Opening your home to new windows and doors
Keep the draft and noise out, the heat in and have more secure and cleaner windows. These are just some of the options for smart window and door renovations, according to Aaron Vaughan of Ecowest Renovations.
While a window and door renovation may not bring the same aesthetic rush as a bright new kitchen or shining hardwood floors, Vaughan says, “Customers selecting these higher quality renovations will gain more benefits.”
From his office in Port Coquitlam, Vaughan adds that those homeowners and renovators who have decided to upgrade their windows and doors often come to them for reno help with plenty of information about what they want.
“Many come to us well-informed because they have been studying the products and services available on the internet,” he explains.
Special features Of course, some consumers just look for the cheapest deal when faced with replacing windows and doors, but Vaughan says they might miss out on some special features, such as a special glass coating resulting in cleaner windows. Vaughan explains the coating contains titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide, making washing windows much easier. Bird droppings and dirt left from a rainfall are no longer troublesome. “The coating is often used in installation of high-rise apartment windows,” he says.
Going for low-quality windows can also cost more in the long run, leading to huge energy costs for homeowners. Heating can account for more than half your home’s energy bill and up to one-third of the heat from your home can escape through windows. Vaughan recommends paying extra to have low-e glass installed.
“The coating on the glass is designed to keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter,” he says. “It also is great for sound reduction. It makes a considerable difference.”
The metallic coating restricts the passage of radiant heat and reduces UV rays from the sun, preventing harm over time on the home’s interior carpets and furniture as well.
“The more chambers built into the frame, the better quality of window,” Vaughan also points out.
“Tilt ’n turn” windows are finding a place in home design now, too, Vaughan says. The window has a turn handle and pulls inward. “They have been popular in Europe for about 40 years. It’s a secure window, but allows you to let the air in.”
An easy upgrade Andrew Mulkani lives in North Vancouver, in a home built in the 1970s. He and his wife recently had all the windows upgraded by Ecowest and consider the renovations well worth the cost.
Mulkani says they shopped around, used the internet and even attended a home show before they chose Ecowest to do the job.
“At first we requested they replace the most urgently needed windows,” Mulkani says. “We chose good double-paned windows with UV protection and had two bathroom and two spare bedroom windows done.”
Mulkani said the crew only took four hours to complete the task. The couple was so pleased with the results, they decided to have all their windows upgraded. “It was a big job,” Mulkani says. “There were three sliding doors — in the kitchen, living room and bedroom — as well as a bay window.”
The team of workers removed the old windows, and Mulkani says, despite all the cut glass, they were very careful and tidy.
“Cleaning the windows is very easy now,” Mulkani says. “I hose them down outside. I don’t need to hire a window cleaner.”
Mulkani adds the inside panes can be pulled out for cleaning as well. “We live across from a park on a street with a bus route,” he says. “The new windows killed the sound.”
He also liked that Ecowest chose made-in-Canada windows. In fact, the entire window, not just the glass, is made by Vinyltek on Annacis Island, not far from Vancouver. “We could have gotten cheaper windows, but we wanted a quality product,” he says.
Door to door As for door renovations, Vaughan says the trend is no longer in building with wood and steel.
“We are installing fibreglass doors with vinyl frames,” he says. “They are more durable and secure.” The use of wood grain fibreglass gives the appearance of wood. And, unlike steel, fibreglass does not warp or twist.
Ecowest also offers a range of shapes and style of glass products that can be fitted into a door. Vaughan says the company offers laminated glass as well, giving the window more strength for added security. “A decorative trim around the door can make the entrance more inviting,” he suggests.
Other innovative reno ideas? Installing a sliding patio window in the bedroom can light up the interior space, especially in smaller, older homes. “A patio window with a small balcony will increase the resale value of the home too,” Vaughan says. Bay windows also expand rooms. “There can be additional storage underneath the seating area too,” Vaughan says.
Final tips Vaughan says consumers should beware of sales representatives who recommend the lower price product, before researching all options. “And beware the time-limited offers when you are getting a quote on a renovation,” he says. “Avoid the high-pressure sales approach.”
Vaughan has been in the renovation business for 10 years and has been operating Ecowest with his partner Shawn Camp, and a staff of four sales representatives and 20 tradespeople since 2007. “We offer a complexity of installations,” he says, “and a vast number of products.”
When choosing a renovator or manufacturer to put in new windows and doors, potential customers are advised to visit their premises before hiring. “Visit the showroom and talk to the sales reps,” Vaughan says. Many will conduct a no-cost home visit, too, generally taking photographs and measurements and then offering options and a cost estimate.
Remember, too, to ask about provincial government grants for such energy-efficient home renovations (learn more at www.livesmartbc.ca/homes/h_rebates.html).
While Ecowest also builds decks, additions, insulations and sidings, among other renovations, according to Vaughan, windows and doors are their most common customer request. “It’s quick and easy, too,” he says. “We can do many window and door renovations in one or two days.”
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