Windows are important features of Twin Cities homes, and choosing a window type that suits your home from both the inside and outside should be done mindfully. If you’re hiring a window replacement contractor to replace your windows, consider picture windows as an option. Picture windows are large, wide, and stationary windows that provide expansive views of the outdoors. Unlike many window types, picture windows don’t open and close, but they can be purchased in various designs, colors, and materials.
Characteristics of Picture Windows
Improved Natural Lighting – Your contractor may recommend installing picture windows if you require additional lighting but don’t want to purchase more lighting fixtures. Taking advantage of natural light during the day can improve your mood and sleep, so spending time in front of a picture window benefits your health.
Energy Efficiency – Picture windows can’t be opened or closed, so you don’t have to worry about the loss of heat or air conditioning. Additionally, they allow more light and heat to enter your home during cold months, limiting your energy usage.
Easy and Cheap Maintenance – Because picture windows are immobile, they don’t have any moving parts that need to be replaced, and they’re easy to clean.
Picturesque Views – Many homeowners hire a contractor to install picture windows because they provide glimpses of the outdoors without any exposure to the elements. If you take pride in your landscaping and wish to admire it from indoors, picture windows will satisfy this request.
Lack of Ventilation – Although the stationary design of picture windows is beneficial in several ways, it is also a disadvantage if you want your windows to offer extra ventilation in your home.
If you think that a picture window would suit a particular room in your Twin Cities home, contact Superior Windows & Doors, an experienced contractor, for a window installation.
Every Twin Cities homeowner is striving for ultimate energy efficiency and cost savings on their utility bills. Hiring a remodeling company to perform a window replacement could do just that if you choose double glazed windows.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 25% of the average American’s annual heating and cooling costs is attributed to energy loss through windows, so making sure that a handymaninstalls an energy-efficient window type and that you are maintaining the condition of the windows is crucial.
What Are Double Glazed Windows?
Double glazed (or double pane) windows involve multiple glass panes. Within the panes is a layer of gas, and once the unit is sealed, it is airtight. Their use is becoming more common because of their energy-saving qualities, and hiring a handymanto install double glazed windows with a 10 to 20 mm space in between the panes is recommended for maximum energy efficiency.
Advantages of Double Glazed Windows
They can decrease energy utilization up to 18% in warm climates and 24% in cool climates.
The multiple panes are more durable than a single pane, adding more protection against break-ins.
More high-quality models can give you energy savings of up to 50%.
The sealed air gap between the panes serves as an additional layer of insulation and thermal resistance.
The increased insulation of the panes allows you to use your heating and cooling systems less because maintaining the desired temperature of your home during warm and cool months is easier.
They limit the amount of solar heat and light entering your home, preventing the fading of carpet, paintings, and furniture.
They reduce the transfer of noise from indoors to outdoors and vice versa.
The inside pane remains at room temperature, preventing the formation of condensation and the growth of mold and mildew.
Because of their many benefits, they increase your home’s property value.
If you are trying to limit your household’s energy usage and would like to see the number on your energy bill decrease, contact Superior Windows & Doors, and an experienced Twin Cities handyman will help you choose the best double glazed windows for your home.
Damages to your Dellwood roof can have many causes. Some of the causes of roof damage are connected to the type of roof you have. Whether you are trying to protect and extend the life of an existing roof or you want to protect a new roof, here are some of the main causes of Dellwood roof damage. If the damage is extensive alway opt for a professional Dellwood roof repair specialist to come out to your home and asses the damage. They are experts in knowing how extreme the damage is and will be able to give you cost estimates, damage information and roof repair recommendations.
1. Poor Maintenance. It is important to regularly inspect your Dellwood roof for small problems and damages and immediately make repairs. This is especially true if your roof has little or no slope. Regular inspection and maintenance will prevent small minor damage from becoming a major problem or leak.
2. Wind Damage. Over time any wind can loosen nails in roofing materials. When this happens, a moderate wind can damage the roof. Strong winds and flying debris can also damage a roof, often removing some or all of the roofing material. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to check the roofing and the insulation regularly to be sure it is securely attached to the roof deck. You should also have a secure perimeter fastener.
3. Other Weather Damage. Most roofing materials can be damaged over time by exposure to various weather conditions. If you live in an area likely to see large snow accumulations, you need to be sure the roof is adequately supported against the weight of the snow and properly sloped so the snow will not stay on the roof any longer than necessary. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you should know that hail can cause serious roof damage, and you should carefully inspect your roof after every hailstorm. The sun, pollutants in the air and other chemicals in the air or in the rain can also damage roofing materials. Inspection and repair of minor damages can prevent big trouble.
