Frequently Asked Questions About Windows, Doors & Baths

When you receive an estimate, it will include many different factors that will affect the overall cost. The cost of a window installation includes:

• The style of the windows
• Material choices, like wood and vinyl
• Type of insulation included in the installation
• How long the installation takes
• The standard price of an installation in your area

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING QUALITY WINDOWS

A large portion of your estimate will be the cost of the replacement windows themselves. In an effort to save money, many homeowners are tempted to choose the most affordable windows available. That isn’t the best strategy because the quality of the windows you choose matters.

The right windows will last longer so you can save money on repairs in the future. In addition, the highest quality windows also happen to have the best energy savings. Although you may pay more for your windows upfront, they will help you save in the long run, so it’s actually better to spend a little more on your windows so you can save later.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINDOWS FOR YOUR HOME

If you want to lower the cost of your installation, the best way to do it is to choose a brand and style that fits your budget, but that doesn’t mean you want to compromise on quality. A free estimate is really the best way to learn exactly how much your replacement windows are going to cost, especially because a professional window installation crew can help you choose the windows that fit both your needs and your budget.

There are a lot of great reasons to replace your windows. You may want to replace them because your existing windows are damaged. Maybe they’re just ugly because they have been repainted one too many times, or maybe you’re looking for ways to cut down on drafts and save on your energy bills. However, just because replacing those windows is a good idea doesn’t mean you’re going to do it. A window installation can be so expensive! Or is it? Call West Shore Home or fill out our online form to get a free estimate on your window installation.

On average, a window company can install one window every 30 minutes, which means they can install between 10 and 15 windows a day.

However, there are other considerations. Other things that can affect the timing of an installation include:

• How long it takes to remove the old windows
• The size of the windows
• Installation of exterior trim
• Custom windows

A WINDOW INSTALLATION DOESN’T TAKE AS LONG AS YOU THINK

The initial idea of installing new windows sounds great. You’ll boost the value of your home, provide your property with some serious curb appeal, and you’ll save money on your utility bills. That’s a lot to look forward too! However, you probably aren’t looking forward to the installation itself.

The idea of filling your home with contractors and trying to sleep at night with missing windows is enough to give anyone nightmares. If you want to replace your windows, one of the biggest questions you probably have is how long it will take.

The good news is that a window installation doesn’t take as long as you think. Although the time it takes between ordering your windows and having them installed can take up to eight weeks, you can expect contractors to be on your property somewhere between one and three days.

Some services that can prolong the installation of your windows not only cost more, they can take more time. For example, details like exterior trim and cladding take more time to install, but they may be optional. In addition, custom windows can take longer too. If you want to save time and money on your installation, you should ask about all of your options.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW LONG YOUR INSTALLATION WILL TAKE

A window installation is a very personal experience. From how much it’s going to cost to how long it’s going to take, answers will depend on your specific circumstances. To learn more about the details of your installation, including how long it will take to complete, call West Shore Home or fill out our online form today!

There are some things to consider that will help you narrow in on the right windows. They include:

• Materials: Vinyl is a popular choice, and it looks great on most homes. However, if you have a historic home or you want a more classic look, a traditional wood frame might be best.
• Glass: If energy efficiency is important to you, choose the glass in your windows carefully. Double and triple pane windows provide the best energy efficiency.
• Style: Where the window will be located can help you determine which style to choose. For example, double hung windows look good just about anywhere, while a bay window would look great in the living room.

Choosing windows for your home can be a lot of fun, but it’s a big decision. Just because a window looks good doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. You don’t want to have to replace your windows anytime soon, so you really have to do your homework when it comes to figuring out which replacement windows are the best. The question is, how do you get started?

It is also important to consider the brand. You want to choose a dependable brand that is known for high-quality and long-lasting workmanship. That can often be found in the details. For example, at West Shore Home, our windows include welds in each of the corners that make our windows more secure, structurally sound, and they can drastically decrease air infiltration.

GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON THE BEST REPLACEMENT WINDOWS FOR YOU

It can be nearly impossible to determine which windows would be best for your home on your own. If you want to know which replacement windows are best for the bedroom, living room, and anywhere else in your house, turn to West Shore Home. When you give us a call or fill out our online form, our experts will ask you some questions and provide you with recommendations based on your answers.

Energy efficient windows today have many features that previous windows did not have. A few of those features include:

• Double and triple pane glass that contains energy-efficient argon gas
• Window coatings that can prevent the rays from the sun from heating your interior spaces
• Foam-filled window frames that keep the window insulated from the weather
• Innovative installation techniques that include superior insulation

When you’re searching for a new window installation, energy efficiency is an important consideration. Here’s why.

