When it comes to home renovations, most people’s minds go to glamorous updates like kitchen and bathroom remodels, but ignore updates essential to the home’s looks and efficiency. Replacement windows are the unsung hero of home renovations, and in this blog we will provide 5 reasons why replacement windows should be your next home renovation project.
Have your utility bills been high recently? Are your friends shocked when they hear what you are paying for your electric or gas bill? Replacing the outdated single-pane windows in your home with energy efficient windows could be the solution to your problems. The US Department of Energy states that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling use. They also state that homeowners will save between $125 and $465 by replacing single-pane windows with energy efficient windows.
At E&E our thorough installation process seals all potential draft points and keeps our customers’ homes fully insulated.
Some homeowners may balk at window replacement cost, but the increase in home value can greatly offset the initial investment. Most homeowners can expect to see an 85% return on their investment when they choose to update their windows. That means if the vinyl window replacement costs $10,000, they can expect their home value to increase by $8,500.
This increase in value along with the monthly savings on your utility bill can cover a large percentage of the cost, and even allow the windows to pay for themselves.
Replacement windows can also decrease the amount of outside noise coming into your home.
Most homeowners report a 65%-85% decrease in exterior noise when vinyl replacement windows are installed.
At E&E Contracting we use Provia Windows, and their website states how much quieter houses can become after window replacement. Your home should be a quiet refuge, and vinyl replacement windows can help you achieve that.
Replacement windows can also allow you to get creative and improve the aesthetics of your home. Many homeowners update their paint and trim color before the windows are replaced, leaving mismatched colors. Vinyl replacement windows are available in dozens of colors to accent your home’s color scheme perfectly, and you can also get creative with different pane styles.
Many of the homeowners we work with also update their window trim during the window replacement process. Windows are often a focal point of the home, and a window replacement offers homeowners the opportunity to give their exterior a facelift at a lower cost than most other exterior projects. Check out our process and some example projects on our website.
Modern replacement windows go above and beyond the aesthetics and efficiency of your home and can provide a safer and more secure environment for your families. The FBI reports that there were over a million burglaries in 2019, 25% of which were accomplished through windows. As you are searching for your replacement windows be sure to pay attention to the different options and safety specifications for each brand you consider.
Impact resistant windows are designed to reduce the likelihood of being breached by a forceful impact. Impact resistant windows are reinforced by a layer of polyvinyl butyral, resulting in a strong laminated glass product that can withstand impacts that would normally break through into your home. The window is further reinforced with a layer of tempered glass that is 4-5 times stronger than traditional window glass.
This window upgrade is very popular in hurricane intensive areas, but has become increasingly popular for burglary prevention. When the window is hit with a forceful impact the outer layer breaks into small circular pieces to reveal the laminate portion of the window that still protects your home.
Casement windows are hinged at the side of the window frame and swing open with the turn of a handle. They have hand operated hook shaped locks that are a core component of the window frame, making them extremely difficult to break.
At E&E Contracting, we work with top window manufacturers to ensure that our replacement windows satisfy all the needs of our customers. Contact us today for a complimentary replacement window quote!
What precisely constitutes a “modern” style? Great question! Because this architectural style is currently the most recent one to evolve, there remains no official consensus about what type of design features solidify this trend. Despite this, three approaches are typically cited as the top current styles attributed to modern or contemporary categories: Miesian Modern, International Modern and Industrial Modern.
If texture is something that is important to you, for instance, Industrial styles will make a perfect fit, as they emphasize materials such as corrugated metals and exposed wood panels. The so-called “machine-like” forms typical of International styles, on the other hand, embrace function over aesthetic. Lastly, the Miesian Modern highlights floor-to-ceiling windows, with steel support structures and beams being drawn to the fore.
How to create a modern feel with doors and windows? In reality, the possibilities are endless! As mentioned, modern styles highlight the role of large, open spaces that permit for breathing room and seemingly unlimited storage. Similarly, double-hung and casement window styles tend to be used in modern-themed decor more often than others. The latter of these are issued in fiberglass, wood, and vinyl, and feature a side-hinge that swings outward. Bow or bay windows are also frequently used to open up additional sources of natural light and ventilation.
