Updated for 2020: How Replacing Your Doors Can Help You Save Money This Winter
As winter approaches and heating bills go up, you're likely to wonder how you can save energy while keeping your home warm and comfortable. The first thing to do is check windows and doors for drafts. Typically, a draft can be addressed with a temporary fix until it can be properly repaired, in other cases a new door might be warranted. A new door is especially appropriate if the house needs an updated cosmetic appeal or if an older door doesn't meet modern energy efficiency standards.
Structure and Cosmetics of the Front Door
There are two aspects of the front door to consider, how it functions structurally and how it appeals to your sense of style. The importance of either consideration varies according to the preferences of the homeowner. Structurally, the door can be solid wood, or it can be a metal or vinyl shell filled with appropriate insulation. It needs to be installed properly to prevent drafts around the edges, and in some cases may need reinforcement for additional security.
From a cosmetic perspective, there are many choices available. Choosing a great looking door requires deciding which style best suits your personal sense of style along with determining what matches the rest of the house. Colors obviously need to look right, whether the door matches the other trim on the house or compliments it as a focal point of the facade. Whether it has windows or intricate contours is just as important of a choice, and how well it suits any screen or storm door used with it.
Why You Should Use Energy Saving Doors
Old doors can have a big impact on your overall heating bills when the weather gets cold. If your door isn't energy efficient, it could be letting in cold air even when it is closed tightly. A thin, single paned glass door can let in cold drafts, while a hollow wooden door can be a problem in cold weather areas. Invest in energy efficient doors to keep the cost of keeping your home warm down.
People often turn their heat way down when they’re gone to save on heating costs, but if you turn your heat down too low it will take too much energy to warm your home back up again. It’s more practical to put money into keeping the heat within your home, rather than constantly changing the temperature inside. Investing in new doors will help trap heat inside. If your doors are really old, they may be beyond repair. Energy efficient doors may be worth the investment. You'll end up saving money on heating costs, and your home will be much more comfortable.
Repairing a Drafty Front Door
There are several ways about how to fix drafty doors. New weather stripping will usually fix a draft coming in around the edges of the door. For a draft coming in from the bottom of the door, an aftermarket item can be helpful which is similar to the idea of placing a rolled up towel along the bottom of the door, except it's an item specifically designed for such a purpose. As such, it insulates better and looks nicer, and can be a simple fabric cover piece of insulation or can be decorative to match your other design choices. Otherwise, a new threshold might be in order, or a full door replacement might be the only way to fix a drafty front door.
Look for Ways to Keep Doors Protected
If you feel cold air is slipping into your home through the doors, you can protect your door from the harsh weather. Just like windows, you can use heavy drapes to keep the coldest air out of your home. When the sun is out during the day, open up the heavy drapes to let the warm sun heat up your home.
Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home
To maintain a more even temperature throughout your home, keep the airflow even. Block off rooms in which you may not need as much heat. Use ceiling fans on low to keep air moving from room to room. The temperature will be easier to maintain if the air flows freely throughout the rooms you want to heat in your home.
Door Replacement Options
When replacing a door, energy efficient exterior doors are going to be the best way to stop a drafty door. They aren't exactly “winter doors” because they are just as efficient in the summer with keeping cool air inside. The real issue is they're well-made to modern standards, including providing energy efficiency for the home.
Takeaway Points Concerning Drafts Around Doors
- An efficient front door is essential to saving on energy bills through the winter.
- There are ways to eliminate a draft on an existing door, but a new door might be a better option.
- There are several aspects of a door worthy of consideration before making a purchase.
- Energy efficient doors are going to be worth the expense by saving money on heating and cooling bills.
Contact Us Today
If your power bill seems to be higher than expected this winter, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to have a representative stop by at your convenience to evaluate whether doors, windows, or other issues might be making your home less than as efficient as it should be, and discuss a plan to correct the problem.
Kitchen Trends to Look for in 2020
With each new year, kitchen and bathroom designers will take advantage of new materials, new colors, and new interior styles that keep homes looking fresh and modern. The current 2019 kitchen trends include fixtures with a vintage vibe, open shelving, and contrasting textures to create layers of visual glamour. But the newest kitchen trends 2020 will feature a more unified look that is minimalist, tidy, and embraces clean-lines and muted tones.
