Window of Opportunity: How to Keep the Heat Out This Summer
After a day spent in the summer sun, there is nothing better than heading home where you can relax and keep cool. However, if you do not have air conditioning in your home, the interior of your abode can be anything but relaxing–it may feel more like an oven.
Even though you don't have AC, there is no reason for your house to feel the heat. The key to lowering the temperature inside of a house without air conditioning is to keep the hot air outside as much as possible. Here are a few things that can help you achieve just that.
4 Simple Ways to Keep the Heat Outside
Install Awnings
Awnings affixed to the outside of the house offer shade over some of the most vulnerable spots in your home, such as entry doors and windows. If your home has a lack of mature shade around it, the bright beaming sunlight hammering down on your home can definitely be a big problem when you just want to stay cooler. You can find awnings that are quick to install, such as retractable awnings that stretch over a patio, but you can also have small awnings installed over windows and more permanent awnings installed over porches and entry doors that allow in a lot of sunlight.
Seal Any Air Leaks
Air leaks can be a huge reason why you have a hard time keeping the heat outside of the house instead of spilling indoors. Air leaks can be a major problem around doors and windows especially, but you should also look for lack of proper sealant in places like:
- around the chimney
- around plumbing pipes leading in from outside
- around attic entryways
In most cases, you can eliminate these types of air leaks with a basic tube of caulking and a little time.
Close Blinds and Invest in New Window Coverings
Did you know that just the sunlight streaming through a window can boost the temperature inside by a dramatic amount? This is because windows that do not have UV-filtering capabilities allow the heat in, which then gets trapped inside the house. To prevent this problem, keep your blinds closed and even invest in new window coverings that block out the sun, such as room darkening drapes or curtain panels.
Consider New Windows
The primary purpose of old windows was to allow natural light into the house and there was little concern about also allowing more heat in. With advances in glass and window engineering, heat transfer through a pane of glass is not the same as it once was. Many windows have treated glass panels that reduce UV rays with low-E coatings, which is an invisible layer applied to the glass during construction. New windows are also far better insulated–often times completely preventing heat transfer through the sill or frame from the outside.
While you work to make your home a place where you can keep cool without air conditioning, remember:
- Providing shade outside of the house in the form of awnings or trees can make a huge difference.
- You can combat a huge amount of hot air with proper sealing techniques.
- The sun streaming through your windows plays a huge part in the indoor air temperature.
- Blinds and window treatments can help a lot, but can only do so much with outdated or poorly insulated windows.
Your home should be your oasis from the scorching summer heat, and sometimes, you have to work a little to make sure that is what you have–especially if you have no AC. For more tips or help with upgrades that can help you keep cool at home, contact us at RWC.
What Things to Expect During Your New Bathroom Remodel
This is part four of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how long your bathroom renovation process will take here.
Once you've designed your new bathroom, found a reputable contractor and chosen the materials to use, you are ready to have your bathroom remodel start. While you may have a bathroom remodel schedule in place that outlines the project for the next month, you can expect that the plan is probably not going to run in a timely manner. You will probably have a few delays during the bathroom remodel process, and you should begin preparing for your bathroom renovation with the understanding that the time estimate you were provided is simply an estimate. Soon enough you are going to have a new bathroom that you love but it’s important to know what things to expect with your remodel.
Once Demolition Starts for Your Bathroom Remodel
Demolition for your bathroom remodel is going to be both noisy and messy. If you spend your days at home, you may find the noises a bit disturbing. If you are home watching a young baby, for example, you may need to use a white noise machine in their room to allow your baby to take naps during the remodel. You will also find that there is a lot of dust around your home as the demolition occurs. Wait to wipe down surfaces once the contractors are done with demolition, or you will find yourself cleaning constantly.
Changes May Need to Occur
Once demolition starts, your contractor may discover problems with your bathroom that they didn't know existed. This may mean that you have to spend money on sub floor or wall repairs, causing the need to change some of your design to stay within budget. You might have to find less expensive materials for your bathroom if there are significant problems uncovered by your contractor during the bathroom remodel. You may also find that you hate a particular element of your bathroom, and want to change it before the bathroom is finished.
You Won't Have Use of Your Bathroom
If the bathroom remodel is being done on the main bathroom in your home, you'll be inconvenienced during the remodel. If this is your only bathroom, your contractor will have to be creative about keeping the toilet installed so that you have something to use during the remodel process. You may have to find creative ways to bathe or shower for a few days, especially if your new bathroom design is elaborate and contains elements that will need to dry for several days.
