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!

How a Garden Window Can Transform Your Kitchen

Plants in a windowsill ready to go into a garden window

Your kitchen is the heart of your home – it’s often where people congregate and where you spent a lot of time preparing meals for your family and guests. If the windows in your kitchen need an upgrade, garden windows are a simple way to change the look of the room and enrich it with your own flowers or herbs.

What is a Garden Window?

Garden windows are a variation of a bay window, which extends out from the walls of your house. Garden windows are at a 90-degree angle and bay windows are at a 45-degree angle. Garden windows are usually wider and deeper than traditional window designs, which allows for more light to enter the space. This is an ideal location for plants, herbs, or flowers – which is where the term garden window comes from.

Benefits of Having a Garden Window in Your Kitchen

Garden Windows Bring Additional Light Indoors

If your kitchen is dark or dreary, a garden window is a great option for opening the space and letting more natural light in. With four glass panes and a gorgeous, framed view, you’re sure to have a well-lit and open kitchen.

Garden Windows Give You a Panoramic View

Maybe you’ll have a better view of the park, or of your children running around in the yard. No matter what your kitchen window view is, with more light and better views, you might enjoy the space even more. And who knows, it might even make washing dishes or cooking more enjoyable for you, too.

Garden Windows Help You Grow Fresh Foods

You might not have room for a full garden in your backyard, but if you have a garden window, you can start your own mini greenhouse with potted herbs or vegetables that need just a small area to grow. These fresh foods will not only help keep your body healthier, but they’ll also enhance the inside of your home with herbal scents.

Install a Garden Window in Your Kitchen

Whether it’s a new garden window, a big picture window in your living room, a bay window to highlight a panoramic view, or simply new, energy efficient windows throughout, your home will benefit greatly from window replacements. For 25 years, we’ve worked with clients across Oregon and Washington to replace their exterior doors, windows, siding, and roofing, so they can enjoy their homes and businesses. Call us today for a free estimate!

Best Places for Bay Windows

Large white bay window overlooking trees

Bay windows are a show-stopping feature that will captivate anybody who enters your home. By offering an abundance of natural light and sweeping views of the surrounding scenery, they will add charm and luxury to any room. The hardest part of installing a new bay window is deciding where to put it – but that’s where we can help! With decades of experience designing and building custom products, we know where bay windows can have the biggest impact. Read on to gather inspiration for your project!

What Are Bay Windows?

A bay window is more than just a window – it’s also an architectural element that alters the shape of your home. They typically have three sections: one central window (or group of windows) flanked by two smaller ones. All three sections curve or angle outward from your wall, creating an elegant protrusion that is visible from both the interior and exterior of your house. The result is a “bay” inside of a room that provides an airy, beautiful glimpse into the outside world. 

Best Places to Put a Bay Window

If you are looking to upgrade your home with gorgeous bay windows, then the first step is to decide which room you want to transform. To spark your imagination and creativity, here are some of our favorite places for bay windows:

Office or Library

Typing away on your laptop? Cozying up with your newest book? Nothing will keep you inspired quite like having the beautiful Pacific Northwest on the other side of the glass. Whether you want to build the perfect reading nook with a window seat or you’d prefer a floor-to-ceiling option for ample space, a bay window will make your home or office feel like a magical getaway.

Bedroom or Guest Room

Your bedroom is your escape from the outside world, so it should be a place of total relaxation and comfort. A bay window will help you create an irresistibly luxurious atmosphere that will have you excited to bundle up and stay in. And, if placed in a guest room, it will make your home a spot that your visitors can’t wait to return to.

Kitchen

A bay window over your kitchen sink will make dishes feel less like a chore and more like a peaceful daily task. Having a view into the yard will not only brighten up your space, but it also gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on your kids while making dinner or cleaning up. And, a little extra space creates the perfect place to put plants or flowers that need additional sunlight.

Living Room

Grab your favorite recliners and turn them to face a large bay window. With panoramic views and soft natural lighting, these windows create a comfortable place to sit and relax with your loved ones. 

Dining Room

Adding tall bay windows will make your dining room feel more spacious and sophisticated. When you get your dining table, a rug, some plants and window accents added, the dining room will feel welcoming, warm, and ready to host your next holiday meal with friends or family.

