Published on: April 25, 2025
How to plan window replacement in residential properties with multiple units while addressing unique challenges for property owners. Tenants appreciate their privacy, and they don’t necessarily want contractors in and out of their homes. Some challenges that you’ll likely face with the project include:
All challenges and tenant concerns are something that you can address. Start communicating early with the tenant to ensure you have adequate time to clear up any questions or concerns they might have early before you have contractors scheduled to replace windows and a tenant saying they can’t come in.
As a property manager, you’re familiar with the fact that commercial projects have nuances compared to residential ones. If you’ve personally been through window replacement for your home, the process might look familiar. But be sure to add in these additional steps to interface with your tenants and ensure a smooth process.
Before you officially sign with a contractor, discuss what time of day they normally do installation or if there is any flexibility to that. Perhaps they have various teams that take differing shifts and would offer you more options to offer your tenants. Just be sure to note if rates are different for evening or weekend installation.
Check in on the lease agreements your tenants signed. This will tell you their legal rights during the project and any major considerations you should give attention to. Review state and local laws as well for these types of renovations when the space is renter-occupied. That way, you don’t start the project and then have a tenant challenge the terms and conditions of their lease.
Start discussing the project with your tenants to find the best time of day for the bulk of them. This will ensure fewer disruptions for your tenants and lead to greater satisfaction from everyone involved.
You won’t make everyone happy, but you can avoid massive disruptions, such as family gatherings or work-from-home schedules.
More than likely, your tenants have not been through this process. Make it clear what you expect of them in the way of clear access paths for the contractors to do their work.
Give as much notice and details as possible to put the renter at ease and allow them to make alternative plans for the day.
Avoid booking other projects or meetings during the window installation timeframe. This will help ensure you’re available to answer questions or defuse tense situations. You should be on-site throughout the project.
If possible, having you be the one knocking on doors to let the contractors in could help put the tenants at ease. Knowing that it isn’t some random contractors inside their home unattended might make them feel more comfortable.
If you’re still feeling uneasy about the window replacement project, focus on the positives. Remember why you’re replacing your multifamily residential building windows. Ultimately, the project will be well worth the time.
Upgrading your windows will lower your building’s environmental impact while making it more comfortable to be inside. That might mean your project qualifies for local incentives, making the project more affordable. Don’t miss out on incentives for energy efficiency while they last.
If you’ve been struggling to fill the multifamily building because it looks old and tired, new windows can breathe new life into it. Modern window designs can offer more natural light and give prospective tenants a more modern feel. They’ll then be more likely to sign the lease agreement.
The old windows on your building might no longer function the way they were designed to. Upgrading your windows ensures that they remain adjustable and functional.
Depending on the unit types and how many floors your windows serve, the windows might be designed to open. But over the years with heavy use, the windows no longer slide or crank open. New windows will restore the tenants’ option for fresh air inside their units.
Safety features, such as locks, can also wear out with time. Allowing your tenants to securely lock their windows will give them greater peace of mind while also reducing your liability as the building owner or property manager.
How to plan window replacement in multifamily buildings, especially if it’s your first experience with a commercial window replacement project. Find tips for selecting the best multifamily replacement windows that will last for many decades to come.
The first step is choosing the window materials. Commonly for commercial residential buildings, that means vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass. You might also see wood as an option, but building owners don’t often use this material since it requires so much maintenance and accessing the inside part of the window to paint or seal it is complex unless your units see a great deal of turnover.
For those reasons, vinyl is often the go-to for window replacement. They are cost-effective and low maintenance. You won’t have to worry about the windows warping, fading or rotting. And vinyl windows offer some of the greatest diversity in appearance and finishing options to help you get the look and functionality you want.
Once you’ve selected the window materials, you need to look at the glass type that will best serve you. Consider whether double-pane or triple-pane will best serve you. While triple-pane offers the greatest reduction in heat transfer, it is also quite pricey and you likely won’t get that extra investment back in lower energy bills over the life of the window.
Finally, pick the Low-E coating that matches your budget and energy-efficiency expectations. This will help you get the most from the window.
The contractor that you select for your multifamily window replacement project can make all the difference. 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing has experience with multifamily projects and can help you prepare for a successful project. We’ll guide you through the nuances and what to expect on your way to a transformative project.
Schedule your free estimate now to learn more.
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