PART ONE: Going Door to Door: A How-To on Selecting the Right One for Your Home
As one of the first things that anyone sees of your home, your door easily becomes a focal point. With all eyes on it, it’s very important then that you choose the right one. However, keep in mind that different homeowners have different needs so not one door will be the right one. Taking note of some key considerations though will quickly narrow down your options so you can more easily pick out the right door for your home. These key considerations include: DOOR TYPE The type of door you choose will mostly address concerns related to function. Hinged doors, in general, are the most commonly used in homes but sliding and French doors are also popular options. To zero in on the right type of door for you, talking to a professional contractor will help as they can thoroughly discuss with you the pros and cons of each.
DOOR DESIGN When it comes to design, you are more than free to choose whatever you want. You just have to make sure that the door design you choose complements the rest of your home. To get you started, you can focus on doors that match your home’s architectural style. If you’ve got a modern home, for instance, then sliding doors will work nicely for your property, while those with more traditional home styles should definitely consider French doors.
PART ONE: Going Door to Door: A How-To on Selecting the Right One for Your Home
MATERIAL Doors come with a range of material options, each offering homeowners different benefits. Wood has been the traditional choice for many years, which isn’t surprising given its beauty, but the material is harder to maintain than others. Composite material, on the other hand, can be manufactured to look like wood and is easier to care for. Other material options include aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Taking stock of what you need and want out of a door will help you decide which one will be the best for you. Should you have concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a local contractor. The sooner you address these concerns, the sooner you can pick out your new door.
***** Looking for a window too? Head on over to the next part where we will be discussing several factors you should take into consideration to ensure you get only the right windows for your home.
PART TWO: Window Shopping Made Easier
While it’s always a good thing to have a lot of options, having to go through a number of windows can be overwhelming. Knowing what to look for will greatly simplify the selection process though so you don’t have to be afraid of taking on all the choices available to you. Instead, use the opportunity to explore all your options to ensure that you find the right one for your home. Ready to get started? Make sure you keep in mind the following: ENERGY EFFICIENCY With energy costs rising, more and more homeowners are becoming interested in learning how to achieve energy efficiency. If you’re due for a replacement anyway, might as well take advantage of your new windows to harness that. How do windows contribute to achieving energy efficiency in your home? By helping stabilize indoor temperature, windows can prevent your HVAC system from overworking and needlessly guzzling power. Energy efficiency is enjoyed in newer window models, most especially those that use multiple glazing or panes, so direct your attention towards double- or triple-glazed windows during your search. You’ll know you’re in the right company when you spot the Energy Star seal. WINDOW STYLES There are several window styles you can choose from but some of the most popular are double hung windows, casements, awning windows, and sliding windows. Usually, window styles are matched to the architectural design of a home but it doesn’t always mean that a traditional window style will not work with a more modern home. Double hung windows, for instance, have been around for centuries and that’s a testament to the timeless appeal of the window. Window styles also dictate the benefits that a window can offer so don’t forget to take into consideration what a certain window can offer you.
PART TWO: Window Shopping Made Easier
WINDOW GLASS Thanks to technological advancements, window glass these days function as more than just covers to a window. Low-emissivity or low-E glass, for instance, features a special coating that blocks the sun’s heat without affecting the level of natural light that a window lets it. Low-E glass also filters out UV rays so areas around windows are spared from fading. Some manufacturers have also further improved glass durability, offering impact-resistant glass that will hold extremely well against the worst weather conditions.
***** Windows on their own are already great but add window shutters and you’ll be cashing in on additional advantages. Learn how to choose the right shutters as we wrap up this blog series in the next part.
PART THREE: Choosing Shutters to Match Your Windows
Shutters are one of the many window treatments you can take advantage of to improve your windows’ overall look and function. It’s undoubtedly better to have great windows at the very beginning but you’ll make the most out of yours even more by using window shutters. However, to do that, your shutters must match your windows. Whether you’re looking to protect privacy in your home or simply want to reduce glare in a room, here are a few tips you can keep in mind when choosing window shutters: KNOW STYLES For instance, there are three types of interior shutters: cottage, plantation, and west coast plantation. Depending on the kind of coverage you’re looking for, you can choose your shutters to be either fixed or operable, which means they can be opened or closed. The most widely used though are plantation shutters, which can be attached to window frames and feature wide louvers that let in ample amounts of natural light. While considering shutter styles, don’t forget to factor in the kind of windows you have. Don’t worry too much about it though since shutters can be customized to fit your windows perfectly.
PART THREE: Choosing Shutters to Match Your Windows
CONSIDER MATERIALS Like windows, shutters can come in different materials. As always, wood is unmatched when it comes to beauty, but composite can look comparable at a more affordable price. Other materials available include aluminum (durable) and vinyl (easy to maintain), depending on the manufacturer. Material will dictate what you’ll get out of a shutter so choose based on what will give you the right blend of form and function that you need.
WEIGH POSSIBLE COSTS Working with a budget is a concern for a lot of people so you can’t do away with not factoring cost in choosing shutters. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for so it is not always wise to focus just on the cheapest deals you can find. However, that doesn’t always mean as well that opting for the most expensive is the only way to go. Talk to a local contractor. This will help you get a good look at all the options available to you and work up a deal that you can comfortably work with.
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