How To Choose The Right Appliance for Your Kitchen [Infographic]
Have you been assessing your kitchen appliance budget recently? If you’re wondering how to choose kitchen appliances that are ideal for your home interior, you might feel stuck between price, brand, quality, and size. These four attributes can make a major difference when you’re choosing kitchen appliances, but some elements are more important than others. With this in mind, explore the best appliances in 2020 for your kitchen (and what you need to consider before you make a purchase) with our kitchen infographic below!
Fridge & Freezer
Do you keep a lot of groceries, or do you only buy food when you're ready to cook? This could be the determining factor for many different questions you'll need to answer when you're shopping for a refrigerator and freezer.
- Dual-compressor units are best for people who keep a lot of groceries. Although these units cost more, they're more likely to keep food fresh longer.
- Single-compressor units are the most affordable option.
- French-door models are a very popular styling decision, as are French-door refrigerators (on top) with freezers down below. Both of these modern kitchen ideas tend to be wider than refrigerator-freezers that only have one door for each unit. The most costly options have completely separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Be sure to measure your space before you go shopping! You don't want to fall in love with a model that won't fit in your space.
- Water & ice dispensing can come with or without water purification. The units that offer purification are more expensive than those that don't offer this feature, but they're also more in-line with what shoppers are looking for these days.
Dishwashers
If you're tired of doing your dishes by hand—or if you simply don't want to be forced into this habit—dishwashers can be a lifesaver.
- Doors versus drawers. Traditional dishwasher doors are still the most popular, but dishwasher drawers are becoming more common because they're more efficient and can handle smaller loads without wasting water or energy.
- Kitchen versus elsewhere. if you're installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, you'll probably want a full-size unit, up to the space you have in your kitchen, of course. In bars, basements, and other places where you might be doing dishes, consider installing an economy-sized dishwasher to handle your glassware.
- Size. As with all other major appliances, make sure you've measured your space before you go shopping. Dishwashers won't leave a lot of wiggle room once you get it home, so you want to make sure it fits right the first time.
Stoves & Ovens
Whether you cook all the time, or just a few times a year, your stove and oven will be your best friends in the kitchen—but only if you're choosing appliances wisely.
- Gas, electric, or induction? The choice is personal, but many people who cook on a regular basis prefer gas. That is, of course, if their homes or condos can accept gas hookups. Gas loses about 40% of the heat when it goes from the burner to the pan, however, which is something to take into consideration. Induction burners, on the other hand, lose the least amount of heat of all the options, making them the most efficient.
- Gas Ranges: BTUs. If you're shopping for gas ranges, talk to the salesperson about the BTUs of the ranges you're interested in. Chef-quality ranges start at around 9,200 BTUs and go up from there, but you may not need that much power if you're just cooking for your family.
- Gas Ranges: Flame. Ask how long you can maintain a simmer without the flame going out.
- Ovens: Conventional or Convection? Convection ovens circulate heat with a fan, enabling food to cook more evenly so you can get dinner on the table faster. They're not always great for baking, though. If you do a lot of baking, you might want to stick with a conventional oven. Pricier models will enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds, either side-by-side or stacked on top of one another.
Are you renovating or remodeling your home in New Jersey? If so, our team of modern kitchen remodeling experts at RWC Windows Doors & More will be happy to help you pick the best kitchen appliances for your money. Reach out to us so you can tap into our expertise and love for all things home-related, we have over 60 years of experience with kitchen remodeling in NJ!
A Contractor’s Guide to Custom Windows
Custom windows and doors can make your house look elegant and inviting. If your home needs new windows and you are less than thrilled with your choices when it comes to prefabricated windows, custom house windows should be considered. You'll have choices when it comes to the materials used to build your windows, and you will get exactly what you want with your custom windows installation.
Pricing Your Custom Windows
How expensive your custom windows are will depend on the materials you choose and whether you use single, double or triple pane windows. The most traditional window materials are wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass, with wood being the most expensive material you can choose. Talk to your custom windows company about the different components of your windows and what design will work best for your home.
Glass Makes a Difference In Price
When you are considering energy efficient windows, the more panes your windows are, the more insulation there is. The type of glass used is also important, as high performance glass we be more expensive. In general, the more money you spend on your window glass, the more energy efficient your windows will be. You'll save money on energy costs over time, that make up for the additional cost.