Kitchen Color Trends 2020
The first step in laying out a kitchen renovation involves choosing a color palette that fits the family's style and supports the personality of the new interior. Your color schemes will encompass not just the floors and walls, but also your countertop material selection, cabinetry, backsplash, and window treatments. Current kitchen color trends are highlighting color pop or unexpected paint and color pairings.
The idea with color pop is to keep with the warmer colors for your kitchen finishes, but add an interesting color element such as painting your island base a deep blue or emerald green, choosing red appliances instead of stainless steel, or pairing white painted accents with wooden cabinetry. Hints of color can be added with brightly upholstered bar stools, a colorful backsplash, or a contrasting ceiling color.
White is a classic kitchen color, but adding color pop from the many tones and hues of green will be trending in 2020. Also consider shades of turquoise, avocado, or lemon.
2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
The best way to invigorate your kitchen is with a kitchen cabinet replacement project. If you have a tight kitchen renovation budget, you can always repaint dark brown cabinets and replace the hardware with hidden handles, handle cut-outs, or low-profile handles. For a minimalist look, and for homeowners that don't like an accumulation of stuff, glass cabinets are trending. This look increases a kitchen's simplicity and encourages order.
Current kitchen trends are also taking advantage of sustainable materials like bamboo or repurposed materials. Vintage plank timber are being used to create custom kitchen hutches and unique shelving solutions. But, it is bamboo that offers striking kitchen cabinet options for a fresh and contemporary kitchen. The material is moderately expensive, has a beautiful natural hue, and is a very durable and hard wood choice.
Warm and nuanced finishes like brushed gold, soapstone, and granite, are more popular for 2020 over dark or highly polished finishes.
The Double Island Takes Center Stage
Installing a kitchen island with a natural stone countertop is still one of the most popular kitchen trends that will last. Since kitchens are becoming larger and provide a gathering space for family and friends, the double island is a great way to use of floor real estate for a good use. Double kitchen islands can be of different shapes or sizes, space apart - or it can be two identical islands next to each other. Use your double island to cook large meals, entertain guests, or serve double-purpose for homework, office work, and game night.
Larders are Must-Have
Our final kitchen trend to look for in 2020 is homes that have created space to install a larder - a standalone cupboard that stays cooler to store staples and keep food fresher, for longer. Historically, basement areas would hold the homeowners excess canned and jarred goods. This transitioned into kitchen storage cabinets, and today homeowners are installing a full-height, larder to reduce kitchen cabinets without losing storage capacity.
Larger families may consider a walk-in larder, which is similar to a walk-in clothes closet. With the popularity of bulk grocery shopping to save money, a larder can be a great investment. Partner with a professional kitchen design and installation service to create your one-of-a-kind larder that can also be used to store wines, cheese, cookbooks, and oversized pots.
Take-Aways
Kitchen cabinet trends to avoid
- The white ‘shaker’-style door cabinets
- Highly polished and reflective surfaces
- Open shelving - choose glass cabinets instead
Kitchen cabinet trends that will last
- Muted, natural stone countertops
- Large kitchens for family and entertaining
- Pops of color with appliances, backsplash, or accent painting
For all your 2020 kitchen remodeling ideas, choose RWC Windows, Doors, and More as your one-stop solution serving West Caldwell NJ.
Holiday Tips for Entertaining in a Small Space
Hosting guests in a small home is not impossible - it just takes a little creativity. If the interior living spaces in your home tend to be short on square footage or if you have a small backyard, then you may want to consider a buffet style party. This way you only need a minimum of seating space and guests are more likely to socialize with each other.
There are ways to make entertaining in a small home run smoothly, and it all begins with decluttering and cleaning the space of unnecessary items on tables and in common areas. Temporarily removing most of your family's everyday items will go a long way in making a small space look larger. Here are more holiday tips for throwing an amazing party in a small space.
How to Throw a Party in a Small Space
Move Furniture to Create Gathering Spaces
If you have opted for a buffet style meal, then you should move sofas, tables, and chairs towards the walls which will create distinct areas for relaxing or moving around to socialize. Keep the seating places together to encourage conversation and interactions. Even the kitchen or dining room table can be shifted towards a corner, and serve as the party's eat and drink stations. Then use those dining room chairs around the perimeter of the room for guest seating.
