3 Tips for Beginning Your Custom Home Remodel

Want to make 2021 your year to achieve your own personal American dream? A custom home remodel is a great way to create a space that fits your exact needs, design preferences, and style. Here are some tips on how to begin.

#1: Set a budget.
A custom home remodel can get expensive. So, before you start anything, get your finances in order. First determine what budget you’re comfortable with. Find ways you can cut back on other monthly costs so you can make your dream a reality. Then, save that money and put it into a separate account for your home remodel. If you need a loan to get started, talk to your local bank or credit union to see how they can help. Knowing exactly how much you can comfortably spend on your remodel ensures that you’ll stay stay within budget once construction starts.

#2: Research companies.
A reliable company with a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship and great customer service is important. Unfortunately, there are companies or contractors out there that are dishonest, cut corners, or don’t follow through with their promises. When researching companies, look for those that have proven experience in their field. Ask for references if needed. Read online reviews and ask them what they specialize in. When it comes to your custom home remodel, you want durable, lasting products and detailed craftsmanship and installation that will stand the test of time.

#3: Get creative.
A custom home remodel is your chance to get creative with the things you want in your home. Maybe it’s a beautiful entry door that makes a stunning statement. Maybe it’s a big picture window in your living room that brings in natural light. Prioritize your most desired custom pieces in your home and work with companies that can help you install them. And the result will be worth the extra creative energy you put into it!

When it comes to adding new custom windows or doors, siding, or roofing to your updated home, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has the industry expertise you can count on. No matter how big or small your home renovation project, we have worked on thousands of residential and commercial jobs around the Northwest. So, ready to learn more about how we can help? 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!

Benefits of Adding a French Door to Your Home

Homeowners always seem to have a never-ending to-do list.  But taking the time to do them right provides a great result: an updated space that is fresh, bright, and updated.  Maybe a new French door is exactly what your space needs. If you’ve thought about adding one, now’s the time to act! Here are three reasons why you should consider installing a French door in your home.

#1: Let there be light!
French doors bring beautiful light indoors! If you have a space that feels dark or closed in, a French door can open a room significantly, even making it feel bigger. And this is especially helpful during the darker days of fall and winter when you are longing for as much sunlight as possible!

#2: Stunning designs.
French doors come in many unique designs. So, no matter what your specific home design is, French doors come in a variety of different options. They can slide or hinge, opening into the room or out. You don’t need to sacrifice design for the perfect French door!

#3: Increased property value.
Any time new doors are added to your home, you are doing your part to increase the property value. And updating your space with a French door is no exception! And this is a great investment that will add beauty to your living space and will help make selling your home a little easier later down the road.

We carry French doors from Milgard or Simonton. Contact our team of experienced home improvement professionals to see which doors fit your home’s style and most importantly, your budget. We serve customers in the Portland metro area, Central Oregon, and Southwest Washington area. So no matter what your door questions are, we can answer them! Let us help you with your home renovation project and install a new French door before 2020 is over. Contact us today for information on how to get started.

 

Home Upgrades for 2020

Your home is a place where you live a large chunk of your life, so making it a space that speaks to you and your unique personality and tastes is important. Now that we are three months into 2020, it’s a great time to start acting on that home improvement list that you might have in mind. Here are some of our top recommendations for home upgrades this year.

#1: New siding.
Your siding adds instant value and curb appeal to your home. Not to mention, it also helps keeps your home protected from the varying elements of the Pacific Northwest. We proudly install fiber cement siding which offers some of the following benefits:

  • No hot or cold weather expansion
  • Does not crack, warp, or split
  • Moisture and rot resistant
  • Long-term durability
  • Low maintenance
  • Won’t ignite or add fuel to a fire like other materials
  • Resistant to pests
  • Withstands extreme weather like wind and storms
  • Features a baked-on pre-finish that’s UV resistant and won’t fade

#2: New windows.
Your windows are your view to the outside, but if they are old, they could be costing you money. If you have single pane windows that were installed decades ago, they simply won’t be energy efficient. We have a variety of new window options from Milgard and Simonton that fit your home’s style and most importantly, your budget. New windows will allow you to reap the benefits of a quieter home, lower utility bills, and enhanced beauty.

#3: New exterior doors.
What’s your home’s overall style? Whether it’s a Craftsman-style, farmhouse, modern, or traditional, we have a variety of door options that will fit with your home. Wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass are great choices that can help keep indoor air from leaking outside, which contributes to high energy bills. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can install standard doors or something custom. And we can get the job done quickly and on-time.

What’s your home improvement project this year? Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. We’ve proudly served Oregon and Washington for more than two decades and have the reputation for quality that you can count on. Contact us today to get your questions answered and your free in-home estimate scheduled.

