Long Island summer home improvement projects encompass everything from reseeding the lawn to adding a sun room and expanding the patio. If you’re planning to spend the next few months whipping your home into shape – redefining your curb appeal, organizing your important stuff and getting rid of clutter to make your home more attractive, efficient and comfortable – don’t overlook your home’s windows. This week, our Renewal by Andersen of Long Island team put together some replacement window essentials to make your 2017 home improvement projects complete.
The key to including replacement windows as part of a successful curb appeal make-over is choosing the right style to accomplish your vision.
Some homeowners simply want to refresh the exterior appearance, so they might want to replace existing styles with updated color combinations and energy-efficient features. Others, want a totally new aesthetic.
Redefining your view from the street is really only limited by your imagination and your existing architecture. You may want to open up your view with a beautiful Frenchwood inswing patio door and fixed window transom that connects your outdoors with your indoors. Or, with some strategic back-lighting you can transform a bland entrance into a stunning, eye-capturing entry by replacing an over-sized picture window with Terratone casement windows and specialty replacement shapes to create a French-inspired vibe, and a unique focal point when you open your windows to capture a gentle breeze.
The essential thing to remember is while the overall size impacts your decisions, you have total control of the style. Style flexibility means you don’t have to go back with the same shape. Mulling an equal leg arch, or half circle, above a rectangle window creates a totally different impression than a double-hung window of the same size.
If your summer project doesn’t include totally changing your color scheme right now, you don’t have to worry about finding a replacement window dealer that offers stain and paint matching. Many custom-built replacement window styles in our portfolio have paintable interiors, so you can update the window style and hardware without having to repaint your cabinets, walls or trim work. Wood interiors mean you can change your color scheme anytime you want, too. So, if you fall in love with the newest colors in home décor next year, you absolutely have that color change or finish option.
When your summer project involves investing in your landscaping and outdoor spaces, remember that replacement windows can significantly impact the finished design. For example, adding window boxes beneath your windows could mean you should consider sliders or double-hung windows that won’t interfere with plant growth when open. Want to add a deck or patio? Terrific! You can choose inswing or outswing French-hinged patio doors, depending on whether you have more floor space indoors or outdoors to accommodate traffic patterns and furniture placement. You may also want to add a grille pattern that doesn’t obscure your viewing area if you plan to create a garden to attract butterflies or hummingbirds. Choose plants, shrubbery and ornamental grasses that will complement your windows, and windows that will function well with your outdoor design elements.
Thinking of spending the summer cleaning closets, creating better storage options and totally decluttering your home? Consider adding a bay or bow window unit – or add several. Small bays installed in upper floors make perfect spaces to add a mini-reading nook with under-the-window-seat storage for toys or books. Downstairs in the family room, a large bay or bow will add extra seating, a nice ledge for potted plants or extra storage for seasonal items. You get a world of possibilities without investing in major construction.
We hope this blog post inspired you to get started on those summer home improvement projects. Need help incorporating modern, energy-efficient replacement windows into your plans? Just fill in the short form on this page or dial (866) 609-5033 to schedule a free, no-obligation home consultation with a professional Long Island replacement window consultant.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
