3 Reasons You Need Modern Kitchen Windows
Putting in new kitchen windows is a great way to freshen up the room and make it more fun to cook. However, there are far more reasons to have modern kitchen windows installed than appearances alone. Here are some other reasons to get window replacement for your kitchen:
1. Temperature Control
In the winter, everyone thinks of keeping more heat inside. This is easier with new kitchen window designs since modern versions are well-insulated and contain several energy-efficient features. They are typically made with double glazing, which puts an insulating layer between the panes of glass. Some even have triple glazing. The wide frames are also insulated. Invisible coatings provide even more efficiency as well as protection from UV rays.
If you cook frequently, you know that temperature control in this area of the house isn’t all about trying to retain heat. Instead, it is just as important to be able to get rid of it on demand. Cracking the window while cooking a roast or other slow-baking item makes things much more pleasurable. All new types of kitchen windows will be easy to open, while older ones tend to be sticky or have inconvenient designs.
2. Ease of Use
Some old-fashioned kitchen windows aren’t very easy to use. One of the problems in most kitchens is that an old kitchen window is placed right over the sink. This forces you to have to reach a long distance to even access them. Such a reach makes vintage designs such as the swing-out style unfeasible for actual use.
When replacing the windows in this room, it is important to remember that reach factor. Then, you’ll be able to choose a design that puts the window’s latch work in a convenient place – not only when the window is closed, but after it has been opened.
3. To Brighten the Kitchen
A dull and dingy kitchen sucks the joy out of what would otherwise be fun, enjoyable, and rewarding activities. After all, who wants to cook and bake in a depressing interior environment? Put in new, larger windows to let the light in and invigorate your food creation time.
It is often the case that a kitchen simply doesn’t have enough windows. One or two tiny openings just doesn’t cut it. If your kitchen has this problem, let us enlarge your window openings and add more windows if needed. You’ll love it when the entire space is bright and airy because of new, custom kitchen windows.
Consider Adding These Improvements, Too
Windows are great for lighting while the sun is up, but once it goes down, you’ll need to rely on artificial light. Have us install new lighting for a great-looking solution to problems in this area. Choose creative styles that include easy-to-clean covers to protect the bulbs from any grease or other such things that might otherwise get on them.
The walls and flooring of old kitchens can get dull through the years as well. If you’re going for a new look, try adding these areas to the residential project. It’ll make a tremendous difference since both the walls and floor have plenty of surface area to see. With decor in mind, go for light colors to greatly enhance the effects of the sunlight that will pour into the room after you get your new windows.
We have been in operation here at RWC in New Jersey since 1959, and have the experience needed to do all of the renovations needed to make your kitchen into the fun and uplifting space it should be. Call us to get your old windows replaced, add entirely new ones, and to complete any other desired kitchen remodel upgrades. If you need help deciding on exactly what changes to have made, we’re also able to provide design services to ensure that everything looks great. Contact us today to get started.
Service Spotlight: 4 Steps to Renovating Your Kitchen
For many families, the kitchen is the most used room in the house. For this reason, it’s also one the most renovated rooms in a home. Whether you prepare three daily organized meals or the family eats separately according to individual busy schedules, it’s important to have a kitchen that’s functional for your family. Choosing to renovate your kitchen can be for practical reasons, or it can serve as an update to your current floorplan and finishes. Either way, these renovations add value to your home in the long run. Planning to remodel your kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but at RWC we take the stress out of home improvement by following these 4 steps.
Step 1: Initial Design Consultation
First, our staff will schedule a time to meet at your home. Our staff will discuss your intentions for this renovation and your budget. During this appointment, our home professionals will go through your kitchen wish list. Be prepared ahead of time by deciding what you want in your remodel; specifically what is important and what your needs are versus your wants. To help distinguish wants from needs, our staff will discuss a basic budget and what you are comfortable spending for your renovation. Providing this information early on will help our design team put together the most comprehensive plan for your kitchen. Our designers will be cautious not to “over design” your space, which simply means making the kitchen feel too busy and lack practicality. Based on your design thoughts, we’ll talk about what you can expect during the construction phase. Our staff will also take measurements and pictures to look at any structural, electrical or plumbing issues that may impact the design.