4. Problems with Flashing. Because the purpose of flashing is to create a water-tight boundary between roof sections, between roofing materials and other parts of the house and between roofing materials and roof projections, problems with flashing often cause leaks. These leaks can damage the field of the roof as well as the interior of the house. Flashing problems usually happen because of either design or installation errors. Some flashing problems can also result from wind damage. Regular inspection of all types of flashing in all parts of the roof can catch problems early and correct them before there are major leaks.
Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent Dellwood roofing repairs can help you avoid major damage and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.
Last week a visitor to my site asked me about the best way to insulate around a replacement window. A few days later I got the same question so I decided to compile my response into an article below.
There are two main types of insulation are used when insulating around replacement window. Many contractors use fiberglass. There is spray foam that gives the highest R value; this is one of the best insulation you can use around a replacement window.
Fiberglass usually ends up not giving much insulation because it is put in to thick, or it is put in to thin and either way does not give proper air flow.
Air leaks may be present around replacement windows even if they seem to be working properly. The air leaks might be caused by not having enough insulation between the interior and the window frame.
What you need to do here is to take the trim off of the window carefully using a large putty knife – this will expose the frame. Then fill in the gaps in insulation with foam, which will seal around the window.
You can buy a kit from your home improvement center to do this with or order one from the internet, however, make sure the foam is for around windows. Foams made of HFC or propane propellants are excellent choices; do not use one that has bleach in it. If you are using expanding foam make sure you do not overdo it or you can be in real trouble if it expands too much. Replace trim.
If you are insulating the replacement window from scratch, put your fiberglass around it and then spray it with the spray foam. In my view this is the best way to insulate around a replacement window. However do take the time to check out some other reliable sources online.
In order to make better use of your kitchen floor space, you need to put up the maximum amount of counters. Plan your design with deeper counters to cover as much of the area not occupied with appliances with counter space if the difference in floor space is a matter of a few square feet.
Squeeze as many cabinets into your design as possible. Deep cabinets that can hold plates should be located near the dishwasher, and large cabinets with slide-out drawers should be placed near the oven.
Another space-saving device is to include built-in facilities. You can have built-in ovens, microwaves and storage for small appliances. This will make your kitchen appear less cluttered. Built-in storage for foods like potatoes and onions and bread storage cabinets will also give the kitchen a cleaner look. You can also opt for waist-high, sliding shelves that hold mixers and toasters. Your small appliances can remain hidden in these shelves and still be easily accessible.
If there is no room for a pantry in your kitchen, consider converting a closet outside the kitchen area to store your cutlery, pots and infrequently used items. You can also include rollout pantries that can be pulled out to view the items you have, but rolled back into a space.
Choose a large sink. It will be easier for you to clean bigger pots and pans. Moreover, a large sink is a great place to stash your dirty pots. A large sink can also serve as a utility sink, too.
You can increase the efficiency of your small kitchen by putting a wire basket on the inside the cabinet or under the sink to hold trash bags and other frequently used items. You can mount an instant hot water heater on the sink to replace the sprayer or soap.
A tile back splash on all the walls above the counters, stove and sink make the kitchen easier to clean.
Windows in Twin Cities homes not only have a utilitarian purpose but also serve as an expression of our tastes and our living styles. This is the reason why so many homeowners pay particular attention to getting the exact replacement window that will best complement their homes. This article provides you with useful information on the variables to consider before selecting a replacement window.
Retrofit Vs New Construction: Both have their merits and which is right for you will depend on the nature of your project. The cost of installing a retrofit window is approximately half that of a new construction window. In retrofitting, an existing square frame (window opening) is used for installation and the existing window trims are usually left untouched. New construction windows are either nailed or screwed as a unit to the wall’s structural framing after removal of interior and exterior trims. Retrofits are advisable for houses with a stucco exterior and substantial trims around the windows. If done right, a retrofit will provide as good a seal as a new construction.
Vinyl Replacement Windows
The most popular option, more durable than aluminum and wood , resistant to corrosion, swelling, and peeling, reduced energy bills due to good insulation properties of vinyl, medium to high R-value, low maintenance, competitive pricing, moldable into a variety of shapes, resistant to scratches, fits well with most structural designs, covers a wide range of prices. Disadvantages of vinyl windows include its properties change with temperature, repainting is not recommended, needs to be shielded from very high temperatures, since vinyl is extruded, it not as easy to shape as aluminum.
