Planning Your Kitchen Renovation
As you get excited about renovating your kitchen, it’s time to start planning. From your budget to the design of your new kitchen, the better you are able to plan for your kitchen renovation, the smoother the process will go. This is a fun time for you to gather ideas, and to think about aspects of kitchen design that you love best. Once you determine what your budget is for the project, you can begin making designs on the type of materials you can use to make your old kitchen into your dream kitchen.
Determining Your Renovation Budget
A basic rule for determining the budget on your kitchen renovation is to first consider the overall value of your home. A reasonable price to pay for a renovation is anywhere from 5-15% of the total value of your home. You’ll want to think about if you are renovating for your own enjoyment, or you are renovating in an attempt to make your home more valuable to potential buyers. If your home is high end, you may lose value if you do your renovation using cheap materials. On the other hand, if your home is in a working class neighborhood and you install granite countertops and expensive appliances, you may not get your money back either.
Find a Contractor in Your Area
If you’ve never worked with a contractor, it’s time to start asking for recommendations from friends and family members. While there may be many contractors available, this is a job where reputation matters. The work you have done on your home will need to be done well, and you will want to work with a contractor you can trust who will get the job done right the first time. Once you begin to get recommendations, you’ll want to do research. Check the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed and consider sites that offer reviews of local businesses to see what people are saying such as Houzz or Facebook.
Talk With Your Contractor About the Renovation Timeline
A poorly adhered to timeline can turn a great kitchen renovation into a nightmare. Talk with your contractor about realistic timelines, and ask what you can do to make the process go more smoothly. While you should expect some delays, a good contractor should be able to keep the project on schedule for the most part. If you are doing a complete overhaul of your kitchen, you won’t be able to use the space until the renovation is done. This makes it even more important to talk about the timeline with your contractor and set realistic goals for the entire project.
Your Design Concept for Your New Kitchen
You don’t have to be a kitchen designer to know what you love about a newly designed kitchen. You can talk with your contractor, or meet with a kitchen designer to come up with a blueprint that will work for you and your home. This is where budget can play a significant factor and you may have to make decisions as to what you want to cut from the project and what you can’t live without. Take the time to look at color schemes, appliances, countertops and more to decide what you want in your final kitchen design.
To get ready for your kitchen renovation:
- set a realistic budget
- do your research to find a contractor
- decide on your design ideas
To learn more about options for renovating your kitchen today, contact RWC at 973-227-7123 and talk with one of our kitchen renovation professionals. Together we will discuss your ideas and determine a plan for renovating your kitchen.
The Benefits of Making Your Home Energy Efficient [Infographic]
“Energy efficiency” — Is it just a buzz phrase? Or is it your wallet’s best friend?
If you’re leaning towards ‘buzz phrase’, the chances are high that you’re letting money creep through the cracks in your home every single month. A few minor adjustments here and there could put hundreds or thousands of dollars back in your bank account each year. In fact, according to Energy.gov, homeowners in the U.S who take measure to save energy at home experience an average annual savings of $723 to $1,182 as a result of some pretty simple home improvement steps.
Intrigued? Read on to see how you could save some substantial cash each year!
New Jersey is a place where the summers are humid and the winters can get downright cold. In either situation, your best bet is to have a home that’s built to keep your wallet intact. At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we love to help our clients achieve substantial savings with energy-efficient upgrades. Of course, the above figures are just estimates, and you won’t know your true savings until you embark on your own energy efficiency journey. So, what are you waiting for? Get started by contacting our team at RWC Windows, Doors & More today!
Wonderful Windows: 4 Factors When Choosing Efficient Options
Choosing wonderful windows is an easy way to make your home more desirable, but is about far more than just aesthetic appeal. These days, with the costs of heating and cooling a home higher than they’ve ever been, homeowners must treat buying new windows for their home a little more seriously. Carefully considering the efficiency of different window types right from the start of the buying process is one of the best decisions you can make. Take a look at these four factors you should consider when choosing the most efficient window options.
