Design Checklist for Aging in Place

Elderly couple looking out window thinking about aging in place | Lifetime Windows & Doors

For those who are thinking about retiring or have recently retired, thinking about what you’ll need as you get older is important. Many people want to continue to enjoy their home and the idea of moving into a retirement community or assisted living center is not appealing. That’s why it is critical to look closely at your home and consider its comfort and accessibility for the long term. If you plan to age in place, keep this design checklist in mind.  

Update Windows

As you age in place, it’s important to update your windows and doors to ensure they are energy-efficient and easy to open and close. For example, if your windows are old and difficult to open, they may get harder to open if your muscles weaken or if the windows deteriorate with moisture or continued exposure to the outside elements. Consider adding casement windows that have cranking handles, as they are some of the easiest types of windows to open and close. 

Consider Accessibility 

Make sure your door entryways are wide enough so you can get wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers in and out without a problem. Also, look closely at your entryways or thresholds to make sure there are no obstacles or difficult transitions. This will help prevent falls or trips.  

Maximize your Indoor-Outdoor Space 

Oregon and Washington are wonderful places to enjoy life – especially as you age in place. To get the most out of your space, consider adding a moving glass wall system or a large patio door that introduces fresh air and sunlight to your home. Even if you struggle with mobility at some point down the road, with a setup like this, you’ll be able to get outside or sit nearby and enjoy the scenery in your neighborhood or yard.

Planning for a remodel, or an addition to your home, or do you simply want to update a few things around your home to accommodate yourself as you get older? Using top-quality products that stand the test of time and installing them with a skilled team of contractors is key. Lifetime Windows and Doors has the experience you can trust with your aging-in-place projects. Our 25 years of serving Pacific Northwest homeowners speaks for itself. 

Call us today to schedule your free quote.  

Pros and Cons of a Finished Basement

Finished basement | finished basement pros and cons from Lifetime Windows & Doors

Have you ever considered what it would take to transform your unfinished basement into a home theater, a man cave, a crafting space or workroom, a guest bedroom, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or a game room in your basement? A project of this magnitude requires some planning! Here are some things to consider for this type of home renovation.

Basements can add extra living space

When it comes to hosting guests, family, or friends, this extra square footage will go a long way. It can also be a great selling point that adds more value to the home if you are considering putting your home on the market in the future. You will generate a good return on your investment with a project like this.

Basements can pose a unique set of challenges

  • Moisture issues are common at lower levels, so you may need to add exterior draining, grading, or a dehumidifier. It’s important to think about waterproofing the area so no mold or other moisture issues develop over time. 
  • Darkness can also be an issue. In addition to painting the walls light colors and adding enough overhead lighting, consider adding sizable windows, or sliding glass doors to bring in natural light. 
  • Complexity can also be a factor with all the little details of this type of project. However, our experienced contractors at Lifetime Windows and Doors are skilled in working with remodeling projects of all kinds and will gladly work with you to find the right window and door products that will keep the space feeling comfortable, light, and spacious.

Your Partners in Finished Basements

Once you have decided to take the leap to finish your basement and are looking for help from the experts, our team can help! Whether it’s an egress window, a French door that separates areas around the basement, or siding that needs to be replaced as you finish the space, we can help! We have served Oregon, Central Oregon, and Southwest Washington since 1998. You can trust us to get the job done right so you can reap the benefits of a larger home. Call us today to learn more about our expertise and schedule your consultation!

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t ‘DIY’ Your Roof Replacement

asking a Portland roofer about diy roof replacements - they all say hire a professional

If your roof has seen better days, it might be tempting to tackle the roof replacement project yourself. With do-it-yourself (DIY) videos and tutorials for just about every home improvement project online nowadays, you might think it’s easy enough to do and could save money. So, should you DIY your roof replacement? We don’t think so. While DIY is great for many projects around the house, it can turn into a real disaster for more complicated projects like roof replacements.

Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t DIY your roof replacement project:

Roofing Can Be Very Dangerous

Roofing accidents happen all the time – especially for inexperienced people who don’t have the proper gear or tools. Installing a roof is dangerous work, even for roofing contractors. However, experience and the right equipment minimizes that risk and ensures you get your roof installed safely, accurately, and on-time.

This is especially important if your roof has significant damage such as cracks, leaks, or buckling ceilings. Only professional roofers should tackle jobs like that.

It’s Easy to Miss Potential Roofing Problems

If you’re tempted to simply shingle over your existing roof, think again. While this might help bolster your home’s curb appeal, you might be ignoring potential problem spots underneath the shingles.

This is where water damage creeps in, which could cause mold or dry rot, or even structural damage. Working with professional roofers gives you the peace of mind that everything is fixed and installed, so your roof can easily protect you and your home for the next several decades.

DIY Roofing Projects Don’t Come with Warranties

Roofing material manufacturers don’t guarantee materials unless they’re installed by licensed professionals. So, if you attempt a DIY roof replacement, you will likely forfeit guarantees and warranties that come with the roofing materials. That means, if something goes wrong in the future and you need to repair or replace the roof again, you will probably have to pay more out of pocket. This can be extremely expensive.

Roof Replacement Cost Analysis

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of DIY roof replacement, consider the upside. You may be able to successfully complete the project on your own and save some money. However, you’re introducing considerable risk to your home and the possibility that you’ll pay much more later.

On the other hand, when you hire a professional roofer, the job will be completed properly, and your new roof will add style, beauty, and protection to your home. Yes, a quality roof can be expensive, but it’s absolutely a home improvement project worth investing in.

Schedule a Professional Roof Replacement Today

DIY roofing is not a good idea for most people. It’s labor intensive, detail oriented, and dangerous. Simply put, professionals have the skills and experience needed to do a great job.

Save time and money by calling the team at Lifetime Windows and Doors and learn about our expertise in roof replacements. You can trust your home to our licensed roofers.

Planning a Remodel? Ask Potential Contractors These Questions

If you’re planning a renovation of your home or business, there are a lot of considerations that go into that. Whether it’s a roof replacement, window or door replacement, or new siding, it’s important to do your research before making your decision on which company to hire. Asking the right questions is key to determining which company is the best choice for you. 

Here are some must-ask questions when deciding which home improvement company you should work with.  

  1. “How long have you been in business locally?” 

It’s okay to ask them how long they’ve been working in your area specifically. The company should have proven experience in the local area. It’s also a good idea to ask for references. They should be happy to provide those to you or direct you to a place where you can find that information.

  1. “What are your online reviews like?”

In our digital era, online reviews are where people go to share their positive or negative experiences. If you ask the company what their online reviews are like, they should be able to answer you honestly. Read through the reviews and if you see a common theme, take note – especially if they are negative reviews. Look closely at customer service experiences, quality of workmanship, pricing, and more. If there are a lot of negative reviews, be aware. 

  1. “Do you have a specialty?”

Your home or business is an investment. You want to preserve your investment – that’s why you want to make sure to use products that will last and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. So, if you’re planning to purchase new windows, doors, siding, or a roof, you want to make sure the company specializes in these things and uses durable, top-quality products. This ensures that they’re able to handle any unexpected issues or problems that may arise during the project.  

  1. “How do your prices compare?”

It’s a good idea to get quotes from two to three companies and then compare them. If the company is reputable, they should fall in line with other companies’ prices that provide similar services. However, if you get a quote that is astronomically high or low, that should be a red flag. A high price may mean they are trying to take advantage of you, while low may indicate that their quality of workmanship may be not up to standard. 

Find the Best Remodel Contractor for You

Ready to get your home or business improvement project started this spring or summer? 

Lifetime Windows and Doors has 25 years of expertise in the local community installing windows, doors, siding, and roofing. We’ve proudly worked on thousands of commercial and residential projects around Oregon and Washington. 

Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your quote scheduled!