Wednesday 26 December 2018

How To Measure A Door Size

Learn How To Measure A Door Size

Measuring a door size sounds pretty basic, right? Just break out a tape measure and check the height and width of your old door. Yes and no. When it comes to measuring doors, there is actually a bit more to it than that.

What measurements you need to take will depend on whether you are replacing just the door or if you are also replacing the frame and hinges.

Learn how to measure a door with these tips:

Interior Door Slab

If your frame and hinges are in good condition and you want to keep them, you can replace just the door (known as a door slab) itself.

To measure for an interior door replacement:

  1. Measure horizontally across the door in 3 locations: top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement as the door width.
  2. Measure the vertical height of the door in 3 locations: left side, center, and right side. Record the smallest measurement as the door height.
  3. Measure the thickness of the door. (A standard thickness for an interior door is 1-3/4”.)
  4. Measure the location of all 3 hinges. To obtain these measurements, measure down from the top of the door to the top of each hinge.
  5. Measure the width and height of each hinge.
  6. Measure the distance from the top of the door to the center of the bore (hole for the handle). For the most accurate measurement, remove the door handle and deadbolt prior to measuring.
  7. Measure the distance from the center of the bore (door knob hole) to the closest door edge.

Pre-hung System/Net Frame

If the door frame is damaged or if you want to replace it for aesthetic reasons, you will want to measure the rough opening dimensions as well.

To prepare to take measurements, first use a pry bar and putty knife to gently remove trim from around the opening. Use the putty knife to remove any insulation from between the edge of the rough opening and the door slab. This will allow for more accurate measurements.

  1. As you would with a simple door slab measurement, measure horizontally across the door slab itself. Measure 3 locations: top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement as the door slab width.
  2. Also as with a simple door slab measurement, measure the vertical height of the door slab itself. Measure in 3 locations: left side, center, and right side. Record the smallest measurement as the door height.
  3. Take 3 horizontal measurements of the rough opening (top, middle, and bottom). Record the smallest measurement as the rough opening width.
  4. Take 3 vertical measurements of the rough opening (left side, center, right side). Record the smallest measurement as the rough opening height.
  5. Measure the thickness of the door jamb. Record this measurement as the jamb width.

Once you have obtained these measurements, you will be prepared with the information you need to select the right size doors. Contact us with your measurements and we will be pleased to provide you a quote on one of our many popular door styles.



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/how-to-measure-a-door-size/

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Window Guys’ Real Stories: Window Installation for Stephanie Sullivan

Before finalizing your window purchase, would you like to hear about the window replacement process from the perspective of someone who has recently been through it? Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a window installation can make the entire process smoother for both you and your installers.

In order to bring you real stories of real customers just like you, who have recently gotten their windows replaced, we reached out directly to our wonderful customer base.

Stephanie Sullivan is one of our customers who agreed to share her story.

Client Profile

Stephanie Sullivan is a Window Guys customer from Evanston, Illinois. She is a realtor who recently purchased a two-story home in need of some replacement windows.

Stephanie is currently living on the bottom floor of her home and renting out the upstairs.

Project Scope

Stephanie hired Chicago Window Guys for the manufacturing and replacement installation of 27 windows of varying sizes throughout her new home.

Product Selection

The focus for Stephanie when it came to product selection was to choose the best product at the best price.

Window Guys quoted Stephanie a great rate on their most popular and highest quality window –  the Climate Solutions 8000 series.

The Climate Solutions 8000 series windows are double hung windows which are optimized for year-round comfort and energy savings. They feature an insulating argon gas filled chamber between the panes for insulation. The panes themselves come with three layers of low-E coating to reflect heat while allowing light to pass through.

Climate Solutions has given a lot of consideration to form as well as to function. The 8000 series windows come in 6 standard interior and 5 standard exterior color choices from white to cherry or royal brown.

If none of the standard colors are doing it for you, Climate Solutions also offers a large assortment of designer finishes and colors to match any décor.

Stephanie elected to go with a classic, timeless white color for both the interior and exterior.

Project Timeline

Everything went smoothly and Stephanie’s window replacement project took a total of three weeks from start to finish. This included one day for window installation and capping.

Product & Installation Warranty

Being a realtor herself, Stephanie appreciates the increased resale value her new windows will add to her home. Climate Solutions windows come with a lifetime warranty that covers both materials and workmanship.

As an added bonus, if Stephanie decides to sell her home one day, the buyers will benefit from the window warranty too. In the case of home sale, the window warranty is fully transferrable to the new owners.

Summary

  • Stephanie Sullivan, a realtor living in Evanston, Illinois, recently purchased a two-story home in need of some window replacements.
  • Stephanie purchased the best windows for the price – Climate Solutions 8000 series.
  • The entire purchase and installation for Stephanie’s 27 windows took approximately three weeks.
  • The Climate Solutions 8000 series windows which Chicago Window Guys recommended and Stephanie selected are double hung windows. They are optimized for year-round comfort and energy savings.
  • Stephanie’s windows came with a lifetime warranty that is fully transferrable to a new owner should she decide to sell her house.


from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/window-guys-real-stories-window-installation-for-stephanie-sullivan/

5 Tips to Separate the Bad from the Great Window Companies




Tips at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/how-to-pick-the-best-home-window-companies-near-me/
When picking a window company, do you know what to look for to make sure you hire the best company for your project? Use these five tips to help you on your journey to pick the best window company for your family and home.
The most expensive window project you have to do is the project you have to do twice.

