Why DIY Window Replacement is a Bad Idea

“Do it yourself” (DIY) projects are popular. But that doesn’t mean they are all a good idea. Home improvement projects can be expensive and doing them yourself can save money. However, when it comes to window replacement, relying on experienced window installation contractors is key. Here’s why.

#1: It can get complicated.
Measuring for windows is more complicated than you might think. Incorrect measurements could cause big problems including gaps or leaks around the windows. Windows that won’t fit into existing frames can be a difficult problem to fix. In addition, removing existing frames means cutting through connectors and caulk. Without the right tools and training, you could bend or chip the framing or damage another important area around the new window space.

#2: Do you know how to level?
Leveling your windows is critical. If they are not leveled accurately, they will be installed crooked. The crooked windows will sink, settle, and shift. Over time, that could pull away from the frame and leave leaks and gaps that allow heat, cold air, or humidity into your home. And this wastes energy and lets out your heated or air-conditioned air, too. This in turn, makes your heating or cooling system work harder than necessary.

#3: Mistakes can be costly.
Unfortunately, DIY mistakes are common. Improper installation could cause water to get inside your windows or window frames which could lead to mold or dry rot later down the road. All of this translates to expensive fixes and even health problems.

#4: Industry standards must be adhered to.
Did you know that certain home improvement projects require permits or code inspections? If you don’t have the proper paperwork done, you could be looking at a fine later. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors are trained to install windows according to proper building codes outlined by city and state requirements.

Our professional window contractors are expertly trained for proper assembly and careful installation. So, save yourself time, hassle and potential stress by hiring our team to do the work for you. Our work and positive reviews speak for themselves. Whether you choose Milgard or Simonton Windows, our product selections are of the highest quality in both energy efficiency and innovation ratings! We will work with your budget and your style preferences. So call us today for more details on getting your window replacement project started this autumn!

How to Stay Comfortable While Working from Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people go about their daily lives. It’s also changed work environments around the country. Many offices have shut down and told their employees that working from home is the new norm. If you are working from home, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Here’s how.

#1: We can update your space.
Did you know that your windows play a key role in keeping your home’s heating and cooling evenly distributed? Old, energy inefficient windows can leak outside air in. That means your heat during the fall and winter months can make its way outside and cold outside air could create cold spots in your home. That means your heating and cooling system must work harder to keep the temperatures evenly distributed. Because of that, your utility bills will likely increase. So, consider window replacement for your home! We have a variety of options that will fit your home’s unique style and most importantly, your budget.

#2: Replace your doors.
Your exterior doors are also an important part of creating a comfortable home and work environment. We carry a variety of brands including Simonton, ThermaTru, Simpson! These doors are affordably priced and can even be ordered custom. Our team of installation specialists can take a look at your current doors and make recommendations for replacement based on your style preferences and budget guidelines.

Home renovations like these will not only make the space your beautiful and comfortable, but they can help increase your home’s value! That means when it comes time to sell it, you will have a greater return. The money you spend now is well worth it, because it will create an opportunity for a easier, smoother home sale later down the road.

Contact us today to talk about your home improvement projects. We have been working with customers around Oregon and Washington since 1998. We have the products you need and the experience you can count on.

How to Design Your Living Room

Replacement windows Vancouver, WA, is part of a great living room design. Designing the living room always comes first when it comes to decorating your home. The living room should always be your topmost priority, and interior designers do their 100% to make it more appealing for you and your guests. There are several things that you need to consider for designing your living room. From the paint color to set the furniture, you have to be very careful.

If you are looking for the perfect guideline to design your living room, you have come to the right place. With specific tips and tricks, you may add to the beauty of your living room. Here are some design ideas you need to follow.

1. Arrange Your Furniture 

You can enhance the beauty of the living room by properly arranging the furniture. Your furniture should represent the nature of your living room. It includes the living room for outside view, a space to play, and arranging the party in the living room.

If you have a focal point in the room or outside the window, you should consider arranging the furniture. It could be a TV, a fireplace, or a painted wall. Place the furniture wisely so that it is convenient to maneuver around the living room.

2. Pick a Color Scheme of the Room 

Always take some time to choose an attractive, persuasive, and appealing color for the living room. The living room’s color depends on various things: If your furniture leather is brown, go for brown color for almost everything, such as a chair, fireplace, and the wall.

3. Lush Leaves 

Plants and leaves add to the beauty of the living room; therefore, try adding some lush leaves in the corner of the room. For this purpose, always make sure your room has adequate sunshine.