Step 2: Design Presentation & Draft Proposal
After the initial design consultation is finished you’ll meet at our West Caldwell showroom to select the products and finishes. This is your opportunity to bring your vision to life! Compare sinks, faucets, tiles, countertops, cabinet finishes and more. Since we have samples in-house, seeing your design options together before you buy is a huge advantage. Don’t be afraid to bring photos of what you are looking for; our designer will be able to guide you based on your style and budget. Our design team will show you various finishes and materials at your price point. After seeing your options, you’ll have the final say in choosing your cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring and fixtures during this step.
Step 3: Project Proposal with 3-D Drawing
After determining the budget and features you want your new kitchen to have, it’s time to develop a design. We’ll produce a 3-Dimensional color drawing and a written proposal that puts your ideas on paper so you have a description and vision of what you want built. If you don’t love your 3-Dimensional rendering, don’t panic! This meeting is the opportunity to explore additional options for your renovation and make revisions to the current plan. Customizing your kitchen to your style and needs is what makes it uniquely yours! Once the 3D drawing and written proposal is finalized, construction can begin.
Step 4: Construction Begins
It’s time to put the plans into action! Prior to construction, your materials will be ordered and you’ll meet our Lead Carpenter and Designer. During the construction process your Designer and Lead Carpenter will be your main contacts. Communication is vital to an extraordinary experience! If at any time, you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.
Conclusion
If you aren’t sure how to start a kitchen renovation project around West Caldwell, NJ, contact us at RWC. We’ll be happy to schedule a meeting to discuss your project and help you through the steps toward having a kitchen you love.
5 Interesting Benefits of Interior Door Replacement
Most people understand when they buy a house they are going to want to conduct upgrades over the years to make the home reflect their personal design style and needs. To some extent you can change the styling of your home with new paint and floors, but such a solution is more cosmetic than functional. New interior doors, on the other hand, not only changes the design feeling of your house but also provides practical advantages to how you live in the house on a daily basis. The right replacement interior door can do so much for a room in your home so it’s important to choose wisely, and RWC are experts when it comes to choosing the right doors for your home.
1. Design Consistency
In some houses, especially older homes which may have already been remodeled over the years, the interior doors don’t match. It may be that a previous owner planned to change all the doors to a new style over time but never finished the new construction project, or a broken door had to be replaced, or the owner simply preferred an eclectic design with different themes in each room.
Changing interior doors all at once is a way to solve such a problem. The doors don’t have to be an exact match to be consistent, the new casings will bring them all together. For example If you want French doors leading to the dining room, a pocket door between the den and kitchen, and either bi-fold or sliding closet doors, the casings can give the appearance the doors match. They can also match design styles to bring an overall consistency throughout your home.
2. Personalized Style and Themes
New interior doors can customize a theme in your house. Depending on your personal style and your home’s style, there are various options to add your own touch. Some people prefer a plain style with fairly generic doors and casings, while others like a simple rustic cabin theme, a regal and elegant formal setting, or the clean lines of industrial design. Some even want to pair their windows and door designs together. Taking your personal style into account guarantees you will be happy with the end result and choose the best modern doors for your home.
3. Energy Efficiency
Homeowners often overlook how new doors can add energy efficiency to the home in two ways. The first is that using insulated or solid doors form a tight seal with the floor. These doors can be used to seal off rooms which aren’t used regularly. These are ideal for guest rooms, bonus rooms, or basements which are only used when you entertain company. For more efficiency, the heating and air conditioning vents can be closed and sealed off from the rest of the house when not in use so you’re only heating and cooling the areas you actively use.
Another means of energy efficiency is to leave a two to three inch gap between the bottom of the door and the floor for bedrooms and bathrooms. The gap doesn’t take away the needed privacy when the door is closed, but allows airflow so your HVAC system can perform efficiently. The system is gaining popularity among architects and designers as an environmentally friendly energy solution when used in conjunction with other energy saving features in the building.
