best windows

How to choose the best windows and doors for your home

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Whether you’re building a new home and want to make sure it is well insulated, or if you are looking to replace the windows and doors in your current home with energy-efficient ones, choosing the right windows and doors can be overwhelming. There are so many choices on the market today that it’s hard to know where to start when picking replacement. If this sounds like you, take a look at our blog post by Hardy Windows for some tips on how to choose the best windows and doors for your needs!

There are a few big factors that determine which type of windows and doors are best for your house: style, insulation properties, security, installation costs, cost per square foot installed vs. cost per square foot in stock (installed), warranty coverage/length of coverage, and ease of use.

The first thing you will want to think about is the types of windows and doors that can be installed in your home. When deciding which type of window or door to use, always go with a quality brand name for both windows and doors. It will cost you less money in the long run as opposed to going with a cheaper product from a no-name brand.

Make sure to consider the style of your home when choosing a type of window and door replacement. Different styles of windows and doors tend to work better with different types of homes. For example, if your home is more modern in design, you will want to go for a cleaner look that can be found on some newer style replacement window and door. If you live in a more traditional looking home, try going with an older traditional style window and door that will match well with your home.

Another factor in window and door choice is insulation properties. When comparing windows and doors, consider the insulation levels in each product. Windows and doors with higher R-values for insulation tend to be more efficient than those with lower ratings.

The next thing you will want to think about before picking a window or door is security. Window and door replacement is an excellent way to add more security to your home. However, you will most likely not want to install something that is so tight in security that it can’t be used. Make sure to find a good medium between security features and usability when deciding on windows or doors.

Installation costs also play an important role when choosing new windows and doors for your home. The actual window or door cost should be a big part of the equation, but the cost for installation should not be overlooked either. When you get new windows and doors installed, there will also likely need to be some adjustments made to your old window and door frames. All of these factors can add up quickly and make it more difficult to choose which new window or door set will work best for you.

Another important factor to consider is how much it will cost per square foot installed vs. the price of a stock window or door. When comparing windows and doors, remember that some products have lower prices per square foot as opposed to others. A good example of this would be new vinyl replacement windows compared with wood or fiberglass. It is important to understand this difference when choosing which window or door you would like to use in your home.

The warranty coverage of your doors and windows is another factor that can affect your decision. The length of the warranty coverage will vary depending on the type of replacement windows or doors that you choose, so always pay close attention to what is included in the warranty.

Finally, it should go without saying that ease of use should also be considered when picking new windows and doors. Although you will likely want to make sure your replacement windows are secure, you do not want them installed so tight that they are difficult for you to open yourself. Make sure the door or window can be opened and closed easily without needing a lot of effort.

When it comes down to choosing the best windows and doors for your home, remember all of these factors. It will be difficult at first to think about so many aspects when you are shopping around for new windows or doors, but once you get familiar with them they will become second nature to you. Make your choice an informed one by taking all of these factors into consideration, and you likely will not go wrong with whatever product you choose.

If you have any questions and want to see replacement windows in person, come visit our Hardy Windows showroom in Orange County. We always have a friendly and knowledgeable salesman and staff eager to help. We offer 30+ different window and door manufacturers. When you visit our showroom you can see how the windows and doors operate alongside the different options offered.

Our Placentia window & door showroom in north central Orange County is available to view products such as wood, vinyl, fiber-glass and aluminum windows; sliding, patio, interior, entry doors, and other options to accommodate any budget!

Call us today at: (714) 996-1807

Source: https://www.remodelingcosts.com/windows/types-windows/

how to find the best contractors

How to find the best contractors in your area

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Finding the best contractors for your home improvement or remodeling project can be time consuming and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. Hardy Windows has some tips on how you can find the best contractors in your area.

1. Find a contractor that is licensed and insured. We recommend using a contractor who is properly licensed, bonded and insured. While it might be cheaper to go another route, it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with strangers at your home. Even though a contractor may have references from satisfied customers, they could also have a criminal history that would make them an unsafe person for you to do business with.

2. Ask for personal referrals – check out reviews online AND ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. The best references come from people you know and trust. Here are a few questions to ask your contractor’s former customers: How do you like working with this contractor? Do they return calls and emails promptly? What was their estimated price versus what you wound up paying at the end of the project, and why did it change? Did they arrive on time for appointments every day throughout the project, including weekends? Were there any unexpected surprises during construction (like additional costs)? It’s also a good idea to check online reviews before hiring someone. Look at review sites such as AngiesList or Yelp.

3. Make sure you hire someone who will be available when you need them (i.e., not on vacation). Scheduling can be a huge problem when hiring a contractor. Many homeowners have been burned because the contractor they chose went on vacation without telling them beforehand or stopped returning calls altogether after work began. Make sure to get the contact information of the key people you will be dealing with throughout the project and check often to make sure they are available to answer your questions.

4. Hire a contractor with good customer service skills. Use a contractor who communicates well and takes pride in their work, even if it’s a small job. Ask yourself: Does this person answer your questions promptly? Do they provide clear explanations about what needs to get done?

