Making Windows a Higher Priority For Your Home

It goes without saying that most homes could use a little bit of love. Even newer homes made with builder-grade materials may warrant some additional attention from time to time. For families staring down a few projects, it can be difficult to prioritize which ones should come first. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget that new windows can make a huge difference to your home. If you or someone you know is looking for replacement windows in or near Queen Creek, AZ, remember that there are plenty of options that can effectively meet your home’s needs. Those options include windows made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum or wood that has been clad in either vinyl or aluminum. These kind of solutions assure that there is a perfect fit for every home and every situation.   

But the first step is making windows a higher priority. They can be easy for some to overlook. And you may be tempted to focus on a kitchen, bathroom, flooring, or other projects that seem to stand out and address particular concerns. That is certainly understandable, and few would argue that you should forget about those kind of projects entirely. The question, though, is priority. Windows are a serious investment. Whether you are thinking about installing new ones or replacing existing ones, windows can change your home in important ways. Even if you only decide to replace your existing windows, you can potentially add a great deal of value to your home—often recovering as much as 70 percent of your investment by way of said value. When compared to other home renovation projects, new windows rank pretty highly as a means of achieving high return on investment (ROI).  

That’s especially true if your current windows are older or poorly maintained. In the event your windows were installed before the 1970s, for example, there is a good chance they were made with single-paned glass. That is not particularly good news for your home’s energy efficiency. Modern standards assure that newer windows are double-paned and thereby much better at keeping outdoor air where it should be. That can reduce your energy bills over the course of time.   

If you are considering putting your home on the market at any point in the near future, windows should be an especially high priority. They can impact curb appeal and even show up on online photos that many homebuyers initially check before visiting a home. And you may be surprised at the every extent to which newly installed windows can dramatically change the look, feel, and function of your home. Windows let natural light into your home, make it possible to let some air in on a nice day, create irreplaceable views of the outdoors, and certainly make rooms seem larger and more inviting. Few projects can accomplish so much.  

If you are interested in replacement windows in the Queen Creek, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We take your projects very seriously and look forward to working with you and your family. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Which Rooms In Your Home Need New Windows?

Taking windows seriously begins with a look around your home. Where do you appear to be missing natural light? Which rooms seem like they could appear larger? These are the kinds of considerations you and your family may take up when you begin thinking about new windows. If you or someone you know is looking for replacement windows in or near Gilbert, AZ, rest assured that there are a range of options that may meet your home’s needs. Those options include windows made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and wood that has been clad in vinyl or aluminum. Note that there are also a range of styles that you may choose from, assuring you every opportunity to keep your home updated and aesthetically appealing. You may even wish to speak with a designer in order to have some help while you consider various solutions.  

In the meantime, it is certainly worth surveying your home and determining where you need windows the most. Some rooms aren’t going to be the highest priority. Bathrooms and guest bedrooms may not seem particularly important to you. And installing windows in some basement rooms may not always be particularly easy. But other rooms are a different story.   

Family or living rooms may feel larger and more inviting when they include large windows. You may be more likely to use the room more often, and you certainly may be more interested in entertaining guests there. Natural light flooding one of these rooms can really change how they look and feel. And if your family or living room enjoys a nice view of the outdoors, you may wish to take greater advantage of that view. Who needs expensive artwork or accent walls when you can rely on a beautiful yard or sights there beyond? New windows may be a cost-effective way to enhance your primary living areas and change the way your home functions in important ways.  

Kitchens are also a great opportunity to use windows uniquely. While it may be difficult to create a wall of huge windows due to storage requirements, a window above the kitchen sink can certainly make doing the dishes more enjoyable. You can also install carefully shaped custom windows above your countertops and below cabinets, assuring that plenty of natural light enters the kitchen throughout the day. Windows can transform your kitchen and make it an all the more effective heart of your home.  

Of course, master suites can benefit from new windows, as well. Sometimes we don’t take advantage of those master bedrooms as much as we otherwise might. Windows can make them more welcoming rooms and change the view you wake up to. Where could you use new windows the most? Your home should tell you everything you need to know.  

