Storm doors offer many benefits for your home. They improve security and offer a nice view, while optional screens allow fresh air to circulate. In addition, storm doors with the Energy Star label might help lower your energy bills and qualify for a tax credit or rebate.
Choosing the Best Storm Door
Not sure where to start when choosing a screen door? This quick primer can help:
- The vast majority of storm doors are sold as pre-hung units. Someone handy with a screwdriver could install a new storm door in an afternoon, though more expensive or heavy doors might need professional installation. Measure your door before you go shopping; most pre-hung doors are available in 30-, 32-, 34-, and 36-inch sizes.
- Most storm doors offer window screens. In some cases, the glass panel can be clipped out and replaced with the screen. Many models offer screens that slide on tracks alongside the glass panels, and can be opened and closed with a simple flick of the wrist. Other versions offer hidden screens, which can be slid into the lower panel of the door for storage.
- When you purchase a screen door, you aren’t limited to what is in the box. Many companies offer mix-and-match purchases. You choose the door, then the glass, and then the hardware–there are several options for each.
- Consider the construction of your storm door. Cheaper models are usually made of vinyl, and though they might look good, they don’t come with promising warranties. A solid wood core with an aluminum coating is a popular and sturdy option. Composite doors are very tough and last for a long time, but come at a higher price.
- Do you want a storm door that adds security to your home? Consider security storm doors with a wood core and heavy-duty aluminum frame. You can also opt for aluminum bars, which are both secure and decorative. A secure storm door should have excellent locking capability, as well.
- Look at the warranty. The best storm doors have a lifetime warranty, and are made by a company that has been around long enough to back it up!
When you choose your storm door, don’t forget to ask about a door kit. Several pre-hung storm doors come with a kit in the box, but if you aren’t sure, ask! Purchasing a door kit from the same manufacturer can ensure your door’s seamless performance.
Options for Basement Replacement Windows
December 5th, 2009 by admin
Trying to be a responsible homeowner can feel much like a never ending job.
4 Ways To Finance Your Home Renovation Ideas
September 22nd, 2009 by adminSo you have finally purchased that 19th century farm house that you have always pictured yourself living in the problem is how do you finance the home restoration ideas? It is easy to get mortgages for the value of the home even a little extra if you have a good credit rating but today a renovation can cost more than the original purchase price of the property.
The first option s to look at your available assets. You can get a home equity loan if there is any equity in your house. Use your credit cards for short term home renovation ideas or borrow money from your parents these ideas are only usable in a short term renovation once the renovations completed you should be able to refinance your home and pay of the relatives, high interest credit cards and roll your home equity loan into your mortgage.
You may be able to get a “line of credit” a line of credit is usually easy to get up to $30,000.00 with out much effort and with a minimal amount of paperwork these lines of credit are good for short term home renovation ideas that are under the $100,000.00 dollar mark. The interest rates tend to be on the high side but you can draw out the money as you need it and only pay interest on the cash that has been withdrawn and again once the renovation is completed you can refinance and pay of the line of credit and combine all your loans in the mortgage.
Depending on the scope of your renovation you may be eligible for store loans and credit card offers. Many home stores now have their own credit cards they offer deal such as interest free credit for one year you may be able negotiate a longer term. The important thing here is to pay off the loan/credit card prior to the free period expiring otherwise the interest will revert back to the initial purchase. Some stores will also offer you a interest free construction loan for your project the terms of these construction loans vary from store to store read the fine print carefully like the credit card deals these usually have a time limit. Again one the renovation is completed you can refinance and pay off the loan avoiding high interest dept.
Construction loans are generally reserved for larger projects this kind of loan is a short term loan the money can be taken as needed and interest is paid on the money that has been taken out. Almost everyone now offers construction loans this completion has brought the costs of these loans down. The nice thing about construction loans is that you can withdraw the money as you need it once the renovation is done you can refinance and have one closing and one mortgage. One thing you should keep in mind when shopping for a construction loan is the fees and finance charges as always keep an eye on the fine print for hidden charges. With these tips, the home renovation ideas of your dreams will come true.