Must Haves for Your Home Remodel

If a remodeling project is on the horizon for you this year or next, you are probably dreaming about how beautiful your new space will look. While there are a lot of details to keep in mind, the excitement about having a new and improved area to relax and enjoy is something to get excited about. Whether it’s a home addition, building a separate accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your yard or property, or simply doing a home remodel, finding the right windows and doors is key. Here are some must haves to consider for your home remodel.

#1: Energy efficient windows.
We hear often from customers about how much of a difference they see in energy efficiency with their new window replacements. High performance windows help reduce your energy costs!  We also hear that the new windows are a lot quieter than their old windows! New, Energy-Star rated windows offer the beauty, reliability, and efficiency that you need in your home. The biggest decision you’ll make with new windows is what material you want. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors will help give you insight and tips on what material options would be best for your space. Vinyl, fiberglass, and wood are the main options you’ll have. You’ll love having secure windows that also enhance curb appeal!

#2: Doors.
Your doors provide protection and beauty. But, they also give you a chance to give people a glimpse of your personality and style preferences. New doors are durable, energy efficient, and come in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes. Need a custom size? No problem. Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, or something in between, we have a robust selection of front doors that will help your home make a great first impression.  Need a patio door? We have lots of options for those, too. Moving glass walls, fiberglass, or vinyl – there are plenty of choices for patio doors that will fit your indoor and exterior space. New doors for your home are a great investment.

Are you planning your remodel? Our team’s expertise and quality of workmanship is something you can count on. Contact us soon to learn more about our products, selection, and experience serving customers around the Pacific Northwest for the last two decades.

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.

New Windows, Old House

There are many stunning historic homes around the Pacific Northwest. They each tell a story and have unique character to them. Many of these homes have original windows. If these doors or windows are more than 50 years old, they are probably single-paned and very drafty. That means they have a hard time keeping out cold and hot air. Here are some things to consider when replacing windows in your older home.

#1: You’ll save energy with new windows.
Modern windows often have double or triple-paned glass, which offers incredible energy efficiency. You will notice a huge difference between your old windows and new ones – not just in the lack of draftiness in the home, but also in your utility bill. Not to mention, new windows provide a greater sound barrier than older windows do, so your home will be even more quiet.

#2: You won’t have to sacrifice charm.
There are a variety of new window options out there that will help you maintain the unique character of your historic home. Our experienced team at Lifetime Windows and Doors can help you determine some of the best options that align with your home’s era and find replacement options within your budget.

#3: You can customize your selections.
Whether it’s new windows or new exterior doors, there are customizable options available. That opens up a new world of possibility for getting things replaced exactly to your liking. Another thing to consider is that your current old windows may be difficult to open or may not open at all. New windows have different options to make them more functional! Some options include horizontal sliders, single or double-hung windows, bay windows, or even decorative windows with decorative glass.

Whether it’s new vinyl windows, wood windows, or something else, there are plenty of options to upgrade your windows while keeping the historic character of your home.  No matter how old your home is, our experts will help you explore your options. We’ve been working on homes around the Northwest for over two decades! We have the experience you can count on to get the job done right. Call us today to get your free quote set up.

Signs You Need New Exterior Doors

Have you lived in your home a long time? Does your home need a refresh? Perhaps you want to upgrade your newly purchased home. Look closely at your exterior doors. Think about replacing them during your home remodeling project. Not sure you need a new one? Here are some signs that they need replacement.

#1: Visible wear and tear.
Your doors play a big role – they provide protection from the elements and act as a barrier to intruders. Over time, your doors will become worn. If there are dents, chips, cracks, or other visible problems with the door that can’t be fixed, consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient door.

#2: There are drafts.
When was the last time you replaced your doors? Chances are, if your door is decades old, it isn’t as energy efficient as it could be. Perhaps there are drafts or gaps coming from underneath it. This allows outside air in and causes your home’s heating and cooling system to work harder. This translates to wasted energy and higher utility bills. New doors today operate with extreme efficiency.