Swiss cheese plant, aloe vera, wax plant, and cast-iron plant are excellent options for the living room. When you have the right plants, choose the right pot for the plant. Always place the plant to its right place and make sure there is enough place left in the room to move around.

4. Keep Entrance Clear & Spacious 

The entrance to the living room should be clean and bright. There should be no plant and furniture at the entrance of the room. This is how the guests will enter the room without fighting with the plant and other items. Always group the furniture in the opposite wall instead of placing it in front of the door.

5. Art and Lighting 

Art and lighting are the two main things you should not forget at all. Empty walls don’t put a strong impression, but you can add art to empty walls to enhance their beauty and look. Art is essential for a living room, but it shouldn’t be so expensive. Again, don’t forget to consider the color schema of the room when you incorporate art.

Similarly, don’t ignore the importance of lighting for a room. There are several things to consider when it comes to lighting the room. Only the experienced interior designer can tell you the best lighting according to the color scheme, placement, overall look, and of course, your budget. Your replacement windows Vancouver, WA, plays a role in this as well.

Summer Window Weatherizing Tips

August is here and the hot weather will be here for the foreseeable future. Did you know that weatherizing your windows could help keep you cooler this month? It can also help increase energy efficiency, which can save money on your monthly utility bill. Here are some helpful window weatherization tips.

#1: Check your windows regularly.
Homeowners have various home maintenance tasks to keep up with. Checking your windows is one of them. Look for any chips or cracks and ensure that there are no issues with sealing. If you spot anything, make sure they are fixed right away. This will help prevent damage to the outside structure of your home and it could save you money on a costly window repair or replacement later down the road.

#2: Caulk windows.
Windows that leak air in and out can cost you big money. Windows are one of the primary places that air is lost, so caulk well around the seams.

#3: Utilize shades and fans.
Window coverings will help block hot incoming sun and work with your AC system to keep your home cool and comfortable this August. Keep blinds or curtains closed at the hottest and sunniest parts of the day so the temperatures inside can stay balanced.

#4: Replace old windows.
If the windows in your home are decades old, chances are, they are inefficient. We offer free quotes on replacing your outdated windows! New windows are EnergyStar® rated and insulated. Many windows use glass made of high efficiency low-E coatings which can reduce the amount of heat that is transmitted through your windows. And it will also help protect you from ultraviolet rays.

Ready to get your window replacement project started? We proudly carry and install Simonton and Milgard products and can help you find the right windows for your budget. We serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington.  We are currently offering a variety of specials, so visit our specials page to see what our deals are available, then contact us today to get your free consultation scheduled.

Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is stunning. The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and it’s a great time to sit outside in your yard and enjoy the day. But when you come inside, you want a place to cool off. Here are some tips on how to keep your home cool, while minimizing your use of air conditioning.

Reduce sunlight:
Sunlight lifts the spirits, but direct sunlight heading into your home for hours on end could increase your home’s temperature. Adding some drapes, blinds, or reflective panels to your windows can minimize amount of sunlight that goes into your home. That will help decrease your home’s temperature and make it more comfortable.

Make sure your ceiling fan is rotating the right way.
Did you know that if you set your ceiling fan to rotate counter clockwise during the summer, it will help move heat away from the room and push the heat to the ceiling rather than down toward you? This will keep things cooler and more comfortable.

Utilize cross ventilation early in the morning.
Fresh air is great. But, if your doors are open while the temperature is hot outside, that heat will make its way inside. Open the doors in the morning when the temperatures are cooler, then keep them closed for the remainder of the day as the temps heat up. At the same time in the morning, open windows on both ends of your home. This will allow for cross ventilation, and cooler air will be able to move freely throughout the home.

Maybe your windows and doors are not energy efficient or easily opened. Perhaps they are decades old, have cracks or other damage, or leak that precious cold air inside your home out. The solution: new replacement windows Portland, OR. Contact the experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors today for more information!

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Your home’s replacement windows Vancouver, WA, are among the factors you should consider when you’re thinking about selling the property. If you want to make the most amount of money, your home should be as presentable as possible. Now, this may present difficulties if there are a lot of repairs to be done. Then you’re in the position of needing to discover if it’s worth it to try and fix everything yourself and recover the cost in the asking price or let the buyer deal with the issue.

To prepare your home for sale, you need to first review the market. The real estate market is described as a buyers’ or a sellers’ market. If you can, it’s a good idea to wait until asking prices are high. If you’re not doing this, you should have a compelling reason for your choice. Once you’ve determined that it’s a good time in the market, you should figure out how to price your home specifically.

