Home Improvement Information

Buying Replacement Windows


While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement windows to help reduce their energy costs, or because their old windows are rattling in their frames, there's a whole class of buyers who are 'trading up' - replacing perfectly good window frames for the sake of having the windows they want. They may be looking to replace all of their windows with a different style, or trying to restore their home to its architectural period.

And then there are the homes that were fitted with the first wave of double glazed windows in the 1960s and 1970s. The original windows that featured double glazing as an energy saving measure were aluminum framed and conformed to the best energy standards of their day. There have been enormous advances since then - in materials, techniques and styles. For many people, it's time to upgrade to the new standards, even if the old windows are still holding firm.

There are other reasons that people turn to replacement windows as well. Last spring, for instance, my mother decided it was time to replace the mullioned casement windows in her kitchen. She's always hated them, but they came with the house - and were brand new when she bought it. She shopped around for months until she finally found exactly what she wanted - a full three three-sided greenhouse window with shelving built into the window frames. Each pane is double glazed, and the entire effect is stunning. Her choice of replacement window transformed the entire kitchen.

Whatever your reason for seeking replacement windows, the following advice can help you choose the right ones.

Prioritize your needs

Think through your reasons for replacing your windows and place a priority on each. There are many choices of materials and styles of replacement windows available, and each has distinct advantages over the others. If you're concerned with restoration, for example, and want authenticity, then wood framed double glazed windows will probably be at the top of your list. If your primary need in replacing windows is affordability, then PVCu framed windows are a far better choice.

Do your research

Research windows and styles, certainly, but also check into the companies that you choose to do business with. Ask around to friends who've replaced windows about their experience with particular suppliers and contractors.

Invite three to four companies to your home to get an estimate

Don't make a choice based on one


MORE RESOURCES:

The Associated Press

Ahead of the Bell: Home improvement retailers
Forbes, NY - 2 hours ago
The home improvement retailers are part of a sector that has "competitive dynamics, stable gross margins through the downturn, and clear cyclicality ...
How home improvement chains fared in 3rd quarter The Associated Press
Home Depot Posts 31% Fall in Net Income, Cuts View Wall Street Journal
Tough economy takes toll on Home Depot Atlanta Journal Constitution
Stockhouse - CNNMoney.com
all 536 news articles


ABC News

Endeavour Docks at Space Station on Home-Improvement Mission
Bloomberg - Nov 16, 2008
16 (Bloomberg) -- NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour docked with the International Space Station today just after 5 pm New York time on a home-improvement ...
Video: AP Top Stories AssociatedPress
Shuttle Endeavour docks with ISS on 'home-improvement' mission RIA Novosti
Endeavour to launch on 'home improvement' flight Spaceflight Now
EastDay.com - Space Fellowship
all 5,714 news articles


Economic Downturn Sparks New Home Improvement Trend
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
With the harsh reality of uncertain economic times, and the average consumer shouldering $10000 or more in credit card debt, a new trend in home improvement ...


TheHomeMag Experiencing Continued Growth in Slow Housing Market
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Additionally, revised numbers from HIRI (Home Improvement Research Institute) show the long-term outlook for the home improvement industry remains strong ...


Royals need home improvement
Reading Eagle, PA - Nov 17, 2008
By Don Stewart Reading, PA - Since the Reading Royals' inaugural 2001-02 season, the Sovereign Center has been a rough place for opposing teams. ...


$2 Million for Home Improvement in Elmira
WETM-TV, NY - Nov 17, 2008
ELMIRA- About two million dollars is up for grabs in the city of Elmira for you to use in home improvement projects. All you have to do is apply! ...


The Republican - MassLive.com

Holyoke officials, residents debate benefits of proposed Lowe's ...
The Republican - MassLive.com, MA - Nov 16, 2008
by The Republican Newsroom By KEN ROSS HOLYOKE - Planning Board members are touting the economic benefits of a proposed Lowe's home improvement store in ...


Kudzu.com Survey Reveals DIY Projects Are an Unreliable Way to ...
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
In fact, one in four (25%) Americans have hired a professional to fix or finish a home improvement project they first attempted themselves. ...


Key Challenges and Issues facing the World Home Furnishings Market ...
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Canada 60 Home Improvement Products - A Market Overview 60 Wall Coverings Market 60 Furniture and Fixture Market 61 Growth Drivers 61 3. ...


Obama hires another...Economic summit...Space age home improvement ...
Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck, ND - Nov 14, 2008
As the shuttle leader said, they'll be taking "home improvement to a new level" when they hook up extra cooking and sleeping equipment so the station's crew ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

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