Be Prepared for Problems During Your Bathroom Remodel
There will be changes to the schedule of your bathroom remodel, so don't be surprised. Try to remember that unexpected problems will occur, and it is generally no one's fault. Whether materials don't arrive in time, or you make changes to the design while the remodel is in progress, there are many reasons that your bathroom remodel may be delayed.
As you get ready for your new bathroom remodel, you can prepare your home to make the project less disruptive. Here are some bathroom renovation tips to keep in mind:
- Put away items that might get damaged from demolition dust.
- Plan to shower away from the home for several days or more.
- Use noise machines if you are home throughout the day.
- If you don't love something about your remodel, make changes before the project is finished.
- Try to go with the flow of a bumpy project schedule.
If you are ready to find bathroom remodelers for your home that you can trust, it's time to call RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123. We will help upgrade your smaller bathroom or create the master bathroom you have always wanted.
How Long Does A Bathroom Renovation Take?
This is part three of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how to budget for your bathroom remodel here.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
Figuring how long your bathroom renovation is going to take involves a number of things. If everything goes perfectly, the bathroom makeover should take 23 working days. This translates into 4 1/2 weeks if the contractor doesn't work on the weekends. The problem is, rarely does a bathroom renovation go this smoothly. There may be issues with the plumbing, an electrician may run late, or a problem could be discovered when the bathroom is stripped down to the studs. Keep scrolling to find out more about a typical bathroom renovation timeline and what can potentially cause delays!
After Demolition Starts
When demolition starts on your bathroom renovation, your project is just beginning. Your contractor will need to remove any old materials, strip down walls, and get rid of old flooring. Depending on the size of your bathroom, demolition can take several days. During the demolition process, your contractor may find issues with the sub-flooring that needs immediate bathroom floor renovation before the project can move forward. This is a time when delays are common. When old material is removed, problems that your bathroom remodeling contractor was not aware of are discovered. These instances will always alter your construction schedule.
Installing New Plumbing or Electricity
When you need electrical or plumbing work done in your bathroom renovation, this is generally done once demolition is complete. While the work itself doesn't take much time, trying to schedule an electrician and a plumber can add a few days to the bathroom remodel timeline. During busy seasons, you will want to schedule an electrician and a plumber as soon as you know when you'll need them.
Walls and Flooring are Installed Next
After the new plumbing has been put into place and the electrical work is done, your contractor is ready to begin sheet rocking the walls. This is a pretty fast step in the bathroom renovation process. Putting up drywall doesn't take much time, but then the seams will have to be fixed and smoothed. Once the walls are up, your contractor will then put in the flooring you have chosen. The walls will need to dry, and this can cause a few delays. In addition, if you choose ceramic tiles for your bathroom floor, this takes longer than vinyl or bamboo flooring because it will have to dry in between steps.
Installing the Sink and Toilet in Your New Bathroom
Once the floors and walls are all set in your new bathroom, it's time to install the sink, toilet and shower. The sink and the toilet installation should only take a few hours or more. If you have chosen a shower that needs to be tiled, this is going to lengthen your bathroom renovation time. If you simply chose a tub with a pre-made surround, this installation will be much faster. If you are concerned about time, talk with your contractor at this stage to see how much longer your project is going to take.
Finishing Your Bathroom Renovation
As your bathroom renovation becomes more complete, it will then be time to hang accessories, put in a faucet, and complete the detail work. You may want the walls painted a particular shade, or have designed the bathroom with a particular trim. Once the details are all taken care of, your bathroom renovation checklist will be finished.
As you consider your bathroom renovation timeline, take into consideration:
- Materials for your bathroom renovation may not be there on time
- You might change your mind on the design
- Your contractor may have a personal emergency
- You might have to change plans for budget reasons
A typical bathroom renovation should take about a month, possibly slightly longer with a few delays. At RWC Windows, Doors and More, we know that time is important to you. To discuss your large or small bathroom remodel in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area, call us today at (973) 227-7123 to get an initial quote.
Bathroom Remodeling In NJ: How Much Should A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Cost?
This is part two of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how to plan your bathroom renovation here.
Your simple bathroom remodel can add value to your home, but it’s important to stay within a budget if you want to recoup your investment someday. In general, your master bathroom remodel cost should be between 5-10% of the total value of your home. If you spend more than that, it is unlikely that you will get your money back when you decide to sell your home. The cost of your project will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. You can keep costs down by keeping your design simple, using materials that are less expensive, and using the same layout as before.
Controlling the Cost of Your Bathroom Remodel Starts with the Design
When you want to completely gut your bathroom, moving electrical work and plumbing, this will cost more money than if your design relies on a similar layout. Pay attention to your design, and look for ways to keep the plumbing where it is or the electrical work intact. While you may have to move one or the other, you can keep costs down by designing your bathroom in a way that uses the existing plumbing and wiring.
