5 Reasons your Windows have Condensation
When the weather turns cold, many homeowners experience condensation on their windows and in some cases, on their walls. Ventilation This is an issue of ventilation and/or insulation. However, insulating without a solid understanding of the building sciences could make things worse or even contributing toward mold growth. The last thing you want to do is make your home into a giant petri dish. Humidity Levels One of the first things to check is your homes humidity levels. I…
How do you know if you have Triple Pane?
This is how you can tell if you really have triple pane In an industry rife with cost cutting, sometimes contractors use a “bait and switch” technique — especially if the uninformed homeowner would never know the difference. Here’s the way to tell if you really have a triple pane window or not. Hold up a lighter to the window. If you see three distinct reflections, you have triple pane. If you only have two, you have double pane. Frequently Asked Questions Are triple pane w…
Buying from a House Flipper? Use Caution
As a professional remodeler I see the good, the bad and the ugly. Being an educated buyer is your best defense against inheriting someone else’s problem. Common problems that I see regularly are that low quality materials were used on house flipper projects and low quality installation practices were used. This is not to say that the person who passed along a problem to you intended to defraud you, however savvy home buyers need to understand that house flippers are in the …
Assess your needs & be informed when buying windows
It’s that time of year – the time when people start to think about replacing their windows. There are many manufacturers out there and even more installation companies. A savvy homeowner will make an informed choice. Needs Analysis: The first step in choosing to buy new windows is to identify what your needs are. Yes, it sounds simple, but it is an often overlooked part of your purchasing decision that can have costly consequences. What is your goal? Is it to simply replace a…
Energy Rebates and Credits Vary by Product
It seems that every salesman in their respective industry is willing to tell a homeowner what they want to hear — there is a tax credit that will pay for your new home improvement. Unfortunately it’s not always true. Tax credits and tax deductions vary from year to year (if they exist at all for that year). In 2009 and 2010 homeowners rushed to purchase new windows with what was the best tax break ever. Many slick salesmen told people, even in the final days of 2010, that th…
Triple Pane vs Double Pane: Is it worth the cost?
One of the most common questions I get from customers is whether or not it is worth it to upgrade their order from double pane to triple pane. The honest answer if you live in cold weather climates like Wisconsin is almost always yes. Energy bills continue to rise and far outpace the rate of inflation. Heating and cooling costs make up the largest percentage of your utility bills and the smart consumer will seek ways to reduce their overall usage. But even after you change ou…
Window Research and Questions to Ask
The economy is just starting to rev back up and you need new windows. How can you make sure you get good value for your money? Many people believe they have done their research because they did what some TV personality has said, “get 3 estimates”. Does that assure that you will get the best value for your money? The answer is no. So how do you make sure you’re getting a good deal? The answer is to go into a meeting with your window professional who understands what y…
Consumer Alert: Lead Safe Renovating Not Exempt for Wisconsin
Not sure if your contractor is following the rules? You could be the one that pays the price. When ordering windows, be sure to always work with a contractor who is a certified Lead Safe Renovator and who follows lead safe practices.
New Windows Add Value and Save Money
Today’s savvy homeowner knows that energy bills continue to rise. With the US Department on Energy estimating that as much as 70% of our Energy is being wasted through inefficient windows and doors, it makes sense to insulate your home and your pocket book from rising energy costs.