4. Privacy and Security
For some rooms, using the bottom gap system may not serve your needs. A solid door which reaches the floor can reduce noise and add a better sense of privacy. Solid interior doors are commonly used on bedrooms and bathrooms. Solid interior doors can also add both privacy and security by holding a more substantial lock. Such a concept is especially important if you have roommates, but can also help if you have valuables or collections you don’t want your children and their friends to get into.
5. Increased Home Value
Does replacing interior doors add value? To keep it short and sweet, yes. Interior door replacement can definitely increase the value of your home. How much value is added depends on specific factors of your personal remodeling project. However, new doors for your house generally always provide an aesthetically modern look to the interior of your home, as well as complete functionality. These two factors can play a huge role in a home’s value. If you’re looking at how to increase home value without breaking the bank, replacing interior doors is right for you.
Although replacing your interior doors may not seem like an important aspect of home renovation, there are plenty of advantages with practical daily applications. Not to mention, updated doors add value to the house! Contact RWC at your convenience to discuss how they can relieve home improvement stress. As trusted interior door installers for 60+ years, we can handle any job you have for us!
6 Bathroom Design Must Haves
A bathroom has a surprising number of essentials for its size, so when it’s time for a bathroom remodel, it pays to give heed to all of these elements. This will ensure that the final result is visually cohesive as well as functional. The added bonus is that everything is new, so you won’t have to worry about fixing one thing after another. Here are six of the top aspects to pay attention to, along with the floors, walls, and ceiling:
1. The Toilet
The toilet, rather than the bathtub or shower, is what most people actually think of when they hear the word “bathroom.” Yet at the same time, the literal fixture is typically taken for granted. It may be surprising to learn that there are many options to consider!
Toilets actually have styles and the chosen one will determine whether your bathroom looks new, ultra-modern, or vintage.
There are different options in height, seat circumference and flush activation. If you just want a standard toilet, that’s fine – but if you’d rather have something else, be sure to consult your bathroom renovation experts at RWC to help you find the perfect fixture for your style and preference.
2. The Sink
The sink is another fixture that has many options. Choices include a recessed sink, a free standing bathroom sink or even one that’s built into the countertop. There are various colors and materials to choose from too; ranging from upscale granite to utilitarian fiberglass. Finding a color and material that fits with your bathroom’s style is important for enhancing the appearance of the room, but it’s also suggested to choose a material that can handle some scrubbing since bathrooms should be cleaned often.
3. A Vanity
Not all bathrooms have vanities, but if you choose to utilize one in your space, the sink will likely be part of it. By combining the sink, extra storage, and grooming area into one unit, you can save valuable space later on. An alternative to a vanity would be a countertop along one wall with cabinets beneath. This option serves the same purpose as a vanity, but typically provides more surface space.
4. The Mirror
A bathroom mirror should be versatile enough to accommodate the teeth brushing, makeup application, shaving and outfit selections it sees on a daily basis. A good bathroom mirror is big enough to give you a good view of yourself, but close enough to see smaller details. It should be placed at a good height so that you don’t have to crouch down or stand on tiptoe to get a good view.
While the reflective part of a mirror gets the attention during use, its frame will draw the eye at other times. Go for a frameless model if you want a sleek look or choose a frame specific to your desired decor type. Don’t forget to use task lighting at eye level for flattering, shadowless illumination!
5. The Shower and/or Tub
The latest bathroom trend calls for a separation of the shower and tub. Big, luxurious soaking tubs and large separate shower stalls are created for these spaces. The separation allows for bigger walk in showers and soaking tubs than a typical shower tub combination. For smaller bathrooms, the tub/shower combinations is still one of the most popular options. To get the luxurious feel of a walk in shower, select a shower tub combination with sliding glass doors and add a high-quality shower head.
6. Storage
Bathroom closets and built-in drawers are great for storage. They allow things to be kept organized while hiding them from view of guests. For larger bathrooms, install cabinets, storage shelves, or a similar option that’s large enough to hold all your towels and related linens. For small bathrooms, narrower, freestanding shelving will work well without sacrificing space.
If you need bathroom remodeling in or around West Caldwell, NJ, be sure to contact us here at RWC. We have decades of experience with projects just like yours, and will be happy to design and install your new, upgraded room for you.