Once you determine that it's going to fit, remove new window and set it aside. Run a bead of caulk on face of outside blind stops. White latex painters caulk works fine. Raise window into position again. Now have your helper hold window in position while you raise and lower sashes, making certain that window is square in opening. Remember how you ordered windows 3/16"- 1/4" shorter than tightest measurement? This is where you use this space to adjust frame to be most plumb and level. Get a box of popsicle sticks and wood coffee stirrers at grocery store. The coffee stirrers are about 1/16" thick, and popsicle sticks are approximately twice as thick. You want to put shims in four corners. Then caulk gap on both sides and along top before installing inside stops. I don't recommend putting any screws in sides, but you can put one screw in top center and one in bottom center. You really dont have to use any screws in this kind of installation, since shims will eliminate any side play, and caulk on blind stops will hold frame in place as well. Remember, we still need to re-install inside stops.

As homeowner it is up to you to make initial decision about your decks look and feel. Only you know what you know what you want from your deck. It is likely that you want to entertain on it, barbeque on it even have a hot tub.

Make a list of features you want.

•Barbeque •Patio table •Hot tub •Planter boxes

Knowing what you plan to put on deck will help you determine size of deck you need.

Magazines are also great place to look for ideas. Cut out pictures of railings, decking material, lights or patio seats. Keep all pictures. Once you have a few variations of different components you can narrow down your choices.

Books are also a great resource. Books will usually have a series of deck projects that you can follow along. Some are plan books that contain a series of plans. Any generic plan will need to be brought to local codes.

Drive around new subdivisions and see what is being built. If anything, this will give you a bit of an idea on framing of deck.

Watch home improvement shows on TV to see what new trends are. You can also get a list of good websites that can provide information about new products.

The availability of materials will also be a factor in what you use to build your deck. Using materials that are native to your area will be less expensive then if you have to special order materials.