Tips for Restoring Your Older Home

Older homes have charm and a unique sense of character. Historic homes or those that were built in decades past have a story to tell and add charm to any neighborhood. Whether you live in a Victorian, a Craftsman, or a mid-century home in Oregon or Washington, restoring it while retaining its distinctive characteristics is important. Here are some things to keep in mind when remodeling an older home.


ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY & KEEP THE HISTORY

Older homes often have ornate windows or doors that hint at times past. Single-pane windows were very common several decades ago, but they are nowhere near as energy efficient as contemporary windows. Replacement windows in fiberglass, vinyl, or wood give you stunning options that can be modern, traditional, or classic in design. No matter what era your home is from, there are new windows that can keep that older home feel, but provide you with the updates you want. New windows also add instant value and curb appeal. They are an investment that helps garner good returns if you want to sell your home later.


MAKE COMFORT SUPREME

When you stand near your windows, do you feel a draft? Warm air inside will leak out during the winter and cool air-conditioned air can get out in the summer months. Energy-efficient, double-paned windows from reputable, high-quality brands like Simonton Windows and Doors or Milgard help eliminate drafts. This not only keeps your home more comfortable inside with more evenly distributed temperatures, but it also helps with noise reduction. The end result is a quieter, more comfortable home.


CREATE GREATER FUNCTIONALITY

Modern designs can be difficult to integrate into older homes. So, look closely at its overall functionality and make changes during the renovation that make it easier to use. Perhaps adding a moving glass wall system instead of a large picture window could create greater access to your outside living space. Or, maybe your home could simply benefit from new, energy-efficient doors that are safer and more secure.

HOME RESTORATION EXPERTS IN PORTLAND OR

Our team has served the greater Portland OR area for over 25 years and have worked with homeowners on exterior projects all year round, even in the dead of winter! Restoring your old home with modern updates is an important investment in its life and longevity, so call us today to learn more about our services and get a free estimate!

Remodeling Strategies for Aging in Place

Your house is a place that has many special memories attached to it. So, when it comes time to start planning for where you’ll live as you age, it is important to consider what you will need well into the future. Many homeowners have invested their time, money, and creativity into their homes. The thought of leaving it might not seem right! That’s why many people have decided to age in place and accommodate their home so they can do that. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you start planning.

Make sure your door entryways are wide enough.
As you age, you will need to be sure that the doorways are accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes. Also, ensure the entryways and thresholds are clear of obstacles and have smooth transitions This helps prevent trips and falls.

Don’t forget about window hardware.
Aging can cause arthritis or other health problems that make your muscles weaker. So, when it comes to hardware for your windows, make sure you choose hardware that allows you to easily twist and open your windows and doors. Casement windows with cranking handles are often one of the easiest types of windows to have.

Consider adding or expanding your indoor-outdoor space.
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to retire and age in place. To get the most out of your living space, consider adding a moving glass wall system or large patio door. These help bring in fresh air and sunlight. That way, even if your mobility is limited, you can still get outside or sit nearby to enjoy the scenery in your yard or neighborhood.  

Whether you are building an addition to your home, or you are revamping your lower level to accommodate living in your home as you get older, using top quality window, door, siding, and roof products is important. Our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has the experience you can trust with your home renovation projects. Whether it’s replacing all the windows in your home or adding new doors with wider frames, our two decades of serving Pacific Northwest homeowners is unrivaled. Call us today to schedule your free quote. 

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!

2022 Home Trends to Watch For

When it comes to home design, there are a lot of different trends that come and go. In 2022, there are a few trends to keep your eye out for. If you are renovating your home this year, it’s important to know what is the most popular, and what to steer away from. Here are some things to keep in mind.

#1: Higher quality material and details are important.
People nowadays appreciate quality. The better-quality products you have, the longer they will last – especially when it comes to your home. So, if you are planning a home renovation, consider what products will not only look beautiful, but last longer. At Lifetime Windows and Doors, we pride ourselves in installing top-quality windows, doors, and roofing products for our clients. With products from Milgard, Simonton, Therma-Tru, and many more, we understand that quality craftsmanship goes a long way. Products that are durable and installed with precision and attention to detail will stand the test of time, and will also bode well for resale value, should you choose to sell your home in the future.

#2: Versatile living.
The pandemic re-shaped how we live and work, making flexible spaces are must-have. With many people still working from home or doing a combination of remote and in-office work, they need spaces that are flexible for both work and relaxation. If you are redesigning your living quarters, consider what can make it good as a flex-space. For example, could adding a French door to your home office provide quiet and a space separation between office and your other rooms?

#3: Bringing the outside in.
This trend is something that was popular, even before the pandemic hit. Plants, shrubbery, and other greenery is very popular in today’s homes. It not only brings a pop of color to the space, but it brings the beauty of nature in.

#4: Upgrading the outside.
Once the weather gets nice again in the spring and summer, there are lots of ways you can get outside to enjoy your space. Adding new siding this winter is one way to do that. New siding protects your home and gives it a great facelift. We proudly carry and install top quality fiber cement siding. This is a durable product that won’t swell, rot, or warp when it’s exposed to heat, humidity, or water. It uses ColorPlus® technology, which is uses a baked-on pre-finish that won’t fade or fade from ultraviolet rays.