Chicago Window Guys: 8 Questions to Ask a Window Installer


Visit at https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/what-questions-to-ask-window-installers/
When you hire a window installer, you probably ask questions. But are you asking the right questions? We explore the 8 questions you need to ask the window installer before you hire them. Save yourself time, money, and the headache by getting the best windows, the first time.


Wednesday 12 December 2018

What Questions To Ask Window Installers

All the Questions You Should Not Forget To Ask Window Installers

You have done your research on how to pick the best windows company and have found a company that you feel comfortable with. Now before you sign on the dotted line, take the time to get the answers to some important yet often forgotten detail questions like:

1.      Will you remove & install interior and/or exterior trim?

Trim work may or may not be included in the quotes you receive. Be sure that you are comparing apples to apples by confirming if each quote includes trim work or not. This also helps prevent unpleasant surprises on installation day.

2.      How long will it take to install my windows?

Experienced window installers will be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long installation will take barring any unforeseen problems. This will help you to plan your installation day schedule.

3.      What are your payment terms?

Does your prospective installation company require a 25% deposit prior to ordering your products? Is there a payment due prior to installation? Do they offer payment plans? Know not only how much you will be responsible for paying but also when those payments are due.

4.      If permits are required, are their costs included in the quote? Who is responsible for obtaining the permits?

Depending on your local ordinances and the specific type of window installation being performed, a building permit may or may not be required. A reputable installation company will know what permits if any are required. If permits are required, ensure you and the contractor know who is responsible for obtaining them and how they will be paid for.

5.      What time will work begin and end?

Establish start and stop times for the project up front. Make sure you and your contractor have the same expectations for when the crew will arrive and leave. If your neighborhood has any designated quiet hours, be sure that the installation schedule aligns with those as well.

6.      Where will debris be piled during the installation and are disposal costs included in the quote?

Work with your installer to designate a debris staging location that will be out of the way and won’t damage your landscaping. Establish how the debris will be removed following project completion and ensure that the details of removal costs and responsibilities are spelled out in your contract.

7.      What is your estimated project completion date? What is your guaranteed completion date?

Ask potential installers for their estimated project completion date. Since delays in product shipment, inclement weather, and other factors may cause unavoidable delays also ask for a guaranteed completion date.

8.      Do I need to be present during the installation?

Chances are you want and plan to be present during the installation process. Even so, it is still worth asking the contractor whether or not they require you to be there. If your schedule changes or you are called away in the middle of the project, will that mean that work has to stop and be rescheduled?



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/what-questions-to-ask-window-installers/

Thursday 6 December 2018

Give Your Kitchen The Gift Of A Garden Window

If your kitchen windows are due for a replacement, why not go for an upgrade? Replacing something old with an identical new version of the product doesn’t feel nearly as exciting as revitalizing your space and changing things up.

Did you know that there is more than one type of window available for you to choose from? When it comes to kitchens, garden windows are a simple way to really tweak the look of your room and your house.

What Is A Garden Window?

Garden windows are a less well-known variation of a bay window. Just like a bay window, a garden window extends out from the walls of your house. The main difference is in the angle of the windows. Bay windows are at a 45-degree angle to the wall whereas a garden window forms 90 degree angles.

What Are The Benefits Of Garden Windows?

Garden windows have some pretty beautiful benefits which include:

Garden Windows Let More Natural Light In

If your kitchen feels dark and dreary, adding a garden window will bring in more healthy natural light. This is especially welcome in the winter when sunlight is at a premium.

With the additional sunlight, your kitchen will become a healthier and more inviting room. Who knows, maybe you will even start looking forward to washing those dishes.

A Garden Window Is the Perfect Greenhouse

In early spring when you need a warm sunny place to start some seeds, garden windows are your friends. They have plenty of space to give sprouts and baby seedlings a protected home to soak up sunlight and warmth.

The perfect home for fresh herb gardens is in the kitchen. A garden window with artfully arranged pots of fresh herbs looks and feels wonderfully uplifting. The plants help fragrance and purify the room’s air. They are also readily available to enhance your culinary adventures.

Garden Windows Expand Our View

Whether you are looking forward to watching the cardinals at the birdfeeder or keeping an eye on your children as they run around the yard, it’s much easier to do with a larger field of vision.

Instead of only being able to look straight out as you do with a normal window, a garden window expands upon that. Now you can see off to the left and right as well.

Garden Windows Create The Feel Of A Kitchen Renovation At A Much Lower Cost

Kitchen renovation before and after photos are all over the internet right now. Everyone wants to transform their kitchens and create the feeling of a new space.  With the national average cost of a home kitchen remodel sitting at nearly $23,000 it may be time to rethink that strategy.

If your kitchen is still perfectly functional and you are just looking to change things up, replacing your standard window with a garden window may be the perfect option. The cost of a garden window is substantially less than a full remodel yet it creates a similarly fresh feel.

If a garden window sounds right for you, we look forward to providing you with more information and a custom quote.



from
https://chicagowindowguy.com/home-tips/give-your-kitchen-the-gift-of-a-garden-window/