Window Replacement

Window Replacement: How much does it impact my home’s value?

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One of the first considerations a homeowner should make when considering window replacement is how much it will impact their home’s value. Window manufacturers recommend you replace windows every 25 years, but this may be dependent on other factors such as climate and type of glass. This article explores what replacement windows cost and the effect they have on your property’s market value.

Quality of Windows

There are many factors that determine the cost of window replacement. The most important factor is the quality of windows you choose to replace them with. The higher-quality glass and material, the more costly your replacement will be. Replacing old drafty single-pane windows in an area that sees extreme temperature change, like Southern California, can cost upwards of $12,000 . On the other end of the spectrum, high-end vinyl windows can cost as little as $300 per window.

Based on the average salary of a U.S. worker, homeowners who spend less than one week’s salary on home improvement projects typically receive more return on investment . For example, spending around $500 to replace old windows will generally increase your property value by about $12-$15 per dollar spent. In contrast, expensive home additions such as pools and outdoor fireplaces are among the least likely to receive a return on investment .

Decrease Energy Bills

In California, energy costs must be factored in when considering replacement windows. In late summer and early fall, old drafty windows lead to soaring electrical bills. Replacing them can actually save homeowners money.

Today, many companies offer financing options to make window replacement more affordable. For example, at Hardy Windows, we offer a low-interest, long-term, tax-deductible financing option that is repaid through your property taxes. Approvals are not based on credit scores and applying is simple! Just pick the energy efficient upgrades, select Hardy Window Company, and get your project started!

New windows and doors make an impact on the market value of your home. If you are considering replacement, the first step is to determine your budget. Then choose quality windows and materials that will increase your home’s value while delivering energy efficiency and comfort .

Come check out our Anaheim showroom at Hardy Windows and put together a plan to upgrade your home with new windows and doors. You will always get quality craftsmanship and peace of mind through labor and product warranties on ALL installations.

Tips for Buying New Doors

Top Tips for Buying New Doors

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Nothing pumps up your home’s curb appeal like some new doors. Whether you’re looking to sell, want to maximize your comfort, or just want to keep those energy bills as low as possible, these tips will help you get the most from your door-buying experience. 

 

Know the Lingo

When you contact a representative about what you’re looking for, it will be beneficial if you can use the right terms and definitions. For instance, “outswing” refers to a door that opens outward, while “inswing” refers to one that opens into the home. You should also be able to identify the molding, casing, and trim around your door and whether or not you want a right-handed or left-handed hinge. The faster you can point our team in the right direction, the better the chance we can get you exactly what you want. 

 

Look for Wear and Tear

There are lots of reasons to want a replacement door, and they aren’t all related to aesthetics. For instance, you should check all of your doors regularly for warping, cracks, scratches, or rotting. If you find any, you might also want to hire an inspector to see if this damage goes beyond the door itself! Another thing to test is whether or not your outside doors are properly sealing. A good way to do this is by holding a lit lighter to the frame. If the flame moves, you’re might be losing big money in energy costs. 

 

Don’t Forget the Storm Doors

There’s nothing quite like a big beautiful exterior door, so it’s a good idea to protect your investment from the elements. A good storm door can create a barrier between your new door and damaging wind, water, hail, and snow. It also provides an added layer of insulation, which can keep your HVAC from working overtime in extreme weather. There are dozens of options for storm doors, most of which are a great aesthetic complement to your home. 

 

Entry Doors are a Big Selling Point

Speaking of entry doors, it’s important to remember that your front door is essentially the “face” of your home. Of course, no two faces are (or should be) perfectly alike. Take some time and decide which sort of entry door will fit your property best. Wood doors are heavy and durable, but they can be costly and subject to warping and rot. Steel doors are resistant to breakage and help maximize energy efficiency. However, they can be easily scratched or dented, which ruins the overall look. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is considered the best combination of the two. It’s also extremely energy efficient!

 

Everyone Loves a Great Patio Door

 

The entry door may be the most important, but entire homes have been sold based on the back patio alone. So if you’ve invested some money into your deck space, don’t allow it to go to waste by purchasing a low-quality patio door.  Sliding doors are very popular as they can help maximize space both inside and out. Swinging doors are more secure, however, and can offer a bit more privacy as they don’t have to be made of glass. French doors are highly prized by home buyers and are a stunning addition to any space. Just prepare to pay top dollar for them!