Choosing Materials that are Right For Your Home
While wood windows can look amazing, they are expensive and require consistent maintenance. Wood windows will swell and shrink depending on the humidity, and can become warped over time. Wood windows will look great for a short period, but vinyl windows are a better alternative when you are looking for custom house windows that don't require a ton of maintenance.
Installation Costs and Construction Work
The cost of installation will have a direct impact on how expensive it is to have a custom windows installation on your home. If the home needs to be renovated to make room for the new windows, you'll spend more money on the installation. If repairs are necessary on the existing window casings, this is factored in to your costs for custom house windows.
Choosing the Elements of Your New Windows
Once you choose your material, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum, you will then need to decide what grade of glass you want to use. For larger windows, it is recommended to use at least two pane glass to keep your home properly insulated. One pane windows are only recommended for small windows where insulation isn't much of a factor. Talk to your custom windows company about the different elements of your new windows to come up with a final product for your home.
Custom house windows can look great on your home and give you exactly what you want to improve your home. When you go with custom house windows, some advantages are:
- You aren't stuck with prefabricated windows that leave you with minimal design options.
- Choosing exactly what you want for your custom windows
- Budget friendly options are available when it comes to materials
- Energy efficient windows can help you save money on utility costs
Custom windows can give you a great looking home. RWC Windows, Doors & More has been serving homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area for more than 25 years. To learn more about custom window installation and your home renovation options, it's time to give us a call today to set up an initial consultation at 973-227-7123.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Options For Your Dream Kitchen
Whether you need corner kitchen cabinet options, or you are looking at budget-friendly custom kitchen cabinet options, it's time to see what RWC Windows, Doors & More has to offer. We can help you choose from the best kitchen cabinet drawer options, giving you a great looking kitchen at a price you can afford.
Choosing Stock Cabinets for Your Kitchen
The easiest way to save money on your kitchen cabinets is to choose cabinets that are standard and pre-made. While the construction may not be as good as with custom kitchen cabinet options, they can fit into a tight budget. Choose white and you are going with some of the most basic cabinets available. You can go with stock cabinets, and then change out the hardware to give your cabinets a more unique look.
Reface Your Existing Cabinets
If you already have solid cabinets in your kitchen, refacing the cabinets is a great way to save money and recycle what is already there. You can use the existing cabinets and put on new cabinet doors, or even sand down and stain the current doors to a new shade. Use new hardware, and you will have updated kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money. When the color of your existing cabinets is already the right choice, you can simply change out the handles and give your cabinets a fresh look.
Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinets
When you have a tight corner where you want to have a cabinet, you can get a customized kitchen cabinet for that area that matches the rest of your stock cabinets. If you prefer customized kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and you are on a tight budget, you are going to have to cut from other aspects of your kitchen design to meet your cabinet goals. Work on your kitchen design with your contractor, and you will be able to find the right kitchen cabinets that meet your budget and design goals.
Ready to Assemble, Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in four ways, ready to assemble, stock, semi-custom, and custom. With stock cabinets, you have limited choices when it comes to the color and style of the kitchen cabinets available to you. If you choose to go with semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you'll have more choices as to the style of your kitchen cabinets, the colors, and the materials used in the construction. With custom kitchen cabinets, you'll spend the most money, but you will also get exactly what you want for your dream kitchen without having to make any compromises. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, ready to assemble cabinets are generally the answer.
Standard cabinets are affordable, but come in limited designs and colors
- Reface your existing cabinets or simply change the hardware
- Custom cabinets are more expensive, but you may be able to save money in other areas
- Ready to assemble cabinets need to be put together, but can give you more choices when it comes to designing your kitchen on a budget.
To learn more about the best kitchen cabinet brands to renovate your kitchen, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and talk to one of our kitchen renovation specialists. We provide services to homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area.
How Often Should You Renovate Your Bathroom?
If you are wondering how often should a bathroom be renovated, the real question to consider is how long does a bathroom last. Deciding when to renovate your bathroom can be as simple as you don't like the look of it anymore. If you are looking to sell your home, you may be asking yourself should I update my bathroom before selling. There are a number of reasons to remodel your bathroom, and it's time to begin your new bathroom design.
Choosing to Remodel Kitchen or Bathroom First
If you are looking to complete a renovation on your home in preparation of selling it, both a kitchen and bathroom renovation can have a big impact. When you want to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers, a new kitchen and a new bathroom are both beneficial. It may depend on your budget or how much time you have before you want to list your home for sale, which one you choose first. If you choose a bathroom renovation first, you can make big changes quickly to your bathroom.