One way to do this to work with a real estate agent. This is a professional who knows how to sell homes. They can handle the work so you don’t have to. It’s only a good idea if you find a realtor that you feel comfortable with. Working with a real estate agent is not a requirement. Naturally, this will be one of the first steps that complete.

If you do decide that you need to work on repairs, make a schedule. There are projects that you can complete where you will actually make money in the long run. For example, if your windows are severely damaged, it can affect the overall appeal of the home. By replacing them, your entire home becomes more appealing. You can reflect on the cost of the installation in your asking price.

You should also think about keeping your home very clean. At least, make sure it’s spotless before any open house. It’s all about the presentation. If someone doesn’t immediately feel comfortable in the surroundings, it will be hard for them to picture themselves living in the home.

With the same idea in mind, it can also be a good idea to clear out some of your personal belongings. While a striking, unusual design might appeal to you, it’s easier to sell your home if the design is blander. It won’t particularly strike anyone’s eye, but that’s the point. It shouldn’t be too attractive or offensive.

If you decide to sell your home as a work in progress, you’ll have to think very carefully about the asking price. The scope of the work that needs to be done will have a direct influence on how much someone is willing to pay for it. However, you don’t want to give too much of a discount. It’s a balancing act. If you decide to work with a real estate agent, this is one of the things that they can work with you on.

Every home will need replacement windows in Vancouver, WA, at some point. Contact the experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors now.

What You Should Ask When Researching Home Improvement Companies

When you are planning for a home renovation or a project that includes updating your windows, doors or roofing, you’ll have some research to do. You work hard for your money and making sure that it’s being put to good use with a reliable company that does great work is important. Taking the time to do some important research, which includes asking good questions, is key. There are some places out there that claim to be the best, but they may not be honest or ethical. This could cause a real headache for you later down the road. Here are some important questions that you should ask home improvement companies before you consider hiring them.

  1. How long have you been in business?
    The company or contractor should have experience working in the field. They don’t necessarily have to be in business for decades, but they do need to have proven hands on experience that they can prove. It is okay to ask for references. They should be happy to provide you with some without any complaints.
  2. What do their online reviews look like?
    Negative reviews online speak a lot. If there are a lot of these, pay attention – this could be a red flag. Read through the reviews and if there is a common, recurring theme that causes concern, don’t ignore it. Take time to read through the positive reviews, too. You will want to hear about other customer’s experience in quality products, workmanship, great customer service, pricing, and more. Reviews reflect the company and provides insight into how they operate and how they treat their customers.
  3. What do they specialize in?
    When it comes to your home, you want durable, lasting products and quality workmanship. This especially rings true with siding, roofing, or your window and door replacements. Know what the contractor specializes in and pick a place that is specific to what you need done. That means they are able to handle unexpected issues with ease and ensure that the project is completed the right way.

Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors brings decades of industry expertise to each and every project. No matter how big or small your home improvement project is, we can help! We have worked on thousands of residential and commercial projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. We get the job done confidently and as quick as possible.

We gladly offer free virtual quotes on replacing your worn windows or doors with new ones that are energy efficient and insulated. Need new siding? We do that too! Ready to get your project started? Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment on the books with us.

Home Improvement Ideas Anyone Can Try

Replacement windows Portland, OR, can do a lot for your home. Home improvement projects can be constant, or they can be rare events. It depends on you and how much you want to work on the property. For some, the work is pleasurable and rewarding. Others prefer to spend their free time completing other things.

Whichever side you fall on, there are certain home improvement projects that anyone can complete. You don’t need to be a professional contractor, although working with a professional team might speed up the process.

Here’s what we know.

Remove Clutter

By removing the clutter in your home and yard, you can make the entire property appear more attractive. Clutter distracts the eye from the home’s best features. The best news about the clutter is that it’s easy to remove and organize. You don’t have to throw anything away. You can achieve a dramatic effect by using containers to organize the mess. You can even do it in a way that’s visually appealing.

Clean Windows

Your home may have windows that you never touch or open. It’s easy for these windows to slip your mind. However, if you decide to pay attention to these windows, you can achieve a better appearance for your home. Any easy way to take care of these windows is to keep them clean. You can do this without spending a dime of your money. Clean, sparkling windows can draw the eye. They allow sunshine to freely enter the property.

Interesting Art

The great thing about art is that it’s entirely subjective. There are no rules about what counts. So, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve a huge effect. You also don’t need to be an art expert. You can focus on artistic pieces that you enjoy looking at. Adding art to your home is a great way to make it feel more personal. Your house should feel like your own.