If you are interested in replacement windows in the Gilbert, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We take a great deal of pride in addressing your home’s needs in an efficient and professional fashion. We look forward to working with you and your family. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Natural Light and Better Views Can Change Your Home

Windows aren’t just about the energy efficiency they create for your home. Nor are they just another design element to consider alongside things like flooring and updated appliances. Windows are unique in their ability to change your home by incorporating nature as an integral element. If you or someone you know is looking into window replacement in or near Fountain Hills, AZ, you should know that there are a variety of solutions that can radically alter the way your home looks and feels. Those solutions include windows made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum or wood that’s been clad in either vinyl or aluminum. With options like these, you can replace your windows with something durable and resilient—built to last for several decades. To many, that’s a wise investment. What makes it even better is the difference new windows can make to your home. 

If we are being completely honest, you may find yourself using your current windows somewhat infrequently. They may not be opening and closing properly. They may look so outdated that your family attempts to keep them hidden with blinds or drapes. That’s a shame, and it shouldn’t happen to your home. If you can’t use your windows regularly and reliably, it is probably time for a change. And that could be an important change. The question for many is whether such a project is worth the time and money. Yes, replacing your windows can add serious value to your home. Yes, replacing your windows can improve your energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. But some families still wonder if they will notice the difference. 

Whether you are thinking about replacing those obsolete windows or installing new ones, remember the various ways in which windows can change the way your home works. The natural light they allow into your home can make rooms seem more welcoming and even more spacious. Your family and guests may even be more inclined to make use of rooms where natural light is abundantly available. And they may use those rooms in different ways, reading or working without relying upon artificial lighting in the process.  

Windows also make much better use of your outdoor surroundings. There is no reason to waste the kind of views just about every home enjoys. Those views may include a yard, garden, swimming pool, tree cover, mountain sides, lakes or even the ocean. Making your windows more functional by replacing them or installing altogether new windows will serve as a reminder that your home isn’t isolated from nature. That nature is there for a reason. Take advantage of it. When you begin thinking about the ways in which windows can change your daily life, that investment begins to look better and better.  

If you are seriously interested in window replacement in the Fountain Hills, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We are perfectly equipped to address your home’s needs while serving your family in a professional fashion. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Will Replacing Windows Add Value to Your Home?

Sure, new windows may sound like a great idea, and they probably are. But the big question for many families is whether they will be worth the expense. After all, you may be weighing your options and trying to decide between several different projects that all seem incredibly important. If you or someone you know is looking for replacement windows in or near Queen Creek, AZ, you should rest assured that windows are absolutely vital to your home and can actually increase its value quite a bit. So if your decision hinges heavily upon financial considerations, remember that replacing your windows should be pretty consistent with your overall priorities.  

Those priorities may well begin and end with one question. Will replacing my windows actually add value to my home? There is no doubt that replacing your windows can in fact add significant value to your home. Let’s do the math. Recent studies have shown that replacing windows can achieve a return on investment (ROI) of at least 80 percent. That means that an expenditure of around $10,000 can increase your home’s value by more than $8,000. That’s a pretty good deal in the final analysis. And when compared to other kinds of home improvement projects, that return ranks among the most lucrative investments you can make in your home’s future. In fact, if you are looking into a broader remodeling of your home’s exterior, windows should likely be included alongside other considerations like roofing and siding. Windows are one of the very few things that seriously impact your home’s interior and exterior alike, changing how it looks, feels and functions. 

So what makes newer windows so valuable? For one thing, windows are an important component when it comes to your home’s insulation from the elements. Windows keep air where it belongs. And newer windows tend to do a better job than older ones. In fact, if your current windows were installed before the 1970s, they may not be double-paned, and that’s a problem when it comes to energy efficiency. Newer windows can enhance that efficiency and thereby reduce energy costs over the course of time.  

Newer windows also send an important message to prospective homebuyers. They suggest that your home has been well-maintained and that there will be at least one less project for any new homeowners considering your home. Potential homebuyers notice things like windows, sometimes before stepping foot in your home. Given the extent to which many homes are first viewed online, the way your windows look may stand out. That could be a good thing, or a very, very bad thing in the event that your windows look old and dated. Windows make a difference, and that shows up in dollar signs, too.  

If you are seriously interested in replacement windows in the Queen Creek, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We pride ourselves on addressing your home’s needs in a timely fashion and doing what’s right for you and your family. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.

Should You Be Talking to a Designer About Your Home’s Windows?

