If you’re looking for easy home design upgrades, focus on your windows. This is one area where you can make an impact pretty quickly, using nice fabric or sleek window blinds to boost the look throughout the house.

This type of home improvement project can be confusing, however, as there are so many styles to consider. Do you want full length drapes or roman shades or a combination of several styles? Here’s how to decide.

Window Treatment Styles

Start by looking at online sources to see what kinds of window treatments are available. Ask yourself which fits your style and budget:

• Full-length drapes with a thick lining that puddles at the floor for added drama
• Vertical blinds for a sliding glass door
• Wooden shutters for the windows around your breakfast table
• Pull-down shades for a child’s room

Window Treatments: It’s All in the Material

You’ll want to consider the material (wispy or heavy?), the width of the slats on any blinds (thick or thin?), and how much privacy you need. If the window treatments are for a bedroom window you’ll want to block the morning sun and create a private retreat. In a den overlooking a wooded lot, you might not need much.

If you have unusual window shapes, turn to the experts for tips. In a bay window, for example, forget the flowing fabric and think shutters, like these from Hunter Douglas.

Selecting window treatments can be lots of fun, but it is work. Start this type of home improvement project when you’ve got some time to shop around. You also can save money by looking for ready-made window treatments instead of custom-made ones. That’s one way to have your home improvement dollars go a little further.

Yes, that’s right. It’s spring…well, almost. It may not look like spring in many parts of the country, but it’s spring in home improvement land. This is the ideal time to plan your remodeling projects–before the daffodils start to break through and the contractors get busy.

Plan, Plan, Plan for Home Improvement.

There are many benefits to planning your home improvement projects now. You’ll have time to talk with contractors, review their sketches, apply for permits, and shop for replacement windows without feeling rushed.

Home improvement planning also allows you to sit and mull the drawings, cut out pictures, and really think about how you’ll use the space. Here are key questions to ask yourself:

• How big should the room addition, deck, patio be?
• How do you plan to use the space?
• What size furniture do you need?
• If you’re buying replacement windows, which style really fits your architecture? Drive around the neighborhood and make note of what you like and don’t like in replacement windows.

A Bonanza of Remodeling Projects

According to information from Owens Corning, here are other practical (yet necessary) spring home improvement projects.

• Adding attic insulation
• Buying replacement windows
• Checking roofs and gutters for damage and doing those home repairs as needed!

Some of these remodeling projects can be handled on a DIY basis, while others are better left for a contractor.

Spring into Outdoor Home Improvement

This is also a great time to talk with a landscaping contractor about any outdoor projects, such as a patio or deck. Then get the planning going before the main season starts. Think about adding a shade tree near the patio or fragrant roses to enhance the experience.

As the Times Observer notes, many of these outdoor home improvement projects require little maintenance once installed. New decking, fencing, and patio materials make it easy to create an outdoor escape without a lot of upkeep.

If your front entryway lacks pizzazz, take a few steps back and check out the view from across the street. What do you notice or not notice? If it all blends together, your home may lack a focal point.

Curb Appeal and Your Real Estate Value

Curb appeal is an important concept, whether you are selling a home or just looking to boost your real estate value. It also doesn’t hurt to have the neighbor’s saying “Wow!” When assessing your curb appeal, look at the overall front and then narrow your focus to the door, windows, paint and lighting. You might needs a contractor or designer’s eye for this as well.

Remodeling for Curb Appeal

When focusing on curb appeal, realize that a little remodeling can go a long way when it’s focused. Take the front door, for example. A new fiberglass or wood door with six panels and some decorative glass can make quite a statement. See these examples from Jeld-Wen. Ask a local contractor for advice on which style works with your home’s style.

As this article from Better Homes and Gardens notes, one key element of curb appeal is symmetry. This means adding a door and replacement windows with the same grill pattern or coordinating lighting fixtures styles with the door handle and hinges. Just make sure any replacement windows match the windows you’re keeping.

And, last but not least is the painting and other finishing touches. Make sure all your door and window trim is clean and painted. Check out this Sherwin Williams article for tips.

When remodeling, it’s the little things that all work together to add the pizazz. These types of fixes also can boost your real estate value, as they make the house more appealing. In the end, you’ll love the view as you walk to the door, cross the street, and admire your home.

The cold that has gripped many parts of the country is a bitter reminder of your forgotten (or intentially avoided) remodeling projects. Those replacement windows you deferred until the spring, for example, or the heating contractor’s call that was unreturned.

Yes, deferring remodeling projects has its benefits. No contractors walking around your house and more money in your pocket. But, deferred remodeling leaves its shadows around your house. Here’s how to make the best of it.

Instead of Replacement Windows

If your winter remodeling budget didn’t include replacement windows, take these steps to shore up older, leaking windows:

• Add insulating foam strips in the window opening.
• Add thick drapes with an insulated backing to block the air.
• Use natural sunlight to warm your space when you can–open and close drapes accordingly.
• Consider door stoppers for door thresholds and the base of the windows.

Then, start planning for the spring to see if you can swing replacement windows. There still is a government tax credit for certain replacement windows and other products. Here are the details from Energy Star.

Bring in the Heating Contractor

Does your heating seem uneven, particularly in certain rooms? First, check to make sure any duct dampers are open. Then, ask a heating contractor to stop by. While you may not be able to redo your heating duct work now–when it’s in full use–the contractor can get a real sense for what is going on. Then you can plan for the spring.

