Door Installation [Infographic]: RWC’s Guide To Door Installation Cost & More
So, you've decided to replace an interior or exterior door. Whether you simply want to upgrade to a better quality and more visually appealing style or it’s just time for a replacement, this is the perfect time of year for this quick home improvement project. Your interior and exterior door installation cost will depend on a number of factors, namely:
- Door Type - interior door, sliding glass doors, or storm doors
- Material - metal, wood, or fiberglass
- Architectural Style - craftsman, Dutch, contemporary
- Quality - budget-friendly or high-end
Also, consider if your door frame or hinges may need repairs to increase your home's security, along with a new keyed knob or coded lock set plus the cost of labor to arrive at a total door installation. To avoid Googling how to install door instructions on your own, make the experience hassle-free and partner with a professional full-service window and door replacement company with certified installation technicians that will provide a great experience at all stages of your search for door installation near me.
Always Expect an In-home Evaluation
When replacing exterior doors, the homeowner should also consider a storm door installation to protect your investment against weathering and impact. Even for a patio or sliding glass door installation, an in-home evaluation is crucial so technicians can take accurate measurements of the door frame to ensure a perfect fit. For sliding doors or storm doors, it is important to take note of any frame damage from impact that may need correcting.
High-quality door contractors will not only take measurements during an in-home evaluation, they will also explain the door replacement process, all associated costs, and any installation methods that will be specific to your home's interior or exterior circumstances. If a door frame needs to be resized to fit your new door, or if the door jamb needs to be widened, you certainly want to use the best door replacement service available.
Visit Our Showroom for Design Ideas
Depending on the primary purpose of your exterior or interior door installation, the homeowner will find a wide range of attractive varieties. But always keep in mind what factors are important to you and your family when choosing the right doors:
- privacy
- noise reduction
- room division
- fire safety
- architectural styling
Changing your door styles and paint colors can go a long way to enhancing your home's decor. Instead of traditional interior doors, you may opt for multiple panel doors, French doors, glass panel doors, or even a double-entry door for your master bedroom, entrance, or great room. For homeowners that do choose to stick with the home's original door styles, upgrading to a premium model door will instantly increase privacy and noise reduction in closed rooms.
Visiting a window and door showroom will offer creativity that you could not imagine, because door technology has progressed and trending door styles are always changing. At a showroom, you can decide if a rich, dark color door fits your home's personality, or if modern ideas such as privacy-glass, paneled doors are just what your home needs for a contemporary flair.
Full-service Installation
Finally, consider the interior door installation cost in your area. According to HomeAdvisor.com, interior door replacement costs are estimated by door type, room type, and general labor cost to install interior door, frame & trim.
Consider the costs when homeowners under-value the use of an experienced contractor to install interior or exterior doors. When floor, wall, and door are not plumb square, when your home's floors are slightly unlevel, or when the original construction used improper framing - you will be happy to have trained technicians installing your interior doors.
- hanging the door level and parallel to the walls
- not over-tightening or using the wrong hinge and screws
- installing door reveals that are evenly spaced and parallel
- insuring the door's threshold (or bottom sill) is square and level
At RWC, we take pride in providing door installations, whether it's replacing old doors or a new construction project. We strive to make homeowners proud to show family and friends the new upgrades. Many of our happy customers are so thrilled with their home's improved visual appeal that they become an official RWC Raving Fan for life - posting completed projects on social media and Houzz pages.
Takeaways
- Change your home's personality by changing interior door styles, colors, or types.
- Always consider the best door material and quality, in addition to type and style.
- The most professional service will provide an in-home evaluation and design ideas.
- Don't neglect the energy efficiency of storm door installation and new sliding glass doors.
In business since 1959, RWC is one of the most experienced exterior and interior door companies you will find. Visit us at RWC for all your new door installation needs, while also monitoring the latest trends in kitchen remodeling, including design along with door installation and window replacement in northern New Jersey.
Kitchen Renovation Cost: Save Money By Cutting Down Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Once you’ve planned your modern kitchen renovation and have estimated a general cost of a kitchen remodel based on your home’s total value, it’s time to examine a cost breakdown of kitchen remodel. In other words, how you should allocate your funds for a kitchen renovation, and which upgrades will consume most of the costs to complete.
Cost to Remodel Kitchen per Square Foot
It goes without saying that larger kitchens will have higher kitchen remodeling costs. But with every home remodeling project, there are “give and takes”, including material substitutions, appliance cost vs. value, and reducing the scope of the project. When you have a dream kitchen in mind but can’t afford the entire project, don’t hesitate to consider staged renovations where each year you can tackle another major kitchen upgrade.
