June 6, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The windows on your home can dramatically improve the way you and others view the house by boosting curb appeal and increasing your own enjoyment of the residence.
You will need a clear view of your options when entering the world of window upgrades. It’s probably best to start with a window dealer. However, before choosing one you can always get referrals from a respected contractor, or friends and family who have had window work done on their homes.
A good estimate will include a price for all the work involved in the project including materials to be used, installation, and any other hidden costs like screens, caulking and sealing around the new windows. And, don’t stop with proposals for the actual work. Make sure you take a look at the window brands available before selecting the one that fits your home’s overall look.
“Don’t buy windows from pictures,” warns Sabine H. Schoenberg of “This New House.” Instead, Schoenberg suggests going to one of the many window dealers’ showrooms where you can “look at them (windows), feel them, and see how you like them.” You will even want to try operating the windows in the showroom or store. The two most common types of operable windows are double-hung which feature two sliding sashes that travel past each other or casement which also feature sashes but pivot open from one side of the window using a crank.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choice of double-hung vs. casement windows…it might help to ensure your windows fit with the architectural style of your home. Double-hung windows are most often found on traditional-style homes that could include Craftsman, Colonial and Victorian-style architecture. Meanwhile, casement windows are often a hallmark of Prairie-style, ranch and contemporary homes.
You will also want to give strong consideration to window materials including: Vinyl: low cost, low maintenance, and available in a variety of colors and it offers good thermal protection. Wood: also has good thermal protections and comes prefinished in a variety of colors but can be a bit pricey and has a reputation for needing a lot of maintenance. Fiberglass: making inroads in recent years with James Hardie Industries SE entering the market with high-end fiberglass replacement windows with wood interiors. Fiberglass is long lasting and won’t expand or contract. It also resists peeling and and fading and can actually be painted.
The best advice might come from homeowners and home sellers. Chrisanne Greer-Sueltz, soon to be a realtor with Salt Lake’s Realty One Group Signature suggests the “more natural light” you can let into your home, the better. It is about getting more of an indoor-outdoor connection. Windows help you enjoy the great outdoors around your home even when indoor weather is preferable.
