If you’re shopping for new windows for your home, here are 6 important things you’ll definitely want to consider!
Last we chatted windows, I shared the embarrassing truth about the awful state of ours…
Obviously, at more than 40 years old, our windows had seen better days – thank goodness I was able to talk hubs into finally changing them all out for a newer model!
Equally as obvious, all new windows throughout our entire house was going to be a significant investment, which meant that whatever we chose, we were going to be stuck with for the next 40+ years. We definitely wanted to be darn sure we got it right! So friends, here are six big questions we had to ask ourselves while shopping for new windows:
one. Where do we even start?
Replacing each and every window in our home certainly wasn’t a decision we made lightly (you can read more about how we finally decided to take the plunge here). Knowing the significant expense and commitment we were about to take on was truly overwhelming. Everything we didn’t know about window shopping & what would meet the needs of our family for the next forty years was weighing heavily on us.
So, we did what any DIY’er would do, we scoured the internet for all the information we could find on replacing windows. And then, not surprisingly, it was a total information overload so overwhelming that it completely paralyzed us. We very quickly realized we were going to need some help with this.
Instead of researching everything there is to know about windows, we spent our time looking into reputable companies that could not only provide us with quality windows, but help us through the entire process. At first glance McLeod Windows and Doors (available all across Canada and the Eastern US through Kohltech) stood out to us, I mean these testimonials speak for themselves. And after visiting their beautiful showroom and meeting with their incredible sales team – we felt this huge sigh of relief and we knew, our decision was made.
Replacing your windows is big my friends – this is a decision that will live on in your home for decades to come! If you don’t do a single other thing from this list, make darn sure you’re working with a reputable AND helpful company that makes you feel well taken care of!
two. Why are we replacing our old windows?
I think it’s really important to remind yourself why you’ve chosen to replace your old windows so that you can be sure to avoid those problems with the new ones. Are you looking for windows that are easier to open, easier to clean, less maintenance maybe? Considering what you dislike about your current windows helps to bring out what’s most important as you start considering all of the choices and options available with the new ones.
three. What features are we looking for most?
There are a zillion features available on windows these days … easy to open, easy to clean, energy efficient, solar blocking capabilities – really, this list could go on and on and on. Now, maybe you’re willing to spring for every single one, creating the ultimate window package for your home (and who could blame you really!). But for most us, we’ll need to pick and choose the options that are most important to us.
Living in northern Alberta means long, cold winters, making energy efficiency a top priority for us.
We also really wanted to move toward casement style windows that crank out rather than sliders – I like the way they look, how easy they are to open and that the screens live on the inside of the window, making them easier to keep clean. There were some instances where casement didn’t make as much sense; windows that were long and skinny became awning style instead, allowing the entire window to open instead of just one half and the windows on our front porch worked better as single hung sliders (opening from the bottom up) so that they didn’t encroach on the porch space when open.
four. Am I hoping to avoid added maintenance?
There’s something SO beautiful, classic and charming about wood windows … that is, until you have to re-stain or worse yet, repaint them. There’s absolutely no way I was committing to that kind of work and responsibility – so for us, vinyl was a no-brainer.
five. What colour will work best with my home?
I had no idea the colour possibilities that were available! There are SO many ways to go with this! I love the idea of black or bronze even for a really modern look, but on our home there was no question that we needed to go with a classic white.
Don’t forget to consider the interior and hardware as well!
six. What style will work best with my home?
This is the part where you get to add in any extra styling options that might enhance the look of your windows, making them a true feature of your home.
I’ve always dreamed of pretty vintage style windows so, there was no question for me that our old “farmhouse” needed some beautiful grids through the windows to really add that vintage charm. Honestly, of all the incredible features our new windows will have and everything wonderful they’ll bring to our house, this is the part I’m the most excited about!
Friends, it’s no secret that replacing old windows can make a HUGE impact on the look, feel and functionality of your home, not to mention the value they can bring. It’s also a big commitment, one that will live on in your home for decades to come, which is why it’s SO important to get it right. There are so many things to consider, but there’s no question that your very top priority needs to be finding a reputable company willing to walk you through the entire process and provide you with great quality windows that will stand the test of time!
I can’t wait to walk this journey with McLeod Windows & Doors and of course, take y’all along every step of the way!
HUGE thanks to McLeod Windows & Doors for sponsoring this post, answering countless questions and making it so darn easy to recommend their incredible products and service!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
I can't wait to hear your thoughts!