Using the 5-15% of the total value of your home estimate will get you an idea of the range you should consider spending, but looking at the kitchen remodel cost per square foot can get you much closer to an accurate kitchen remodel estimate. When considering costs per square foot, you will also take into account the quality level of the renovation:
- Low End – laminates and basic tiles for kitchen surfaces and flooring, budget-friendly appliances, painting
- Mid Range – solid surface countertops (Corian), luxury vinyl flooring, replace cabinet doors, stainless steel appliances, new lighting fixtures
- High End – full scale gutting with new plumbing, replace cabinets, high-end appliances, natural material countertops, and flooring, refinished walls and woodwork, and new lighting
The larger the budget, the more options you will have for creating an entirely new kitchen in appearance and atmosphere. Work with a professional kitchen and bath remodeling service that knows how to substitute materials and kitchen components, while still giving you a dream kitchen no matter what size your kitchen may be.
Cost Breakdown of Kitchen Remodel
So you’ve determined the level of kitchen remodel you want according to square footage, scope of work, and the quality of installation, now consider what percentages should be spent for each major project, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association,
- Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
- Installation: 17%
- Appliances and ventilation: 14%
- Countertops: 10%
- Flooring: 7%
- Walls and ceilings: 5%
- Lighting: 5%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Design fees: 4%
- Faucets and plumbing: 4%
- Other: 1%
For greater flexibility in allocating money and making substitutions, consider your kitchen as a whole to determine where you would like to see more change or have a greater level of quality. Asking a few simple questions can determine if keeping your current countertops or flooring can work just as well:
- Do I need to replace the cabinets or can they be refaced?
- What are the real difference makers for my family?
- Is changing the kitchen configuration or size really necessary?
- Instead of installing a kitchen island, will a mobile version work?
Using a Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator
You will find many cost estimators online that can give you an estimate for the cost of remodeling a kitchen (sometimes based on geographical location). A cost estimator will allow you to input specific variables concerning your kitchen remodel, such as cabinet and countertop materials and dimensions, flooring material and square footage, and basic or premium appliances. The resulting calculations will offer a low, middle, and high-end range of costs for each of these major kitchen upgrades but can oftentimes be misleading. For a true estimate of your remodel, you should contact a professional for a quote. RWC will proudly provide you will an estimate on any project!
Takeaways
- Consider your kitchen as a whole to determine where your family will benefit most from a remodel
- The larger the budget, the more options you will have for creating an entirely new kitchen
- When considering costs per square foot, you will also take into account the quality level of the renovation
Contact RWC for kitchen and bathroom remodeling, including design along with door installation and window replacement to homeowners in northern New Jersey.
*The post below was originally written in May of 2017 and has since been updated above.*
This is part two of a four-part series on renovating your kitchen. Learn how to plan your kitchen renovation here.
As you prepare for your kitchen renovation, it’s time to think about how much your kitchen remodel is going to cost. You can estimate that your kitchen renovation cost is going to be between 5-15% of the total value of your home, but there are many variables that play into the cost of a kitchen renovation. From plumbing costs to the appliances you choose, pricing out your kitchen renovation takes sometimes.
When You Want to Recoup What You Spend
The 5-15% total value of your home budget range is a good home renovation cost starting point for homeowners who want to recoup what they invest into their home renovations by selling within the next few years. If you expect to live in your home for much longer, spending a little more to get the kitchen of your dreams is probably going to be worth it. When your kitchen remodel is a renovation to upgrade your kitchen in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you’ll want to stay below the 15% range.
Permit Costs Play a Role in Your Budget
You may need to get building permits for your kitchen remodel, or special permits for plumbing and electrical work. According to Angie’s List, a good estimate for permits for your kitchen renovation is $900. While this may not be a significant part of your budget, it still adds to your overall costs.
Fees for Project Management
Unless you are doing your entire kitchen renovation project by yourself, you’ll spend some money just to have the project managed by a professional. This fee is usually about 11% of the total cost of your project, The profit margin for companies that do kitchen remodels is only between 8-10%, so the fee is reasonable when you take that into consideration.
Cost of Moving Electrical and Plumbing Work
The cost of moving electrical or plumbing work for your kitchen remodel is a highly variable part of your budget. It’s possible that very little plumbing or electrical work will need to be done, saving you money on your budget. At the other end, you may need to do extensive electrical work upgrades or move plumbing throughout your kitchen. When this is the case, your costs can be a good chunk of your budget.