Given the expenses inevitably associated with any kind of home improvement project or renovation, some families invariably try to go it alone. That may not be the best decision, particularly when it comes to items that may last several decades. So perhaps it is time to speak with a designer about the possibility of new windows. If you or someone you know is looking for replacement windows in or near Phoenix, AZ, you should know that there are plenty of interesting styles and options that may meet your home’s needs. Note that the style of window you prefer or select can dramatically impact how your home looks and feels. Not all windows are made equally, and that’s a great thing. The diversity of available windows provides you and your family the luxury of choosing a solution that perfectly fits your home. 

That’s where a designer enters the equation. Though you are certainly under no obligation to work with a designer, you may wish to consult one when it comes to undergoing any serious work on the windows in your home. Remember that those windows should last you at least 30 years in the event they have vinyl frames, potentially longer if you choose a fiberglass alternative. Yes, that is good news. Your new windows won’t go anywhere for some time. But the flip-side of that durability is that windows are a serious investment and one that you probably want to get right.  

You may also wish new windows installed or existing windows replaced with different styles while you’re at it. Windows provide many families with an opportunity to fundamentally change how their home’s look and function. A large picture window can introduce a significant amount of natural light into rooms that may otherwise feel darker and less inviting. Straightforward double-hung windows create a great deal of functionality for your home, making it easy to let natural air into your home whenever the weather permits. You may want a new window over your sink to make doing the dishes a more pleasant task. You may want bay windows in the study to change the way you read books or do work at home. There are lots of options when it comes to windows. A designer can help you think through these options and do what’s best for your lifestyle and preferences. 

Sure, speaking with a designer may cost you some extra money. That may be worthwhile when decisions begin piling up. Unless you have a perfect sense of what your home should look like and what kind of role your window replacements should play, a designer can be extremely valuable. Remember that this is a lasting investment and an important opportunity to do what’s right for your home. 

If you are seriously looking into replacement windows in the Phoenix, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We take great pride in serving families the right way and addressing their homes’ needs in an efficient and professional fashion. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Achieving the Right Feel For Your Home With New Windows

Obtaining the right feel in your home may not be an overnight affair. Families often invest a great deal of time and money into their homes, all in a bid to assure that they feel the right way. New windows can be instrumental to achieving the right effect and making your home a welcoming environment for your family and guests. If you or someone you know is looking into window replacement in or near Scottsdale, AZ, you should know that there are a wide range of solutions to address your home’s needs. Those solutions include wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood frames that have been clad in either vinyl or aluminum. Windows like these can change how your home looks and functions. But they can also change how it feels. And that matters. 

Remember that your home should elicit a certain kind of response from those who enter. Your family and guests alike likely notice things like natural light, the availability of certain views, a sense of openness, and more. These kinds of factors fundamentally affect how your home feels and whether or not it creates the right impression. Windows are essential to the final equation. Adding natural light to your home by installing new windows or replacing existing windows can be essential to making rooms seem larger and more inviting. Assuring a better view of the outside may make your home feel less closed-off and more spacious. It may be difficult to duplicate these kinds of effects without the right kind of windows. Note that some windows, like bay windows, can even change the dimensions of your home. Windows can also frame your furniture and enhance your overall design in important ways.  

Without newer windows, your home may begin to feel older, darker and less welcoming. Some families even find themselves in a position where they feel as though they must hide their windows with blinds or drapes. This may make it more difficult to use them as regularly as you would ordinarily prefer. If your windows don’t look good, chances are you will feel less inclined to use them in a bid to let natural light or air into your home. Some windows may appear especially dated, as though they came from a different decade. That may be because they in fact come from another decade. In turn, your home may seem older than it should, compromising other design elements intended to keep things fresh and on-trend. 

You shouldn’t have to be ashamed of your windows. Nor should you live in a home that isn’t living up to expectations on account of those windows. New windows may seem like a significant investment, but they’re the kind of investment that can make a serious difference to yo daily life.  Explore more about our products when you find us on the web. 

