3 Things to Do Before Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling your home is a big job, but if you plan well, things will go smoothly, and it can be more exciting than stressful. Here are some important things to do before remodeling your home.

#1: Outline your project goals.
Homeowners have lots of different reasons for remodeling their home. Maybe things are out of date or the style is simply not something they connect with. Maybe there needs to be more added space, or you’re looking to increase the resale value of the home. It’s important to outline what your overall goals are before you pick up the hammer and start demolishing. Perhaps one of your project goals is to enhance your living space and create greater views to the outdoors. If that’s the case, plan for new, updated windows in the space that are energy efficient. Maybe your backyard space is important in your remodel. In that situation, consider what exterior siding could help enhance the home.

#2: Bring in the pros.
Maybe you will work with a contractor or you plan on doing a lot of the work yourself. However, bringing in the professional for some of the biggest jobs like window or door installation or roof replacement is very important. These people have the experience and knowledge that it takes to get the job done with accuracy, attention to detail and efficiency. These professionals will also help advise you on what windows or doors will help you improve the overall design of the home while adding value and curb appeal.

#3: Narrow down timelines.
Home renovations take time, so figuring out a general timeline is key. Working with professionals on the project will help, as they will see if there are any limitations or restrictions on the timeline you’ve proposed. They will be able to talk to you about that and come up with a reasonable completion date so you can stay on track and minimize frustrations along the way.

Your home is a sacred place that should be cared for well. A home renovation project should be planned carefully so the result is exactly how you envisioned it. We work with homeowners from around Portland, southwest Washington, and central Oregon to install beautiful, updated windows, doors, roofs, and siding! No matter what your budget, we will work with you to find top quality products that will help you enjoy your home for years to come. Contact us today to talk to us about your upcoming project!

 

Patio Remodeling Tips

Spring in the Northwest is stunning. Blooming flowers, chirping birds, and mild temperatures bring people outside to relax and explore. It is also a great time to get your patio redesigned or remodeled so you can spend the next several months outdoors! When you’re ready to embark on your patio renovation, let us help!

Step #1: Think about what you need.
Look carefully at the existing patio and what you can use and what needs to be overhauled. Make a few sketches or browse some of your favorite home design publications to get some inspiring ideas.

Step #2: Plant.
Adding greenery around the patio is key to enjoying the view! Start small and work your way up. Plant some greenery around the patio, as well as some colorful flowers that can brighten up the space.  If you have a space for some long-lasting greenery, plant some vines that can weave their way over a gate or garden trellis.

Step #3: Consult with our experienced team of door and window specialists.
A new, energy efficient door that allows you to step onto the patio is the final touch that will bring everything together. Patio doors are a very important detail and they can either make or break the patio remodel. Whether it’s a classic French door, folding doors, a moving wall system, or a simple sliding glass door replacement, our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors have the options that will perfectly suit your backyard patio. Perhaps you have the space to add a new window that overlooks your backyard. We can help with that too! We are proud carriers of Milgard and Simonton products and can install a window that fits the space.

We proudly carry a variety of brands and designs that will fit your budget and home’s style. Ready to get started in your project? We’re happy to provide free quotes on replacing your old doors with new ones that are energy efficient and insulated. We are proud to serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can determine what new patio door options work for you.

What is the Energy Star Rating?

Energy Star is a government-backed symbol used to note energy efficiency. Energy Star products help protect the environment through energy conservation and at the same time, help save money. The purpose of the Energy Star label was to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants in the environment that are caused by inefficient energy use. In addition, the label helps people know which energy efficient products are available, allowing them to purchase the product knowing that it will save them money without sacrificing performance or quality.

In order to have a product meet the energy efficiency requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency has created some specifications based on several important standards. The product must be able to offer significant energy savings nationwide and the energy consumption and performance must be able to be measured and verified through tests. If the Energy Star product costs more than another product that is less efficient, the consumer should be able to recover the investment cost through decreased utility bills. There are several rankings on the label, including those from A to G. A is the most energy efficient and G is the least efficient. Energy Star scores are also used, numbered 1 to 100. A score of 75 or above means the product is a top performer.

Many appliances nowadays are certified as Energy Star certified products, but so are many of the windows and doors that we sell at Lifetime Windows and Doors. We proudly carry many different window styles and brands that will work with your home’s specific style.  We also have hundreds of different energy efficient door choices and can work on customizing them with different glass or window options. We carry doors from many different brands, including Therma Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Masonite, Milgard, Codel Entry Systems, and Simpson!

We love serving the Pacific Northwest and are committed to energy conservation. We work with customers in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether you’re looking for new siding, new doors, or new windows to help make your home more beautiful while getting it more energy efficient at the same time, our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are and contact us today for more information on our Energy Star products and we will answer your questions and help get an appointment set up!

Ways to Help Reduce Your Energy Costs

This time of year, utility bills tend to increase because the weather is colder and we’re inside more often! We use our heaters more and it gets dark sooner, so we turn on our lights for longer. This means our energy usage increases and we likely are looking for ways to keep those costs down. Here are some helpful tips.

Tip #1: Consider Upgrading Your Windows and Doors.  
Brrr! Drafty windows and doors leak amazing warm air to the outside, rather than keeping it inside! Not only will you be chilly, but you’ll be wasting energy by making your heating system work harder than it must. If your home has old, inefficient doors or windows, it may be time to consider replacing them for newer, energy efficient ones. This is a great choice, because it will keep you comfortable year-round, not just in the winter, but when the summer weather hits and you want to keep the cool, air-conditioned air inside.  We carry a variety of quality window and door products from Milgard, Simonton, ThermaTru, Simpson, and more! We will work with you on which product fits your space best and most importantly, we’ll work within your budget.

Tip #2: Keep Your Heating System Maintained.
This is something that people oftentimes forget to do, but it’s very important in helping to reduce your energy costs. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will not only help ensure that all of the parts are working correctly, but you’ll also be sure that the system is working at its peak efficiency. Old heating systems or those that have not been taken care of regularly with routine cleanings and air filter changes, could be working a lot harder than they need to be, which drives your utility bill up even higher!

Tip #3: Replace Your Roof and Siding.
An old and leaky roof or cracked siding throughout your home could not only cause structural damage to your home, but it could also be causing air leakage, which is extremely inefficient. A new roof and updated siding will add curb appeal and instant value to your home. Even though the weather is cold, our team can work with you to get your roof and siding replaced so you’re ready to tackle the upcoming months of cold winter weather.

Tip #4: Unplug.
Unplug unused electronics or other small appliances that are not being used regularly. This may sound like something small, but it can translate to big savings at the end of the year. Video game consoles, microwaves, and battery chargers are just some of the things that can be unplugged when not in use.

Conserving energy is not just great on your wallet, but it’s good for the environment, too. As you head into 2018 and are looking to make some resolutions for the new year, contact us for information on getting new windows, roofing, doors, or doors installed in your home. You’ll notice a big difference!