Windows of varying shapes and sizes will be present within all modern homes. They serve a variety of functions, from adding an extra level of insulation to a property, all the way to promoting ventilation and light. Even with their varied functionality, they are still made of glass and when accidents happen, they can sometimes suffer with damage.

That’s where window fitters come in handy and understanding the unique types of services provided by a glazier can go a long way. Here’s a closer look at what these experts can do to help.

Window installation

If there’s one thing that glaziers are recognised for, it’s their ability to install windows. Single panels and double glazed windows are a simple task for these professionals to take care of – in fact most will have the equipment and facilities to take care of an installation in less than a day. Even larger houses could be enjoying a brand new set of windows in the space of a couple of days.

Glass maintenance

Even if there isn’t a sign of damage, there’s really no harm in having an expert stop by to check the condition of panels and frames every so often. Professionals recommend a yearly check-up (more so if temperatures are extreme in your area). If any issues are spotted, they can often be dealt with immediately.

Glass repair

The thing with glass is that it can suffer damage in a variety of ways; with a range of consequences. If glass blows (usually the case with double glazing as opposed to singular panes), then the only option will be to replace a layer entirely. For chips, cracks and splits however, a good glazier will be able to inject a resin formula that can help to reinforce the structure and return the pane to a functional state.

Window replacement

There might be times where the damage to a pane of glass is too severe, or when a home owner simply wants their old panels removed in favour of an upgraded set. Glaziers specialise in window replacement and many will even offer to dispose of the unwanted panels as well. Doing so improperly can be risky, so it’s always worth taking an expert up on their offer – especially if they won’t charge extra for doing so.

Frame repair

One of the most commonly overlooked features of a glazier is their ability to address frames, as well as windows. A good pane of glass will only last as long as its surrounding structure, so hiring a glazier to take care of a damaged frame can make a lot of difference. Most frames can be repaired easily, but for those that are badly damaged it might be a better option to have it replaced entirely.

Maintaining insulation

Even the newest windows will soon start to become a nuisance if their rubber insulation layer starts to come loose, or breaks away. All modern windows are fitted with rubber inserts and not only can these help with structural integrity; they are also there to restrict the flow of cold air. If the layer starts to wear away, it’s well worth calling a glazier to take care of the maintenance.

With mortgage applications being an option for all adults over the age of 21, banks and lenders often receive thousands of submissions each year. Due to budgets, restrictions and policies many financial institutes are forced to reject potential borrowers and not only can this be quite upsetting to experience; it can also affect the applicant’s credit report, too.

As a result, many borrowers are turning to effective resources in the hope of maximising their chances at success. The truth is that as long as an applicant can demonstrate that their earnings can cover the cost of a home loan, then a bank will consider them – but there are other things that can be done to help with the process.

Some prefer to hire mortgage brokers and over the past decade, these financial experts have helped hundreds of borrowers to receive approval on their loan applications (not to mention being able to help them to find the best deal in the process). There’s another particularly effective resource that can be overlooked however, but when used properly, it can help to work out budgets and spending potential – both of which can be great benefits when applying for a mortgage in Australia.

But what is this resource? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that they are free to use and readily available online; and they are even used by banks.

A mortgage lending calculator is fairly simple in nature and they can be invaluable where a loan application is concerned

How do these tools work?

If there’s one thing that most borrowers will want to know before they even approach a possible lender, it’s how much they can afford to borrow. Calculators can help to work this out by allowing a user to include information relating to the amount that they had in mind, their deposit, the current interest rates and the frequency of their repayments.

Once this data has been submitted, the user will be presented with a sum and it’s this amount that will need to be repaid each week, fortnight, or month (depending on payment frequency).

If the sum is too high, then the user can simply go back to the calculator, enter a different amount to be borrowed and then work out what the costs will be. Likewise, if the borrower can easily afford the sum presented, then they might want to apply for more in order to purchase a larger or nicer property. The calculator can still help until the ideal sum is calculated.

This amount will be accurate as long as the interest rate provided is precise. As these rates are prone to fluctuation (unless a fixed rate mortgage is applied for) it can be a good idea to return to the calculator often, as they do change. Alternatively, a borrower can estimate their own rates and include higher or lower ones – just to give them a better idea of what they can expect to repay.

Once the right amount has been ascertained the next step is to approach a lender, or hire a mortgage broker to do so on behalf of the client. With the right numbers in mind, the right loan can be applied for and the borrower will be in a much better position to demonstrate that they will be able to repay what they are provided, with interest.