Finish inside by caulking area of inside stop where it meets casing, and point where stop meets new frame. Fill nail holes in inside stops with caulk to hide nail heads. Now it's time to finish outside. A quality replacement window will either have a sloped frame to match slope sill, or it will come with an insert that fits under new frame to fill gap created by sloping wood sill. If you buy a lower grade window that doesn't come with anything to fill gap underneath, you can buy some wood trim to fill space, or you can get a flat vinyl trim that attaches to face of bottom of new frame. The flat trim is available on my website under "shop" tab. Once you cover bottom gap, it's time to caulk where outside blind stops meet vinyl frame, and where bottom gap filler meets wood sill.

That's it! You're done! You can buy accessories to cover your old wood sills with a vinyl wrap extrusion. That can also be found on website under "shop" tab. Next week we are going to start on replacing old aluminum windows.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978 To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978 To learn more, visit http://www.how-to-install-windows.com

A home owner can buy computer programs that will enable them to design their own deck. This can be daunting for those with very little experience but if you work at it you can have something that you can build with.

Building Codes and local by-laws

When building you deck it is important to work with your local building department. In most areas you will need to have your deck plan approved and a building permit issued before you can start construction.

Your local building department will likely look for following information.

•Overall deck size •Height off ground •Position relative to property lines •Size and location of framing •Species of wood being used •Soil type •Method of connecting framing

Once your local building department is satisfied your plans meet code and local bylaws. They will then issue you a building permit, likely for a fee.

At certain stages of construction you will need to get a building inspector to do a site inspection. You will likely be informed of these inspections when you building permit is issued.

Now it is time to start building your deck.