If you're building a new home, adding a room or simply replacing a door or window, you have many options. Doors and windows come not only in many shapes and sizes, but also in many degrees of quality and functionality. Choosing quality doors and windows that appeal to the eye and the budget, can sometimes be a challenge. Builder By The Sea will be happy to assist you with these decisions if you would like. Some of the factors that will help you make the wise decision are:
Windows:
Be balanced! Doors and windows typically are the weakest energy link in a home. The least expensive windows may become very expensive if they adversely affect your energy bill. But there are also many windows that cost a fortune! Many times by changing brands or styles, you can accomplish a very acceptable similar look and quality, while saving a large amount of money.
You have many options you should consider carefully. Some, such as multiple glazings, low-e coatings, and gas filling improve energy efficiency. Others affect the durability and amount of maintenance required. For example, wood windows require much more maintenance than vinyl windows.
Certain options can be either very beneficial or a waste of money, depending on your needs. An example is double-hung windows (where both sashes open). This may be a wonderful and necessary feature for ease of cleaning and if you enjoy leaving your windows open. But if you tend to keep your windows closed most of the time and live in a 1-story home where it’s easy to clean windows from outside, this feature could be an unused waste of money.
Doors:
As with windows, be balanced. Doors can range from very inexpensive (and poor quality) to very over-priced.
Consider what the door is made of and compare that to where it will be used. As an example, there are many very handsome wood exterior doors, but if these are exposed to direct sun light for much of the day or if they are not under a porch and will be affected greatly by the weather, they can require regular upkeep. In these cases, you may choose a fiberglass door that has a convincing look of stained wood, while requiring little upkeep.
While this list gives a few factors to consider, there are many more. Again, Builder By The Sea is happy to assist you with these choices. It’s part of what we do. Whatever the project we are undertaking with you, a new home, renovation or remodel, wise choices with doors and windows can greatly affect your satisfaction, and we want you to be very pleased with your new project for years to come!