Don't Overdo Holiday Decor
Keep your holiday decor simple, and if you are throwing a large party in a small space, then you may want to forgo setting up the Christmas tree until later. By all means, use your wall space to drape pine cones, hang wreaths on exterior doors, and consider some of these Gorgeous Christmas Garland Ideas along stairs or hanging from above! Keep your table centerpieces simple, so they don't hog the precious space needed by your guests.
Include the Kitchen for a Casual Area
Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the cook, so why not open up your kitchen as part of your entertaining space. When you host a large party in a small space, you need to use all your available space. Consider speaking with a home improvement profession that can complete one of these small remodeling projects just in time for the holiday season:
- Open up a shared wall between the kitchen and living spaces
- Install a kitchen corner niche with bench seating and a small table
- Have a kitchen island counter installed to serve as a buffet space
- Add vertical shelving above counters and over appliances for storage
Increase the Light for an Open Air Feel
No matter what size home or apartment you have, interior designers know how to maximize space for a party with the illusion of light and mirrors. Plenty of natural lighting will create an airy and light feel to what is normally a small and cramped room. Also, hang large mirrors on the walls or even consider an entire mirrored wall to create the illusion of a larger space.
When natural lighting is limited, or you are hosting an evening event, use brighter light fixtures for serving areas and softer, incandescent lights for dancing and conversation. Use your table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to separate spaces with light. And don't be afraid to go bold with a red or blue bulbs or even color-changing light bulbs to enhance the holiday festivities.
Take-Aways
- Begin with decluttering and cleaning your spaces of unnecessary items
- Move furniture to create gathering places and open floor space
- Consider a kitchen remodel that increases living and entertaining space
- Lights and mirrors can project the illusion of more space and create ambiance
Contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More, serving the West Caldwell, NJ communities with professional kitchen installations, bathroom remodeling, and replacement windows and doors. We've been relieving homeowners of the stress around home improvements since 1959. Talk with one of our design consultants about how we can help you with your home entertaining challenges through the holiday season.
2020 Bathroom Trends: What to Look For & What to Avoid
Home design trends come and go circularly, and 2020 bathroom design shows this concept with modernized versions of traditional bathroom styles coming back into fashion. The bathroom interior design trends for 2020 are really exciting this year as traditional tiles and color schemes allow for a wide variety of bathroom remodels according to individual tastes. Well built high quality bathrooms are gaining a new level of appreciation, and a certain clean simplicity reflects the functionality and versatility of open spaces.
Bathroom Tile and Color Trends
Bathroom tile trends of 2020 are the epitome of timeless class and functional quality. Neutral colors are a great starting point, as they allow towels, appliances, candles, and flowers to change the color palette seasonally or whenever you desire. Because of the tiles' durability and inherent waterproof qualities, they are great for floors and walls, counters and backsplashes, and even for custom designed showers or sinks.
Bathroom color trends 2020 have a wide range of popular designs according to what your preference is. Consider what you find relaxing when you want to take a long bath, what colors you enjoy while getting ready for work in the morning or getting ready for bed in the evening. Again, you can't go wrong with neutral colors and use decorations to set the color scheme, but unlike tiles paints and stains can be reapplied fairly easily if you decide to change them later, so don't be afraid to make a bold choice if you know that's what you like.
Bathroom Trends to Avoid
The main bathroom trends to avoid 2020 are any designs which are overly gaudy. Excessively fancy lighting, faucets, or hardware distract from the intended focal point which might be wonderful tile work throughout the room, a gorgeous well crafted vanity, or a luxurious tub and shower. An open and elegantly designed room is far more pleasant to be in than one which feels closed in and cluttered. Although there are plenty of great options and accessories to choose from to make your modern bathroom more functional, they can be overdone. Choose the features you know you'll use daily rather than trying to incorporate everything that “seems cool” in the showroom and you'll be happy with your bathroom for years to come. When it comes to bathroom remodeling trends to avoid, just remember that less can be more.
