Tips for Renovating Your Home Office

With the pandemic changing how we conduct business and regular ‘work life’, many people have changed their routines and continue to work from home. Because you’re spending more time at home in your office, ensuring that it’s comfortable and functional is important. Trying to figure out ways to make your office fit your new work-from-home lifestyle? Here are some tips.

#1: Personalize it.
Your home should be a calm space where you can relax and be yourself. Personalizing your space is one way to express your personality and your unique tastes. Whether you prefer more modern décor, or a mix of retro and traditional, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to making your home what you want it to be. After all – it’s yours! Personalize your home office with whatever is meaningful to you. Family heirlooms, photos of past trips,  souvenirs you’ve saved from life, or a comfortable chair that you found at a thrift store a few years ago – design it in a way that inspires you.

#2: Bring in the light.
This last year has been a whirlwind of emotions. That’s why bringing in as much mood-boosting light as you can is key. Consider adding a new skylight to your office space. Does your office have small, outdated windows that are old and energy inefficient? Consider replacing your windows with new, energy efficient ones. New windows will add a greater amount of light to your workspace and make it more cheerful. Not to mention, new windows save energy, which helps cut costs on your utility bill.

#3: Add a door.
Not every home can add a new door that leads to the outside space. But if your space allows, consider how you can add this into your renovation. This is an affordable way to add access to your exterior living space and it also helps bring in fresh air and light! Whether it’s a French door, sliding patio door, or a custom door that is crafted specifically for your space, we can help find the right exterior door for your home.

Our team of experts at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help you get your home updated to be exactly how you envisioned it. So contact us today for a free estimate on your window, door, siding, or roofing replacement project!

Eco-Friendly Home Remodel? Don’t Forget the Windows

If you’re planning a home remodel in 2021 and want to update it to be as eco-friendly as possible, we can help! Wondering what makes your home green? Natural light with new energy-efficient windows, a new heating and cooling system that assists with bolstering indoor air quality, and environmentally friendly siding or roofing products can all help make your home more sustainable. Wondering what to look for when adding energy efficient windows to your home?

Materials:

Vinyl:
These frames are basically maintenance free and durable. The best part: they are great at helping insulate your home, and that translates to less energy usage.  They are also affordable, customizable, and work well in both traditional or contemporary homes.

Fiberglass:
These are some of the strongest frames available. The window frame expands and contracts at about the same rate as the surrounding insulated glass, which helps with energy savings. This material is moisture resistant, which means it won’t warp, split, or bow.

No matter which type of windows you choose, new windows help keep warm air in and cold winter air out. And in the summer, the opposite is true: they keep your air-conditioned air inside and the warm summer heat out. This means your heating and cooling system won’t have to work as hard to heat or cool the home. And because of that, your utility bill won’t skyrocket, and you will be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

We are proud to carry a variety of energy efficient doors and windows from Simonton and Milgard. Contact us today for options, so you can update your home, increasing its curb appeal and making it even more comfortable!

 

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!

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.

Why Choose a Custom Door

Looking to make a statement with your home? A custom door can be the perfect way to do that. Personalized entry ways can be beautiful and introduce guests to your unique style. Customized doors are just the beginning. Here’s why you should consider installing a custom door.

Longevity:
A custom, high-quality door will stand the test of time. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors will talk to you about what custom options are available to ensure that your door not only looks amazing but has the performance and functionality you need for it to last.

Inspiration:
The exterior doors in your home are just a glimpse into the rest of your home. Once you determine what style is right for you, you can be inspired to carry the design through the rest of your home.

Options:
Doors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and paints. But it doesn’t just stop there. Panels, glass designs, and wood species are some of the other custom options available. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors will walk you through the variety of options so you can enjoy your door design journey!

Return on investment:
In various cost versus value reports, new entry doors are great investments in your home. That means you can reap future gains if you decide to sell your home. And in the meantime, you will be able to enjoy the beauty, energy efficiency and security that a new door gives you.

Open the door to your imagination! With a variety of sizes, aesthetics, and styles available, your custom door idea can be a reality. If your doors don’t match your home’s style, do not seal properly, or simply lack the energy efficiency that you need, now’s the time to get your door with door frame installed! We are offering a variety of savings offers that can help save on the price of the door. Contact us today for information!

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!

Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. So, making sure the exterior is maintained and kept up well is important. Siding is one of the first things that people notice about your home. If you are considering replacing the siding in your home, fiber cement siding is one of the best options out there. Here are some of the primary benefits of this siding option.

#1: Life span.
Fiber cement is composite of wood fiber and cement, along with other additives that help it stand the test of time. It can last 50 years or more and is resistant to all types of weather, wear, and insects. It is also fire resistant

#2: Durability.
It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest gets a lot of different weather throughout the year. While fiber cement siding looks like wood, it doesn’t have the issues that wood does. It won’t swell, split, rot, or warp with water exposure, humidity, or heat. That means, no matter how hot or cold the weather gets your home’s exterior will stay in pristine condition.

#3: Versatility.
Fiber cement is beautiful and aesthetically appealing for a variety of home styles. It uses ColorPlus® technology, which is baked-on pre-finish that is UV-resistant and won’t fade. In addition to this, on it requires minimal maintenance. No pressure washing is required to keep it looking stunning!

Our team of professional installers at Lifetime Windows & Doors have been factory-trained to install fiber cement siding quickly for our customers. We understand that each home is unique, and your project is something that requires an individual plan. We’ll remove your old siding and debris, too! In no time, you will have a gorgeous new home exterior. Ready to talk about the next steps on your siding project? Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

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!

 

What Home Improvements Add Value?

When it comes to renovating your home, every dollar you put into it counts. Most homeowners want to get the best value for their money, so before you launch into a series of home improvement projects, consider which to-dos are the best for your investment. Here are some remodeling ideas that can help you add value to your home.

#1: New windows.
Do some of the rooms in your home feel dark and out of date? Adding new windows to your space will increase light, make the area look bigger, and will help bolster energy efficiency! Saving money on energy costs is not only great for you as you live in the home, but when it comes time to list your home for sale, this will be a big selling point, as prospective homebuyers are looking for things that won’t have to replace themselves! Not to mention, new windows will add significant curb appeal to your home making it look fresh and updated.

#2: New doors.
When was the last time you’ve looked closely at your doors? Have they seen better days? New exterior doors help set the stage for the rest of your home. Not only will they help your home look better from the outside, but they will help prevent air leakage, which can contribute to wasted energy and increased utility bills. We have many 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!

#3: New rooms.
Whether it’s creating a bedroom addition or finishing your basement and adding an extra bathroom or play space, remodels like this will add significant value to your home. If you take on a large renovation project like this, we can help with adding what you need when it comes to windows, exterior doors, and even outdoor siding! Once your remodel project is underway, our experienced team at Lifetime Windows & Doors can talk to you about options that can help finish the space completely.

Your home is your oasis and getting the most out of your remodeling project will help you enjoy it for years to come! Contact us today to get an appointment scheduled so you can start started!