If you are seriously interested in window replacement in the Scottsdale, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We look forward to doing what’s best for your home while serving you and your family in a friendly and professional fashion. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Making a Decision About Window Replacement

Your home is likely a work in progress. Most of us find projects here and there that need our attention sooner rather than later. However perfect that home might have seemed when you moved in, chances are you will have found something that needs some work—that wallpaper in the guest bathroom, kitchen tile or increasingly outdated carpet in the living room. Remember that your windows installed matter, too. If you are looking into window replacement in or near Scottsdale, AZ, note that there are local professionals prepared to walk you through the process and discuss your various options. And make no mistake. There are plenty of options, and good ones, too.  

The first thing to do is assess your needs with respect to your current windows. How old are those windows? If they are at least 15 to 20 years old, it is at least time to begin thinking about new windows. You may even wish to have them inspected. At minimum, you should look to see whether or not your windows are still functioning properly (whether they open and shut without getting stuck, for example). You may also wish to check and see if the frames are warping or are otherwise damaged. The elements can do a lot of things to those windows, and you should make sure that they haven’t reached the end of their lifespan. Note that particularly adverse weather conditions can have an effect on your windows, as well. There are any number of signs that it may be time for those old windows to go. If your glass is fogging up, there is a good chance there is a problem. If certain rooms are beginning to let in drafts, your windows may be responsible. And if your energy bills appear to have increased over the last couple of years, old windows may indeed be to blame.   

You may also wish to discuss your windows with family, perhaps even a designer. Even if there is nothing that is technically wrong with your windows, you may simply wish to update the look and feel thereof. If there is a consensus that a new look is in order, replacing your windows might make sense. Making the move may be especially wise if you are otherwise updating your interior or exterior. Families often replace their windows when they plan on installing new siding or a new roof. It makes sense to bring windows along for the ride.  

Finally, think about the kind of investment you are willing to make. Wood windows are often fairly expensive, but they provide a very classic look that certainly fits many homes. Fiberglass windows are more expensive than their vinyl cousins, but they are very strong and last for a very long period of time. These are the kinds of things you will have to think about before making a final decision.  

If you are seriously thinking about replacing your windows and want to know more about window replacement process in the Scottsdale, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We have a proud history of serving our customers in a friendly and professional fashion. We look forward to meeting your window needs, as well. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Are New Windows Only About Energy Efficiency?

So you have probably heard (and correctly) that new windows can do wonders for your energy bills. That is true. There is no doubt that replacing your windows can seriously impact your home’s energy efficiency and save you some money in time. But that isn’t the only reason to think about new windows. If you are looking into window replacement in or near Tempe, AZ, there are in fact a number of good reasons to think about making the investment. New windows may not sound like the most exciting way to spend some money, but they can have a real effect on your daily life—not just those energy bills.  

You may not even notice the extent to which your windows change your life on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, windows can provide a real sense of indoor-outdoor living, letting nature into your home in a variety of different lays. They provide natural light, brightening up rooms in your home that could otherwise seem dark and uninviting. They let in natural air, as well, potentially keeping your home cool and fresh whenever the weather permits. Windows can also make rooms in your home seem larger. Whereas walls close off one’s view of the outside and confine you accordingly, windows create the impression of a more spacious area. That can mean a great deal when there is little or no option to actually increase your square footage by way of renovation.   

If older windows aren’t working properly (e.g. getting stuck when you open or close them), that may be an important reminder that it is time to think about replacing them. If you are to fully advantage from windows that let in natural air, it is of course important that they function properly in the first place. You may also wish to think about installing larger windows in a bid to assure a brighter and more welcoming environment. Many older homes may have been built with very different priorities in mind, sacrificing that light for additional wall space. That may not be the best thing for your family. And it may not be the best thing for your guests, either.  

Remember that new windows can also change the look of your home in important ways. Whether you look into vinyl, fiberglass, wood or aluminum frames, it is certainly possible to change your home’s aesthetic by simply replacing your windows. In addition to making your home a nicer place to live, this can also increase the value of your home. It can even affect its curb appeal and make it appear like a higher-value and more attractive property to potential homebuyers in the event you may consider selling your home in the future. Put simply, the energy efficiency is nice. But it is hardly the entire story.  

If you are seriously considering window replacement in the Tempe, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We look forward to working with you and meeting your window needs in a friendly and professional fashion, and we have a long history of doing just that. You can visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205, or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066. 

Are Fiberglass Windows Really Worth It?

