Our Process...
If you’ve never commissioned this type of project before, the process can be daunting, and companies approach it in different ways. however, based on our 18 years of experience, here’s how Zilka Basement Windows do it.
Initial Survey
Once the appointment’s made, one of our senior team members will visit your home, talk over your immediate goals, and what you want to get from the project long-term. They’ll then survey the site with you, looking at the specific interior and exterior structural aspects of the job.
Our background in General Contracting, combined with our experience in Basement Egress Windows, allows us to spot potential challenges early and address them in advance, as we work through your project.
Our No-Charge, No Obligation Quote
Feel free to contact us for a no-charge, no-obligation quote which gives not only a full breakdown of work and materials, but also a guide and cost for alternative options; such as perhaps installing a separate basement entrance. We stand by our quotes and give you a fixed price, so there are no unexpected additional charges, and we fully guarantee all our work.
Handling Coding and Permits
While the subject of coding and permits surrounding Basement Egress Windows can appear challenging, we have managed thousands of successful projects and will happily handle that aspect fully, or guide you through the process, based on that experience.
Final Preparation
Before beginning, our selected installation crew reinspect the area, recheck all measurements, and seal off the interior to minimize any dust entering your home.
In effect, we create a bubble around the active work-space
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Additionally, we liaise with utility companies in advance to avoid any potential issues with their supply lines.
Hand Excavation
While many companies use back hoes to dig the required window well, we hand-excavate wherever possible. Not only does this approach preserve the integrity of your foundation, but doesn’t create as much unnecessary noise and dirt (or as many fumes, and caterpillar tracks through your yard).
Precision Concrete Cutting
We precision-cut the required opening using only Hydraulic-powered saws. Unlike gas-powered units, these cut much more accurately, ensuring a better finish, while being quieter on-site, and greatly reduce carbon monoxide emissions getting into your home, making it safer for family members and pets.
Responsible Removal and Recycling
From the Company’s beginnings, it has been our policy to be as ecologically responsible as possible. As soon as excavation and concrete cutting are complete, the resultant debris is removed from site, but rather than being dumped, we take it to an industrial recycling specialist, where the concrete is crushed, and repurposed as road surfacing, while the earth is sifted, graded and used as workable topsoil.
In addition, all salvageable windows removed are donated to Portland nonprofit, the ‘ReBuild Center’ where they can be used again in future housing projects.
Final Installation and Finishing
Once the new window is fitted, and signed off by one of our Senior Team Leads, the interior, and exterior of the property are finished to customer specification, and to our highest standards - our aim is to deliver an enhancement to your home, which blends with the original architectural design.
To ask about our no-cost, no-obligation quote, call 503 799 3831 or contact us here