Transform Your Space with Bay Windows

Want to see how bay windows can transform your space? Get in touch with Lifetime Windows and Doors! Our team has served Portland, Southwest Washington, and Central Oregon for more than two decades. To give our customers the best results possible, we use highly efficient double-pane products from reputable brands like Simonton Windows and Doors or Milgard. From the design and product selection to the full installation, we can help bring your vision to life! Give us a call today to learn more or get your free estimate.

Benefits of Custom Exterior Doors

Your home or business is a reflection of your design preferences and even your personality. If you want to make a statement, a custom exterior door is one way to do that. Here are some benefits of installing a custom exterior door. 

Style

Open the door to something different when you welcome guests to your home, or customers and employees to your business. Doors come in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles and paint colors. There’s more, too. There are panel and glass design choices, different types of woods, and other customizable options available. Our specialists at Lifetime Windows and Doors will walk you through your options so you can customize your door to match your unique needs. 

Endurance

A custom, top-quality door offers protection for many years. It’s not enough to have a door that looks great today. With our top-quality doors, you can rest assured your door will look beautiful for a long time to come. 

Vision

Your exterior doors provide a glimpse into the rest of your home or business Once you determine the best custom door design, many people feel inspired to extend their design vision throughout the rest of the space. Maybe it means getting the ball rolling for window replacement around your home, or even new siding on your home or business exterior. We can help with these improvements too and have over two decades of hands-on expertise implementing them. 

Return on Investment

Much research has been done to determine which home improvements provide the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. New entry doors, new windows, and updated siding are just some of the home improvement projects that yield great returns. In the meantime, you can enjoy the security, beauty and energy efficiency that new exterior doors provide.

New door installation is an easy and very visible home improvement that will catch the eyes of passersby. With different sizes and styles available, let us help you with select a door that’s perfect for your home or business.  

Your Custom Exterior Door Experts

Want to jazz up your exterior door? Turn to the experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors! Our specialists have been helping people choose custom exterior doors for more than two decades! We have an incredible number of quality door options to choose from. Whether you want a custom door, a patio replacement, or a simple front door for your home, we have dozens of style options for you to choose from! Call us today to get your free consultation!

Ways to Avoid Winter Roof Damage

As winter weather arrives, your roof has an important job: to keep you and your family protected and comfortable. Is your roof ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way during the cold season? Here are some ways to keep your roof in good shape this winter!

Clean Your Roof

The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to wind and rain. When those winter storms roll in, tree branches, twigs, dirt, leaves, and other debris can gather on your roof’s surface. If that debris stays piled up, it could cause mold to grow, and may even invite pests to the area. So, be sure that roof debris is regularly cleaned off and cleared to minimize any potential issues. 

Keep Nearby Landscaping Trimmed

If you have tall trees or other landscaping that hangs over your roof, be sure to keep everything trimmed. Having things fall on your roof can cause holes, punctured areas, or other damage that could be costly to repair or replace. 

Check Gutters

Wet weather will be here for a while and with that, water will roll off your roof and route into the gutter system. If your gutters are full of outside debris or if they’re broken, they’re unable to do their job. This translates to standing water on your roof, which will create a host of problems over time, such as mildew, mold, or even dry rot formation.  

Repair or Replace Your Roof

If there is considerable damage to your roof, don’t ignore it. Significant roof troubles can turn into a big headache that also negatively impacts the inside of your home –especially if your roof is already old and needs replacement. Did you know the average home roof will last about two decades? If your roof is that old – or older – it’s time to plan a replacement. We use Malarkey Roofing Products® for our roof replacements, which offers an array of durable Energy Star-rated roofing materials.

Our factory-trained installers have served the greater Portland OR area since 1998 and replace roofs all year long, even in the winter! A new roof is an important investment in the life and longevity of your home, so call us today to get your free roof estimate!

Home Improvements Worth Investing In

If you love your home and plan on spending many more years there, you’ll want to make sure it’s updated to last for the long haul. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so as you plan for your future, it’s important to keep it maintained so it can keep you protected and comfortable – no matter what kind of weather we get. To maximize your comfort and keep your home maintained, consider investing in these things!

Updated Siding

It’s true: quality siding enhances the exterior of your property. But it also works to protect all parts of your home from the wind, rain, and other damaging environmental factors. Not sure if you need new siding? Here are some signs that your siding needs to be replaced:

  • Rotting
  • Mold
  • Warping
  • Bubbling
  • Cracked paint
  • Moisture issues

New roof

On average, your home’s roof will last about 20 years. However, don’t ignore any missing shingles or other damage. This could cause dry rot or other moisture damage on the exterior of your home, which could translate to big, expensive repairs.  