Countertops, Cupboards, Floors and More
The products and finishes that you choose to renovate your kitchen with are also going to vary widely. You’ll want to keep in mind the style of your home as you choose materials for your renovation. While you may love pure marble countertops, you’ll want to know if they make sense in your home. Consider all of the variables that go into choosing materials, and this can be a great place to save on your budget when it gets tight.
Your Appliance Choices Matter
You may not need brand new appliances if yours are relatively new. You can choose to paint appliances that are in good shape, or decide on new appliances that aren’t the most expensive. Depending on what you want for your appliances, this can be a big budget breaker or keep your budget on target.
Saving Money on Your New Kitchen Cost
How to cut kitchen remodel costs:
- Go with products that are durable yet less expensive.
- Keep your renovation in line with the style of your home.
- Don’t be afraid to keep cabinets or appliances that are still great.
When you are ready to remodel your kitchen, it’s time to contact RWC, Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 to learn more about your kitchen remodeling options.
Does a Storm Door Keep the Cold Out? Benefits of Storm Doors & Why You Need One
A storm door is essential for homes in cold or windy climates such as West Caldwell, NJ and surrounding communities. As a matter of fact, the weather in the Northwestern portion of the state has an average low that runs in the mid-20s and “the windier part of the year lasts for 6.1 months, from October 22 to April 26″.
During these fall, winter, and spring months, the wind can push drafts into the home when there is no air barrier other than a front door. For this reason, a winter screen door or storm door should be installed to save you money on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable throughout the windy seasons. Consider replacing your storm doors this year as one of the many ways to winterize your home. If you are wondering does a storm door keep the cold out? Then continue reading our article on storm doors in NJ.
What Does a Storm Door Do?
For protection against bad weather, while also allowing fresh air to flow into the home while keeping flying pests out, a modern storm door provides this multi-functional service. These doors are available in different materials and sizes and are usually installed on both the front, side and rear exterior doors of a home. There are three main styles of storm doors:
- Full-view storm doors which feature a full-length glass panel and can be interchanged with a full screen during warmer months.
- Ventilating storm doors with a full or half screen that stays in the storm door for year-round ventilation of the home.
- Retractable screen storm doors where the screen is rolled up and into the storm door’s frame when not in use.
The beauty of a winter screen door is that when the weather is sunny and mild, it allows homeowners to freely open their entry doors for fresh air and sunlight. When the family gathers in the backyard to enjoy themselves, having a screened storm door in place means easy in and out, without allowing pests into the home.
Benefits of a Storm Door
There are times when you should consider replacing your home’s storm door. When completing home improvement projects such as replacement windows, new entry doors, or updating the home’s paint or siding, and when changing the landscaping of your home, it is also beneficial to update or add a storm door. Other benefits of storm doors include:
- Additional light when the entry door is open,
- Increased ventilation and air flow into the home,
- Protection against rodents and bugs when entry door is open,
- Increases in the life of main entry door by protecting from rain, ice, and snow,
- An extra barrier against air leaks, and
- A pocket of insulation to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Modern Storm Door Features
Today’s storm doors are available in different materials other than metal, which over years can suffer from denting, scratching, and discoloration. Aluminum and fiberglass doors are low maintenance and last for many years without needing to be replaced. To enhance the architectural style of a home, wood storm doors are a beautiful addition but will require some maintenance.
According to Energy.gov, “adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition…If you plan to purchase a storm door, consider features that improve the energy efficiency. “
Aside from choosing the best material for your home when buying a winter screen door, consider energy efficient factors that can increase the performance of the door and save on energy costs. These include foam insulation inside the frame to limit the transfer of cold/warm air and Low-E glass coating that helps house stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Takeaways
- Storm doors save you money on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable
- Aluminum and fiberglass storm doors are low maintenance and last for many years
- Install storm doors on the front, side and rear exterior doors of your home for greater savings
This year, winterize your home by adding storm doors to all exterior access doors, replace old weatherstripping, and check the insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Contact RWC for more information on selecting a winter storm door and professional installations.
*The post below was written in January of 2017 and has since been updated above.*
Winter’s cold seems unavoidable in New Jersey, but the feeling is even worse when it comes into your home uninvited. This doesn’t just happen when you open the door. Instead, it finds an entrance through gaps that you may not realize exist until you walk into the right area and feel a draft.