Double Pane Windows
These windows have two sheets of glass separated by a gap of one half to one inch that contains either air or an insulating inert gas, such as argon.. These windows have a low U-value of approximately 0.5, which means enhanced insulating properties and greater energy savings.
Triple Pane Windows
Three sheets of glass with layers of insulating gas between them makes these windows the most energy efficient. However, their cost and difficulty in installation due to their weight are a drawback. With two layers of air / gas, the chances of a failure of the insulating seal are higher.
Low Emissivity Windows
These windows have a coating that reduces the heat loss due to radiation by 40% to 70% but allows the light to pass. Thus, low-e windows have better insulation properties. Application of low-e coating can reduce the emmisivity of clear glass from 0.85 to 0.15. Double pane windows with a low-e coating offer similar insulation as a triple pane window but without the increase in weight. How to find the right contractor?: The right replacement window contractor can install your new windows at a reasonable costs and in a timely fashion. Credibility and reliability are important.
Lucky are those who already have their own homes because they can consider them as investments. No matter how old the home is, there is always an option and an opportunity to make the home as good as new. This can be done by introducing changes in the home design or in the home facade or color.
Some people renovate their homes because they have lived there for several years already and they have gone tired of the look of their homes. Of course, there are people who renovate their homes with the view of reselling them at higher prices.
Owning a property or a home can be very useful not only as a dwelling place for the owner and his family. Some people who have extra money invest in foreclosed homes and either live in them or remodel them for a higher resale price. Buying and remodeling homes is starting to become a very good business provided the investor has a keen eye for good locations or areas.
Some people who have owned their homes for several years already get tired of the design and the aesthetics of their homes that they resort to remodeling their homes. In most cases, the homeowner who sets out to remodel his own is always on a tight budget.
Remodeling a home is not an easy task and it is very demanding. Remodeling a home is just like constructing your home all over again but this time, it can prove more difficult because there is already an existing structure. Building a new home is said to be easier since it is like drawing on a blank canvas and any idea is possible. Remodeling an already existing home can be more challenging because the designer has to contend with an existing structure.
While home remodeling can add up to the resale value of a home, it can also lower the price and sometimes lessen the chances of the home being resold. This happens when remodeling mistakes are committed, destroying the aesthetic and functional aspects of the home.
Any homeowner planning to remodel his home should watch out for these 5 remodeling mistakes that have been committed by other people over and over again. These may be simple mistakes but they can ruin the home value so it is recommended that every homeowner be aware of these mistakes.
1. Starting a home remodeling project without considering and estimating the costs involved
– Every homeowner who is planning to remodel his home should first take into consideration his financial capacity. Home remodeling can cost more considering the high prices of construction materials today. Prices of cement, paint, and other materials to be used in the home remodeling should be checked first before touching or destroying any part of the home. The homeowner should be prepared to invest money in home remodeling and finish the remodeling project. Or else, he can end up with a debased or devalued home instead of having its price or value improved.
2. Implementing piece meal remodeling projects without creating a remodeling plan
– This is one of the most common mistakes committed by most homeowners. There are times when a homeowner notices the faded paint of a room, or the damaged blocks in a certain part of a home. Then and there, he decides to have the room or that part destroyed as he wants to convert it into a lanai. He contacts a builder to destroy the room and when the job is finished, he finds out that turning the room or area into a lanai can cause problems in the overall structure of the house.
By failing to create a remodeling plan, the homeowner has just destroyed a still- useful room and expended money in the process. He now has to spend more
3. Selecting a contractor and starting the remodeling project without researching on the reputation of such contractor
– Any homeowner who hires a contractor should make sure he gets referrals for the contractor. If not, he should check on the background and work ethics of the contractor to make sure that he gets his remodeling project done quickly and efficiently. There are homeowners who are so excited about their home remodeling project that they commit the mistake of hiring a contractor without knowing his background. This can cost the homeowner a lot in terms of time and money especially if the contractor produces inferior work or leaves the work without finishing the remodeling project.