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

It’s true that energy efficient windows can help you do your part to protect the environment, but the most convincing reason to choose energy efficient windows is because they can save you money.

According to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, if you replace windows that are 15 years old or older with energy efficient windows with low-E coatings, you can save as much as 15 percent a year on your utility bills!

SHOP SOME OF THE HIGHEST ENERGY RATED WINDOWS IN THE INDUSTRY

When shopping for windows that are energy efficient, you should always take a look at the U-factor. Energy Star rated windows must have a U-Factor or 0.30 or less. At West Shore Home, we have windows with a rating of 0.18. That makes our windows the highest energy rated windows in the state of Pennsylvania and the second most efficient windows in the country.

If you want to learn more about our energy efficient windows, give us a call or fill out our online form today!

Some brands and styles may need to be replaced more often than others, or you may not know how old your windows actually are, so it pays to know the signs that you need new ones. They include:

• Opening and closing the windows is difficult
• Drafts seep in around the window frame
• The window is chipped, stained, or deteriorating
• Your energy bills are sky-high
• Outside noise is a real nuisance
• Replacement parts for your windows have been discontinued
• Your windows feature a single pane of glass
• No amount of scrubbing will get the windows clean

No one replaces their windows just because they feel like it. New windows don’t come cheap, after all! Unfortunately, knowing when it’s time to replace your windows isn’t always as obvious as you think it might be. Of course a broken window would necessitate a replacement, but what other signs should you be looking out for that would help you decide if it’s time for a window replacement?

SIGNS YOU NEED NEW WINDOWS

In general, you can expect to replace your windows every 15 to 20 years. Because windows are subjected to the elements, even the highest-quality brands will break down over time, necessitating a replacement within two decades.

Of course, appearance is another good reason to have your windows replaced. It may seem silly to spend so much money on cosmetics, but it can provide your home with more curb appeal, which in turn can increase the value of your property. Replacing your windows is an especially good idea if you plan on selling your home in the near future.

DETERMINE IF A WINDOW REPLACEMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME

In some cases, a repair is a better choice than a replacement. The only way to know for sure if new windows are the right solution for your home is to ask for advice from the experts. Call West Shore Home and we’ll schedule an in-home estimate at your earliest convenience so we can take a look at your windows and tell you if a replacement is in your near future.

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing the right front door for your home, like security, durability, curb appeal, and energy efficiency, to name a few. As an example of how involved this decision can be, here are some considerations when choosing between a steel and fiberglass entry door:

Steel – If security is your top priority, then a steel door is a good choice. Steel doors from West Shore Home feature mechanical interlocks that give them exceptional structural strength, providing you with the ultimate defense against potential intruders. They also come with an energy-efficient thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer.

Fiberglass – If you’re looking for beauty, style, and aesthetic appeal, fiberglass doors may be the way to go. The stunning fiberglass doors we install don’t warp, crack, dent, or rust, giving you an entry door that will look new for years to come with minimal maintenance. Fiberglass doors also provide good insulation and help to eliminate heat transfer.

Both of these front entry door options come in a variety of styles and can be completely customized, allowing you to create the perfect door for your home. The best way for you to determine which entry door would be right for you is to meet with a design expert from West Shore Home for a free in-home consultation. We can go over all your wants and needs and answer all your questions. Contact us and we’ll be happy to meet with you the same day you call.

With West Shore Home, door installation takes just one day! That’s right, once you have selected the type of door you want and we have customized everything to your liking, our certified and experienced team will get to work and have your new door installed in just one day. Our goal is to eliminate the hassle of a prolonged construction project and minimize the impact on your home and daily routine.

Contact us today for a free, same-day, in-home consultation and have one of our experts help you select the door that’s perfect for your home.

There are many different variables that go into determining how much a new door will cost, such as the material the door is made out of, the customizations you want, and the size you need. The cost of a door replacement project can also be impacted by who handles the installation. You may find individuals willing to put in a door at a cheap price, but remember that oftentimes when it comes to workmanship you get what you pay for. When it comes to your home’s entryways, the last thing you want is shoddy work that potentially jeopardizes your home’s security.

The best way to learn how much your new door is going to cost is to schedule a free in-home estimate with our team. We will go over all of your options and help you select a door that fits your needs and your budget. And, when you purchase a new door from us, you can rest assured that the installation will be handled by highly trained professionals who adhere to manufacturer specifications as well as industry best practices.

