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window replacement questions & answers
Q. Are vinyl replacement windows okay for the Colorado Climate?
A. Yes. A quality vinyl window is a good fit for the heat and cold shifts of the Colorado climate. Virgin vinyl windows with high-grade vinyl welds provide the expansion and contraction characteristics needed for our shifting temperatures. However, it is important for the consumer to know that there are some vinyl windows that have more plastic content versus virgin vinyl. These windows may fade and "chaulk" over time with the punishing UV rays here in Colorado's closer to the sun conditions. ES does not carry these lower-grade windows and we'll show you how to know the difference.
Q. Can I have my windows installed in the winter?
A. Winter is actually a great time to have your replacement windows installed. A professional window company will install your windows one at a time so that your home is not open to the outdoor atmosphere. Your existing window is removed quickly and the new replacement window is set in place within minutes. Plus, some companies have better deals in the winter to keep their workers employed and busy.
Q. Should I replace all my windows at once or a few at a time?
A. This depends upon your budget. While replacing a few windows at a time is perfectly fine, replacing all of your windows has some advantages: one warranty to keep track of vs. several warranties, all windows at one time means they will aesthetically match (dirt, debris, caulking, etc.), most reputable window companies will provide better per window pricing for multiple windows vs. one or two, good window manufactures are constantly improving their window's designs which may mean that your windows will not match as time goes by in between replacement periods. We often recommend that if your budget is tight, consider at least replacing all windows per elevation (side of the building) - replace all windows in the front of the building, or rear, or sides at a time.
Q. Do I need low-E glass included in my new replacement windows?
A. Denver & the Front Range experiences 9 out of 12 months in which the median temperature is plus 60 degrees with 300 days of unobstructed sunlight. We recommend at least single-coat low-E glass in all our replacement windows to combat the strong UV rays here in Colorado.
Q. What is low-E glass? Will it wear or scratch off over time?
A. Low-E glass (Low-Emissivity), is the term used to explain the the application of metallic coatings, typically silver oxide, applied to a pane of glass. Quality glass manufacturers use the sputter type coating in which the coatings are formed to the glass surface through a vacuum chamber machines that allow for more precise applications as opposed to pyrolytic methods. The coatings are applied to the interior surface of a sealed insulated glass unit (IGU). Therefore, the coatings are protected and will not wear or scratch with use.
Q. What window types are best for my home?
A. The main window types are single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, fixed (picture) or any combination utilizing different styles in combination (factory mulled). Many times your existing window style is the right one for that particular window. But, each window style has varying characteristic for heat gain/loss, function, aesthetics, security and use. For instance, a large picture window can be replaced with a smaller picture window flanked by casements or sliders. This is a smart option for a room in which you would like to have some or more ventilation (air flow) while still keeping the view provided by the picture window. In the contrast, a combination window may be replaced with a single large picture window particularly if the room it serves already contains windows that ventilates and/or requires egress. An experienced window consultant will provide you with options and advice based upon current building codes, and take into consideration how you utilize both the room and windows they are within.
Q. What is low-E glass? Will it wear or scratch off over time?
A. Low-E glass (Low-Emissivity), is the term used to explain the the application of metallic coatings, typically silver oxide, applied to a pane of glass. Quality glass manufacturers use the sputter type coating in which the coatings are formed to the glass surface through a vacuum chamber machines that allow for more precise applications as opposed to pyrolytic methods. The coatings are applied to the interior surface of a sealed insulated glass unit (IGU). Therefore, the coatings are protected and will not wear or scratch with use.
Q. What is a realistic whole-house budget for vinyl replacement windows?
A. New windows for an average sized Colorado home using a quality vinyl replacement window will cost approximately $8,000.00 to $12,000.00. This includes the windows, labor and all materials for installation and trimming. Again, the cost may be less for smaller homes and more for larger homes. Aluminum, composite, wood and wood clad windows will increase your budget.
HOME IMPROVEMENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. Should I hire a general contractor for my project?
A. If your project is small to include only one or two trades AND you have the time to manage them (scheduling, inspections, safety & clean-up), verify insurance coverages, retain payment waivers and so on, then you could contract directly with those trade contractors. Hiring a general contractor has its benefits including their experience to properly manage tradespeople and all that goes with it. A good general contractor has a depth of knowledge to make sure that the materials and workmanship going into you home are of the best quality. Lastly, an experienced general contractor will insulate you from the legal risk and liability that is inherent during & after most construction projects.
Q. Is ES a general contractor or trade contractor?
A. We are both. ES has a wide selection of professional subcontractors that we have been working with for many years AND we have our own specially trained carpenters. Depending upon the scope of work of your project, we may utilize one or the other, but many times we include both in order to complete your project on-time, on budget and with the highest quality.
Q. How do I create a budget for my renovation project?
A. There is such a wide range of pricing based upon the scope of work and your selected materials...think Kia to Cadillac! A good renovation contractor can give you an initial price range based upon their experience and given the type of renovation. The budget is driven by the scope of work, therefore the planning process is very important. Consider making a renovation wish list. Start by listing the rooms or areas that you'd like to renovate and put them in order of priority. Below this list write down all your questions, must-haves, color & material preferences and any other items that you are considering. Search the internet and magazines for home designs you like. Save each photo that resonate with you. The wish list along with the photo clippings are a great start in assisting the contractor develop a realistic budget for you.
Q. What are my expected actual costs for any complete gut renovation?
A. Of course, the actual costs depend upon the size of your home and the quality of the finishes. But, using the average size home in the Colorado, and including mid-grade finishes, here's a list of full gut renovation costs by room or area:
Whole-house Siding & Window Replacement - $15,000.00 to $24,000.00
Full Kitchen Replacement - $18,000.00 to $26,000.00
Complete Master Bathroom Replacement - $10,000.00 to $18,000.00
Total Replacement of Secondary Bathroom - $8,000.00 to $15,000.00
Q. How long will my project take to complete?
A. A typical home renovation project can be completes in as little as a few days to a week. A larger project with varying materials and trade contractors will take two to four weeks for substantial completion. All contracts between our customers and ES include a start and substantial completion date with penalty. This encourages us to perform your project in a timely manner and let you enjoy your new home renovation.
Q. Does your company provide free estimates? Are they lump sum estimates?
A. ES does provide free estimates for all small to medium projects. Some design fees may need to be charged for larger more complex projects. We do not believe in lump sum estimates and encourage all homeowners to avoid contractors who provide them. Our estimates are detailed and itemized, and we feel strongly about providing our customers with this degree of transparency from the beginning to end of their home improvement experience with us.
Q. What kind of warranty is included for my contract?
A. Simply the best available in Colorado. Please see our warranty page where we list our full written warranties in order to provide you with that transparency we have promised.
Complete exterior renovation by ES Companies.