The first consideration when choosing windows is whether you want new or retrofit windows. If your home is going though a construction project, such as an addition or siding replacement, you will probably want to consider installing new windows and frames. This is also the best option if your home has issues such as dry rot or moisture that must be addressed prior to window installation. Although this process is more expensive than installing retrofit windows, it allows for more options for window sizes and styles. In addition, while your contractor is completing this process they can open up new holes and install windows where before there was only wall.

The process of installing retrofit windows is much simpler than installing new windows. Retrofit windows are used to replace old single pane windows. The existing frame is kept intact when removing the old window and the new double pane window fits into the existing frame. The limitations of this process are that you must keep all the existing openings and if you have custom windows the replacements must be special ordered increasing the overall price tag. Replacement windows are a great cost saving measure, homeowners can feel the difference in insulation immediately�and with energy costs on the rise, they will most surely see the difference when the heating bill comes.

Overview
Styles and Types
Materials

They all work the same way so pick one that pleases your eye and your bottom. An average toilet bowl will start around $200, but a royal throne could run you around $1000.

Styles and Types
One-piece or two-piece
Most toilets have separate tanks and bowls, making them two-piece, but some higher-priced toilets are one-piece, and they are generally more stylish. One-piece toilets tend to be quieter and don�t leak between the bowl and tank.

Round bowl or elongated bowl
Round bowls used to be most common because it conserved space, but now as bathrooms continue to grow in size, the trend is towards elongated bowls (two inches longer than a round bowl). The standard height of a toilet is 15 inches.

Gravity or Pressure
The magic of the flush. Standard gravity-fed toilets use the weight of the water to force everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway, where a siphoning action finishes the flush. Pressure-assisted toilets hit the market in the early 90s when the government passed a law that restricted toilets to no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, as opposed to the old 3.5 gallons. These systems use trapped air to initiate the flushing mechanism.

Concealed Tank
Concealed toilet tanks are insulated and installed between the wall studs with the toilet mounted to the wall instead of the floor, making it easier to clean your toilet.

Materials
Toilets are generally made of vitreous china, which is clay fired at high temperature to form a high gloss, stain-resistant surface. They are durable but can be chipped, cracked, or broken if abused. Under normal use, however, they can last a lifetime.

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