There are many reasons to replace your windows, and a lot of questions come up in the decision making process. I’ll try to answer some of the more important ones here. Q Should I replace my old windows and doors on a house I intend to sell soon? A New windows and doors are a great way to improve the resale value of your home. If the existing windows are in poor shape, a potential buyer may not even make an offer, and if an offer is made it will often include a requirement to upgrade the windows.... more

“I once sold a home without a kitchen…I think the stove was in the living room. And windows — I don’t remember any windows.” — Liz Cronin, a broker with Realty Trust Group. Some homes need little help to become attractive, livable spaces: A few cosmetic touches, and it’s good to go. Others need a major overhaul, like the one described above. If your home straddles the neighborhood between awful and great, replacing windows and doors is one way to improve your outlook. “We help... more

Windows are often considered the most characteristic feature of a home. They help to define its architectural style. So, replacing windows requires some attention to detail, but is a job that you, the homeowner, can tackle. Replacing old single pane windows with newer double paned energy efficient windows will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. BEFORE Replacing windows from an Irvington Victorian built in 1881. The window to be replaced is 5’x5’, single hung, single... more

Small, unique, family-owned, intimate, and wildly busy, are the terms that best describe Portland OR-based Truax Builder’s Supply. Founded in 1946 as a wood window manufacturing and sales establishment, Truax today remains a family-owned business. A fire in 2004 led to the construction of a new showroom, but the company is still located at 10949 SE Division Street. Small in that it resides in two modest buildings with only 17 employees, Truax is not small in scope when it comes to... more

Thinking about replacing those old, inefficient windows? Wondering what to do, whom to call? You are not alone! Every day, people visit websites to get information on energy efficient windows that end up only providing information for a sales call. If this scenario sounds familiar, take heart…there is hope. Below are a few basic questions on energy efficient replacement windows. The more you know about replacement windows, the more likely you will make an intelligent decision for you and your family... more

The fall equinox is a great time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter. One task to remember is replace the batteries and test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the time change. You can perform annual maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape for the winter. Below are steps you can complete over the next few weekends. Heating • Most HVAC professionals perform an annual maintenance tune-up and inspection of your heating/AC systems and ducting for a nominal... more

Homes built in the early twentieth century exhibit character and charm that are virtually impossible to duplicate in this new millennium. But along with the things I love about older homes come certain eccentricities. There are compromises that must be made to the past. Closet space is frequently at a premium, as our forefathers were not quite the clothes horses we are, and every family owned an armoire. Bedrooms are small, with their swinging doors taking up valuable floor space. Many homes have... more

Installing a pre-hung door is one of those things that a carpenter learns by doing. It becomes instinctual and automatic after a while, but the steps involved can be analyzed and explained so that almost anyone can understand the basic process. If you want to do it yourself, I advise you to try a few inexpensive doors first (such as interior doors), so you can get a feel for the job and learn to trouble-shoot some of the surprises that may come up. Before After In this case, we are... more

Today’s windows and doors don’t just frame the view, they make it. Over the years, windows and doors have evolved from rough-hewn openings to primary design elements in a home. More than just a screen against bad weather, today’s innovative products are not only functional, but they are also attention-grabbing, attractive features that provide the finishing touches to almost any renovation project. Multiple elements determine the latest trends in any industry. For windows and doors, these include... more

Whether painted crimson or stained dark, secured by a screen door or embraced by glass tiles, a dramatic front door can add flair to the plainest exterior. By concentrating on door size, style, and applied finishes the front door can reflect both your personality and the era of the home. Updating an old look? Repaint those original wooden doors. Be bold — when you choose contrasting colors instead of complementary,... more

Thinking about turning your attic, bonus room, or loft area into a living space, but the lighting and ventilation are inadequate? Installing a roof window could be the solution. In this How-To we demonstrate how to install a VELUX® roof window. Roof window(s) can be a cost effective alternative to building a dormer (a structure projecting through a sloping roof with a window set vertically) in an existing structure. Dormers can cost thousands of dollars depending on size and needs to meet building... more

Now that fall is upon us we are all trying to find ways to save on our energy costs. If you have a cracked or broken window or the old glazing has fallen out it’s time to fix the problem. This How-To will help you tackle the job. Re-glazing is an easy and inexpensive job that will give you an airtight, watertight bond. To make the window look like a pro did the job will take patience. The good thing is that glazing compound is very forgiving, just remove the putty and re-apply. Finished window... more