When Your Bathroom Is Falling Apart
A great reason to renovate your bathroom is when you have problems with the plumbing, tiles are loose, or you have issues with the appliances. In a bathroom with mold issues, you probably need a good renovation to clean out the mold completely. Bathrooms should be a comfortable place where you can escape and unwind in a comfortable bath. If your view is of water stains on the ceiling and you are looking at mold you can't scrub out of your tile grout, it's time to renovate your bathroom.
If You Don't Like Your Bathroom
There may come a time when your bathroom no longer fits your style. If you are tired of pink tile surrounding your tub, or you just want a change, it's time for a renovation. You don't have to make huge changes to your bathroom to have a renovation that improves the look and feel of your bathroom. Update your fixtures, consider a new tub surround and invest in new flooring to give your bathroom an updated look.
The Bathroom Layout Doesn't Work
Your bathroom may have a layout that is awkward and doesn't flow for you. You may need a new bathroom renovation if you now use an assistive device to move around and it doesn't fit in your current scheme. You can have your bathroom renovated to change the layout and make it more accommodating for you.
Bathroom Odors are Present
If you clean your bathroom thoroughly and there are still odors, it's probably time for a renovation. The seal on your toilet may need replacement and new ventilation may be required. There might also be some unlying mold issues that can be causing an odor. Take care of bathroom odors that are difficult to manage by updating your existing bathroom.
You should invest in a bathroom renovation when:
- You want to improve the value of your home
- You are tired of your existing bathroom
- There is damage to your bathroom throughout the space
- The layout no longer works for you
- You have odors
Contact Us Today For Your Bathroom Renovation
To learn more about bathroom ideas and renovating your bathroom, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 for an initial consultation. We have been in the kitchen and bathroom renovation business for more than 25 years, serving homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding towns.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Exterior Door?
Your home's exterior door could use an upgrade, but you have a set budget to spend and really don't know a lot about how to pick the best door. You could give your door a makeover or a fresh coat of paint, but there are few things that bring a new personality to a home like a nice exterior door. The average cost to install an exterior door can be anywhere from $1,500-$8,000, but there are numerous factors that can help determine the end cost.
The Type of Door You Choose
The type of door you choose is naturally going to make a drastic difference in how much you spend. Doors can be made out of metal, fiberglass, or wood, and all of them have different price points. Wooden doors can sometimes be a little more costly than something like steel, but wooden doors can also have higher long-term maintenance costs. Steel tends to be the least expensive of all the door types, but many homeowners prefer the decorative look of wood over steel, especially for a front entry door. Fiberglass exterior doors fall in the mid-range somewhere, but they can be less resilient than steel.
Pre-Hung or Not Pre-Hung
A pre-hung door is a door that is already affixed to a frame. These doors tend to be more expensive because they have the components and hardware attached already. If you go with a slab door that is not pre-hung, your costs can be substantially lower, but the installation costs can be more. Therefore, it can be more affordable to go ahead and invest in a pre-hung door to save money.
Whether Glass Panels or Windows Are Implemented
Having windows or sections of glass added to an exterior door will bring up the cost between $300 and 1,200. Glass panels and windows are valuable if you want more natural light in your home, so the extra cost can be well worth it.
The Door Frame Size
Naturally, the size of the door you need is going to make a difference in the price. Standard door sizes are going to be the most affordable. Doors that are larger or smaller than usual or have to be custom-made to suit certain size specifications are going to be more expensive. Standard door measurements are widths of 30, 32, and 36 inches, and the standard door height of 80 inches. Anything smaller or larger, or thicker than the typical 1 3/4-inch thickness, is probably going to be higher.
What's Included in the Cost of a New Exterior Door Installation
When you are given an estimate for an exterior door installation, you will get a breakdown of the labor cost to install exterior door and the materials. Most pros will include removal of the old door, installation of the new door, and installation of the new knobs, locks, and hardware in the price. The cost to install exterior door in wall where no door existed will naturally be higher, so that is another factor to keep in mind.
Takeaways to Remember About Exterior Door Installation Cost
- Some doors cost less initially but require more upkeep expenses for the long term
- Standard-size doors are the most affordable and off sizes are more expensive
- Picking doors with windows or glass panels means a higher cost
- It can be financially logical to have the door you buy professionally installed
- Pre-hung exterior doors have more components and can be more expensive
Choosing the exterior door that fits your home's style and functionality the best can take some doing when you have a specific budget in mind. Reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More for professional guidance finding the perfect door for your price range.