by Debra on Tuesday, September 23, 2008
One complaint ranch style home owners have is that some of the windows are too small. Many homeowners think replacing ranch windows is the answer. What is the process for replacing windows and how expensive is it?
There are a few things you want to consider before enlarging the windows in your home. If your windows are original to the house, it’s quite likely that replacing the windows will save you money on heating and cooling costs each year. In fact, you may notice enough of a difference in your utilities that you consider replacing all of the windows in your house.
You can choose either double glazed or un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) windows. The prices vary greatly, so be sure to do your homework before settling on which type of window you buy. One way to help you decide which type of window to purchase is to think about the amount of time you’ll be remaining in the home. If you plan on staying there for a while, you may want to spend the extra money for the better windows.
Shop around and ask for free in-home estimates. Get estimates from at least three companies; more estimates would be better. Ask for copies of their contracts to read at leisure so you can compare the contracts as well as the windows.
Talk to several contractors who can do the work for you rather than having the window company install them. Ask friends, neighbors, and the local builders associations if they can recommend contractors who are ethical, do their work in a time manner, and at or under budget.
Expect to spend between $300 and $1,000 per window, depending upon the quality of the window. Of course, the size of the window will also play an important role in how much the replacement window costs. If you’re only planning to replace one window, you may want to go with the better window. You can take your time to replace other windows either as needed or as you have the money.
Are you concerned by the cost of windows? Is it important to have a triple-paned window or is a double-paned window sufficient? Compare the warranty that comes with the windows and ask if the warranty can be transferred to any future homeowners.
Replacing ranch windows is something that many homeowners consider. Their reasons for doing so may differ, but the desired outcome is probably the same. Homeowners replace ranch windows to save money on heating and air conditioning or to let more light into their home. Whatever the reason for replacing the windows, it’s a remodeling job that will surely be a welcome change.
Windows & Skylights
photo credit: Theodore Scott
photo credit: dorothyhess18
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by Debra on Sunday, June 22, 2008
“Thirty years ago the ranch-style home was everything anybody could ever want–roomy, informal, and affordable. Today, value-conscious home buyers with an eye for remodeling are snapping up these humble, hardworking classics. Reasons? Ranch homes age well. Their straightforward construction means few, if any, structural problems. Plumbing, wiring, and mechanical systems are usually in good working order. The floor plans still work.“ Click Here to read more of this article on www.ehouseplans.com
The above article mentions several great projects that may help you update your 1950’s ranch style home, but I would like to focus on one of them and share my ideas:
photo credit: berbercarpet
Lighting is an important aspect in any home, but in a ranch home (that desperately needs updating) lighting can be the key in transforming the interior from dark and drab to bright and welcoming.
There are several things that you can do to add light in your home:
1. Windows – Adding windows, skylights, or changing the size of your current windows will be your best option to bring in more natural light, but will definitely wind up being a pretty penny.
2. Window Treatments – Stay away from dark curtains. Try to use sheer window treatments. The natural outdoor light will shine through making the room brighter.
3. Mirrors – Mirrors that are tastefully placed in a room can reflect light and color, making a room seem larger and more spacious.
4. Furniture & Accessories – Use lighter & brighter colors. Adding white bookshelves instead of dark wood or light colored furniture can brighten a room. Use bright pops of color in your area rugs and pillows. Dark carpet should be updated with either wood flooring or lighter colored carpeting.
5. Wall Paint Color – I am sure you know what I am going to say – LIGHT & BRIGHT COLORS!!!
If you have wood paneling, here is a step by step process on how to paint wood paneling.
If the room is extra dark, you can even use a semi-gloss paint which will help reflect light. If you are extra daring, you may want to try a decorative paint finish.
6. Artificial Lighting – You can’t have too much light, so don’t be afraid of overdoing it.
Track lighting or pot lights throughout a room can help cast light into every dark corner, drastically changing the look and feel of the space.
Try using “can” lights in dark corners, pendant lights in reading areas, lamps on end tables for conversation areas, and task lighting for office areas or workstations.
Another great idea is to add night lights or small lights behind your potted plants or even furniture, like the picture below.
photo credit: playhockeyeh
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