A storm door is a second, outer door that goes in front of your front entry door, serving as the first line of defense against bad weather. It also allows you to open your front door and let ventilation and light into the home when the weather is nice. If your front door is regularly exposed to elements such as wind, rain, ice, or snow, then having a storm door is a good idea to keep your front door in prime condition. Additionally, if you would just like to enjoy the view of the outdoors while keeping the bugs out, then a storm door is also a great option.

Still not sure if you need a storm door or not? Don’t worry, just contact West Shore Home to receive a free in-home consultation and our experts will help you decide if a storm door is right for you.

Not only do front doors provide protection from intruders and bad weather, but they also give a first impression of your house to visitors, so keeping your front door updated is one of the most important home improvement decisions you can make. But how do you know when it’s time for a new front door? There are many signs to pay attention to that will help you make this decision.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Does your door have trouble opening or closing?
• Do you notice any cracks, dents, rust, or gaps in your door or door frame?
• Is your door warping at all?
• Can you feel a draft coming through your door?
• Is the frame, threshold, or door jamb loose or warping?
• Is your door just an eyesore?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it could be time to replace your door. Contact West Shore Home today to receive a free in-home estimate. One of our experienced team members would be happy to help you go over all of our front door options and select a beautiful and energy-efficient entry door that’s right for your home.

Your bathroom remodeling project could be more affordable than you think! When you choose the right bathroom remodelers, you save a lot of time and money while still getting to transform your outdated bathroom into a sleek and stylish room of which you can be proud.

The cost of your bathroom remodel largely depends on the size of your room, the materials you use, and the number of features that you upgrade. If you want to make small, cheaper changes, you can simply consider replacing a light or faucet on your own. For homeowners looking to make a solid investment into their home, granite countertops, replacement tubs, and new flooring can really add up.

Acrylic is currently a very affordable and popular material for bathroom remodeling projects When you choose acrylic baths or showers, you can save money on your remodel in two major ways:

• Affordable Products: Modern-day acrylic products are just as stylish and durable as some of the other leading materials, but they come at a fraction of the cost. This gives more homeowners the opportunity to remodel their bathroom without breaking the bank.
• Less Service Time: Because pre-made acrylic baths and showers are custom-fit, they are often easier to install. Many remodelers can complete the project in as little as one day, which saves you a lot of money on the installation costs.

If you are looking for more ways to cut costs during your remodel, don’t be afraid to ask for competitive quotes from multiple remodeling companies. After you choose a reputable contractor, you even have the option to discuss your budget to find the most efficient option for you and your family. This could mean breaking your remodeling project up into stages or using financing solutions to help you afford your dream bathroom.

What if we told you that you could remodel your bathroom in as little as one day? It might sound too good to be true, but more and more bathroom remodeling companies are improving their techniques to provide quick and efficient results. Read on to learn more about how to renovate your bathroom with little mess or fuss.

It’s no surprise that remodeling projects can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you only have one bathroom in your home. Instead of choosing a company to do a lengthy process that disrupts your daily routine for several weeks, you should look around to find remodelers that specialize in one-day installations. If you are doing a bathroom remodel project that goes beyond a bath or shower replacement, consider breaking the project up into stages.

When you choose a bathroom remodeler that uses custom-fit acrylic products, you can save yourself a lot of time and money with the following process:

• Design Consultation: To begin, you sit down with a team of talented designers to choose your ideal products, their color, and additional features.
• Measurements: In order to make your product custom-fit for your home, the remodelers take measurements of your available space.
• Production: Based on the results, they send the design preferences and numbers off to the manufacturer to fabricate your customized bath or shower.
• Installation: Once your product is ready to go, the highly-trained contractors come to your home and complete a one-day installation. The proper fit and solid product allow for a great seal and fast dry time so that you can start using your new bath or shower right away!

If you plan to do a total remodel, including reconfiguration, flooring, painting, windows, and lighting. You should prepare for the project to take a few weeks. When you break the project up into tasks, each task usually takes 1-2 days. Therefore, the more tasks you add to your remodel, the more time you should expect to spend using a different bathroom.

Between business hours and unforeseen complications, it’s not uncommon for bathroom remodeling projects to take longer than anticipated. For that reason, you should thoroughly research bathroom contractors to select a company that has a reputation for providing services that are quick without compromising quality.

A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be a daunting process, especially when you break it down into five simple steps: estimate, consultation, inspection, installation, and satisfaction. If you are at all feeling overwhelmed by your bathroom remodeling project, then we encourage you to read on to see how easy it can really be!

1. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

The very first step you can take to achieve your dream bathroom is perhaps the simplest: contacting remodelers. Now, obviously, you can skip this step if you are choosing to DIY the entire project. Otherwise, you need to take the time to carefully vet your local contractors to choose a company you trust. From there, you can schedule a few appointments to discuss your project goals and request quotes. This step helps you find a company that can handle your needs and work with your budget to deliver the results you deserve.

2. SIT DOWN WITH DESIGNERS

Once you have chosen an experienced team of bathroom remodelers to replace your tub or shower, you need to start thinking about your vision and how to communicate it with the designers. Most bathroom remodeling companies have specially-trained, in-house designers ready to help you achieve your goals. You can look at samples and take measurements in your home to determine the right size, color, and style for your products. If you are choosing a company that offers custom-fit acrylic tubs, you can customize every aspect of your bathroom remodel so that it fits your home, taste, and budget.

3. INSPECT PROPERTY

In order to make sure that the custom-made bath or shower fits your home, the remodelers should return to your property to remeasure and inspect the bathroom. This also gives them the opportunity to prepare for any challenges, such as narrow hallways or other tight spaces. If they find that the bath or shower isn’t going to fit, they send the correct measurements back to the manufacturer until they get it right!

4. BEGIN INSTALLATION

For this part of the process, you get to sit back and relax while the trained professionals get to work. If you’ve chosen a reputable bathroom remodeling company, you can rest easy knowing that your project is in the hands of highly-trained, certified installers, who can finish the job in as little as one day without compromising the quality of the product.

5. REAP THE BENEFITS

After the installers clean up and leave your home, you can start to enjoy all of the benefits that accompany your new bathroom. However, you should make sure to contact the remodelers right away if you aren’t satisfied with their work or the products they installed.

Not sure if it’s time to start your bathroom remodel? There are a few tell-tale signs that you shouldn’t put off the project any longer, so if you recognize any of them, it’s time to contact a trusted bathroom remodeling company right away!

First and foremost, you should remodel your bathroom if any of the components are starting to deteriorate. This could be as simple as mold and mildew growing in the chips and cracks of your tub or as complex as fixing leaking plumbing. No matter issue, you shouldn’t wait until it gets out of hand. Otherwise, you could end up with more costly damage and a time-consuming remodel.

Have you recently decided to sell your home? If so, a bathroom remodel can be a great investment with a high return. More and more buyers are putting an emphasis on a sleek and modern bathroom. If your home hasn’t seen any updates in decades, this is a very good place to start. Some new paint, updated bath, and new countertops can transform your bathroom and make it a big selling point!

When your bathroom no longer makes sense regarding functionality, it’s time to discuss some changes. For example, you might find that your accessibility needs require a walk-in tub, or you would like more storage space. Regardless, there are many different ways that you can customize the layout of your bathroom so that it fits your family better.

Lastly, what better reason could you need to remodel your bathroom other than the fact that it just doesn’t suit your style anymore? Styles are constantly evolving, so you shouldn’t let your bathroom fall behind. Instead of allowing the bold, striped wallpaper to embarrass you when guests visit, you should take the time to research new designs that interest you. However, you should avoid making several bold changes at once because, unfortunately, styles will never stop evolving.

No matter the reason for remodeling your bathroom, you should enlist the help of experienced professionals who can assist you with everything from the design process to the installation.

Don’t let the cost of a bath replacement intimidate you because it’s actually cheaper than most people realize. When you do your research and choose the right product and remodelers, a bathtub replacement can be incredibly easy and affordable.

The cost of your bathtub largely depends on the type of material. The following are just a few of the most popular options:

• Acrylic: Not only is this a great option for the price, but you also receive a lot of value in the durability and customization options
• Cultured Marble: If you love luxury and want to make a statement, you can install a marble replacement tub at the higher end of the pricing scale
• Fiberglass: For the most economical option, seek out a fiberglass tub. While fiberglass can help keep costs low, you shouldn’t expect high durability or heat retention from this product
• Enameled Cast Iron: People who love to soak in a tub love this heavy tub’s more ornate designs and that they retain heat well

After you determine your preferred material, you can work with a team of designers to customize your accessories. From whirlpool jets to comfortable seats, there are several different options that you can add to your tub to increase the cost. However, you don’t have to let your budget stand in the way of your dream bathtub because many reputable remodeling companies offer attractive financing options with trusted lenders. We encourage you to discuss different solutions and alternatives to find out more about how you can afford your bathtub replacement.

A full bath replacement offers many benefits over installing a bath liner.