There is one easy way to cut down on this intrusive chilly wind, have storm doors put in. These doors are meant to keep your home comfortable and lower your heating bill. Today modern versions of storm doors are both visually appealing and keep in warmth, previously they were only meant to keep heat in.
Why Are Storm Doors Important?
Despite their name, the most important thing about storm doors usually has nothing to do with serious storms. Instead, they’re important partly because they help stop the wind from hitting the main door at full force. This greatly reduces the force of drafts. In turn, that keeps the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Storm doors are also important because they can be switched from glass in the winter and screening in the summer. This allows the main door to be opened without allowing mosquitoes, flies, rodents, and other interlopers in. It also keeps humans from getting the idea that it’s okay to walk right in without knocking.
Yet, another benefit of having a storm door is that it provides protection to the main door’s finish. Through the years, exposure to rain and snow can fade your main door. With some types of doors, the weather exposure can crack or otherwise damage the material that the door is made of. By putting in a storm door in, you eliminate the direct exposure to precipitation and drying winds.
There can also be some surprising personal benefits some people say that their dogs bark less when they can see out the storm door!
Modern Storm Doors Can be Beautiful
For those who grew up with an old-fashioned storm door, the idea of actually wanting to get one may be a bit shocking. That’s because the old kind of storm door typically had a pane of glass on top and an ugly, unfinished aluminum bottom. At best, the solid part was painted in plain black.
Now, it’s common for storm doors to be made entirely of glass, or in the summer to have a screen within a sleek door frame. The frame can be painted in any color you desire. Finally, the glass for during winter is very clear so the main door is still easy to see. These attributes make storm doors beautiful and ensure that they don’t take away from the home’s appearance.
What Are Storm Doors Made Of?
There are a few materials that have proven to be popular for storm doors. These include wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, each with its own benefits.
Aluminum doors don’t rust, so they’ll last for years, even without maintenance. However, they look best when they’re painted. Fortunately, many of them come with a factory finish that will last much longer than paint that is applied by hand.
Fiberglass doors typically have their color already in them. This is great for someone who wants to be sure that they’ll never have to paint the door frame. Fiberglass is also lightweight.
Wood is best for people who want a natural look. It can be painted in any color, so it’s also perfect for those who want a perfect match to other elements of the house. The main drawback with wood is the same thing that draws people to want it, it’s natural. This means that without proper maintenance, it can rot, crack, or even be attacked by termites.
Luckily, doors are at ground level and aren’t hard to repaint.
With all of these benefits and options, adding a storm door to your home is a good investment. Contact us here at RWC in New Jersey to see your options and have a door installed today.
Everything You Need To Know About Exterior Window Trim Styles & Ideas
Outdoor window trim styles are selected to complement certain home features such as your siding, doors, and windows to achieve a particular architectural style or decorative appearance. But, According to Energy.gov, it is a combination of window elements that attribute to increased energy efficiency by acting to minimize gaps which allow air to enter or escape the home.
...there are a variety of options for consumers who are looking to improve the energy efficiency of their existing windows. Used individually or in combination, they can help to mitigate heat loss, reduce drafts, and generally make your home a more comfortable place to be this winter."
After deciding to replace the windows in your house, it is also a good idea to replace the window trim. In modern-styled windows, the window trim is a separate component that is nailed against the home's exterior sheathing, around the entire window. Its purpose is to act as an air and moisture barrier, and as a decorative addition to the windows appearance.
Good window trim prevents the backflow of water between the architectural components of a home. Consider these 4 exterior window trim styles to accentuate your home and increase the functioning of your window system.
Outdoor Window Trim Ideas & Styles
Provincial Architectural Trim
When considering simple, yet classic exterior window trim ideas for your home's exterior windows, the French Provincial style architectural trim will offer a balanced and symmetrical profile to homes with steep roofs, brick or stone exteriors, or porches with balustrades. Provincial trim is also seen on country style homes that feature more intricate architectural features. When you desire a country elegance as opposed to a city-modern style - especially on larger homes, provincial trim is a good choice.
Craftsman Style Window Trim
If your home is of a bungalow or Craftsman style with wide trim and window groupings, then the simple, clean lines of Craftsman style window trim is a good option. Similarly, any home with thick columns on the front porch and a low-pitched roof with wide eaves can benefit from this simple but elegant design style. Often a multi-piece trim is needed to create the wide and thick Craftsman style window trim.
