Trust me, you don't want to replace your old aluminum windows with new construction vinyl windows. You want to use either replacement frame like one used to replace wood sash windows, or something called a retrofit frame , that is popular in west where stucco is a common exterior. Since procedure for measuring is same regardless of frame style chosen, this article will discuss proper measuring procedure, and future articles will explain difference in installation process for replacement versus retrofit.

If you look at portion of aluminum frame that goes around window opening into your surrounding walls, you will see three separate "legs" that form two pockets. The outside leg and center leg form first pocket. Your screen and stationary panel will be in this pocket. The center leg and inside leg form second pocket, and your sliding panel is in that pocket. Find "leg" that is widest on all four sides. When measuring width, run your tape measure from widest leg on left to widest leg on right. This should be narrowest measurement. Then, subtract 3/8" from that measurement. This is width of replacement window. Measure height same way. When measuring height, measure as close to center of window as possible. This is especially important on windows wider than six feet, because top wood header has a tendency to sag over time, making center of opening narrowest. You don't need to deduct 3/8" from height like you did on width. 1/4" is fine. These are dimensions you use when ordering your vinyl window. If you have any picture windows(windows without a vent panel), there will only be two legs and one pocket. You still measure same way.

Next week i will discuss whether your home is a candidate for retrofit frames or replacement frames.

Some of most important areas to remember to vacuum are corners of walls (great hiding place for cobwebs), tops of your baseboards, picture frames, and window tracks.

I also use brush attachment to clean my electronics, like TV, stereo, and computers. Use brush attachment to dust all your furniture.

Clean Windows Now it is time to clean your windows. Clean windows (inside and out) again shows that you have maintained house well since you lived there. Inside house you can use diluted ammonia, and clean like you would normally. For outside it is a good idea to first use garden hose to clean outside of window and screen. Dirty screens are a no no. Next remove your screens so they can dry. To clean outside windows I use a squeegee. If you do not have one you will need to do one extra step. Using a squeegee, I get a bucket of warm water with dish soap in it. Use a rag like you would to wash your car, and wash window. After you scrub it use squeegee, and be sure to wipe blade dry after every swipe. Be sure to wipe edges of window with a different dry cloth than one you use to dry squeegee. This will ensure a perfectly clean window.

If you do not have a squeegee, then still wash window with warm soapy water. Dry off with a separate rag, and then use your diluted ammonia to clean window like you did inside house.

Now that your windows are clean remember to replace screens once they are dry.

Vacuuming your home Now that windows are clean, it is time to vacuum floor. Everyone loves to see vacuum marks on carpet. The best way to keep them in tact is to start vacuuming in opposite corner of door, so you can exit room without stepping on rest of carpet. This is hard to accomplish in a room like your living room, but do best you can.

Your house is now clean and organized, and almost ready to show.

Completing your work of art There are just a few more things to do before you show your house. First thing you will want to do is open your drapes and blinds, so there is a lot of light in house. Also turn on lights in every room, even if there is a window in that room. If you have ever been in a model home you will notice that they do this as well. Lots of light makes home more inviting and cheery. The final thing you will need to do morning you are showing your home is bake chocolate chip cookies. Remember you are painting a picture here, and sense of smell is closely tied to memory. "Oh ya house with cookies," it what buyers will remember.

You have now been armed with all tools and tips you need to make your home easiest to sell.