Consider Double-Paned Windows
Heat and cold transfer through ordinary panes of glass can be a big problem, making it harder to ward off cold air and hot heat from the outdoors. Double-paned windows are definitely a factor to be considered when you are going for the most energy-efficient window options. These windows are designed with two panes of glass in the frame instead of just one, and the space between the two glass panes contains either a gas or vacuumed air that absorbs heat and cold so it doesn’t transfer through the interior glass. Double-paned windows are far more accessible and affordable than they once were and do an excellent job of keeping your home as efficient as possible.
Check Out Various Window Treatments
There is a great deal to be said for window treatments where efficiency is concerned. If you don’t have blinds up, for example, you could see a lot more heat transfer than usual. If you are upgrading your kitchen windows, take the time to also replace blinds, curtains, and shades. When you take the effort to replace your windows, it is also a good time to consider changing up your window treatments and making some adjustments to coincide with a more efficient overall design.
Check Energy Performance Ratings of Different Windows
Whether you go for double-paned replacement windows for your home or windows with triple panes and protective qualities, you should always be able to find the window’s energy performance rating before you buy. These ratings are given by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) after the windows have been thoroughly tested and evaluated for things like:
- heat gain and loss
- air leakage
- sunlight transmittance
By checking out the energy performance rating of various window types, you will be able to easily compare the various products you come across and make an educated choice about the best options.
Consider Window Glass Options
There’s a world of difference between old windows and new ones, specifically where the glass is concerned. Manufacturers of home windows are far more focused on creating a product that has efficient features consumers will be looking for in windows. Because of this, new window glass can be treated with all kinds of protectants, insulative layers, and components. You can find things like glass with the Low-E glazing on the interior panes that reflects the heat inside of the back into the interior space to better contain heated air in the winter. There are even windows that UV-protective glazing on the exterior panes to block out the sun.
All in all, there are four factors to be considered with window efficiency when you are making upgrades to your home, including:
- considering double-pane windows as an option for your home
- vamping up the window treatments you have in place with more efficient choices
- checking the energy efficiency rating of various window types
- taking a close look at the different types of glass in new windows
By considering these four factors when replacing windows in your home, you are bound to end up with efficient options suitable for your home. If you would like to know more about energy-efficient window options, contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More in New Jersey for advice.
4 Easy Steps to Going Green in Your Kitchen
From preparing meals to cleaning up the dishes, the kitchen is one room in the home where earth-friendly ideas sometimes get disregarded. If you are planning to reduce your household’s carbon footprint and be kinder to the environment, the kitchen is one of the greatest places to start making some changes. Sure, there are simple things you can do to reduce waste and make better choices, but there are some pretty simple steps to making your kitchen as green as it possibly can be where construction and setup is concerned as well. Check out these tips to going green in your kitchen.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
How long has it been since you upgraded the dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, or stovetop in your kitchen? If those appliances have been hanging around for a while, it could very well be time for a change. Outdated appliances are pretty notorious for being huge energy consumers. Plus, dated dishwashers use far more water than modern ones during the average wash cycle. There are some tips to being more conservative with the appliances you already have, but upgrading is bound to make more of a difference. Take a look at some of the more modern appliances that have features like:
- convection heating in ovens
- reflective stovetop burners
- impressive Energy Star ratings
- load-size options with dishwashers
2. Go for Recycled Materials
When you are considering implementing a few new features during the kitchen renovation, there is nothing saying you have to go with items that are completely new–only new to you. In fact, many of the kitchen staples necessary during construction or remodel are available created from recycled materials. You can find counter tops that are manufactured from recycled glass and ceramics, flooring that is fabricated from recycled plastics, and even cabinetry that is solely built from recycled wood or even metal.
3. Opt for Low VOC Paints and Finishes
Even choosing paint and varnish colors for your upgraded kitchen should be affected if you are trying to keep things green. Some paints and varnishes are specially formulated to be easier on the environment and healthier for use inside of the house. Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and varnish is a good example. Many low-quality paints and varnishes you would normally reach for during a kitchen remodel give off toxic chemicals and carcinogens that are bad for you and the environment. Steer clear of these and instead opt for low-VOC versions that are much safer and a much more earth-friendly choice.
