By Gates Dearen
What homeowner wouldn’t want his or her house to look its best?
While the term “curb appeal” is generally related to the real estate industry, the concept is a good one to think about even if you aren’t selling (or buying) a home. If it’s been a while since you took a good, objective look at the exterior of your home, now is a great time to assess your home’s appearance, especially in terms of cleanliness, maintenance, and design. We’ll discuss all of these aspects, including paying special attention to your windows and doors. Going through these simple steps can help you determine if it’s time to replace any of your windows and doors; there comes a point when they can’t be fixed, or are otherwise outdated and/or inefficient, and need to be replaced. It can be hard sometimes to look at your house objectively, after all, you see it every day, so taking a picture and examining it in detail will help you spot problems you may miss with the naked eye.
Cleanliness
When you look at your home from the street, or from a
distance (if your home isn’t visible from the street), what’s your overall
impression? Do your windows sparkle? Are your window frames and doorframes clean
and intact? Is your entryway free of clutter and debris? The first step to
improving the appearance of your home is to wipe off the windows and doors, including
the surrounding areas, and sweep the entry area and walkways. Next take a good
look at the windows and doors themselves. If you have older windows and doors,
keeping them clean can be a greater challenge. While the newer types of frames
require only a quick rinse with a hose, and maybe a gentle wipe-down, older
frames – especially wooden ones – tend to attract dirt and are more difficult
to keep clean. If the frames are chipped or exceedingly dirty, you might also
need to apply a new coat of paint. Never use a pressure washer on or around
windows; it’s unnecessary and could break the windows.
Maintenance
Once you’ve cleaned and tidied up your home’s exterior, it’s
time to do a maintenance check. (For a more detailed discussion of this topic,
see our previous article, “Window Maintenance 101: 3 Ways to Keep Your Windows
Looking and Functioning Their Best”.) If you have a painted entry door, make
sure that the paint doesn’t show signs of weathering. Repainting is a quick
task that can add a high-quality look to your door and really freshen things
up. Don’t be shy about changing colors; a bright or contrasting color can make
your door “pop”. Next, check the
weather stripping and caulk around your entry door and all of your windows to
make sure they are in good repair. If the weather stripping is damaged, you
should replace it or have it replaced by a professional. If you have gaps in
the caulk between the wall and the window casing, or around the doorframe, you
can fill them yourself. Remember to apply caulk sparingly with a steady hand.
(If you aren’t experienced at applying caulk, practice on a piece of newspaper
before working around your frames. The small amount of caulk you’ll use to do
this is worth not having to remove it from your frames if you get off-track.)
Remember too that
maintenance isn’t just about appearance. Are your windows and doors keeping the
hot air out and cold air in, and vice versa? If not, no amount of maintenance
is going to help. It’s time to replace your windows and/or doors. (For more information
on this topic, read our earlier article, “How Do You Check for a Leaky House?”)
Design
The style of your windows and doors is limited only by your
imagination. A new entry door with an etched glass or stained-glass panel lets
you express yourself while also providing improved security. In addition to the
many styles of doors available, add to your unique look with shiny new
hardware. Locksets come in many styles and finishes, so they can help you put
the perfect finishing touch on your door. Windows, too, come in many styles,
including custom types for special needs – or for a special look. Do you have
an odd-shaped space in your home that could use more light, or an angled wall
that could benefit from a replacement window, perhaps in a new design? Consider
a custom window. You’ll find yourself using that wasted space more than ever
before! If it’s been awhile since you updated your windows, you may be
surprised at not only the number of choices when it comes to design, but also the
many recent technologies that greatly improve functionality and energy
efficiency. From argon gas between panes to low-emissivity coatings that
increase efficiency to better locks that offer ease of use, new windows will
not just improve the look of your home. They will enhance your quality of life.
Keeping your home looking its best is easy; it just takes a
little bit of time and effort. If you follow the above steps, your home will be
the envy of the neighborhood. You’ll reap the rewards of an attractive home
and, if you update your windows and doors, better energy efficiency and
improved security.
In this article we’ve given three steps to making your home
look its best. We discussed the importance of keeping your house, especially
your windows and doors, clean and in good repair, and talked about ways you can
add distinctive style to your house, improving its curb appeal.
If you would like to
receive an official factory authorized 30% discount coupon for your
next window replacement purchase, print out this article with the coupon on it and bring it with you when visiting HomeRite.
Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and
Doors in
Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard
Walden have been serving the building products industry
in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the
industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match
the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget.
Home improvements can be a hassle. We’re
here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products;
affordable prices; strong warranties and expert, award-winning installers
that provide excellent service while respecting your home as if it were their
own.
