WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE ON HOME RENOVATIONS!!

This is for all the homeowners who need work done on their homes and are overwhelmed on how to begin.  Here are our tips on making this fun and cost effective.

We originally needed new casement windows and had cedar siding on our home. This is our house Oct 2006.  The large casement windows didn’t fit and/or close properly. We spoke with several builders in the area and the majority of them suggested Pella for casement windows.

   

*Key point- Get several estimates from different builders. Try to chose your builder based on his reputation, references and location.

We have known our builder for many years, as he is also a neighbor.  We have seen many of his projects, and know his family. We had to feel very comfortable and trustworthy of our builder, as anyone will who is doing a renovation project. Remember, it is not just him, but his entire team who will be coming in/out of your home on daily basis. You need to feel good about whom you select.

Due to the unusual size of our windows, we needed custom windows and selected the Pella Architectural Series. The sizes were hand made, the E glass was superior and the product was superior. We chose the outside cladding color as dark brown. 

                                                                                                       These are the new windows with the fiber siding installed

*Key point-As in any project, communication between the owner and the builder is fundamental. We spoke to our builder numerous times before any selection/agreement was signed.

Jeff, our builder, went over every detail of the job. We did a lot of the general research online, but then visited the Pella store, Lowe’s, and builder’s supply stores before and during the project - several times, as the selections are overwhelming. Because we had to remove the siding to replace the windows, and due to the age and size of the cedar planks, the siding itself had to be replaced. We opted to go with the Fiber Cement siding from CertainTeed. It comes pre primed, is resistant to bugs and decay, and the weather boards have a 50 year warranty. We felt that it best fit our needs.


 

While under constriction one of the garage door springs system so we thought why not just complete the job with new doors and openers. (Did you know that new garage doors are one of the top five renovations for a home?)

This was now becoming a huge project! I have always like Sherwin Williams Paint and when I got 2 estimates for the paint job for the house, I went with the painter who used the SW product. This paint, exterior Durations with 2 coats is supposed to last 20 to 25 years, so I hope we got the color right!

I changed the color of our outside light fixtures and furniture from deep green to bronze with Rustoleum Hammered paint, some wired brushed and a few hours. I took the glass off the light fixtures and taped the wires and for the furniture, I put it on plastic on the grass. Just some elbow grease, just don’t use spray paint when it is windy.

    

Next-the decks had to be replaced. In order to keep expenses under control, we didn’t change the footprint of the decks, but reinforced the structure. We had railing separating the top deck from the bottom deck before, but now decided to open it with a large single step. The effect is great.

     

Again, there are so many composite decking materials, which one to use?? Talk to your builder, go online, visit the building supply store (not Lowe’s or Home depot) and chat with different general contractors. We decided on TimberTech due to their superior durability, the color selection, the grains and the railing systems. Now, was the color of the house going to coordinate with our deck? We got samples of the TT and held it again the house at different times of the day (for different lighting) and felt it looked good.

So, now 3 months after the windows are in and a few weeks after the project is completed, what do we think? It was a great decision. Our energy costs have ALREADY gone down due to the high efficiency of the windows. I am positive our old windows were leaking heat/cooling. Our house is quieter.

                                                           

Sure, it was very scary and overwhelming to do this major project. I am still having palpitations every time I think of how much we invested, but in the long run, it will be worth it! I just have to get used to it. I hope we have helped you answer some questions and give you the courage to do your home renovations. If you have any questions, just email us. Good luck
           

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