4. Embarking on a very expensive and impractical remodeling project making it impossible to resell the house at a profit
– Some homeowners become overzealous when starting a home remodeling project that they commit the mistake of spending more on the remodeling project than what is reasonable. Sometimes the expenses for the remodeling project becomes too much that the owner can no longer resell at a price within the range of the real estate rates in the community. Of course, if the home is an inherited home and the homeowner intends to preserve the home to his family for a long time, then such expenses may be justified.
5. Veering away from classic design and turning to color and design trends when remodeling a home
– It is always good to keep up with the times especially when remodeling a home but following the trend too much can cost the homeowner in the end. Classic home designs are still the ideal for home remodeling projects because such designs never go out of style. Following a certain color trend or design that will last only for one or two years will require another home renovation project when the trend has passed.
The goal of home remodeling will always be to improve the value of the home for whatever purpose. To achieve this goal, homeowners should consider the 5 common home remodeling mistakes and avoid them at all cost.
Home remodeling in Twin Cities is thriving. Maybe it’s because old houses are starting to need the tender love and care that owners have been conveniently harboring for other matters, maybe it’s because the baby boomers are finally starting to settle down and make comfortable and livable niches for themselves, maybe it’s because peer pressure and shiny ads have finally gotten to everyone, all at once. No one is sure – all we know is that home remodeling is hot.
Home remodeling has the obvious advantages of transforming your space into your space, customizing and designing it according to your individual needs and wants. It also updates outdated and outmoded appliances, structures and designs and can add usable space in your house. The comfort and pleasure you get from your newly renovated space is an obvious plus.
But remodeling has another, equally important advantage – it increases the value of your home. Whether you plan to move out soon or stay put for a good long time, it’s worthwhile to consider what influence the remodeling job you are planning will have on the value of your home.
Certain remodeling projects are more likely to recoup your costs for you when you sell your home. For example, both a minor kitchen remodel and siding replacement recoup a national average of 93% upon sale. A mid range bathroom remodel recoups 90% and a mid range bathroom addition recoups 86%. A basement remodel recoups about 79%.
The above numbers are very loose suggestions for what you will gain back upon the sale of your house and there are many factors that contribute to how your particular remodeling project will account in the sale of your home.
For example, the national average does not reflect local economies and house markets. A stagnant local economy has led to homeowners recovering an average of 65% of money spent on remodeling projects while in some economically active areas homeowners recoup an average of 109%. People tend to make more of their money back if they wait longer to sell after the remodel job. By the same token, don’t wait too long as the remodeling job will wear out and have to be redone.
If you are remodeling in order to increase the comfort and usability of your home then you are probably going to pick areas that need attention, which may or may not be the areas that tend to be most profitable in the house market. However, the following are some suggestions that may help you recoup the maximum possible when you remodel your home.
First, if you are still deciding what project to do, think about the fact the some projects consistently recoup more money, kitchens and bathrooms topping the list without fail. On the other hand, pools and decks tend to make back least. There are some geographical variations – decks built in areas down south will recoup more than those built in the northeast, for example.
Second, low priced projects usually have a higher cost recovery than more expensive, more upscale remodeling jobs. People are willing to pay for something that increases the quality of the space in their potential new house, but they do not want to pay for lavish renovations that you splurged on, especially if they wouldn’t have done it themselves. A mere facelift in a kitchen will probably pay back more than a complete redesign. This tends to vary by neighborhood and can depend on the prices of the homes in the neighborhood.
Either way, if you want to make your money back upon sale, do not remodel to make your house the most expensive in the neighborhood. Although this will certainly attract people to the house, not many will be willing to pay the price. If someone is willing to pay more than what the majority of the houses in the neighborhood are worth, chances are they will just look for a home in a different, more expensive area.
And lastly (this is always the most sensitive point), be wise with your designs. If you know that you are planning to sell, try to stick to neutral, sellable designs. Neutral designs are easier to market and people tend to prefer them because they are easier to modify to personal style. When people buy a home they want to make it theirs without, for example, a rhinestone fireplace or intricate designs making them feel like strangers in someone else’s quarters. If you feel like neutral designs would really stifle your style and make you feel like a stranger in someone else’s abode while you live there, try decorating using techniques that are easily altered, like wall colors that you can quickly repaint when you begin the process of selling.
Be wise with the remodeling choices you make and research them before you jump into demolition or buy matching grout for seven rooms. Each area is different and this could work out either well or poorly for you. With some quick investigating you can decide which remodeling project is most appropriate and how to go about it in the best way.
And remember, there’s a good amount of value in your enjoying your renovations as well. This can’t be measured in dollar amounts, but isn’t that true for all of the most valuable things?
