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20 Ways to Decorate Your Windows for the Holidays

Are you searching for some cool and original Christmas window decorating concepts? The most adaptable item of furniture in our houses is often neglected: the window. Decorating the outside of our homes is a long-held custom during the Christmas season but the inside of the window can be just as much fun!

Windows are not only a wonderful approach to give both the inside and outside of our houses some flair, but they also serve as doorways into our hearts. Adding unique Christmas window coverings demonstrates our appreciation for the season and pleasure in sharing it with others.

1-Bring the glittering and twinkling stars outside into your bedroom with a string of illuminated stars.

2-Make a snowflake curtain that can be used year after year.

3-Cover the inside of a window with a collage of Christmas cards to show off your family’s creativity.

4-Pull out the elf! The magic and creativity of Christmas make it a memorable time for both children and adults. With a fun elf display, keep the fantasy alive.

5-Frame individual window panes in squares of white felt to give them a wintry farmhouse feel.

6-Simple decorations can bring a lot of charm to your home. Paper ornaments from your local crafts shop may give your house visitors and passers-by great delight. Make a hole in the top, tie a sting on it, and hang it in front of your favorite window for an attractive look.

7-Got a kitchen window? Add flannel curtains and a wreath to make this area even more unique. Your kitchen will provide you and your guests with peace and quiet.

8-Unwanted ornaments are a wonderful way to add flair to your home without creating Christmas clutter. Take any remaining tree ornaments, attach a piece of ribbon around the loop, and hang them from your window as shown. Ideal for shop and office windows.

9-We can use window displays to illustrate the season’s serenity and calm as we display the nativity scene to rejoice in Christmas’ blessings. Your windows can be decorated with cardboard cutouts of trees and stars, and then illuminated with white lights.

10-Make a snowman and decorate it with snowflakes and lights. If you like to make handcrafted ornaments, make snowflakes out of paper and hang them up in your window. They will look fabulous when illuminated by the lights

11.-Use garlands, wreaths and natural materials to frame your windows.

12-Try a hologram of Santa. This is a big favorite with the kids.

13-What about a candy cane theme? Garlands decorated with candy canes draping your view.

14-If you don’t have a fireplace, display your stockings, filled with hope and goodness for all who enter.

16-Light up your windows with silver icicle lights. The effect is simply stunning.

17-Put Christmas garlands on both sides of the window frame to give a festive look that won’t interfere with the view.

18-Make a Christmas tree using silver garland and add some small presents under it for decoration.

19-What about fake snow? Spray it on your window to give a winter-wonderland feel.

20-Handmade decorations, especially those that are made by you, may give your home a sense of natural warmth. Chalk or paint is the most fun conversation starter for you and your guests when drawing ornaments with your hands.

Windows can help you create a spectacular atmosphere for your home this Christmas. Consider giving yourself the gift of new windows from Hardy to accent all these enjoyable decorations. For a consultation, contact us at Hardy Windows: Door & Window Installation Company (orangecountywindowanddoor.com).

how to find the best contractors

How to find the best contractors in your area

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

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?

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.

Tips for Buying New Doors

Top Tips for Buying New Doors

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

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!

The Benefits of Replacement Vinyl Windows

Five Benefits of Replacement Vinyl Windows

  1. Add beauty to your home
  2. Improve energy efficiency
  3. Reduce noise pollution
  4. Easy to clean and long-lasting
  5. Increase the value of your home
You Deserve a Beautiful Home

Vinyl replacement windows are an elegant addition to any home. Our glass is high-quality, providing crisp, clear views out into the world. Our expert salesmen here at Hardy Window Company will help you pick out the best upgrades and design(s) that will fit perfectly in your home.

 
Are You Ready to Save On Your Energy Bills?

What’s better than adding beautiful replacement windows to your home? How about beautiful windows that could pay for themselves! Our windows are among the best energy-efficient windows on the market, which can end up saving you a lot of money on heating and cooling costs especially during the long, hot Southern California summers.

Low quality aluminum windows can sweat, oxidize and even shrink over time, causing leaks that let in the outside elements. That’s one of the reasons why your house can feel like a freezer in the winter and a sauna in the summer. Replacement vinyl windows help to keep warm air in the house during the winter and cool air in during the summer, lessening the need for heating and air conditioning.

Less energy usage means a smaller environmental footprint and energy savings in your pocket each month!

 
Say Goodbye to the Noise

After a hard day’s work, all you want to do is come home to a serene environment. Too bad the neighbor’s dog isn’t on the same page. Neither are the planes flying overhead, the car alarms nearby, or all the other noise pollution that you can’t seem to escape. Would you believe us if we told you that it’s possible to get free of all that racket? Our replacement windows have been shown to cut noise pollution. Who knew peace and quiet is just a window away!

 
Never Buy another Window Again

If you have read this far, it’s probably because you’re starting to seriously consider replacing your windows. You’d probably rather be doing a lot of other things over the next few months, so wouldn’t it be great if you never had to shop for windows again?

Low-quality aluminum windows typically last about ten years. Our manufacturer’s energy-efficient vinyl windows can go the distance, with each manufacturer honoring some sort of warranty to best serve you.

 
Increased Home Value

When you purchase replacement vinyl windows from us, you are truly making an investment in your home. Not only do these energy-efficient windows increase your comfort and look great, but they can help to increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell in the future.

For a small upfront cost, you’ll be paid back in full on a number of levels when you choose our windows, which are the among the best replacement windows around!

Interested in learning more about replacement windows or doors?
Call us at 800-479-7759 or contact us!

Your Orange County Window and Door Experts

Your Orange County Window & Door Experts Since 1989

Opening our doors in 1989, we have provided quality window and door products to homeowners, contractors, and multifamily property owners for 25 years. Located in the heart of Anaheim, we are a licensed, insured contractor that strives to bring you quality windows and doors at the most competitive prices possible.

We offer a 15,000 square foot showroom so customers can come see product examples and get an idea of what will be installed in their home or other properties. We carry 30+ manufacturers of windows and doors ranging from low-budget to high-end. When you find something you want, we will work with you to get you the best and most competitive pricing.

Although some lead times can range about 3 to 4 weeks, we may be able to have it expedited and installed within 3 to 5 days depending on our manufacturer’s Fast Track program (varies by manufacturer – please inquire within). Installation typically takes 1 day, and we provide a Field Superintendent on each job to ensure that the correct manpower is placed on your project to get it completed. Warranties are provided on an individual basis depending on the manufacturer. If you run into any warranty issues, we will send out a technician to evaluate the problem and get it resolved.

Our staff takes pride in offering the best products and services to serve the greater Orange County and surrounding areas. The company is comprised of a seasoned and talented staff that sets us apart from other companies in our field. Every person is a professional dedicated to your satisfaction.

The top 4 reasons to select Hardy Window Company as your Orange County window and door professionals:

  1. Guaranteed Quality. Years of experience installing the industry’s highest quality products.
  2. Guaranteed Pricing. A detailed estimate that is easy to understand and clearly defines expected results.
  3. Guaranteed Results. We won’t be happy until you are. Down to the last details, the job isn’t complete until you’re totally satisfied.
  4. Value Engineering. With the variety of products we carry we are able to accommodate any budget.
We are here to provide you with the greatest quality windows and doors at a budget you can afford! For a free estimate, call our 24 hour line at 800-479-7759.