First impressions last, which is why you have to make the most out of the opportunity given to you to ensure that you only make good impressions. Unfortunately, not all homeowners are able to present their properties in the best light. If you’ve been feeling that your home is getting attention for the wrong reasons, don’t fret! There are home upgrades you can take advantage of to turn things around, starting with getting new windows.

YOUR OPTIONS

Double hung windows remain to be the most popular replacement option today but there are other styles available to you as well, like casements, sliding windows, picture windows, and bay and bow windows. Replacement windows can also be custom-sized so you can ensure that you’re getting one that truly fits. Aside from different framing materials and window glass options, customization choices also extend to hardware, interior blinds and grilles, allowing you to enjoy a replacement window that looks exactly as you want it to.

CHOOSING A REPLACEMENT WINDOW

You are more than free to choose whatever window tickles your fancy but keeping in mind the following points will help you ensure that your replacements achieve the best possible visual appeal for your home:

PART 1: NEW WINDOWS

• Take note of your home’s architectural styles. For your new windows to make the right first impression, they have to work with your home. Fortunately, this simply means matching traditional window designs with traditional homes and sleeker windows with more modern homes. Windows with timeless designs like double hungs are unique in that they complement both traditional and modern home styles. Additionally, wood frames look best in traditional homes while vinyl complements modern home styles well.

• A window has interior and exterior sides. While first impressions have to do with the first look people get of your home from the outside, don’t downplay what a replacement can do for your home’s interior. For example, the size and location of your windows may mean the difference between a dull-looking living room and a cozy, brightly-lit one.

• Don’t forget function. You may be more concerned about how windows affect your home visually but you can’t separate form and function in replacements. That’s essentially a good thing because that means not only will your new windows make your home look great but they can also make it more comfortable and energy-efficient, which can also affect impressions about your property. As a general rule, make sure your windows are suitable for the local climate you’re in.

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Getting new windows sounds nice, right? Head on over to Part 2 of this e-book to learn more about another upgrade: better doors.

PART 1: NEW WINDOWS

Aside from new windows, you know what’s another great way for your home to catch attention? Better doors! They play a unique role when it comes to leaving a good impression because a person may notice your home’s profile and colors first but eventually their attention will be drawn to your doors. Naturally, if they’re old and dilapidated, they won’t make your guests and passersby go “wow.” Damaged panels, mold growth, water spots, cracks, and bloating have that effect, after all.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

There are different doors in your home, most prominent of which is your entry door. As the main entryway into your home, it is one of the first things people notice when they get to your property. Patio doors also deserve your attention as they mediate between indoor and outdoor living spaces, making them impossible to ignore when you have guests over. Knowing what kind of door you are replacing is important because it will allow you to choose one specifically suited for its purpose.

When it comes to making good first impressions, however, you’d want to focus on your entry door. More than just being one of the first things that people see, entry doors also see a lot of traffic so they inevitably experience a lot of wear and tear. When choosing a replacement, focus on door material.

PART 2: BETTER DOORS

MATERIAL MATTERS

Wood, for instance, will look great. No doubt about that. However, their beauty fades away eventually when proper upkeep is not carried out, which can unfortunately be tedious and time-consuming. If you’re keen on something easier to maintain but don’t want to compromise aesthetics, consider fiberglass and steel. Like windows, doors can be customized to fit whatever needs you might have. Take advantage of customization options available to you to ensure that you get a door replacement that grabs attention for all the right reasons.

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What’s the third upgrade option? Siding! Head on over to Part 3 of this e-book to learn how to make new siding work for your home.

PART 2: BETTER DOORS

Siding acts as your home’s skin and is easily one of the most important factors in defining your home’s overall look. While windows and doors provide the smaller details, it’s the siding that defines the base color of your home. Of course, updating the look of your siding isn’t just about adding fresh new panels and being done with it. You have to understand that there are several factors that can make or break the look of your new siding.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Believe it or not, the color of your siding can affect how large or small your home will look like. Lighter shades tend to make the home look bigger, while darker tones make it seem smaller. Does that automatically mean that you should go for brighter colors? It depends. For instance, if you have a small house with limited lot space, you can take advantage of lighter-colored siding to make your property appear bigger. Even the siding style used can have an effect on how other people see your home, however. For example, using vertical siding makes a property appear taller while horizontal siding gives the illusion of width. This means you can improve the effect of your siding’s color if you use the right lines to emphasize it.

PART 3: IMPROVED SIDING

Aside from colors and siding style, you should also pay attention to your home’s overall visual theme. Thin lap siding, for instance, always looks good on traditionally styled homes but doesn’t work as well in more modern properties. For a unique appearance, don’t hesitate to check out less common patterns such as octagon or half-round cladding.

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Updating your home requires a serious amount of time, patience, and resources, BUT you’ll find the effort to be well worth it when you see the look on people’s faces when they lay their eyes on your remodeled property for the first time. For more on how to upgrade your home, don’t hesitate to give your local remodeling contractor a call.

PART 3: IMPROVED SIDING

Valiant Home Remodelers

578 Roosevelt Avenue,Carteret, NJ 07008

(732) 333-6223(732) 541-7966

1-800-2-VALIANT

ValiantHome.com