When the Heating Contractor Isn’t Enough

If you can’t overhaul your heating until the spring, invest $75 to $100 in a good, safe space heater. While you may boost the electric bill a little, you won’t have to crank the heat throughout the house. Don’t leave them unattended, particularly at night. Here are some other tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If your space seems cramped, think about remodeling solutions that will open up rooms and bring in light.

Whether you live in a small condo or a large home, light and openness can be an issue. There are several home improvement options that can help brighten your space and make it more enjoyable.

Add Light with Replacement Windows

Replacement windows are a key home improvement solution for areas where light is limited, according to Buzzle.com. If you have walls without windows or with small windows that don’t bring in light, consider large replacement windows. A bay or casement window can make a dramatic difference in any living room or family room.

Depending on the situation, you might need a contractor to install the window. This often is the case if you are increasing the size of the opening, as the contractor would have to take out sections of the wall to add a larger window.

Try a Skylight Contractor

HGTV also recommends skylights as another option for bringing in light. A contractor can add a skylight fairly easily, making a bathroom, kitchen or family room more inviting. Just make sure the edges are sealed properly so that they do not leak!

Another popular home improvement option is to remove a wall between two rooms, Do It Yourself or Not reports. You’ll want to make sure the wall is not load bearing, however. This is a popular remodeling project in older homes that have a wall that separates the kitchen from the family room. Given the extend of the remodeling fix, a contractor should be consulted on this remodeling project.

Before deciding how to remodel you home, walk around and look for the dark areas. Where would an extra replacement window make a difference? If you knocked down a wall–or half of it–would it make a difference? You’ll then know which remodeling approach to take.

Cold air drafts are not much fun, particularly if you live in the Midwest. This is the time of year when many people realize their windows are not sealed very well. Blasting the heat doesn’t help, as some of that expensive heat will literally go right out the window.

Tax Credits for Replacement Windows

The obvious solution is asking a contractor to install replacement windows, as these can provide a great long term benefit. You’ll stay warm and help reduce your heating bills. There also are government tax credits available for some replacement windows. Just make sure the windows you want qualify and make sure to keep your receipt. Unfortunately, the cost of the contractor doesn’t qualify.

Replacement Window Options

If you can’t afford replacement windows, try a few winterizing techniques. If you have just a few windows to do, this home improvement project should be pretty easy. If you have a whole house to do, take notes on the condition of each window. You may have some that need wood shims around the edges while others just need a little of that spongy foam to block small leaks.

Home Improvement Store Ideas

One inexpensive fix is to use shrink wrap, which can be found at most home improvement stores. You can use a hairdryer or other heat source to shrink the plastic to create a tight seal. It may not look great, but it does keep the windows sealed, and it’s not a major home improvement project. For an even easier fix, regular plastic and duct tape should work.

Another option is to buy or make heavy window treatments. Drapes are best, particularly those that hang down to the floor. Look for ones with a heavy, insulated lining. For maximum protection, do as much as you can to seal the leaks and then add drapes.

Here’s to a happy and warm winter!

If your remodeling project is completed and you’re finally at the stage of buying some nice window treatments, be prepared. Selecting window treatments can be a confusing shopping spree, as there are so many styles and configurations.

Window Treatments: Making the Decision

1. Start by thinking about your overall style.
2. Then narrow down how much privacy you need.  Lined drapes are ideal for windows in busy locations. In a sunroom or kitchen along the back of the house, you have to look at how close your neighbors are. Perhaps shutters or sheer drapes that allow some light and visibility are a better option. For extra privacy in a bathroom, consider adding a frosted look.
3. If you can, it’s always good to plan for window treatments as you plan your home improvement projects. If you want drapes to go across a patio door, for example, have the contractor leave an extra six to eight inches on each side for the drapes to “stack” when pulled back. Sometimes this is tricky, as you may need to order a smaller patio door.
4. You may want to let your new windows shine and avoid window treatments in some areas. If you want a divided light grill pattern, for example, put those windows in a place where privacy is not an issue. This way the focus will be on the window design.

Remodeling and window treatments do go hand in hand, although it can be frustrating to wait until all the home improvement is done before shopping. Try to factor the blinds or drapes into the remodeling. At least you can pick out some fun styles as you wait for the contractor to finish.

If you think life is full of surprises, you should spend a little time remodeling. There are many remodeling surprises that can affect your timeline, budget and sanity. Here’s how to prepare for all those little surprises.

The first step is to assume that something will go wrong. It’s inevitable when you are dealing with several personalities (contractor, plumber, electrician, etc.), varies tasks, and an emotional sense of “When will this EVER be finished?” Think about how you would work through a solution, as this will help you stay calm and focused.

Some of the main remodeling surprises center around planning issues – did you look in the attic or basement to see how well insulated the house is? Did you try the water pressure on your showerhead before moving in? Did you test the paint color before buying a full gallon? read more »

Energy efficiency has become a big buzz word in these times of rising energy costs. How can you reduce energy loss and add products such as replacement windows to ensure maximum efficiency?

The way to start is by evaluating your house, whether you do this yourself or with the help of a contractor. Check out the main structural components, such as doors, windows, your roof and the insulation. Is it up to par? If not, consider the cost of replacement windows, new doors, etc. The payback in dollars can take several years, but the payback in comfort is almost instantaneous.

We added insulation to our attic this summer and read more »

read more »