New Windows

It may be a good idea to replace your windows entirely. Doing so can add depth to a room, as well as new aesthetic interest. There also may be practical reasons why it makes sense to replace the windows. They don’t last forever. You will need to replace them at some point due to natural wear and tear. Or, you might decide to replace the windows with a more energy-efficient option. This will produce savings that you’ll see in your energy bill. Ultimately, replacing your windows may save you a significant amount of money, despite the upfront cost.

Homeowners naturally want their properties to be in pristine condition. However, this takes work. You have to keep your eye out for areas of your home that need extra work and attention. When you first move in and are gaining experience, this likely won’t be automatic. You’ll have to learn over time. This can be done if you’re willing.

When your home needs replacement windows Portland, OR, installed, it’s a good idea to stick with the pros.

Make Your Backyard Pop

Your plans for your backyard may include replacement windows Bend, OR. Changing your windows may not be the only thing you need to do to your backyard, but it will make a huge difference. The other changes that you make deepen the effect. For many, their backyards become a center of social activity.

Of course, this isn’t the only way to alter your backyard. Below, you’ll find our best tips marshaled for your use.

Visualize

Visualize your ideal backyard. What does it look like? Is it a lush garden paradise? A desert wonderland? It’ll be much easier to make substantive changes if you can visualize what you want to do. You can keep these images in your head, make a physical vision board, add an online outline. Your options expand when you can visualize what you’re going to do.

Find a Theme

When you work on your backyard, everything will be easier if you can tie it together with a theme. A popular backyard theme is tropical. You can set it up with tiki lights, fun plants, etc. Now your backyard windows will look out at a lovely view. It can improve your mood whenever you see it.

New Windows

If your backyard door is a sliding glass window, there are a lot of benefits to upgrading it. You should keep the glass clean as well. This affects your view of whether you’re in your home or your backyard. Now, the good news is that you won’t have to do this very often. Modern windows are designed to last for a very long time.

Hire a Gardener

If you have a lot of greenery in your backyard, you should try to keep it looking good. When it turns brown or overgrown, it will be unappealing to your eye. Some people naturally enjoy gardening and yard work. However, you may not have enough time to do this. Or, you may not have a green thumb. If this is the case, you will be better served by hiring help. Someone else can take care of all of your outdoor requirements.

New Lighting

Special lighting can make your backyard appear amazing. It can also frame your new windows. You may be surprised at how doable this plan is, even if you’re working with a tight budget. You can set up this new lighting system yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective. Simple lights strung up on posts would create a dramatic visual effect.

Garden Path

Creating a walking path in your garden space will come in handy if you host social engagements. They’re easy to build as well. You can learn how to do it yourself even if you’ve never completed a similar home improvement project. You can install tiles and lighting that pleases the eye. Working in your garden can also be extremely soothing. Many people believe that it’s relaxing.

When you find the right replacement windows Bend, OR, you can start to transform your home. These windows can light and depth to any room in your house.

Reasons to Replace Windows During Winter

The cold, wet weather is here and it’s easy to feel like you should stay inside all the time. When it comes to taking on a home renovation project during this time of year, it might feel a bit daunting. But we have good news! Replacing your windows during the winter can be easy and cost effective!

Your old windows will show their true colors.
Winter is the best time to identify problems with your existing windows. Window materials contract in the colder weather and your windows are exposed to significant wet weather and other elements. That’s oftentimes when you will start noticing any drafts or leaks.

Scheduling is more flexible.
Summer is incredibly busy for our team and other home renovation specialists in the Northwest. Getting your replacement windows done during the winter means you will have greater flexibility on installation dates. We will work with you year-round to find the best time for installation but planning your installation early will help you accommodate any other projects that you might have.

Save money!
Winter promotions are happening right now, so it’s time to act! We are offering a variety of specials that will help you save big money on the price of your window replacement project. For example, buy any two windows and receive your third free!*

Replacing your windows doesn’t mean you’ll be losing heat and energy as the old windows come out and the new ones go in. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors will work to install one window at a time to ensure that your home stays as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors can install your replacement windows on time and with superior attention to detail. Whether it’s Simonton or Milgard windows you choose, we have a variety of innovative and energy efficient windows that will fit your home’s style and your budget! Contact us today for information on getting your window replacement project started!

*Cannot be combined with other promotions. Must set appointment by Dec 31, 2019. Not valid on completed jobs or jobs in progress. Details provided at time of quote.