 

Conclusion

No matter what sort of doors you’re looking for, it’s important that you have someone on your side who can help you make the right choices for the right price. At Hardy Windows, we have over 30 years of experience providing Orange County customers with amazing door and window services. For repairs, installations, and accessories done right, come to Hardy Windows. 

New Windows

New Windows For a Hot So Cal Fall

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It’s fall in Southern California and the weather is starting to heat up. There are many homeowners that have had their homes remodeled during this time of year, but they may not have considered the windows as a project on their to do list.  Here are some ideas for why you might want to consider new windows if your home is getting toasty inside. 

  • extreme fall temperatures, both hot and cold
  • energy efficiency 
  • improving your property value.

Hot, hot, hot and then cold…

Is someone in your home always complaining that it’s too hot or too cold? Ever feel like the gaps in your old windows are a money sucking bottomless pit? 

A great reason to consider new windows is the energy efficiency they provide. If it’s been getting warmer inside during this time of year, or if it seems like your air conditioning bill has gone up significantly since last fall, chances are good that your old single pane windows aren’t offering you the kind of insulation that they used to. Replacing them with double pane windows can help reduce your energy bill while also giving you more comfort during this time of year.

Energy Efficient Windows

Did you know that window glass is the single most important factor in determining a window’s energy efficiency?  To find out how much money you could save with energy efficient windows, enter your zip code at www.energystar.gov/savings 

Curb Appeal

Lastly, if you’re looking for a project or just something new in general it’s always fun to try out different styles and see what works best for your home. Not only can you change up how it looks inside, but your windows are also an important part of the overall structure and increase your property value so replacing them will ensure that they’re not letting any drafts in or out during this time of year. New windows are a great way to improve curb appeal if you’re trying to sell it or improve your home’s interior aesthetic. With many styles ranging from modern double hungs for new construction homes all the way to casement windows, you will surely find a style that works for your home.

You might be surprised at just how affordable new replacement windows can be. In the long run, the cost of home improvements will help you save money in energy bills, improve your family’s comfort and make your home more appealing to future buyers. Make it a priority to take care of your home and enjoy an improved look during this time of year by replacing old windows with new ones from Hardy Windows today!

Doggy Door

Doggy Door Options to Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

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Our furry little friends are important parts of our family, and it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and happy. When summer comes, this means ensuring our pups aren’t left outside for extended periods of time. In fact, as little as 15 minutes in 90-degree heat can be enough to cause the early symptoms of heatstroke!

Of course, most of us can’t be home all the time. So how do we let our dogs out to do their business while giving them a chance to get back in before they overheat?

State-of-the-Art Patio Doors

You need a patio door that not only fits your needs as a dog owner, but as a homeowner as well. That’s where a New Horizon Patio Door can be the perfect solution. These elegant patio doors are specially designed to maximize the amount of light that enters your home while minimizing heat from the sun. Of course, all options can be customized with the company’s one-of-a-kind pet door design, as well as a bevy of other features.  

Durable Construction

New Horizon doors take security to the next level. The fusion-welded frame and sash are both steel-reinforced, while the rollers are backed up by sealed stainless steel ball bearings to reduce friction and wear. Get a beautiful view that will as long as you need it, and seamless function with every open and close. 

Customized Designs

Choose from the classic Riviera French Sliding door, with its traditional wide rail and contoured molding, the Classic French Door set in either out-swing or in-swing designs, or the ultra-modern 2200 Series, with optional blinds between the glass panels. Each style is fully customizable and can be perfectly suited to your specific needs.   

Available Low E and Solar AG Glass Systems

All New Horizon patio doors offer the revolutionary Ameriglass AG3 Low Emissivity coating, which is a patented formula that helps maintain visibility while ensuring maximum energy efficiency and solar control. It also includes an argon gas fill, which prevents energy loss up to 12% better than traditional air, and True Warm Spacers, a unique structural foam to keep hot air outside and cold air in. 

Amerimax Pet Door Systems

Unique to the New Horizon brand, these state-of-the-art pet doors are among the best on the market. With double flaps, nylon weather stripping, and multiple magnets to keep out heat, wind, insects, and pests, these pet doors are the perfect blend of efficiency and security. 

Hardy Windows and Doors Can Help!

When it comes to patio doors, you – and your pet – deserve the very best. Ensure that your dogs get easy access to the outside when they need it, and safety from the heat when the temperatures start to climb. Amerimax New Horizon Patio Doors are the best way to give you and man’s best friend a safe, stunning, and energy-efficient view.