Want to get the maximum return on investment when you “trade-in” your existing Long Island home’s windows for replacement windows and patio doors? You could simply check around for the least expensive windows and find a contractor with the lowest rates, but with an investment like this, you usually get what you pay for. Working with a reputable replacement window dealer in the area could save you time and money when you approach the journey like you would buying an investment. Here’s how to improve your curb appeal, and get the most value for your project by working with Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. Continue reading The Art of Trading-Up to Replacement Windows on Long Island
Is your Long Island house looking worn and tired? Feeling cramped? Maybe you’ve been wondering whether it is time to remodel your home or put it on the market and let someone else figure out how to give the place a fresh, new look and feel. If you’ve spent a lot of time and money refurbishing your home and still aren’t happy with the results, it might be time to move on. But, sometimes you just need a little help from a professional.
While Renewal by Andersen of Long Island can help you update your home with modern, high-performance replacement windows and patio doors, we don’t typically provide general guidance for major construction projects. This week though, we would like to give you some ideas that may help you fall in love with your Long Island home again, or at least boost the resale value if you’re definitely ready to put it on the market.
Should I Sell Or Fix Up My Residence?
There are a lot of variables to consider when trying to decide whether to fix a place or sell it. If your home is barely habitable – rotting wood, holes in the walls, major plumbing issues and a roof that leaks like a sieve, slashing the price for a quick sale could be the best approach. Most real estate agents are going to tell you that people looking for a fixer-upper don’t necessarily want a home you have to gut and start over but are looking for simple fixes that may take some sweat equity, but won’t break the bank, so to speak. Some homeowners won’t even consider a place that needs a new roof, or one that has windows that don’t operate properly.
Upgrading With Replacement Windows
If one of your biggest complaints about your home is the old windows that stick and hang, or worse, leak so bad you have painted them shut, upgrading with modern, beautiful replacement windows can quickly eliminate the frustration and brighten up your indoor spaces. Replacing windows that have scratched and damaged panes improves visibility and brings in the natural light, while helping you take advantage of energy efficiency technology to help you make your rooms more comfortable. Replacing a series of smaller windows with a large picture window can dramatically improve the street-facing appearance as well as natural indoor lighting. And, since you don’t have to go back with the same style, you might want to install a different style of replacement windows in place of what you have now.
Focus on Kitchens & Baths
An outdated kitchen discourages most potential buyers – and some homeowners admit the kitchen is one of the reasons they fall out of love with their home. You don’t have to go overboard replacing all appliances with top of the line refrigerators and ranges designed for professional chefs. You don’t have to rip out the cabinets and start over either. A fresh coat of paint and some unique drawer pulls and cabinet knobs can make a world of difference in the way a bath or kitchen looks.
If you decide to do a more significant remodel in the kitchen, keep these tips in mind.
Buy everything before you start. This means you pick out your cabinets, paint colors, baseboards, flooring materials, new lighting fixtures, sink, back-splash tiles and faucets before you start tearing anything out.
Consider hiring a professional designer to draw a scale map
Make sure your major kitchen areas form a triangle pattern – stove, sink, refrigerator.
Interview contractors and ask for references. Photos of past projects are a great way to “see” examples of work quality, too.
Plan your upgrade around the style of your home. If you decide to sell, buyers won’t appreciate a Mediterranean style kitchen in a traditional Cape Code or Craftsman style home.
Choosing replacement windows that complement your new kitchen – awnings and casements are both perfect options for areas over counters and sinks – will ensure the final results make your new space functional and beautiful.
The Must Haves Whether You Sell or Stay
Take a walk through your home and make a list of anything that you see that needs repair, or that you wish you could change in your house. Whether you plan to sell, or hope you can fall in love with your home again, there are at least seven things you should do.
Repair any leaking faucets and plumbing issues.
Rip out worn carpets and replace area rugs that are frayed or outdated.
Repaint all walls with a neutral color, but avoid white. Be sure to patch holes or gouges in walls and the ceiling before you resurface.
Repair or replace broken and damaged windows.
Change outdated ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Repair roof leaks, gutters and shutters, if needed.
Update window treatments.
Start With Renewal by Andersen of Long Island Replacement Windows
Whether you ultimately decide to sell your Long Island home or you fall in love with it all over again after your makeover, we are confident updating your home windows with modern, Energy-Star certified replacement windows is a wise decision. Ready for more information? Just fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at 1-877-313-9052 to schedule a home visit with a professional Renewal by Andersen of Long Island window consultant.
Download our Free Guide to Long Island Replacement Windows
Looking for replacement windows for your Long Island home? Wondering what options are available in our area? If you only need to replace a single broken pane in the man-cave window above the garage, you may be thinking about visiting the local big box store to see if you can find a similar size and shape to drop into the existing frame. For a larger job, or one that requires replacing all of the windows facing the street, or you’re looking to totally transform the backyard and want to add an elegant entrance, you probably want some professional help. We realize our Long Island friends and neighbors all have unique homes and individual needs and preferences when it comes to updating their property. Of course, we hope after you do some due diligence comparing brands and home improvement suppliers and products that you choose Renewal by Andersen of Long Island, but here are a few possibilities for you to consider. Continue reading Where Can I Buy Replacement Windows For My Long Island Home?
When you replace your Long Island home’s windows you may be motivated by the desire to lower your heating and air conditioning bills. Or, you may be more concerned about capturing a better view beyond the window glass from inside. Or, you just want to get rid of the tired, worn out view from the street. Whatever motivates you to consider replacement windows for your home, at Renewal by Andersen, we want you to have the information you need – and deserve – to make wise financial decisions. Continue reading 6 Versatile Long Island Replacement Window Styles
5 Tips to Help You Avoid Mistakes When Measuring Windows
Proper measuring for window treatments for your new windows is almost as important as the measurements we take when calculating the site to build your new windows. Because a perfect-fit replacement window starts with precision measuring techniques in your Long Island home, a member of our team takes responsibility for measuring every window and patio door in your home. It’s not because we don’t think homeowners are smart enough to read a measuring tape. It’s because it’s not as easy as it looks and we guarantee the fit. Our factory builds replacement windows to within 1/16 of an inch of the opening left when we remove your existing windows. Accuracy is critical to completing the installation properly – something else Renewal by Andersen guarantees. A well-built, properly installed replacement window will perform exactly as designed, making your home more comfortable, more energy efficient and more secure than it was before you decided to upgrade. Continue reading How To Measure Long Island Homes for Window Treatments