 

How to Make A Statement with Your Entryway

First impressions matter. Whether your home is an updated Craftsman-style home or a cabin on a beautiful piece of Pacific Northwest land, your space is something that reflects who you are. Your front entryway is a crucial part of your home. The entry door will help express your unique taste and style.

When you’re considering your current entryway and how you can make it stand out, we recommend starting with your entry door. Don’t be afraid to be bold! This allows your home to stand out from others in the neighborhood. It’s okay to do something unique! Especially if the homes around you have similar exteriors or interior layouts. A custom entry door allows you to make a statement about your home. What do you love about your home? Showcase that!

Not sure which door is right for you? Shapes and styles vary, so think outside of the box. If you have arched walkways throughout the home or a foyer with an archway, a square contrast door to contrast could work. Or, consider a door that has similar arches. There are no set rules. Double doors are also a popular option for homes. A stunning single door with paneled glass on the side is also great. Your front entryway can become an inspiration for the rest of your home. It helps set the tone for the rest of the space.

Whether it’s a custom wood door or something more contemporary or rustic, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help you find the perfect front door. We will work with your budget guidelines, talk to you about what size options could work, and then we’ll get your appointment scheduled for a simple installation by our experts. We proudly serve the Portland Metro area, Central Oregon, and Southwest Washington. Contact us today to get your door replacement project started!

 

Tips on Reducing Winter Energy Bills

December is here and the official start of winter is right around the corner. It’s likely that you’re already seeing a steady increase in your utility bills, because the weather is already colder, and the days are already shorter. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your winter energy bills, here are some helpful ideas.

#1: Replace your windows and doors.
Tired of feeling drafts every time you walk by or sit near your windows and doors? These drafts are not only chilly, but they’re allowing warm air outside and cool air in. That means you’re wasting energy and causing your heating system to work harder than it needs to. New, energy efficient doors and windows will keep you comfortable all year long, because they’ll also keep air-conditioned air inside during the summer! New doors and windows also keep outside noise down, so you’ll be able to relax in a quiet home! We are proud carriers of a variety of quality window and door products, including 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.

#2: Don’t waste electricity.
The simple unplugging of unused small appliances or electronics can help reduce your energy bill this winter. It might sound small, but it can mean big savings in the long run. Microwaves, toasters, battery chargers, DVD players, and gaming consoles are just some of the items that can be unplugged when not in use.

#3: Stay on top of furnace maintenance.
Regular heating system maintenance not only helps prolong the life of your system, but it helps with energy efficiency. Professional HVAC maintenance will ensure that internal components of the system are working at peak efficiency and that no issues could cause a potential breakdown. Another simple way you can save energy is by changing or cleaning your air filters, so they don’t cause your system to work harder and use more energy.

We love helping homeowners beautify their home and make it more energy efficient at the same time! Make energy conservation a priority by contacting us to talk about new window or door replacement options. You’ll notice a significant difference!

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!

 

French Doors or Sliding Glass Doors

Whether you are looking to demo your back patio or deck, or you want to make for a stunning update to your entryway, you may be curious which doors will be best: French doors or a sliding glass door? You may have a specific style in mind but getting information on both options is a great way to confirm your decision. Here are two of the main differences.

Price:
Most home renovation projects begin with the question of cost, so doing your research on which style fits your budget is important. French doors are generally more costly than sliding glass doors, but that is also dependent on the materials, size, and other upgrade options you choose. These doors can cost several hundred or even several thousand dollars but sliding glass doors are usually significantly less. French doors will cost more if you choose solid wood like cedar or oak and if they swing out rather than in, they will cost a bit more. There is a wide variation on how much sliding glass doors and French doors cost, so be sure to ask our team at Lifetime about what options there are so you can make the best decision.

Placement:
The space in your home is unique and the type of door you choose needs to fit the style and look of the house. In addition, it needs to fit the specific space where it will be installed. For example, French doors need room to swing open, which means if you have a small space or furniture that will prevent that full motion from happening, sliding glass doors may be a better option. If you have the space, however, French doors will allow you a wider opening that will help you to open wide to bring in fresh air in, haul furniture in and out, or to host backyard parties.

Whichever design you choose, you will be glad to have a new, energy-efficient door added to your home. Our selection of Energy Star-rated doors are designed to insulate against heat or cold, which means you will save big bucks on utility bills over time. Not to mention, you can stay more comfortable all year long!

Spring is the best time to get your French door or sliding glass door replaced. We carry a variety of designs that will fit your budget and style. We offer free quotes and proudly 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 door options are best for your home!