So you are looking into new windows, but you may have some questions. There is nothing wrong with that. The prospect of replacing your windows may seem daunting and overwhelming. There are a lot of options plenty of reasons to prefer any given one of them. If you are seriously considering window replacement in or near Mesa, AZ, rest assured there are professionals in your area who can walk you through those options and make the process significantly easier. In the meantime, you may begin doing some research of your own. If so, you are likely to come across the possibility of fiberglass windows, and for good reason. They have increasingly become one of the more popular options on the market, and they are known for their reliability.  

But, alas, they do tend to be a bit more expensive—sometimes 30 percent more expensive—than their vinyl cousins, themselves extremely common. So it is only natural to wonder if the investment is worthwhile. You will find yourself spending a good chunk of change on new windows either way. The big question is whether or not spending a bit more will be worth it to you in the long run.   

One of the primary attractions when it comes to fiberglass windows is that they are very strong and indeed built to last. As a Lee Wallender of The Spruce explains, “For fiberglass windows, polyester resins are activated by a catalyst and then pultruded, or pulled, through a heated die. Strands of glass or glass mats are impregnated with resins. The finished product is called a lineal and it is machinable and can be shaped. Fiberglass has long been used to create ultra-strong, lightweight materials for skis, surfboards, and canoes.”  

And it creates extremely durable windows, too. Because of its strength, it is less likely than its vinyl alternative to warp over time. So while there may be some additional expense in the near term, that cost may pay for itself over time. Unlike wood windows, fiberglass windows require very little maintenance or upkeep. They are indeed designed to last for a very long time and require very little attention in the process. Note that as a visual matter fiberglass windows can be painted to your preference. By contrast, vinyl frames come in a variety of colors but are not painted. Some fiberglass windows look very much like wood, as well—if that’s what you are into.  

So are fiberglass windows worth it? If you are interested in windows that can last even longer than the 20 to 30 years you will get out of vinyl windows, then the answer certain may be, “yes.” There are rarely right or wrong answers in this kind of business, though. Much depends on what is right for you.  

If you are considering window replacement in the Mesa, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We have a long history of supporting our customers with service that is both friendly and professional. We look forward to meeting your window needs. You may visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.

Signs Your Home Needs New Windows

Thinking about new windows? Perhaps you aren’t sure if it is the right time or if replacing your windows is actually necessary. There is no reason to live in mystery. If you think you may be interested in replacement windows in or near Sun Lakes, AZ, rest assured there are nearby professionals who can speak to whether or not you in fact need new windows. But there are other ways to make that decision, as well. Indeed, there may be signs that your windows are ready for a replacement. While that may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, new windows may certainly be a wise investment.  

But is it an essential investment? That depends on a few things, including how old your current windows are. If you have had your windows for 15 to 20 years, it is probably time to at least begin thinking about new windows. Old windows can become a problem for your energy bill, and they might not look so great, either. Many vinyl windows have warranties that range from 20 to 25 years. Some windows, like fiberglass, can last even longer. But regardless of age, some windows may not last the duration of their expected lifespan, particularly if they have been subject to particularly adverse weather conditions. So how might you know if you need new windows?  

The first thing to look for are any kinds of cracks or damage. Some frames may even become warped over the course of time. These kinds of problems can make your home less energy efficient and begin affecting those bills. Another sign that you may need new windows is the possibility of fogged glass, likely a sign that a small opening is allowing air to become trapped between panes. If you have wood windows, you may also wish to check them on the exterior of your home. Should the windowsill feel at all soft, this may be due to excess exposure to moisture. Again, this may be a sign that you should replace your windows.  

You should also pay attention to whether or not your windows are functioning properly. If they aren’t opening or closing properly, this means there may be something wrong. This kind of malfunction is very typical of older windows and means it may be time to move on. If your windows are getting stuck, there is a good chance other things are wrong with them, as well (or that other problems may emerge in the near future).   

Finally, take note of how your home feels and whether or not your energy bills appear to be increasing. If certain rooms seem more drafty, your windows may be letting in air. That is never a good thing.  

If you are considering replacement windows in the Sun Lakes, AZ, area, consider reaching out to Cougar Windows & Doors. We are serious about meeting your window needs and helping you find the right solution in a friendly and professional fashion. We look forward to working with you in the event new windows become a necessity. Feel free to visit us at 3820 E Main St Ste 1 Mesa, AZ 85205 or place a phone call to (480) 699-9066.