Our team at Lifetime Windows & Doors is always prepared to help with a free quote for a roof replacement. We proudly use products from local Portland manufacturer Malarkey Roofing for our roof replacements. These products are the best of the best and are known for superior energy efficiency, the utmost quality, and extreme durability.  

Energy Efficient Windows

Single-pane windows are not energy efficient and leave your home vulnerable to moisture issues and air leaks. This means your heating system works harder to keep your space warm during the winter and cooler in the summer and this means higher utility bills. Replacing your windows with EnergyStar® rated windows that keep your space insulated and quiet is one of the best additions to your home that you can make. You’ll notice a difference right away in your comfort, quiet, and energy savings. Not to mention, you’ll be able to reap those benefits for many years to come. 

You Can Trust Our Home Exterior Experts!

Updating your home to make it exactly how you want is important – especially if you plan on living in it for a while. Our experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors strive to make it as easy as possible to get your home renovated. From roof to siding replacement, to new windows and exterior door installation, we’ve got a range of exterior services that keep your home looking beautiful. Our certified team has served the greater Portland OR area for over two decades, so we know what it takes to deliver exceptional results. If you want help getting your house ready for long-term living, call us today to get your free estimate!

What is a Moving Glass Wall System?

If you’re looking for a way to transform your living space or your business, adding a moving glass wall can do exactly that. Moving glass walls seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living and will brighten any area with natural light. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing product!

How They Work

Moving glass walls can be customized to fit your space and are often a popular replacement option for patio doors. They come in 3 to 6-panel configurations with pocket, stacking, or bi-fold doors. The frames are crafted with aluminum and are completely weather-stripped to ensure no air leaks in or out. With steel ball-bearing rollers, they simply roll open – no heavy pulling required. 

Transforming Your Space

These floor-to-ceiling walls slide like a patio door but look like a huge window. They are the best way to open your space up – especially if you have an area that connects your home’s interior to the backyard or patio. Moving glass walls are a great option for people that entertain, or for businesses that want the option to have both inside and outside seating. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the natural light you’ll get, which can help minimize your electricity use and maybe even help reduce utility costs over time.

Your Local Experts

If you want to explore the option of adding one of these to your home or business, we can help! We proudly carry Milgard moving glass wall systems, which are cost-effective and durable. Our team of specially trained and experienced professionals have served the greater Portland, OR area for over 24 years, so we know what it takes to deliver exceptional results. Our reputation for quality workmanship speaks for itself. If you’re ready to experience Pacific Northwest living with the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor living with a new moving glass wall system, call us today for a free estimate!

Exterior Door Maintenance Checklist

Your exterior doors welcome guests into your home and make a first impression. They also play a large role in protecting your most valuable belongings from intruders, harsh weather, and other environmental factors. Though they can be easy to overlook, exterior doors are crucial to the health of your home and should be regularly cared for. If you want to keep your doors in great shape long-term, follow this maintenance checklist:

Clean Regularly

Exterior doors are used frequently, and that means dirt, grime, and bacteria can build up on it. To keep it clean, regularly sanitize the inside and outside handles. Then use a gentle cleaning product and a soft cloth to wipe down dirt, fingerprints, or other dirt that has accumulated on the exterior. Rinse it with water, let it air dry, then sit back and enjoy the fresh, clean look!

Prepare for Harsh Weather

If you have exterior doors made of wood, keep in mind that these are prone to a bit of shrinkage during the colder months of fall and winter. Meanwhile, they will expand slightly during hot summer days. To keep your doors properly sealed and protected from the outside world, it’s important to ensure your weather stripping is always intact. You will also want to keep the door painted with products that combat moisture to prevent warping, rotting, or other water damage.

Repair Damage

Your exterior doors make your home look great, and they also provide an extra level of safety for your home. If the door is damaged in a way that prevents it from doing its job, don’t ignore it. For example, if there is damage to the frame or you notice peeling paint, get repairs as soon as possible. Even small problems could build over time and lead to malfunctions or damage to areas around the door, like the siding. 

