April 2017 - Windham Construction

Replace Your Old Windows When Remodeling Your Kitchen or Bathroom

Replace Your Old Windows When Remodeling Your Kitchen or Bathroom Windows are one of the four key factors that should be taken into account when rating your home as a shelter against the outdoors. (The roof, siding, and foundation are the other three.) They not only affect the appearance and cost of running your home, but good, modern windows can increase its appeal and its value if you are looking to sell. If you live in College Station, Texas, Windham Construction has professionals that can help you get the job done right.

Why You Want New Windows in Your Remodeled Kitchen

In terms of investment return, window replacement is one of the best home remodeling projects you can do. You can recoup up to 80% of the project cost in added home value according to Remodeling Impact Report. That doesn’t include the energy savings.

If your windows are more than fifteen years old, your home would almost certainly benefit from the installation of new, energy-efficient windows. And you won’t have to put up with drafts, stuck windows, and increasing energy bills any longer if the job is done right.

Windows that can be cleaned from the inside are available these days too, and that is a big perk if you live in a home that is more than one story tall. Some recommend that you install new windows early in your home renovation project rather than later to start seeing savings right away.

What are the Best Energy Efficient Windows to Buy for your Kitchen or Bath Remodel?

There are basically three types: aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Vinyl windows are usually the most energy efficient and are often preferred due to several other factors. However, wood can be more attractive so it’s worth considering. Also, think about what windows will match the rest of the windows in your home. Talking to a design expert or viewing samples can help.

No matter what type of new window you end up with, it’s most likely going to save you money on energy costs in the future.

How Much Better are Modern Energy Efficient Windows over Older Windows?

If you currently have older, double-pane windows in a 2,600-square-foot house, then on average, you can expect to see about a 15% savings per year on heating bills after you install energy efficient windows with low-E coatings. That’s according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, which is a coalition of government agencies, manufacturers, and research organizations that promote efficient window technologies.

Your savings can vary depending on the weather, but here in Brazos Valley, you should see significant savings once you make the switch. Energy Star labels can tell you how well a window will perform in your climate based on ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Of course, the most energy efficient windows are typically going to be the most expensive, but you don’t have to buy the highest-end products to see real savings and to improve the appearance of your home. Talk with a professional to see what the best option is for your home.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels – Which kind is best for you?

You may want a remodel for a number of reasons. Maybe your kitchen or bathroom just looks dated, but often there are more functional reasons to make a change. You might want to make room for new technology that the builders of your kitchen never considered. Space might be a serious issue with a poorly designed kitchen. Whatever your reason, here’s some information on choosing the right remodel for you.

DIY Cosmetic Makeover

If your kitchen or bath has everything it needs except the right color, you have cheap options. You can refinish the old cabinets and add new hardware yourself. There are even kits for refinishing your cabinets. This option is great for newer kitchens.

This option is cheap and tempting for handy homeowners, but they may not give you all of the change you really want. If all it really needs is a new finish, you’re fine, but if your kitchen or bathroom needs a lot of updating, this isn’t the option for you. You’ll put forth a lot of effort and end up disappointed.

Professional Cosmetic Makeover

Even the simplest makeover can turn complex. You can hire professionals to take care of it for you. Some kits to refinish your cabinets cost less than $100. That might seem like a good deal until you mess it up. Then you have thousands of dollars’ worth of cabinets looking less than beautiful. If you’re afraid of that happening, you can ask a professional what they can do to make your kitchen look and feel better.

Simple Replacement

If you don’t like your current cabinets and countertops, you can simply have them removed and replaced. This is a good option if you already have the layout you want, but you aren’t happy with the style of your current cabinetry. This can be the case if you have the cheapest cabinetry that the original homeowner could find. Newer cabinets can improve your kitchen or bath drastically.

Replacing fixtures can also help. A new tub or sink can add a lot of utility. While it’s just replacing what’s already there, be careful. Your kitchen or bath may not be up to current building codes that are there to keep you safe. If you hire a professional builder, they can help you get your kitchen and bath up to code and safer.

Custom Renovation

Do you hate your kitchen or bathroom? Is it difficult to use because of its poor design? If so, this is your best option. Pulling out everything and maybe even claiming space from a nearby room can help you upgrade your kitchen or bath and make it usable.

A custom renovation is your chance to make your home more modern. Small kitchens and baths are a thing of the past.

Hire a Professional

It cannot be emphasized enough that a major kitchen and bath remodel isn’t something that most homeowners can do on their own. Permits and building codes have to be considered. Then, there’s dealing with the electrical and plumbing issues that come with updating a kitchen or bathroom. If you want a custom renovation, hire an experienced builder that you can trust.

Archives for April 2017