Classic Ranch Exterior Trim
Ranch homes are distinguished by a casual and low profile and typically feature a “U” or “L" shaped layout. Likewise, the Ranch style trim has a modern look with little embellishment, to flow naturally with the clean lines of this architectural style. Since these homes have larger, horizontal glass spans, the window trim is simple and unobtrusive.
Colonial Style Window Trim
The distinct side-gabled roof and double-hung windows that are evenly-spaced on Colonial style architecture may also feature angle-shaped and curved exterior window trim. Yet, any home that features multi-paned windows in a symmetrical grouping can benefit from this style of window trim. A good choice to accentuate these homes is to select trim that features flat casing with a crown and sill.
Exterior Trim Options
Once the homeowner has mated the right trim style with the home's architectural look, there are exterior window trim options including materials such as wood, low maintenance aluminum, or composite that are durable and maintenance free. Often the paint finish options will match the home's door and window frame colors, but the visual appeal can be increased with a contrasting window trim color. Consider each element of your window trim, including:
- Style (Provincial, Classic Ranch, Craftsman Exterior Style, etc.)
- Exterior Window Trim Material
- Finish Color
- Sill Options
For highly-modern homes or distinctive styles such as Victorian homes, custom trim profiles can be manufactured to suit a unique decorative approach. Window trim options are the perfect way to reflect your personal taste and to create the right look for your home.
Takeaways
- A professional window trim installation will increase the home's energy performance.
- When replacing your home's windows, consider replacing the exterior window trim.
- Window trim architectural styles can crossover to fit any home's exterior features.
- A contrasting window trim adds a visual excitement to a home's exterior.
When considering a window replacement project or when looking to update your home's curb appeal with modern exterior window trim ideas, color, and material, contact RWC. We provide full-service window and door design consulting and installation, along with bathroom and kitchen remodeling to homeowners in northern New Jersey.
*The article below has been updated and was originally written in May 2017.*
The trim you choose for your windows can make a big difference in the overall look of your home. With the variety of styles to consider, you may want to learn more about window trim styles so you can make a decision based on what will go well with the decor in your home. The style of your home matters, as different styles will match your home while others won't. If you aren't sure what window trim styles work in your home, it's time to do some research about window trim.
Window trim for your home can be made out of several different kinds of wood. Fir, pine, redwood, and cedar are four popular wood choices of exterior window trim for your home. Other materials used for window trim can include synthetic materials, bamboo, or vinyl. The most popular material used in exterior window trim is wood, and the different finish options make wood the most versatile window trim option for homeowners.
Knowing the Style of Your Home
The style of homes in the United States coincide with the variety of window trims available. Between Ranch, Craftsman, Provincial, or Colonial, it's possible to determine which type of home you have by the exterior style, the number of floors, and the decor. Colonial homes are generally those that are rectangular and have a second floor with bedrooms. Ranch homes are generally one story with a built-in garage. Craftsman homes tend to have a wide front porch, a second floor but with low hung eaves. Provincial style homes are usually brick or stone, with a lavish, intricate design. While there are other styles of homes found in the US, these are some of the most commonly found throughout the country.
Prefinishing Options for Window Trim
When you want to choose the specific color of your exterior window trim, you can make your finishing choice right in the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors & More. You have the option of having your window trim treated any tone or color that you want with the help of RWC. You can have your exterior window trim samples hand painted right in front of you in the showroom so that you can be sure of the color and style you are getting.
You can also opt for exterior window trim that is already stained or painted and ready to hang. Window trim that is already finished for you can offer you time savings and give your windows a uniform look.
Curved Trim for Window Trim
There are options when you need curved window trim to finish your windows. Whether you choose a flexible trim to give your window the perfect look, or you have window trim specifically designed for your window, you have choices. Pine can be used when a slight curve is needed, as pine window trim is quite flexible. Talk with your window treatment specialist at RWC to determine how you can properly trim out your windows.
The Four Basic Exterior Window Trim Styles
There are four main window trim styles that include:
- Colonial window trim is used in colonial style homes and some farm homes to give your home a traditional look.
- Craftsman window trim is a perfect trim for Craftsman style or Prairie style homes.
- Ranch window trim is traditionally used on Ranch style homes.
- Provincial window trim is used on country styled, or French provincial homes.
If you need new windows or trim for your home in Caldwell, NJ or the surrounding area, it's time to call RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-435-4230 to see how we can help you make your home look great again.