A good rule of thumb for replacement windows and doors inspired by a modern feel is “let there be light!”, as this is a central feature of this architectural style. Creating puzzle-like patterns with floor-to-ceiling windows, for example, is popular and typically used when designing new homes with this vibe.
You may not think a simple doorway can “scream modern”, but you should reconsider that notion! In addition to pairing your doors with large, open window panels, you can consider the texture and color of the door to embrace the modern look. Metallic colors, for example, have recently increased in popularity and are frequently used in the design of new residential and commercial buildings.
Similarly, retro themed pops of color such as bright red, sea green and banana yellow are also easy ways to convert your boring door into a fabulous contemporary one. For something new, try the jungle tones that have been taken from natural sources of beauty such as coral reefs, the sea and earthy forests.
Now that you understand some of the basics surrounding the modern and contemporary styles, we couldn’t be happier to assist you with the selection of your window and door replacements. Understand our window and door installation financing options, or ask about our delivery process. Regardless of your needs or style preferences, we can help you arrive at the right solutions for you.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch with a professional today for a complimentary estimate. We can’t wait to help you convert your current house into a fresh, modern version this season!
Whether you are a longtime or brand-new homeowner, you’re probably equally invested in making sure your home portrays your unique style choices both inside and outside. What better way to boost your home’s curb appeal this fall season, than by complimenting the addition of gourds, scarecrows, and autumn colors with a new or retouched front door? Your entrance way is a great way to add character into your home. Read on to learn how to decide if it is time for a repair, retouched, or new doorway!
If you think about your front door like a piece of art, imagine the collage photo you could make of your entryway over the years, as you opt for different colors to suit the seasons! Why not have fun exploring the rainbow, albeit, in the confines of your doorway? Brighten up the neighborhood mood with a charming canary yellow, or stand out with a deep blue to drive home Victorian revival color schemes.
Word to the wise: don’t forget that half of the secret of a quality paint job is the preparation you put in before coating with product! You should be sure to sand down rough areas, and remove damaged paint before applying additional coats. Also be sure to obtain enough depending on the color, if more than one coat will be needed. You may also take the opportunity to match your shutters, especially if the last time you invested in those was at the same time as your door.
Talk about one do-it-yourself home project you can tackle in a morning or afternoon before the kids or your spouse get home. Although it will require a bit of elbow grease, replacing old and worn front door hardware is another simple way to put a new spin on your old front door.
One trick of the trade is being willing to seek out and stock hardware from Good Will or reuse stores, which often provide quality items if you are willing to look through items in true flea market fashion. For those who know what they want, you can employ websites online for specialty items, or seek out products personally at your local home repair store.
Similar to the rest of your door, you can also decorate or re-fashion hardware to match your style by using different sealers, paints or finishes (be sure to match the type of product you use with the material).
Sometimes all a door needs is a little TLC to come back to life – but sometimes a door is just too old and tired to spruce up. Over years of use and exposure to the elements, some doors are just too far gone to repair. And let’s face it, some of us just don’t have the time to invest in that kind of home repair right now. For situations like this, just replacing your door might save you a lot of hassle.
Whether you are looking for a selection that offers ample sunlight through large, paneled windows, or solid, sturdy options intended to provide additional privacy and security, we have a model for you.
What’s even better than a large selection of designer models? Customizing an entryway to fit your unique personality, preference and style. We can work with any shape, size or style specifications that you can think of.
Have you decided a new entryway is in the cards this fall? If so, visit our project example gallery to learn more about how our window and door options can add to the elegance of your property while making it memorable at every glance.
We are happy to help you select the perfect replacement windows or doors, as well, and offer a wide variety of manufacturers, materials and styles to suit your preferences. Put our field-tested knowledge to work for you today! Learn how to contact us below.