When is the last time your windows were updated?
If it’s been at least 10 years, chances are that they are a bit shabby and out of style.
Maybe the windows you some time ago cherished are now worn out. Or maybe you are just in need of a change and are on the search for new windows. However with a overabundance of window styles, frame materials, and options, where do you start?
By using this easy checklist you will be able to handpick the perfect window or windows for your home.
Options to Evaluate When Choosing New Windows
1 – Cost and Budget: Look for windows with a price that fits your wallet. Windows are made up of an assortment of materials such as vinyl, fiberglass, wood and aluminum. Generally, wood is thought to be the most costly material, while vinyl is very well-liked for its affordability. Whatever material you choose for your windows, it’s always sensible examine your choices and plan out your budget, but keep in mind those old windows are costing you cash, too.
2 – Best Window Materials to Choose : Wood windows offer infinite customization options and are a natural traditional beauty. Fiberglass windows are appreciated for their long life, sturdiness and unfading splendor. Keep in mind whatever material you choose for your windows has its own advantages and disadvantages. No matter what windows you go with – a fiberglass, wood, or vinyl replacement window – it is essential to keep energy efficiency in mind and invest in windows that will decrease your energy costs.
3 – Style and Design: The market offers a broad range of window styles that enable us to meet your distinctive individuality. Some of the ageless favorites include bay, double hung, awning, and casement. Awning windows offer an extended view of the outdoors, while on the other hand double hung windows propose an exceptional natural lighting and colors by escalating the glass space on your wall. A bay or bow windows is unquestionably your friend if you want to create an open feeling to your indoor space. Once you’ve chosen a window style, you can customize it with grids, grills, and hardware.
4 – Color and Complementing Your Home: Thinking about painting your interior frames? Painting your windows is not a matter of right and wrong, it is a matter of taste and preference. Keep in mind that dark colors typically communicate an air of complexity, charm and formality, while, light colors stimulate the space with liveliness, vibrancy and a touch of atmosphere. If you need some insight, take color cues from existing designs, go sight-seeing the neighborhood, or surf the web for trending colors. Then if painting your frames is what you’re after, choose a frame material that is unfinished. With some windows you can also choose frames in colors beyond the standard white or off white.
5 – Glass Options and Energy Efficiency: Windows can be major escape points for air; this can be a major problem which will result in another type leakage: money from your wallet (or being thrown out the window). As an alternative to using a single pane window, consider replacing your windows with double pane windows for better thermal conductivity and control. Also consider coating your windows also with a Low -Emissivity (Low-E) coating in order to reduce heat transfer, this will also help protect your furniture from harmful UV-related damage and keep your energy costs low.
6 – DIY or Contractor: Once you have decided on your window design, it is time to consider if installation/replacement is something that you will be able to handle on your own. Keep in mind that properly installing your windows helps them maintain their magnificence and effectiveness for years to come. Also check the warranty on the window – some window manufacturers will only honor the warranty if installation is done according to their specifications. Hiring a contractor will secure a triumphant installation experience.
If it’s time to replace your windows, speak with us here at Window Outfitters, and let us help you make the big decisions when it comes to the style, size and choice of window to go with. Each provides pros and cons, and depending on the home that you own; one might be better suited to your home than another. That’s why we offer so many different window choices, and we also have a showroom available in Savage where we’ll be happy to schedule an individual appointment so you can evaluate your choices in person.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed MN home improvement contractor serving the greater Minneapolis area.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
