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Ask the Contractor
Welcome to Ask the Contractor, CalFinder’s very own Question & Answer power center. Our team of industry experts and writers are happy to offer sound advice and creative solutions for your home remodeling project. We know it’s tough, but hey, at least we’re in this together!
Your concerns are our concerns, too, because we’ve all been there before. No matter the scope or scale of your question, we’re prepared to alleviate your remodeling woes and get you back on track. Need a good recommendation for safe paint supplies? Or general advice for your second-story addition? We’ll get it all taken care of and post a detailed answer-response just for you. So, get those questions in today. Glorious home makeover bliss waits just around the corner.
What Costs are Associated with Kitchen Remodeling?
Great question. Setting a realistic budget for your kitchen remodel is the first step of the project. Look at remodeling like airline seating - you have economy, coach and... Read More »When was glass first used in windows and who put it there?
Glass made its way into windows during the Roman early Imperial period, just shortly after the birth of Christ. They used these early glass windows mainly in bathhouses... Read More »What causes thermal glass panes to crack?
Used in many varieties of windows, thermal glass panes are thought to be extremely durable and efficient. Like anything else, though, they have their Achilles heel. Thermal... Read More »Who Invented the Window Cleaner?
Innovations in window cleaning have come a long way. The industry first made strides in 1892, when A.L. Lewis invented the first window cleaner. But cleaning tools remained... Read More »What to Use on Double Window Panes that are Fogging?
Removing condensation between the panes is not an easy task. The trouble starts with a small amount of cloudiness that grows over time into a thick blanket of fog. This... Read More »How can I pay for a new kitchen?
Needless to say, a new kitchen can cost a lot of money. By replacing nearly everything in one of the most expensive rooms of the house, you are committing to a rather enormous... Read More »What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?
So you’re headed into a remodel job, and watching your bank account at the same time. Smart move. Going into a kitchen remodel job without an idea of the cost can be... Read More »What is the average home remodeling cost per square foot?
The cost of your remodel ultimately depends on you and your specific desires for the remodeled space. A fairly simple way to break it down is this: square footage x estimated... Read More »What can I do myself to help cut costs to remodel my kitchen?
Do the grunt work. Get rid of the old floors, tear up the linoleum. If you're getting new cabinets anyway, then you are certainly capable of removing the old ones... Read More »What do I need to do to prepare for my kitchen renovation?
Plan, Plan, Plan First of all, you need a plan. A good one. Without a plan, it's impossible to know where to start. Lay down what you want, where you want it and exactly... Read More »What is the typical work flow for a kitchen remodel?
Need an idea of what’s going to happen in your kitchen remodel? It depends, of course, on the extent of your remodel. What are you going to remodel and what kind of changes... Read More »Kitchen Remodeling: What should you start with?
Where’s the best place to begin when you’re remodeling your kitchen? Assuming that at some point, everything in the kitchen is going to get a facelift, what should... Read More »What Are the Best Vinyl Windows On the Market?
This is a common but tricky question. Vinyl window manufacturers are many and their offerings vast, so we'll start with the qualities that make for an excellent... Read More »What is the Difference Between New Construction Windows and Replacement Windows?
Replacement Windows Replacement windows are designed to do just that—replace an existing window. What they do not do, however, is become part of the house itself. That’s... Read More »How can I tell if my double pane windows are bad?
While double pane windows are excellent for thermal efficiency, they are not flawless. Some double pane windows may defect over time, usually along the seal. Clouding... Read More »Can you buy replacement windows from a store or do you need to purchase through an installer?
You can purchase nearly any type of replacement window at the store. Most major home improvement stores, such as Lowes and Home Depot, carry standard-size windows. If... Read More »Are there any drawbacks to going with cheap replacement windows?
The answer is yes. Cheap replacement windows will cost you more in the long run. Here’s why. Very Low Energy-Efficiency Levels This means that your energy bill... Read More »Who makes basement windows?
Who Makes Basement Vinyl Windows? True to the world of replacement windows, basement window options abound. Generally, when researching a company that makes windows,... Read More »Is there a window tax credit in 2010?
Yes, there is a federal tax credit in 2010, and it's much like the one that was in place in '09. You still get $1,500 back on your new windows (not including installation).... Read More »Which typically needs more repair: Casement Windows or Slider Windows?