5. Get quotes from at least three contractors to see how their prices compare Hardy. Make sure you get a detailed estimate for exactly what the contractor will provide, including parts and labor costs. Get more than one quote so that you can compare prices and find out if there are other hidden fees or expenses associated with the project, such as “trip charges,” which happen when a company forces you to buy all materials from them.

Check the contractor’s portfolio of completed projects, including photos and testimonials from customers.  Check out the contractor’s work online. Look for a website or social media presence, or you can always ask to see a portfolio of commercial and residential projects they have worked on in the past which will give you a better idea of what your final product will look like.

We hope these tips will help you find the best professional for your project. Hardy is also here to answer any of your questions and help you learn more about home windows and doors before starting a new project. Give us a call today at (714) 996-1807.

What to consider before replacing your windows

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If you can’t shut your windows or lock them, they may need to be repaired or replaced. You should know that window repair projects usually start at $200 and go up depending on the jobs needed. The exact price depends on the broken part of the window, the size, and the window type. Replacing a window is more expensive, The average window replacement cost is between $400 and $1,000 per window with most homeowners spending $403 to $631 on average. Replacements are generally done in one day, whereas repairs usually take a few days.

So if you’re considering replacement, here’s what to think about:

1) Are you repairing or replacing?

Options include: repairing only minor damage such as small cracks; consolidating multiple panes of glass with tempered glass; adding energy-efficient glazing film to old single-pane windows; and replacing the entire window with new vinyl, wood, fiberglass or aluminum units.

2) Do you want to repair or replace?

Replacement costs twice as much as a great repair job done by a good DIYer. If you’re considering replacement, make sure you can do it yourself or hire a good local contractor who specializes in windows. Hardy Windows is the right choice for Replacement Windows.

3) Are your existing windows energy efficient?  The latest R-value window ratings give an accurate measure of insulation value, so choose low-E coated glass if your house is tightly sealed against air conditioning bills. Otherwise, go with double-paned windows that have been treated with low-E coatings on both sides.

4) What is your budget?

Window replacements generally run $400 to $1000 per window, depending on the size and type of window, as well as installation costs. You can buy windows online or at a local window retailer. For a local option, Hardy Windows installs high quality Replacement Windows in the So Cal area. Consult with one of our window experts to find out which type of replacement windows would be right for your home and style preferences. Hardy Windows has been around since 1989 and continues to provide energy-efficiency, comfort, durability and beautiful windows and doors.

5) Are you replacing old single-pane windows?

If so, make sure you know which kind of glass performs best in your area. It’s not unusual for an average summer cooling bill to go over $500, so surely you’ll want the best within your budget. Hardy installs Replacement Windows that feature considerable energy savings and noise reduction for homes in Southern California.

6) Is your former window uneven? Or does it have broken or missing panes of glass?

If so, it’s probably not worth repairing. There are just too many problems that need immediate attention from someone who knows what they’re doing.

7) Is your window drafty?

A window’s ability to stop air infiltration is often more important than its ability to block heat loss. Heat naturally flows from warm areas to cold ones, so consider double-paned windows with gas fill or low-E coatings that reflect heat back into Hardy Hardy houses during cold winter months. Hardy installs Replacement Windows for any style home, including traditional vinyl replacement windows , wood replacement windows , fiberglass replacement windows and aluminum clad wood windows.

Give us a call today to learn more. (714) 996-1807

good first impression

Do your windows make a good first impression?

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A lot of people don’t think about their windows until it’s too late, and then they’re stuck with old, ugly ones.

Windows are one of the first things that guests see when entering your home or office space. They say a lot about who you are as an individual or business owner. If your windows are in bad shape, it can make a negative impression on visitors to your home or business. This is especially true if you live in an older building where the style choices were not great back when they were installed.

Here are a few ideas to make a big impact with your windows:

Out with the Old

Replace any broken or cracked windows. New windows can make any home or office space look fresh and updated. 

Highlight the View

Take into account the view you want to show off. If there’s a beautiful view outside, it might be worth installing windows that bring in more light and showcase the best part of your property. The opposite can also make for an impressive feature; tall narrow windows can emphasize height or grandeur without giving too much away.

Energy Efficiency

Double-paned glass windows provide added insulation to make energy costs lower and the building more comfortable overall. Energy efficient windows are a must these days given the high prices of heating and air conditioning bills.

A fresh coat of Paint

If you’re having trouble choosing between different types of windows, paint color might be able to help. Painting the window frames of tall narrow windows white will make them look taller and wider than they actually are.

No view?

If you have an ugly view outside, it might be worth considering adding windows just for that. A bay or bow window can bring in extra light and looks great from the inside but doesn’t give away much of the view outside.

Break/Fix

Ensure your windows open properly before trying to make any design choices at all. Make simple fixes like oiling or replacing gliders, tightening hinges, and hanging cords properly to avoid damage.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping helps keep drafts out of your home or office space during the winter months. It’s worth spending some time to tape up any spaces around doors and windows that might be letting in air (or bugs!) this summer.

Hardy Window Replacement offers the best window replacement services around town! Our products will improve how your place looks and feels while also improving energy efficiency and adding value to any real estate property you own! 

If you would like a virtual or in-home estimate for windows & doors, call (714) 996-1807 or email Zoe@hardywindows.com for more information.