4. Choose Energy-Efficient Flooring
Making your kitchen greener can also mean you pay closer attention to what material is beneath your feet. Believe it or not, the type of flooring you have in your kitchen can make a difference in how well the space contains heated and cooled air. While carpet is a logical choice in the rest of the home because it is a natural insulator, carpet is not a logical addition during a kitchen remodel. Just the same, there are options that are considered energy-efficient. For example, some engineered wood flooring materials have an insulation backing.
In Conclusion
The kitchen is the perfect place to start implementing green ideas into your home and the process of doing so can be simplified into four easy steps:
- Make sure your appliances are energy-efficient.
- Implement recycled materials where you can.
- Stick with low-VOC paints and varnishes.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient flooring.
When you start focusing on greener living, customizing your home to coincide is an excellent option. Here at RWC in New Jersey, our professional staff wants to help you make those changes. Contact us for more information about how you can make your kitchen green in construction and design.
5 Dynamic Door Materials to Make Your Home Greener
Looking to go green for the environment in your home? There is no better place to start making some changes and upgrades than with the entry doors. If your home is going to lose heated or cooled air, there is a pretty good chance that the entry doors are where it is going to happen. In the process of creating a home that is more earth-friendly, it all comes down to vamping up those doors to coincide with your green ideas. Check out these five dynamic door materials to make your home greener.
1. Storm Doors
Many homeowners skip the storm doors because they mistakenly believe that just the regular entry door will be enough to keep the cold and heat out. However, you can gain great advantages by having storm doors installed on your home. These doors offer an added layer of protection against the outside elements, which means you will naturally see less heat and air loss at the entry/exit points of your home. Storm doors are usually created from wood or metal, but many modern varieties are lined with insulation and qualities that help keep this area airtight.
2. Foam Insulation
Some doors are made by the manufacturer with foam insulation cores, which are considered to be highly efficient. Likewise, if you are looking for a way to seal off the area that surrounds an entry door, foam insulation is an excellent material for the job. The gaps around the encasement of a door is a vulnerable area where that can be small gaps and crevices that allow air to leak through. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ensure your door is professionally installed by a contractor who will attend to this area during the installation process.
3. Energy-Efficient Materials
Unlike outdated wooden doors from the past, modern doors are designed with energy-efficiency in mind. In fact, many doors will have Energy Star certifications if they meet certain criteria and energy efficiency guidelines. Look for entry doors that have the Energy Star sticker and you will know you are getting a door that is created with efficient materials that will be a good option for your home.
4. Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is not always necessary with modern entry doors because of the way they are designed. Some even have magnetic strips around the frame that seal the door almost completely air-tight when closed. However, weather stripping can drastically cut the amount of heat and air loss in your home if your door is not so modern. Weather stripping is created with insulating foam with an adhesive backing, so it is extremely easy to install. This stripping is ideal for installing around the base and frame of a door to seal off those tiny gaps and cracks when the door is closed.
5. Glass Doors
If you are on a mission to find doors that are more energy-efficient for your home, you may skip right over doors that are made fully of glass or have large glass panels. However, glass can be just as efficient as other materials like metal and wood when it is constructed properly. Modern glass is fabricated with energy-efficient features, such as UV-protective glaze and even combined panes, which can both ward off heat and cold transfer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions inside the house.
In Conclusion
If you want to see an improvement in how green and efficient your home is, there is no better place to get started than the doors. Remember:
- Storm doors can be a great addition to boost efficiency.
- Foam insulation is important and highly efficient.
- Look for doors created with energy-efficient materials.
- Make use of weather stripping where it is needed.
- Glass doors can be just as efficient as solid-frame doors.
If you are looking for advice on making your home more green by upgrading the doors you have or you would like to know more about efficient door materials, reach out to us and we will be pleased to help you. Here at RWC in New Jersey, we have devoted years to helping our customers improve their homes.