Replace If Necessary

If your doors are beyond repair, or they simply haven’t been replaced in decades, it’s a good idea to replace them before the coldest days of the year arrive. New doors are energy efficient, helping seal warm inside air in place. They also help keep external noise at bay and will add value and curb appeal to your house. 

Your Local Exterior Door Experts

Want to keep your exterior door in great shape? Turn to the experts at Lifetime Windows & Doors! Our highly trained technicians have been installing doors for more than two decades, and we have an incredible number of quality options to choose from. Whether you want a custom door, a patio replacement, or a simple entry door for the front of your home, we have dozens of style options for you to choose from! Our team can also walk you through care and maintenance, so you can keep your door like new for years to come. Just call us today to get your free quote!

Window Care Tips for Your Home

Caring for your windows is a home maintenance task that is often forgotten about. It only takes a little bit of attention to keep your windows looking and functioning as they should. Here are some important window care tips to keep in mind.

Tip #1: Clean them.
This is a window care basic, but it really makes a huge difference in how much you can enjoy your home and the great outdoors. Never use abrasive cleaners or cloths, and avoid solutions with harsh chemicals, as this could scratch the glass. Instead, use glass specific cleaners and wipe them clean with a soft cloth, squeegee, or paper towels. In addition, make sure to vacuum out the tracks to remove dust or dirt, and make sure you allow time for things to dry if you need to wipe it.  

Tip #2: Open and close carefully.
When you open or close your windows, make sure you do that gently. If you use excessive force, or you force the latch to close it, it could cause strain on the window’s parts. If you have stabilizer arms on casement windows around your home, be gentle with those as well, and remember not to pull too hard or lean on them with too much weight.

Tip #3: Watch for leaks.
Water leakage around windows can lead to mold or mildew growth. Be sure to check the sealing around the inner portion of your windows and make sure there isn’t any area where water can get in.

Tip #4: Combat humidity.
When you are cooking or showering, it can create humid temperatures inside. So, if you notice condensation around your windows, it means the inside is too humid and moisture can start dripping into the windowsills. Over time, this could cause mold growth. To combat humidity, open nearby windows to get some cross ventilation going, or run a dehumidifier regularly.

Tip #5: Replace old, inefficient windows.
If your windows are old, they simply aren’t as energy efficient as they could be. That means they likely aren’t providing the sound barrier you need or want, and air could be leaking in and out. Lifetime Windows & Doors carries a variety of window styles and brands that will fit well into your specific home’s style. And most importantly, we will work with you to find replacement windows that fits within your budget. New windows are EnergyStar® certified and come with great ratings. That means you can be confident knowing you’re getting the best product for your money. Now is a great time to replace your windows, too! So, visit our specials page to see how you can save money.

Inspiration for Your Home Office Remodel

For workers in varying industries around the Pacific Northwest, the pandemic changed the ‘traditional’ work environment. With routines upended and working from home becoming the new norm for many, employees of all kinds have found themselves working from their home office more often. Ensuring that it’s comfortable and functional is key to making it work for the long term. If you have decided that it’s time to revamp your home office, here are some ideas to consider.

#1: Natural light inspires creativity.
Winter in the Northwest has plenty of dark, rainy days. Bringing in as much light as possible to your office will not only inspire creativity, but it can also lighten your mood. Consider adding a skylight to your office space to enhance the light in the room. Or, if your office has only a small window, consider replacing it with a larger window or a bay window that allows you to sit with your laptop to work. New windows not only bring in light, but they help new windows save energy, which helps cut costs on your utility bill.

#2: De-clutter the space.
The less clutter you have in your office, the lighter and brighter the space will feel.  Disorganized work environments can add to your stress and make you feel overwhelmed. So, set aside time every month to clean and de-clutter your office area. Doing so will also free up brain space to complete your job duties with accuracy and attention to detail.

#3: Add access to the outside.
Depending on where your office is at home, consider how you can add access to the outside. If you have a ground-floor office, think about adding a new door that gives you immediate access to the exterior living space. Whether it’s a sliding patio door, a French door, or a moving glass wall system, we can help provide options for a customized solution that fits perfectly for your space.

For more than two decades, our experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors have helped homeowners of all kinds execute their home remodeling visions. So, whether you need windows replaced around your home, or new front and back doors, we can get you high quality products that fit within your budget. Contact us today for a free estimate on your project!