Small Bathroom Design and Remodeling
Even though large open designs are a popular trend this year, some home blueprints simply don't allow for a large bathroom. Using small bathroom design trends in 2020 can make a small space into a really unique, functional space. Consider perhaps having shelves instead of cabinets under the vanity, it will open up the room and make it feel less cluttered, as you'll intuitively keep the space organized. The same goes for a linen closet, removing the door is a great way to make the room feel larger, perhaps add drawers or sliding bins to keep everything in its proper place. When kept simple and clutter free, a small bathroom can be just as nice as a larger one.
Bathroom Ideas for 2020
- Consider neutral colors and classic tiles proven to work well in the bathroom.
- Avoid adding features you aren't going to wind up using.
- Keep the space as simple as possible to provide an open elegant feel to the area.
- Don't let a small bathroom make you think it can't be just as nice as a larger one.
Conclusion
If you're ready for a bathroom renovation, contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More to discuss what we can do to build your dream bathroom. As experienced bathroom remodeling designers in NJ, we can provide both small bathroom remodeling and master bathroom remodeling ideas! Visit our showroom, or have a representative come to your house at your convenience to discuss how we can provide you with a great new bathroom or any other remodeling project your home might need.
Holiday Home Decor Ideas for 2019 [Infographic]
Home is where the heart is, and when the holidays roll around, it can also be where lots of family and friends come together. This year, put your creativity to the test by decking out your home with traditional Christmas decorating ideas—or those that are a little bit outside of the box. We've found a few ideas to help give you some inspiration.
Christmas Decorating Ideas 2019
Be Blue
Forego the traditional reds and greens of Christmas in favor of blues and silvers. This year, homes all over the world will look like their own winter wonderlands, with silvery flecks of shine that bounce off bluish backgrounds. Think midnight blues with aquamarine hues. Bring in a touch of the cool side of the crayon box, accented by whimsical shades of brilliant whites and silver-coated focal points.
Go Au Naturale
Bring shabby chic into your Christmas decor by inviting the outside into your home. Utilize pine cones, bark, feathers, moss, and other elements Mother Nature already provides. You can find plenty of DIY tutorials online to help bolster your inspiration, or if you're feeling crafty, you can go it alone and create your own innovating decorations.
Don't Skimp on the Lights
Lights are a magical part of the Christmas season, and this year, people will expect to see them just as much inside your house as they would outside. Light up your home with candles, Christmas tree lights, and glittering messages that make people feel welcome as soon as they walk in the door.
Christmas Window Decoration Ideas
Whether you're saying hello to passersby, or giving your guests something to look at when they're looking outside, your windows offer a great opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer. Here are a few window decorating ideas you might not have thought of:
Put Up the Plaid
Plaid curtains offer a fun, spirited approach to everyday living spaces. Red, green, and gold plaid plays well against the traditional colors of the season. However, if you're opting for the blue Christmas we noted above, consider going for blue and silver plaid curtains to draw out the whimsy of this magical season.
Place Poinsettias on the Sills
Poinsettias are a quintessential Christmas item. You're probably used to seeing them as centerpieces on tables, but if you give them the responsibility of showcasing their beauty from the comfort of their own window sills, your home will be instantly filled with Christmas delight.
Make Miniature Presents
Wrap tiny boxes in an assortment of wrapping paper and bows, piling them into the window when you're done decorating them. You can use all sorts of household items to hold the shape so your window sill holds a bit of intrigue and excitement when people pass by. You can wrap empty toilet paper rolls, empty juice boxes, and plenty of other items you'd otherwise toss or recycle.
Outdoor Holiday Decorating Ideas
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, especially when this special time of year arrives.
Create Lantern Garland
Lantern garland is a fun way to illuminate your outdoor space in a way that doesn't detract from the other decorations you might have around the house.
Bring Rudolph Along
A chalkboard buck head might seem silly at first, but think about the conversations it'll start when someone walks up to your door. Since it's a chalkboard, it's super simple to change the messaging depending on your mood or the events you have going on at the moment.
Make Faux Moss be Boss
Use fake moss to spread a message of joy or kindness across your front door.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we want to see your holidays succeed. Reach out to us if you need to spruce up your doors or windows before the busy holiday season gets under way!