Bathroom Remodel Ideas: What You Need To Know Infographic
Thinking about a bathroom renovation? Here are some “must haves” to keep in mind. Following these tips will ensure you create an inviting, relaxing space that’s not only stylish and trendy, but also functional for your family.
If you’re ready to start a bathroom renovation, please get in touch with us today. RWC has nearly 60 years of experience helping homeowners bring their bathroom renovation ideas to life. Call RWC at 973-227-7123.
Sources:
Eye On Housing – Kitchen and Bath Remodeling More Common Than Ever in 2015
Brit+Co – 20 Bathroom Trends That Will Be Huge in 2017
Apartment Therapy – What’s New, What’s Next: Bathroom Design Trends for 2017
https://info.houzz.com/rs/houzz/images/Houzz%26Home2014_U.S..pdf
https://www.diynetwork.com/shows/bath-crashers/10-best-bathroom-remodeling-trends-pictures
https://decoratorswisdom.com/decor/interior-design-trends/bathroom-trends-2016/
https://www.haskellinteriors.com/blog/bathroomtrends/
Build an Energy Efficient Bathroom with These Useful Materials
When you want to save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint, investing in products that will provide energy efficiency is important. Whether you are building a new bathroom, or you are simply doing some renovations, using materials designed to reduce water flow and improve heating efficiency will make a big difference. If you are concerned about the environment and you want to make a more positive impact, choosing the right building materials is a great start to living a greener lifestyle.
Water Saving Showers
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, showers account for up to 17% of the total water used in a home. A typical shower head releases two and a half gallons of water a minute, while a shower head that is designed to reduce water consumption must release two gallons of water or less per minute to receive the WaterSense label. For every person that takes a five minute shower in the home, this will reduce their total water usage each day by two and a half gallons. A family of four will save ten gallons a day, and three hundred gallons of water a month by switching to a lower flow shower head.
Low Flow Faucets and Toilets
A traditional water faucet flows at 2.2 gallons per minute, and faucets that are labeled with the WaterSense label flow a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute. This is a water savings of .7 gallons of water every minute you have your faucet on. Toilets account for up to 30% of the water usage in your home, and an old toilet can use up to 6 gallons for every flush. WaterSense toilets use 1.3 gallons per flush, a huge improvement over an old model.
Efficient Lighting Options
If your bathroom is still using incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to make the switch to energy saving bulbs. Energy efficient bulbs will use anywhere between 25-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and you can expect that the bulbs will last at least three times as long as traditional bulbs. No matter what type of lighting you choose for your bathroom, find bulbs that are labeled energy efficient.
Understanding Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is an efficient way to heat up any room of your home. Instead of hot air coming in from vents in your room, the floor itself heats up through a series of coils. The floor quickly becomes warm, and the heat rises to get the room to the desired temperature. While it may cost a bit more to invest in radiant floor heating, it is worth the cost because it saves money on heating costs over time. Your room will heat up quickly, and you won’t have to worry about stepping on a cold floor when you get out of the shower or bath.
To build a more energy efficient bathroom:
- Look for products labeled WaterSense.
- Always use energy efficient light bulbs.
- Invest in radiant floor heating.
If you are ready to begin renovating your bathroom, it’s time to give RWC Windows, Doors, Kitchens and Baths a call at 972-227-7123 to learn more about the services we have to offer. Our skilled staff will be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to creating a more energy efficient bathroom, and we will talk with you about all of your options. Whether you are on a tight budget and simply want to make a few changes, or you are looking for a completely new bathroom design, we are here to help you make your home more energy efficient.
3 Reasons to Consider Kitchen Window Replacement in New Jersey
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 Benefits of Interior Door Replacement for NJ Homeowners
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: Matching Interior Doors Throughout Your Home
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: Choose the Right Interior Door for Your Home
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: How Interior Doors Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
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: The Case for Solid Interior Doors
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. Does Replacing Interior Doors Increase 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!