Choosing the Materials for Your Bathroom Remodel
Your bathroom remodel involves choosing materials that will look great together. If you are on a tight budget, you can keep costs down by going with less expensive materials to remodel your bathroom. You can also mix materials that are less expensive with products that are of better quality. If you love a particular counter top but it seems too expensive, a cheaper floor may allow you to purchase the counter you want.
If you are remodeling your master bathroom, keep in mind that this should be a bathroom design that you love. If you want to a more expensive material in your master bathroom, find ways to cut down on costs in other areas.
Keep Your Bathroom Layout Simple
If your bathroom remodeling contractors need to tear down your bathroom down to the studs, this is going to be a more expensive remodel than if you keep the layout similar to the current design. While you may need to change the layout, keep it simple to reduce costs. If you have some room in your budget, you’ll be able to play around with bathroom remodeling ideas and designs.
As you plan your bathroom remodel, keep in mind that you have some control over the cost of the entire project. While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact dollar amount for the remodel, the following factors will influence the total cost of the renovation:
- The scope of the project matters. Keep walls, plumbing, and electrical work in place to keep costs down.
- The materials you choose have a direct impact on your price.
- If the contractor finds a problem that needs to be addressed, the cost of your renovation will go up.
A bathroom renovation is a great project to improve the look and the value of your home. In order to make your renovation worth the cost, choose materials that go with the overall look of your home. You don’t want to use high-end materials in a modest home that has lower end materials throughout. In the reverse, you don’t want to use cheap materials in a luxury home.
When you are ready to start choosing materials for your bathroom remodeling in NJ, it’s time to call RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 to learn what your choices are. If you live in West Caldwell, New Jersey and the surrounding area, we are ready to meet with you to talk about plans for your bathroom remodel.
Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
This is part one of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom.
As you get ready to remodel your bathroom, success is all in the planning. This can be an exciting time as you envision the new bathroom that will become part of your home. You’ll have to think about your budget, and how you are going to pay for the kitchen remodel. You’ll then need to find a contractor in the area that has a solid reputation. Talk with your contractor about the bathroom remodel timeline, and discuss options to minimize disruptions to the daily life in your home. Planning also involves coming up with a new designing options for your bathroom, and deciding on the materials you want to use as your renovation project is done.
Determining Your Bathroom Remodel Budget
To properly plan your bathroom remodel, it’s important to come up with your budget first. A new bathroom can make your home sell much faster, and choosing the right budget makes a new bathroom a wise investment. Think about how you are going to pay for the bathroom remodel. The price will vary greatly depending on the materials you choose, the plumbing or electrical work involved, and the size of your bathroom. And the cheapest materials are not always the best.
Find a Reputable Contractor
Your bathroom remodel will require choosing a reputable contractor in the area. Talk with your friends and family members. Do your research online to find a contractor that you feel comfortable with. Look for reviews, and don’t be afraid to get several quotes before you commit to a contractor. While you may not go with the cheapest contractor, getting several quotes will give you a good idea about what you can expect to pay for your particular project.
Ask About the Remodel Timeline
There are numerous factors that will be considered when a timeline for your bathroom remodel is given. A good schedule to consider is 5 weeks for a complete remodel. The number of days can go up or down, depending on whether subcontractors show up as scheduled or if there has been problems with the renovation. While there are many problems that can go on with a renovation, most skilled contractors have a good idea how long a project is going to take. You can expect around a month, maybe longer for your bathroom remodel.
Designing Your New Bathroom
As you plan your new bathroom, you’ll want to consider materials that work well in the type of home that you have. If you are remodeling a bathroom in a luxury home, using cheap materials won’t increase the value of your home. Think about your renovation, and look for ways to incorporate design elements with the plumbing and electrical work that already exists. Even when a complete renovation is being done, you may be able to save a few dollars by using the existing plumbing, windows or electric.
Your bathroom remodel is going to be an exciting project. As you begin the planning process, you’ll have to think about:
- How much you can spend on the bathroom remodel to create a great looking space.
- Who you want to hire to complete your bathroom remodel.
- The materials you want to use in your bathroom design.
- The elements you want in your new bathroom and what you can afford.
RWC Windows, Door, & More is ready to meet with you to discuss your bathroom renovation options. Our professional staff at RWC will talk with you about what you want in a bathroom remodel, and help you come up with a design that you will love. If live in West Caldwell, NJ or the surrounding area, call us today at 973-227-7123 to begin making plans for your bathroom remodel.