Window Replacement Options: Energy Efficient Windows for Older Homes
Although older houses can be quite charming, they often need renovations to meet modern expectations for function and efficiency. It doesn't take much thought to replace appliances with new ones of a style you like, and you probably have an idea of what modern bathroom renovations the house needs, but replacement windows for old homes can be a more difficult decision. Fortunately, there are plenty of window replacement ideas and options available so you don't have to choose between either the most energy efficient replacement windows or windows that look great in the context of how well they suit the home.
Window Replacement Options
Energy saving replacement windows come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be custom fit for older homes that may not have what is considered modular sizes by today's construction contractors. Styles include the most common double hung window, which can have either a center rail or three quarters split in order to meet the cosmetic intention of the house's original design. Although vinyl is the most common material, wood sashes are available and might be a better choice for some houses as they can appear more in line with how the original windows were built while providing the insulation needed for heating and cooling efficiency. Other types of windows are available as well, such as emergency egress windows as local code might require, block windows which allow natural light in while blocking vision can be great for a bathroom, or windows that crank open on hinges rather than lifting were common in certain types of older homes and might maintain the style of your house.
Interior Storm Windows
If you just can't part with the old windows because they continue to look great and function properly, another option to consider is adding an interior storm window to raise the window's efficiency without disrupting the exterior view of an older home. These windows are custom-built to fit your existing windows and are hardly noticeable once installed. They include several layers of heat reflecting glazing to raise the R-value of the window by keeping heat outside in the summer or inside during the winter months. They aren't going to be as efficient as a triple pane replacement window filled with argon gas, but they maintain the appeal of the older windows while lowering your monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Choosing New Windows
There is further consideration needed when choosing the best replacement windows beyond the look you want to maintain and the efficiency you hope to achieve. Windows can be relatively inexpensive, or they can cost as much as you're willing to spend. Although price is always something a homeowner has to be aware of, the cost to replace windows in old house shouldn't be the only basis for the final decision. There are two perspectives toward window cost. One, if it's an investment home you're flipping, or a house you plan to live in for a few years before moving, the amount you spend on the windows will repay itself in the home's resale value and curb appeal when the house goes on the market. On the other hand, if you plan to live the rest of your life in the home you want the windows you'll never have to replace again because you didn't cut corners the first time.
Takeaway Points
- Consider what options are available when it comes time to replace windows.
- Think about whether you have to replace the windows or can upgrade them with interior storm windows.
- Take the time to choose the windows you're going to be happy with, even if it winds up costing a little more than you had hoped.
- Replacing windows in an old house is a specialty of RWC. We’ll help you discover ideas for the right window design for your home!
Conclusion
If you're ready to update your windows and want to know more about energy efficient window replacement, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to swing by at your convenience to discuss your home window replacement options and handle all installation of your energy efficient replacements!
Functional Kitchen Layouts for Holiday Hosting
Introduction
Your kitchen is probably setup according to how you and your family use it throughout the year. Unfortunately, that might not be the best plan as the holidays approach if you plan to entertain guests. There are simple things you can do to prepare the kitchen for hosting friends or a dinner party as kitchen update ideas, but it's also a great time to conduct renovations you may have been postponing in order to have a functional kitchen for holidays which also serves your daily needs throughout the year.
Making a Kitchen Functional and Efficient
The first step toward making a kitchen functional when guests are coming is to remove the excess clutter. As an example, you might enjoy television when preparing food on a daily basis, but that TV is just going to take up space when friends come by. That space might be better used as a place for drinks and snacks so people don't have to get in the way of food preparation to refill their glass or get a plate of prepared hors d'oeuvres to take to everyone else. Depending on the layout of the kitchen and countertops, you might want to remove the kitchen table you eat at daily to allow for the heightened traffic, or you might want to add an extra table to provide more food prep areas.
Kitchen Renovations
Planning to host a holiday party or to have overnight guests during the season is a great reason to have certain renovations you've always wanted. You certainly don't want an “older but still working, barely” fridge, oven, or dishwasher to have a major failure while friends and family are there. Likewise, if you've always wanted new counter tops or a floor, why not have it done in time to impress your friends before you continue to enjoy it throughout the years?
