Spring is officially here, and that means renovations and home improvement projects should be underway over the next few months.
One project that many homeowners tend to take on in the drier months is replacing aged, inefficient windows for modern, stylish and efficient windows! If you’re in the initial stages of the replacement window process, continue reading to learn the do’s and don’ts.
Clera Windows and Doors specialize in creating beautiful custom windows fit for any home, so if you’re on the hunt for a provider of replacement windows in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place.
Expanding Window Size
There are a number of ways to add value to your home, and strategic window replacements is one of them.
Depending on the age of your home and if your basement is finished, you may want to consider basement replacement windows in Toronto. Older houses may not meet the window sizing standards to officially consider basement rooms as “bedrooms”. As a result, many people have expanded their basement window size to legally declare basement rooms as bedrooms and potentially increase the value of their home.
Don’t: Install windows without checking with a professional first. We don’t want your investment to be a sunk cost, so rather than resizing your window (and spending money on drilling through your home), you may want to consider simply investing in replacement windows.
Do: Research the value of your home and act accordingly. Ensure you choose the right window style for your home.
Finding the Right Window
Once you’ve committed to replacing your windows, it’s important to consider which areas could use improvement.
Do you like the look of your windows? Are they functional, and do they let air in? Are your windows energy efficient? These are just some of the questions to take into consideration when shopping around for replacement windows in Toronto. At Clera Windows and Doors, there is a wide selection of window styles to choose from, including:
-Specialty
-Casement
-Double hung tilt Awning Windows
-Low profile fixed
-High profile fixed
-Double lift out vinyl slider
-Bay and bow
Don’t: Install windows based solely on convenience and price. If you’re going to be investing in new windows, try to get the best bang for your buck! For example, if you’re replacing basement windows, it won’t be time efficient to look at low profile fixed windows as basement windows can only be positioned high on walls (unless you have a walk out basement). Instead, find a window that is safe, brings plenty of light into your home, and works with the style of your home and its location.
Do: Find windows that can maximize light in your space while conserving energy. Try to find window providers offering energy star rated products. Energy star rated products must pass a series of screenings and tests to receive certification, so you can be certain that they maximize energy efficiency. If you’re concerned about ventilating your home with fresh air, some windows have the ability to be opened further than others.
Installation
Once you’ve ordered replacement windows in Toronto, the process doesn’t end there! There are some hard dos and don’ts involved in the installation process to ensure that your windows look just as stunning in your home as they do in displays.
Don’t: Try to avoid installers that don’t have proper training and experience. At Clera Windows and Doors, every member of our window installation team is subject to frequent installation inspections and testing. Working with non-experienced window installers not only puts your home at risk, but also the workers’ safety as the job is relatively labour intensive.
Do: Work with installers that are certified and properly trained. There’s nothing more frustrating than putting money behind brand new windows only for there to be cracks and leaks in your home. If you work with a professional replacement window installer, the chances of having any incidents will reduce significantly, and you’ll likely be completely satisfied with the end result! Even if you’re working with a professional, we recommend using a window installation checklist as they go so you can have peace of mind that the installation process is running smoothly.
Maintenance
Although maintenance is only done after your replacement windows in Toronto are installed, it’s something that buyers should think about during the purchasing process.
Don’t: Purchase windows with maintenance processes that are difficult for you to keep up with. These days, there are many window styles and technology (even self-cleaning windows) that can significantly reduce how much time you spend cleaning your windows.
Do: Save yourself time and energy in the long-term and look to purchase windows with low maintenance involved!
We hope this guide to purchasing replacement windows in Toronto help you navigate through the window-buying process! Comment below if you have any other major dos and don’ts to add to the list. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect windows to make your home a true “home sweet home”, contact Clera Windows and Doors today!