When a home buyer is looking at properties to build a home on, they might find bargain prices on land that already has a home on it. Some of these homes are foreclosures which will need some remodeling done because they have been neglected when they were occupied, but for a lower purchase price the home buyers will make a good offer.
The home remodeling projects for new homeowners will start out with those that make the house livable. Home buyers will typically start by doing a home remodeling job that includes replacing the bathroom fixtures and some of the pipes used for plumbing waste to the street where the City sewage lines meet up with it.
Then a new home buyer will typically inspect the roof and determine if a home remodeling project is needed to replace a few tiles, or if the entire roof will need to be installed. For this remodeling project they will typically hire a professional roofing company to do the job at a good price. The homeowner will not go for the latest designer trends but install roofing that is functional and keeps the rain out.
A new home buyer will most assuredly replace all of the carpeting in the home. This is more of a visual improvement but one that makes the home seem more cozy and comfortable. The new home owner might consider splurging on this home remodeling project by adding thicker foam underneath the new carpeting. They might choose to add different colors of carpeting in the den and in the formal dining room.
A home remodeling job is never complete without a fresh coat of paint being applied to the entire house. Some rooms might require an undercoat to hide darker paints but these color blocking applications might be too expensive to use throughout the entire house. Some walls might require a totally different approach when a wallpaper remodeling project is planned for one or two rooms in the house.
Some of the home remodeling projects might need the help of a licensed electrician. Older homes have wiring that is not currently up to the latest electrical codes and a homeowner will typically have the home inspected before any type of remodeling is done. This expense of having the house rewired throughout might delay other home remodeling projects that were planned for the house.
Even with the cost of home remodeling, a home buyer can reap a good return on their investment after years of occupying the house. The updates in the electrical systems will help reduce the electrical costs to cool and heat the home. Some people live for years in a home before further remodeling efforts are planned and in that time they save money for the other remodeling plans on the drawing board.
Considering how important your roof is to the structural integrity of your Twin Cities home , it is a good idea to get up there and check on it on a regular basis. A good roof should keep out water and drafts, keep warmth in, stay on in a bad storm, and ideally, look good.
Even minor leaks can cause major damage if they go unnoticed. If a leak develops, it should be immediately patched, and plans made for a completely new roof. After all, where there’s one worn out spot, chances are there’ll soon be another. If your roof is nearing the end of its warranty, you might consider replacing it before a leak develops. This way you avoid any risk of damage to the frame, insulation, or any interior parts of your roof.
With so many roofing options, choosing the right one for your Twin Cities home can be difficult. Here are a few options available, and an explanation of their pros and cons.
Asphalt shingle is a readily available and relatively inexpensive roofing option, and consequently the most popular. There are two types of asphalt shingles, one made of glass fiber coated in asphalt, and the asphalt saturated, felted paper variety, also known as organic shingles. The organic variety tend to be heavier due to a higher asphalt content, making them useful in areas of strong winds. Both varieties have a top coating of ceramic granules which not only give them an attractive finish, but protects the asphalt from UV rays. Asphalt shingles are estimated to last about 15-20 years. The glass fiber variety tends to be cheaper. As for which is better, that really depends on your needs.
Ceramic tiles, those made of fired clay. Before asphalt shingles became widely available, ceramic tiles were very popular for sloped roofs, especially in Europe. One major advantage is they are fire-proof. Another is that the water collected off a ceramic roof is drinkable-ceramic does not leach petroleum toxins into the water like asphalt shingles do. They are also heavy, which can be a pro or con, depending on the structure of your Twin Cities home and the weather in your area. Heavy roofing material requires a strong frame and especially strong cross-beams, but it is more likely to stay in place during strong winds.
If they are high quality, ceramic tiles can last 50 to 70 years, so although they are more expensive than asphalt, they are often worth the investment. However, poorly made tiles with inconsistent enamel finishes can deteriorate far sooner, so if you are going to invest in ceramic tile, invest in the best.
Asphalt and ceramic shingle are just a couple of options for a new roof.
Windows are important features of Twin Cities homes, and choosing a window type that suits your home from both the inside and outside should be done mindfully. If you’re hiring a window replacement contractor to replace your windows, consider picture windows as an option. Picture windows are large, wide, and stationary windows that provide expansive views of the outdoors. Unlike many window types, picture windows don’t open and close, but they can be purchased in various designs, colors, and materials.