You might also realize it's a good time for pricing on such renovations. Summer outdoor construction projects are winding down and contractors are finding their indoor winter work. Contractor employees want the work, so they can buy presents and prepare for their own holiday festivities, so you're actually helping them out by hiring their services at this time of year. It's a winning situation for everyone involved.
Kitchen Updates on a Budget
There's more than one way to upgrade kitchen for holiday entertaining; nobody would suggest you conduct a full kitchen renovation with new floors and cabinetry to entertain guests. As a matter of fact, you probably won't be a good host if you take on more than you can be expected to handle with a major construction project while planning a holiday party. There are fairly simple things you can do to update a kitchen, perhaps a new paint job and cabinet hardware, or perhaps adding some lighting, or changing out the faucets to look new and provide better performance.
Takeaways
- Consider how your kitchen functions for you and your family on a daily basis and how that might be different when hosting guests.
- Think about what kitchen renovations would make the area more pleasant and efficient to work in, both on a daily basis and when friends and family are visiting.
- Don't take on too much at a time. Be realistic about what upgrades you can make to your kitchen and still be ready to host guests.
Conclusion
If you need to upgrade your kitchen in preparation for the holiday season, give us a call at RWC: Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to come talk to you about what renovations you want for your kitchen and how we can fill those needs. We understand the holidays can be hectic, so we're willing to work with your scheduling needs and get your kitchen in tip-top shop so you have one less thing to worry about.
How Often Should You Replace the Weather Stripping on Doors?
Everybody understands the importance of maintaining an energy efficient home in today's world, both to save money on electric bills and to be environmentally responsible. New homes are built to code and therefore meet energy efficiency requirements, older homes night be updated by adding insulation or replacing windows to lower power bills and become more efficient. One thing homeowners tend to overlook is the importance of replacement weather stripping for exterior doors as a means of preventing drafts and the use of excessive heating and cooling to counteract their effects.
How Often to Inspect and Change Weather Stripping
Inspecting weather stripping is a simple enough task to be conducted several times throughout the year, or at least in the autumn as the weather turns cold and again when it begins to warm up in the spring. The inspection shouldn't wait until there is a noticeable draft coming in around the door. You can regularly feel around the door to check for any air leaks. Check both sides, if you feel outside temperatures coming inside or if you feel inside temperatures leaking to the outside, it's time to replace the weather stripping for a front door. An even better way to inspect the weather stripping is to light a candle, or perhaps a piece of incense, and move it around the edges of the door. Even the slightest of drafts you are unable to feel will blow the smoke either into or away from the door.
Different Types of Weather Stripping
Over the years, there have been different styles of weather stripping according to the technology of the time. The best weather stripping for old doors might be to replace it with the exact same as what was there originally, or there might be a newer style made of a better material for that particular door. There are going to be different sizes, shapes and contours, and attachment systems for different doors, so make sure you know what you need before purchasing the replacement if you plan to do it yourself. Speaking of doing it yourself, it's a fairly simple task most homeowners are capable of, but a reputable local contractor will be happy to do it as well if you don't enjoy such activities or don't feel comfortable with it.
How To Replace Weather Stripping
Again, there are different types of weather stripping, so the first step is to cut off a small piece of the old with either a razor knife or scissors so you can take it with you to the store and purchase a compatible replacement. Most styles have a mushroom shaped ridge which wedges itself into a kerf in the door frame, a “kerf” being a small groove the width of a table saw blade cut into the door frame. Simply pull out the old to remove it and you'll see how to install the new by cutting it to length pushing it back into the groove.
Another style of weather stripping is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing. The advantage is that it's universal, but it isn't designed for any particular door style and therefore doesn't fill all the gaps and eliminate drafts. It's better than nothing as a quick fix, but if your door is so old that's all you can find your door is old enough to start considering a new one.
Takeaways
- Check your door regularly for drafts, and at least twice a year conduct a thorough inspection.
- When replacing weather stripping, make sure to use the right kind for your door.
Conclusion
If you need help with weather stripping or any other maintenance and remodeling projects, give us a call at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. Our representatives will be happy to meet with you and discuss any concerns or needs you might have for your home.
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.