Window Replacement & Installation

1. Window Replacement & Installation

2. Synopsis 1. Increasing Your Home’s Curb Appeal With New Windows 2. Window Replacement & Energy Efficiency 3. Transforming A Home With Window Replacement 4. Expert Window Installation 5. Window Installation & Home Security

3. Increasing Your Home’s Curb Appeal With New Windows • First Impression • A home’s curb appeal can make or break a sale. Imagine the reaction of a hopeful buyer arriving at a property for sale and seeing an unkempt lawn, missing roof shingles, or damaged paint. The state of the windows is just as important as the other features of the exterior. A cracked, damaged or foggy window is extremely detrimental. A fixer-upper is one thing; a house needing a major overhaul is another. Even the most optimistic buyer would undoubtedly feel disappointed upon seeing a house with a poorly maintained exterior. It usually indicates a neglected interior and a house that simply has not been well taken care of. The way a house looks from the outside will either draw a buyer in or scare them away. • In addition to taking away from a house’s aesthetic, appearance, and overall appeal, old and/or damaged windows almost always indicate a house that is not energy efficient. Bad windows almost always mean a poorly insulated home, which make the house difficult and expensive to heat in the winter and equally problematic to keep cool in the summer • The Importance of Light • Even while viewing a house from the outside, it’s fairly easy to judge by looking at the windows whether the house gets enough natural lighting. Adequate natural lighting is a major consideration, as selling a house with windowless rooms or poorly lit rooms can be quite challenging. This is especially true among older homes; newer homes are usually constructed using techniques that allow for optimal natural lighting, including bay windows, picture windows, and skylights. While light fixtures can always be installed to improve poor lighting, a sunlit room is much more desirable. Adding windows where they do not exist is an investment that new buyers can always consider, but it means budgeting the time and money to do so.

4. Window Replacement & Energy Efficiency • Older Homes • While new construction has its perks and benefits, nothing compares to the timeless beauty of classic, older, historic homes. Of course, owning an older house presents a certain set of challenges, which often includes energy efficiency. Generally speaking, older houses benefit from energy evaluations and the subsequent necessary updates. Commonly, this means updating the insulation and windows, thus eliminating drafts and securely sealing the house from the elements. Additionally, new windows can prevent excess moisture from entering a house, which can lead to the buildup of mold and mildew. Window replacement is an easy way to breathe new life into an older home, increasing the physical comfort it offers as well as boosting its overall aesthetic appearance. • The Cost • As with all home improvement, the cost of window replacement is important to consider. In particular, this can be the case with older homes, which sometimes require custom- ordered panes not readily available in stores. However, in the vast majority of cases, new windows pay for themselves in a short amount of time. That is the money saved in energy costs greatly outweighs the price of replacing the windows. Properly insulated, secure, reinforced windows result in much more manageable utility bills. The most dramatic results are observed when single-pane windows are replaced with double panes. In some cases, tax credits are available for energy-boosting home improvements, making the project even more worthwhile.

5. Transforming A Home With Window Replacement • Darkness and Light • When it comes to home renovations, a popular goal is to make the house brighter. It is believed that natural lighting boosts levels of serotonin released by the brain; in other words, scientifically speaking, being in a bright room can put someone in a good mood. So, making a house brighter is the aim. This can mean anything from choosing a vibrant shade of paint for the kitchen to installing recessed lighting or, more importantly, new window installation and/or replacement. Remodeling or renovating a home presents an exciting opportunity to completely change the space; whether it’s a DIY undertaking or a project undertaken with an interior designer and architect. • Other Benefits • An important factor to consider when replacing windows during home renovations is the overall impact on energy efficiency. A common goal when renovating a home is to make it operate more efficiently, especially in terms of heating and cooling. New, properly insulated windows are a vital aspect of creating an energy efficient home. It can help to keep the heat in when the temperature outside plummets and keeping the cool air in during the summer months. Replacing a home’s insulation, windows and doors are among the most effective methods during a renovation to improve energy efficiency.

6. Expert Window Installation • Cost Savings • Professional window installation does not have to be expensive; rather, the majority of contractors are experts at cutting costs and can work with limited customer budgets. It is a myth that it costs an arm and a leg to hire a contractor to do window installation; in fact, overall, it typically saves both time and money. From choosing the most energy efficient and secure options to correctly installing the windows right the first time, hiring a contractor has a wide array of benefits. Most contractors provide estimates free of charge and will carefully outline and review the costs of window installation with each customer. Additionally, expert window installers can assist with everything from boosting a home’s security to performing an energy evaluation. Properly installed, reinforced windows can offer a great reduction in utility bills, added security and aesthetic benefits. • An Informed Decision • As with any home renovation, it is important for a homeowner to conduct the requisite research when hiring a contractor, finding a licensed, insured professional with a solid reputation. It’s recommended to check out a contractor’s listing with the Better Business Bureau, as well as reading customer reviews and testimonials on that contractor’s business website or Facebook page. A reputable contractor will guarantee and stand behind the workmanship of the renovations performed; offering certain assurances that are forfeited when a DIY project is undertaken.

7. Window Installation & Home Security • New window installation can offer the same peace of mind as investing in a home security system or updating the outdoor lighting; it’s practical, reasonable and necessary. It’s a smart investment that can transform a previously vulnerable house into a safe one. Intruders frequently target homes with windows that do not lock properly. This is a common problem among houses with older windows in need of replacement, easily shattered or knocked out of place by a clever burglar. • Installing windows with security features, such as metal guards, grids or bars, is an easy way to instantly increase the safety of a home. Window bars can be as decorative as they are functional; increasing the beauty of a home rather than taking away from it. Ornate, custom window designs enhance a home’s curb appeal while keeping the property safe and secure. These security measures are unobtrusive; intelligently designed to be aesthetically pleasing while expertly manufactured to be strong. Installing safe windows does not mean sacrificing style; rather, new windows can be quite complementary to a home’s visual appeal. • Other tips include installing secondary window locks and choosing reinforced, shatter-proof glass, especially in commonly neglected spaces, such as the basement or the garage. Such updates include other incidental bonuses, such as increased energy efficiency and a reduction in home heating bills. These small steps can prevent would-be criminals from attempting to invade and burglarize a home. Ideally, new window installation should be accompanied by proper outside lighting and, when appropriate, a home security system. However, from a basic perspective, window installation is a low-tech option that can mean the difference between owning a house that’s targeted by a casual burglar versus a house that’s deemed too difficult to attack.

8. For more details, please visit: https://doorswindowstoronto.ca/windows/ Tel: (647) 696-5452 Fax: (905) 326-3022 Address: 364 Supertest Road, Unit 206 Toronto, Ontario, M3J 2M2