#3: Damage.
Does your door have difficulty locking? Maybe it’s a challenge to open or close the door. This kind of damage is hard to fix and sometimes, it simply isn’t possible. That’s when you’ll need to consider a door replacement.

There are a lot of different benefits to replacing your exterior doors. New doors provide great curb appeal! And in addition to improved functionality, new doors are a great investment that can reap good returns. Not to mention, you can rest comfortably knowing your door is able to help keep you secure.

There are a variety of different door styles to explore. So, whether it’s a simple back door or a custom front entryway door, our team at Lifetime Windows and Doors has the experience you can trust. We’ve been serving customers locally for over 20 years. Contact us today to get your project started!

How to Pick the Right Siding Color for Your Home

Are you considering a siding replacement? Picking the right color for your home’s exterior is a big decision. It will be a color you’ll have to live with for a long time and it plays a big role in your home’s overall curb appeal. Here are some tips on how to pick the right siding color.

#1: Know your home’s style.
The architecture in your home will help guide you. For example, if you have a Craftsman-style home, you’ll want to stick with traditional earthy colors. Colonial-style homes are often white. Country-style homes are often lighter, so breezy yellows and blues are a popular choice. For modern homes, stone hues are a good option.

#2: Consider the size of your home.
If you have a large home, it’s usually best to avoid dark, gloomy colors. Dark colors on large spaces can make it look a little overpowering. Smaller homes do better with dark hues.

#3: Coordinate roof color.
Look at your roof. If it’s dark, it’s often best to go with a lighter siding color. If you have a roof that has a mix of light and dark, stick with a neutral siding color. If your roof is brown, light earth tones or off white could contrast nicely.

#4: Consider the neighborhood.
Walk around your neighborhood and pay attention to what other homes look like. You don’t want to pick a color that sticks out like a sore thumb – especially if you plan to sell the home somewhere down the line. You can definitely pick something that is unique to your specific taste and style but consider how that will play into the whole neighborhood feel.

Our experienced team of professional installers at Lifetime Windows & Doors are factory-trained and ready to help install your new siding. We know that your home is one of your most valuable possessions, so we will make sure the job is done right! We proudly carry and install top quality fiber cement siding. It is incredibly durable and 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.

Contact us today to learn more about getting your siding project started so it can be ready in time to enjoy the beautiful Northwest spring and summer seasons!

What’s Your Window’s Story?

Every day we work with customers of all kinds looking to replace their windows that are new and energy efficient. Whether it’s a historic home that needs new windows or a contemporary home that is being completely remodeled, we love the variety of windows that are out there and enjoy what part the windows play in the home’s story.  Your windows have a story. Here’s how:

Windows that love to maximize light:
Some windows are placed strategically to maximize the outside view and the daylight that enters a space. Whether it’s a big picture window in the front living room of a home, or a small window in a bedroom that needs more sunlight, windows are all about bringing the outside in.

Windows that allow ventilation:
Whether it’s a window in a bathroom or a kitchen, we can find the right window that provides the ventilation you need for the space. There are windows that slide from up to down or side to side, in addition to those that turn in or out.

Windows that mute sound:
New windows will keep the inside of your home quieter than you ever dreamed! We have a variety of window options that will help keep pounding rain and wind at bay, in addition to keeping outside noisy traffic quieter, too! Not to mention, new windows are insulated well and provide the thermal control that you need to keep the temperature in your home the way you want it.

Windows that need to meet code:
Maybe you’re updating your basement and putting an egress window is a necessary addition. We understand the variety of codes and what complexities come with them, so if you have a window that needs to meet a specific code requirement, we can help!

The windows in your home tell a story and play a big role in your overall comfort!   Springtime and early summer are great times to consider getting your windows replaced with new, energy efficient options from Milgard or Simonton. Our experienced team of window installation professionals can help get your windows replaced quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to enjoying the spring weather! New, energy efficient windows not only add curb appeal to your home, but they will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ready to get your window installation project started? Contact us today for a free estimate!