuring Windows and the Window List
Documenting all of the windows and doors and getting good measurements is an important step to getting a good quote. Learning how to document properly gets easier with experience in knowing both what you're looking at and what you'll need to know once you get back to your computer.
For rectangles and squares, these measurements are fairly simple. Typically just 2 numbers: width x height. With newer homes--say last 40 years or so--you'll start to see very common sizes. Lots of 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches.
I'll walk you through my basic process to get you through documenting the windows in the shortest amount of time!
Window Components
Before you measure, it's good to know what you're looking at when it comes to the window components.
Grid and grille (and, sometimes muntin) are interchangeable. Not listed here, but the sash contains the IGU (insulated glass unit). Glazing (also not listed) is the actual glass itself, but the IGU is the whole dual/triple pane setup which goes into the sash stile and rail.
Measure Width x Height
For the purpose of getting a quote, we measure in total inches (36", not 3'), again, width x height. Like the photo shows, jamb to jamb and head to sill.
I prefer to measure from outside as I can see more of the window, but, the second story windows are easier to measure inside the house. Keep in mind, windows are installed from the outside and there is usually a drywall return that covers up some of the window frame. You might measure 46" or 47" inside, but the actual window is 48". If you keep in mind the drywall return and that most windows come in whole feet sizes (even though we document in inches), you'll be fine.
Side Note
For arch topped windows (not half-circles), a 3rd measurement is needed. This is called the "leg". The leg is the length of the height of the frame before the arch starts.
Check the Jamb Depth
Most houses are built on 4" or 6" studs (4" being the most common). Typical builder grade windows are 2 7/8" in frame depth. The 250 series and Impervias are 3 1/4". Wood windows, however, are much thicker at 4 9/16" being the most common size.
You don't want the windows to stick out past the trim (you want it to be as flush as possible). If you're going from a builder grade window to a 250 series, some drywall will likely need to be cutback in order to make this happen.
The opposite is true if you go from, say, wood windows down to fiberglass. In order to keep the windows flush on the outside, wood trim would need to be installed in the gap now left where the old window was and also painted.
How to Document Properly
This is a sample page of a window tracker form from Sierra Pacific. Use this form to write down all of the windows you'll be quoting. Some of this form is specific to wood windows, so you may not need quite all of the info on here, but make sure you get everything you need.
>>>Take good photos of every elevation where we can see every single window. Get the entire elevation in the shot so 1st and 2nd story can be seen as much as you're able to.
For each window you'll need to notate:
- The location
- Front, right, back, left
- 2nd floor, 1st floor, basement, etc.
- Top left window on the front elevation = F2.1
- Count from left to right (count all windows even if they're not part of the quote, but don't write the ones not doing down)
- If you have multiples of the exact same window on the same elevation and story, you can list them on the same line
- If you have the same exact window on 2 different floors, list them on separate lines, please
- Window style (XO slider, Single hung, etc.)
- X = operating sash, O = fixed sash
- Written down as viewed from the exterior
- Size in inches
- Width x height
- List leg height in the notes or style section
- Total quantity for each line
- Glass type and color if it's unique to that window
- Dual or triple pane
- 272 glass is standard Low-e
- 366 is a beneficial energy efficiency upgrade
- w/argon high altitude (Pella only)
- I89 coating (SP only and is in place of argon gas)
- Tempered? Bathrooms, basements at ground level or below, less than 18" from the ground, or next to a door
- Obscure? Frosted is most common. This can be per sash (for ex. lower sash only on hung window in bathroom)
- Some brands offer a sound control option
- Some offer a SunDefense option (Pella's name for it. Other brands call it something different)
- There are more options like breather tubes and spacers and glass thickness that's way more advanced
- Grid patterns
- Colonial is most common
- Can be per sash
- On an XOX window, list grid on the X and the O (the are likely different)
- A pattern that looks like a + sign would be listed as 1V1H (1 vertical, 1 horizontal grid)
- Some companies count the "lites". A 1V1H would be a 2x2. Use the V and H method, just mentioning the other method in case you run across it.
- There are different grid types (not patterns). GBG (grid between the glass) is most common. Grid type would be notated with the other window attributes.
- In the notes
- Internal blinds/shades could go here
- Notate labor items like standard blinds and furniture (this is for insurance claims)
- Anything else of concern
Window list on Drive and How to Get the Quote
Each of you have a folder on the Sky Manor Google Drive for windows/doors. It's preferable to keep a digital copy of your window lists in there.
There are templates for these (*Template window list). Make a copy of the list and rename it "(Last Name) window list". Enter the info from the written list onto the spreadsheet and share the link with me in JN once it's completed and ready for a quote.
If you do a very good job of notating your written list (ALL info is written down legibly), I may be okay with you sending your lists to Tara to input for you. I really want you guys more focused on selling and less on computer work. But, if she can't decipher your list, you'll have to do them (the digital lists) yourself.