Benefits of A New Front Door Installation

Has your entry door seen better days? Maybe it’s old or not insulated well.  Is it simply not performing as well as it used to? If so, a replacement door is something you should consider! Once you decide it’s time to get your new door, be sure it is professionally installed by an experienced team. This team should be committed to quality workmanship and attention to detail. Here are some of the primary benefits of professional front door installation.

#1: Style.
Your front door helps give guests a good first impression! The entry door is your home’s introduction to the rest of it! Something that is visually appealing will catch the eye of neighbors and other passersby, as well as friends and family.  If your front door is dented, scratched, or off color, this will also make an impression – but not a good one. Bolster curb appeal with a new, stylish front door!
#2: Energy efficiency.
Saving energy is important – not only for the earth, but for your checking account! A new door is energy efficient, which means you won’t need to rely as heavily on your heating and cooling system.  It will help keep cold air out and warm air in.  And during the summer, it will keep summer weather outside and cool air in! That means you will see a cost savings on your utility bill. That could translate to saving hundreds at the end of the year.
#3: Security.
A new front door will protect your home from outside elements as well as home invasion. If your old door is weak and of poor quality, this doesn’t do much in the way of protection. We offer a variety of doors in different materials ranging from wood to fiberglass and more. We also provide custom doors that are beautiful and strong! When you combine this with a solid professional door installation, you can rest knowing that your door is functioning as it was intended.

Spring is almost here and it’s a great time to spruce up your home! Our experienced team of installation professionals are ready to help get your home to look and feel how you want it. Whether it’s quality products from Therma-Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, or Codel, you’re bound to find something that you love! Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can determine what new front door works for your home and budget!

Why You Should Update Your Home This Year

Home improvements require some planning and preparation and 2019 is the right time to make those updates that you’ve been thinking about!  Starting small is a great way to go with small touches that make big statements, like new lighting fixtures or accent furniture. But when it comes to the bigger changes, our expert team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help. Here’s how:

New windows: Not only do new windows bring in more natural light and help lighten your mood during those cold, dreary days, but they will also be energy efficient, which means your utility bill will be lower! Not to mention, new windows are extremely quiet, which translates to a more peaceful inside space!  We are proud dealers of Milgard and Simonton windows, which are known for their quality workmanship, attention to detail, and energy efficiency. Contact us today for information on which windows could work with your home’s unique style and most importantly, your budget.

New doors: A new front door not only makes a statement, but it adds curb appeal and sets the tone for the rest of your house. If your front door has seen better days, we can help with a replacement! A new door will not only look good, but it will also help keep cold winter air out and warm air inside! We have an infinite number of choices available for doors and carry a variety of brands including Therma-Tru, Buffelen, Simonton, Codel, and more!  Whether you need a simple replacement or something more custom, we can help!

We think 2019 is a great time to replace your windows and doors! We can even help with new roofing and siding projects. Our experienced team of professionals is ready to help get your home to look and feel how you want it, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can start getting your home renovation project started!

How to Decorate Your Front Door

Fall weather is here and for many homeowners, it’s time to start decorating their front entryways for autumn. Whether it is pumpkins lining the walkway, scary ghosts or gobbling décor, or hay bales, getting your outside looking festive is fun. Don’t forget to include your front door in your decorating, because this is one of the first things that guests notice when they come to visit you!  Here are some fun fall door decorating ideas:

  1.  Adding a wreath to your front door to ring in the fall season is a great idea. Make one yourself or find a store-bought wreath that is made of grapevines or greenery. If you want to make it more colorful, you can attach white mini pumpkins or colorful fall leaves with florist picks and secure it tightly with wire.
  2.  Old wooden signs with your house number or your family’s last name can be a fun way to welcome guests to your home. Paint the number or name on there or stencil it and attach. If you don’t want to put it directly on the door itself, consider hanging it to the left or right of the front door and keep it up all year long!
  3.  The fall weather brings plenty of rain and mud, so when guests head up to your entryway, be sure there is a nice doormat in front of the doorway. Consider a harvest-themed monogrammed doormat or floor rug that is eye-catching and usable so after guests knock on your front door, they have a place to wipe their feet before stepping inside.

If the doors in your home or old and inefficient, it may be time to start thinking about replacement doors. A new door will not only look great all year long – especially when it comes to decorating for all of those special holidays. Not to mention, new doors will save energy. Old doors can leak cold autumn air inside and let warm air outside, causing your utility bills to rise.  Need a new front door installed? We have a variety of door options that will match your home’s specific style and most importantly, your budget.  We’re happy to provide free quotes and service Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington. Whether it’s new windows or doors, new siding, or a roof replacement, our professional team can help you get your home updated so you can enjoy autumn. Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment scheduled.