Ready to get your home upgraded for 2022? Let our team of home improvement experts help! Contact us today to learn more.

Popular Patio Door Options

Summer and fall are beautiful in the Pacific Northwest and it’s the best time to sit outside and enjoy your yard space. If your patio needs an upgrade, don’t forget to include a great new patio door for your space. No matter what your specific style preference is, there’s a patio door to match it! Here are some of the most popular patio door options this year.

Vinyl patio doors:
These are usually the most common patio door options. They are affordable, durable, and are great for a variety of home styles. Sliding doors are a good option when space outside is limited. There are customizable options available too, just talk to our team about what we can do to find the right one!

Fiberglass patio doors:
Fiberglass patio doors are beautiful and built to last a long time. When the weather changes, they won’t expand or contract very much, which helps with energy efficiency. They are strong and resist rotting and are available in swinging or sliding styles.

Moving glass walls:
Moving glass walls are a stunning way to make a statement in your home – especially if you have a small area that you want to brighten up with natural light and views to the outside. We carry moving glass wall systems come in 3 to 6-panel configurations with pocket, stacking, and bi-fold doors. They’re crafted with aluminum on the structure and frame and are fully weather stripped to ensure no outside air gets in. They open and close seamlessly because of the tandem stainless steel ball bearing rollers. The moving glass wall option truly transforms spaces!

We love working with homeowners to upgrade their living space. We are happy to provide free quotes on any time of door replacement project, too! We proudly serve Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas, as well as Central Oregon and Southwest Washington.  Visit our specials page to see what our current specials are, then contact us today for information on how to get your appointment scheduled.

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!

 

Benefits of Natural Light in Your Home

Natural light – even during the dreary, rainy days in Oregon and Washington this time of year – does the body good. Real light brings warmth and a welcoming atmosphere to different rooms in your home. Here are some benefits of ensuring you have plenty of natural light in your home.

#1: Comfort.
Ahhh, a special chair or spot on the couch is so relaxing after a long day. Having light in your home that is aligned with your home’s interior design is great. Find where the sun hits your home at certain parts of the day and maximize those areas. Determining when and how the sunlight hits certain parts of your home will also help control the temperature inside your living space too. During the cooler months, ensuring your shades are kept open will help bring heat from the light coming through. On hot summer days, knowing the hottest parts of the house will help make sure you can keep curtains or blinds cracked or shut so direct sunlight doesn’t heat up the space too much.

#2: Saved energy.
Using natural light rather than false light will save energy. Energy efficient windows will also help you conserve energy. Less energy use translates to lower utility bills and more money in your pocket. Not to mention, you’ll be glad knowing that you’re doing your part to help the environment!

#3: Better health.
Natural light is an important part of having a healthy body and mind. Without enough light, your body and mind can suffer. Natural light helps increase productivity, bolster concentration, and sometimes it just lifts the spirits. Keep the curtains and blinds in your home open as much as possible. Taking advantage of the sun – even on gray days – will help give your body what it needs. If you have a space in your windows for flowers or plants to grow, consider placing them there. This adds additional beauty!

Let us help bring more light to your home this year! The new year is here and it’s the perfect time to plan your home renovation projects. Contact our experienced team of window installation specialists at Lifetime Windows and Doors today. We look forward to helping you get your new windows installed so you can reap all the benefits that natural light has to bring!

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.

 

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!

Benefits of Replacing Windows Before Selling Your Home

If you are thinking about selling your home, it can be difficult to determine what you should do to the house before you put it on the market. Replacing your windows is one thing that you should think of doing before you sell. Here’s why.

Benefit #1: Curb appeal.
Selling your home is a process that requires a little bit of patience as you wait for the right buyer to come along. When people drive by or walk past your home and see the for-sale sign in the yard, you want your home to stand out to them. New windows add significant curb appeal to your home and that can attract prospective buyers!

Benefit #2: Recouped cost.
If you invest in upgrades for your home, the average homeowner will recoup some of the money spent on these home improvements. That means when it comes time to sell, you can plan on getting more for your home. Potential buyers will not be haggling to get you down on price to do the upgrades they want to do, because they will already be done!

Benefit #3: Energy efficiency.
New, updated windows are a big selling point for homeowners, especially when they know that they are energy efficient. Saving money on energy costs each month is something homeowners are looking for, and they don’t want to have a home that costs a lot of cash to cool and heat.

Making your home more move-in ready is one way to get your home sale expedited. If you are planning on listing your home this spring, contact us today to get information on replacement windows. We are proud carriers of Simonton and Milgard Windows, which are known for their outstanding quality, structure, and durability. Our team of experienced window installation professionals will control the process with superior attention to detail from start to finish. This ensures that you will get the job done well the first time, with no headache.

Springtime is the perfect time to your window replacement project started, so contact our locally owned and operated business today for a free estimate!