A window seat has such a cozy, alluring appeal to it. What better place to curl up with a good book on a rainy day or enjoy a warm drink and close conversation with someone special?An alcove or bay window presents an ideal location... Read More »
It’s a warm spring morning, and the scents and sounds of nature waft gently through your open French doors, waking you to a new day. Okay, so maybe that sounds a little too much like a fairytale. Enjoying a lovely French door in... Read More »
A storm door is an “extra” exterior door installed over an existing door. More common in northern climates, a storm door acts as insulation by trapping a layer of air between the first door and the storm door.Manufactured in solid... Read More »
Many improvements have been made in the engineering of windows over the past twenty years. Windows are important to a home; they bring light and style and are a key element in energy efficiency. If your utility bills are out of control,... Read More »
A dormer uses a window built into the gabled extension protruding out of the roof. These windows can be inaccessible, and for aesthetic purposes only, or can be a clever way to add light and extra space to an upstairs room. Because... Read More »
With increased awareness of eco-friendly homes, more is being done with less. All too often homes are built with large, wasted spaces. This translates into energy inefficiency and waste of building products. Initially, a small room... Read More »
In times past, windows in the kitchen served more of a practical purpose, that of lighting and ventilation while a busy housewife spent hours cooking, canning, and washing dishes. With the invention of modern appliances, processed... Read More »
The front door is the entrance to your domain and the defining feature of your home’s exterior. More than that, it is also the barrier between the outside world and the tranquility of your home. Why not make it the most attractive,... Read More »
We often take windows for granted, but they really play a key role in our home design. They provide light, style, and ventilation, as well as energy control. Proper placement and window design are important to consider when remodeling... Read More »
Windows are an essential part of home design, and having the proper placement, the right sizes, and the right energy glazes are all important elements. Most windows come in fairly standard sizes, either rectangular or square. Occasionally,... Read More »
Glass art – the use of glass as an artistic medium. There are a few ways you can turn glass into art. Stained glass, lampworking, glass beadmaking, glass casting, glass fusing, and glass blowing – all very fun to do! The use of... Read More »
The options available for draping windows with ready-to-install curtain panels and top treatments are plentiful these days. And not only are there many varieties of soft window coverings available – the variety of decorative and... Read More »
Sliding doors offer many benefits, including sleek design and efficient use of space. With sliding doors, there is no need to accommodate the swinging space required by hinged doors, and sliding doors offer flexibility in terms of... Read More »
Windows are one of the most important features of a home, both in terms of overall appearance and resale value. Glazed doors and windows can leak energy if they are not well chosen and installed correctly. With the cost of energy,... Read More »
In days of old, draperies and curtains were necessities, required for keeping out heat, cold, and drafts. They were a form of insulation, with an important function to perform. This functionality evolved into an art form, and window... Read More »
South-facing windows in a solar home is Rule #1. Unless you're from the southern hemisphere, south facing windows are vital to the passive solar element of home design. The obvious reason is simply that the sun spends the vast majority... Read More »
When you ask people if they prefer blinds or curtains, most will have a quick answer for you. In addition to the obvious answers of either "blinds" or "curtains," you're also likely to hear some people say "neither" or "both"... Read More »
Are you shopping for new windows? Well, you may be surprised to discover how many different types and styles of windows there are, not to mention the numerous brands and features. To help break it down a bit for you, here is a brief... Read More »
With a vintage home, be it Victorian or Retro, repairing or replacing your windows is critical to maintaining the look and feel of the home. Can you make repairs and maintain the original windows, or will they have to be replaced?... Read More »
If you are looking for an attractive way to extend your hours outdoors during warmer weather, adding an awning to your home can be a quick solution that brings shade, protection from the sun, and a cooler home overall.StylesDifferent... Read More »
Rolled glass was first introduced by Englishman James Hartley in 1847. Also called rolled plate glass or figure rolled glass, it is made by one of two methods. Either molten glass is dropped onto a flat surface and rolled into a... Read More »
Ever walked down the winding corridor of an aquarium? While you were captivated by the fascinated creatures swimming on the other side of the glass, you probably didn't think about the fact that you were gazing through one large... Read More »
Most homeowners would agree that burglar bars on the house windows are not very attractive and suggest a run-down or crime-ridden area. But security bars are an effective deterrent against theft and home break-ins. So what’s... Read More »
Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in and enhance your views, but if those windows are facing west you could be a victim of high energy bills and faded furniture.There are options for covering your windows that filter... Read More »
The door is the first thing your guests see when they come to visit. You have the opportunity to make it inviting and unique by adding a decorative door knocker that sets you apart from the other homes on the street.The door knocker... Read More »
Windows are the weakest link in a home's thermal shell. For centuries homeowners have been battling drafts and heat gain. All homes, even the most modern, still suffer to some extent from the inherent inefficiency of windows and... Read More »
The nice thing about open floor plans is that they give you the sense of wide open spaces, often making a home feel bigger, more luxurious, and free-flowing. The drawback is that open floor plans can sometimes give you the feeling... Read More »
It used to be that if your house had windows (and, typically, they did) they were made out of glass panels, wooden frames, and metal locks. Nowadays, though, homeowners have many more choices for replacing old windows. While the... Read More »
It’s fantastic the way the United States is rallying together to try to combat the decline of our planet. Everybody wants to do their part, save energy, go green, reduce their carbon footprint, reduce waste, recycle products,... Read More »
Replacing a broken or old windows or one that has slipped out of the frame is relatively easy and can be done as a DIY project. The trick is getting the measurements for the new glass and then removing the old piece without destroying... Read More »
If well-planned, a home can be virtually self-lighting and self-ventilating for the majority of every day. A visit to Thomas Jefferson’s home of Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia can prove that. Jefferson, was not just... Read More »
Save cash with stylish & energy efficient brandsThe CalFinder staff has been busy providing new info about the latest styles of modern home windows. During the “cash crunch” of a recession, finding ways to lower energy costs... Read More »
Looking for new windows? There's no middle man when you deal with Champion, because they make their own products (windows, doors & siding) and they’ll have them installed by a professional craftsman. Plus, with Champion’s... Read More »
Just after Valentine's Day, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. That bill, simply known as Obama's stimulus plan, extended and improved the previous federal tax credits for energy efficient... Read More »
The Energy Star label is by far the most recognized symbol in energy efficient products. Perhaps most notable among these products are energy efficient windows. Windows and doors are historically the most notorious weak spots for... Read More »
No contractor should touch a home remodel without an up-to-date license. Contractors know this. That's why many choose to display their license number on their van or truck, to clear the air up-front about licensing. So what... Read More »
Just after Valentine's Day, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. That bill, simply known as Obama's stimulus plan, extended and improved the previous federal tax credits for energy... Read More »
One of our readers, Brenda Koon, asked a very good question: "We purchased Andersen Windows several years ago and are very pleased. Would you tell me if we could paint over the coating? They are white and we would like to change... Read More »
Welcome to Window Shopping 101. We won’t be doing any peek-through-the-glass yearning or slobbering on the sills of things we can’t afford. This kind of window shopping will give you a totally different outlook on your home... Read More »
Pricing replacement windows is a stressful project to tackle on your own. Unless you know exactly which brand and style of window you want to buy from the get-go, expect a lot of detective work. There are a multitude of manufacturers,... Read More »
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They had good responsive service, they really cared, they really wanted to make sure I was satisfied, and they went the extra mile to make sure I was.