Things to consider as you weigh a quick fix against choosing to buy new. It’s an unavoidable fact that with time and use, your doors’ and windows’ performance is bound to diminish. Unfortunately, with that slow deterioration comes new costs for you. Think about the regular repairs that might be necessary. Consider the energy that is lost because of emerging gaps. And don’t forget that the decline may create a way for water and pests to enter your home. Aging doors and windows can also impact your quality of life in other ways. Foggy glass can mean less visibility. Poor sealing can make it more difficult to stabilize the temperature you enjoy inside. You may find your doors and windows less attractive. And perhaps most importantly, the products’ problems can even compromise the security of your home. The natural question you’re bound to ask is, “OK, so do I repair…
Blend the beauty of real wood with a reliable defense against rot and termites. JELD-WEN R&D knew it wanted to take a different approach to sustainability. The patented AuraLast® pine product came out of that focus, delivering a new wood-fortifying process. AuraLast pine products are 100% real wood, not a composite, and do not rely on a chemical dip for their comprehensive Surface to Core™ protection. Whether it’s a new build or a remodel, you want to be sure that the materials you’re using for the project are tough enough to meet the demands of the environment. Your customer’s satisfaction and ultimately your reputation depend on it. The market is full of wood options that claim to be up to the challenge. But are they? If you’re building up north, your customers are fighting cold and wet climates. If you’re in the south, maybe it’s humidity and invasive bugs. And…
The traditional new home construction process has given general contractors (GCs) a bad rap. Typically, clients would work with an architect to design their dream home, only to be stunned when construction bids from GCs come in way over budget and timelines stretch. Patterson Custom Homes aims to restore faith in GCs by beginning its relationship with clients as early as possible in the process.
There’s nothing quite like a wood door, exterior and interior, to provide a warm and inviting impression for your home. Wood doors can support different stylistic visions, offer cherished privacy, and even create a feeling of sanctuary.
New York builder Anthony Aebi found his net-zero inspiration after building his own house. Using traditional stick-built techniques, he realized he was done building “like the second little pig.” The next home he built would use insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and would be the first zero energy-rated home in the Northeast.
Our general recommendation is to inspect your exterior doors once a year. If you live on the coast, it’s actually a good idea to check them once a month just because of the corrosive nature of salt water and ocean air.
Contemporary design is perennially popular, in part because it can evolve and change with the times. But at its foundation resides a love of straight lines, natural elements, and a strikingly sleek aesthetic that draws you in. Done right, a contemporary look can transform a home into something truly special. Here are six things to think about when embarking on your contemporary journey.
The climate of the planet is changing, and designers, engineers, and builders must change along with it. No matter what coastal region you call home, you’ve undoubtedly had to learn to anticipate and manage new environmental challenges in recent years. Windows and doors are a big part of that.
Over the years, the traditional Craftsman has evolved, incorporating features of modern styling, especially for its interior layouts. To help you guide the conversation with buyers, dealers, and architects, we wanted to spotlight some of our favorite Modern Craftsman window and door design ideas.
There’s a potentially huge market for net zero homes, but you have to know how to sell them. It’s easier than ever to build a home that uses so little energy that, when outfitted with solar panels, it puts more electricity back into the grid over the course of a year than it uses. Although such homes cost more than code minimum construction, industry pros are learning how to help buyers see the return on that cost. Many claim they can make price objections virtually disappear. This approach is called net zero home building. As the next step beyond ENERGY STAR, it represents the cutting edge of energy-efficient, high-performance construction. Now, thanks to more sophisticated building products, better developed building science, and tax incentives for solar, it seems poised to go mainstream. Net zero has been the topic of countless magazine articles in recent years and has even spawned a…