Repair—it’s one of the most familiar, recurring and costly chores for a homeowner. It’s important to consider the extent of repair necessary when making window choices.... Read More »What is the Difference Between IGUs and Laminate Glass?
IGUs, or Insulated Glass Units, are one of the most popular window forms. Laminate glass, as a safe and thermally-effective alternative, is also a popular choice for window... Read More »Special adaptations for windows when the air conditioner is made for a different type of window?
If you use window-mounted air conditioner units, you may have to make some special adaptations in order to fit the unit into some window types. Air conditioners are not... Read More »Is do-it-yourself window replacement a bad idea?
The answer to this question depends on how handy you are, how much time you have, and how well you trust yourself. Most people, after carefully thinking through the decision,... Read More »What is the best replacement window?
The best replacement window, by brand, is a matter of opinion. Some, like Andersen, Marvin and Atrium, have a national reputation, but opinions among homeowners and... Read More »What is broken window theory?
The Broken Window Theory is this: If one single window is broken on a building, it inevitably leads to more broken windows on that same structure. Windows are too tantalizingly... Read More »What would help me decide between a wood replacement window and a vinyl replacement window?
The differences here are many. Vinyl windows are generally inexpensive replacements for wood or other materials, while wood windows are designed for beauty and longer-term,... Read More »How difficult is it to replace windows in my house?
Window replacement in itself is not too difficult a process, although there are legitimate reasons for hiring a professional installer. As a homeowner, you can buy... Read More »Are cheap window replacements worth it?
With windows, it's hard to know for sure if you're paying for what you get. There is such a wide price range for window replacements, which run anywhere from $200 to $2,000... Read More »What are replacement window kits?
A window replacement kit is the do-it-yourself solution to installing new windows. Instead of wholly new windows, a replacement kit comes with new window sashes and a... Read More »Is there a difference between exterior and interior windows?
There are several differences between an exterior and interior window. However, they are less about appearance and more about function. Both are windows, to be sure, but... Read More »What are triple pane windows?
Triple-pane, or triple-glazed, windows are constructed with three individual layers of glass. While not visible when looking outside, that extra glass greatly improves... Read More »Is it possible to replace that rotted window sill?
It is possible to replace a rotten window sill, though the process is labor-intensive. For one, getting the old sill out without damaging your walls, trim and... Read More »How do I compare replacement windows?
So the old windows have to go, but which brand or type should take their place? With some careful consideration of how you will want those windows to look and perform,... Read More »Where on the window frame do I hang curtains?
Curtains are great additions to any room and can really add to the ambiance. Before you even buy your curtains, you should consider how you'll want them to look... Read More »Why should I replace my old windows?
There are many reasons to replace old windows, especially those with single panes. Energy efficiency tops the list. Old windows have a variety of inefficiency... Read More »Why are window replacement prices so hard to find?
The number-one reason replacement window prices are hard to find is that they are chock-full of options. Every add-on or subtraction to the configuration will affect the... Read More »When I call out a window contractor to fix my window will he replace window glass or the entire window?
Most contractors will replace the entire window. If they were to simply replace the pane of glass, while it would be vastly cheaper, the finished job would not last... Read More »Aluminum windows seem outdated is this true?
On the whole, aluminum windows have been outstripped by vinyl technologies, mainly due to the fact that vinyl does not conduct heat like aluminum. Beyond performance... Read More »How much is lost with single pane windows?
The simple answer is “a lot.” Single pane windows provide a bare minimum of heat protection—so little, in fact, that the window is functioning almost like one... Read More »How long will a thermal pane last?
Although thermal panes are the most energy-efficient form of windows on the market, they have a few downsides. One of the potential negatives of installing thermal pane... Read More »What to do when meeting rails on old double hung windows don't meet?
Old windows can be a constant source of frustration. They can leak. They may allow cold drafts to creep in. They sometimes need repainting. They are less secure. And worst... Read More »Is window condensation always a sign to replace a window?
Not necessarily. Condensation is always a sign that air is leaking between the panes of glass in your window, but it may not be the best move to replace the whole window... Read More »How much will Remodeling cost you?
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