There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a contractor for your home’s replacement windows; the quality of their work, and the price, to name a few. But of all of the variables to consider, warranties are the trickiest, and it can be hard for the average consumer to spot a good (or bad) replacement window warranty. Because of this, I want to take some time to breakdown what makes up a window warranty, so you can make the best decision you can. So what exactly is in a replacement window warranty? Here are some of the big pieces to look for:

Coverage – One of the first things you’ll want to figure out when looking at a warranty for replacement windows is what it actually covers. The average window warranty will cover the parts of the window, and the glass seals at the very least. But what’s often missing from a window warranty is coverage for workmanship. Many window distributors hire a subcontractor to install the windows in your home, and because of this, won’t cover installation and workmanship under their warranties. You could have a great window put into your home, but it might be installed sloppily, and you won’t be covered for a bad installation. Also, be on the lookout for coverage exclusions. You’d be surprised how many exclusions and limitations you can find in a window warranty, and you’ll end up asking yourself: “what’s left to cover?”

Length – A lot of companies boast a “lifetime warranty” for their windows, but what does that really mean? Is that the owner’s lifetime? The home’s lifetime? The company’s lifetime? With all of this ambiguity, it can be hard to know exactly how long your windows are covered. When talking to a window salesperson about the warranty, make sure they can give you a real number, and that should be at least 40 years for all the parts and pieces of a window, and 25 years on the glass seals. It’s also important to know whether your warranty will be transferred to the new owner if you sell your home, without costing you or depreciating the warranty.

Proration – Proration means that over time, the warranty will cover a decreasing percentage of the cost to fix the problem. Say something happens and you need to replace a window half-way through the length of your warranty. If you have a warranty with a proration schedule, it might only cover a small part of the cost of replacement, and the rest comes out of your pocket. The bottom line is that with prorated warranty, your windows start to lose their value as soon as they are installed. If you want your warranty to still be worth something after a couple of decades, stay away from proration!

We know that warranties can be a pain for anyone buying replacement windows, and we know that there are plenty of companies out there offering mediocre warranties. That’s why at AHT Windows, we offer a straightforward, no-nonsense warranty on all of our windows. When you get windows from us, you get a fully transferable, non-prorated, 50 year warranty on all parts, and workmanship. But don’t just take my word for it; whenever we give a free, in-home estimate, we bring a copy of our warranty with us, so you can take a look yourself!

If you have an older home, it makes sense that you’ll need to replace your windows eventually. The technology to make a super durable, long lasting window, like a THV Compozit window, has only been around for a couple of decades. Wooden windows don’t last forever, and they’re bound to warp, crack, or rot sooner or later. Even if your home was built with older vinyl windows, replacing them is inevitable over time. But what if your home was built in the last ten years? Are your windows going to stand the test of time?

Too many new homeowners, even with homes built in the last half decade, are finding that their home’s windows are in serious need of being replaced. More often than not, the reason this happens is because the contractors that built their home chose to cut their costs by cutting corners.

Many builders will put the most money during construction into the focal points of the home: the kitchen, the master bedroom, and the bathrooms. To counteract these costs, they use cheaper materials in areas that don’t get as much attention, and windows are usually one of the first places this happens. Builders often put in single pane, or cheaply made double pane windows with low quality metal or vinyl frames into a home. Not only does this leave the new homeowner with inefficient windows that will drive up the home’s energy cost, but it also leaves them with windows that will most likely need to be replaced much sooner than they should be. Even worse, they’re likely stuck with a warranty from the builder that doesn’t cover their crummy windows if they get damaged, and will have to pay for replacements out of their own pocket.

So if you’re planning on building a new home, make sure your contractor doesn’t cut corners, and use a high quality window from the start. But if you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a home built with cheap windows and need to get them replaced, contact AHT Windows about our super efficient, long lasting replacement windows, as well as the 50 year warranty on workmanship and materials that comes with them.

Everybody is looking for that special someone; the one who’ll make their dreams come true. This is just as true for the building and remodeling world as it is for romance. Finding the right contractor for your project can be a daunting task, but putting some effort into choosing a contractor can save you from having your dream home turn into a nightmare. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes time to look for Mr. Right:

Look for Recommendations – Talking to family and friends who’ve had the same type of work done is a great place to start. For one, they’re not likely to recommend a contractor that did poor work. You also have the ability to ask them questions about how the contractor worked, and maybe most importantly, you can actually see the quality of the work firsthand. Online review sites like Google+ Local, Yelp!, and Yahoo Local Listings are excellent resources for seeing what people have to say about a contracting company. If you find that a lot of reviews keep bringing up the same issue, that might be a sign to look for a different contractor. Finally, The Better Business Bureau (BBB) keeps profiles of local businesses, including a rating between A+ and F based on many factors, including how many complaints have been filed against the company. Using a combination of these resources, you should be able to put together a nice list of potential contractors.

Shop Around – After you’ve done some digging through reviews and looking for recommendations, then it’s a good time to start looking for quotes. Don’t just seek out a price from one contractor; take the time to talk to multiple companies and compare bids. Get each contractor to survey your home or project site, as they won’t be able to give you a very accurate estimate without seeing it for themselves; be wary of a contractor who will quote you a price without a consultation first. Also, make sure they give you a written breakdown of the total cost including the cost of materials and labor. This will allow you to compare quotes as best as you can.

Don’t Cheap Out – When it comes to building or remodeling work, you get what you pay for. It might be a cliche, but it’s definitely true. If you get bids from many companies, they should be pretty much around the same price. If a bid is way below the rest for the same job, you may want to ask yourself: why is it so much lower? It may be that the contractor uses cheaper materials or cuts corners in some other way. Everyone wants to save money, but choosing a contractor just for the low price is sure to leave you with poor quality work, an unfinished job, or any number of other headaches.

Check for licensing and insurance – Nearly every state requires some sort of license for building contractors, and Wisconsin is no different. Licensing can often be verified online, or through government organizations, like Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. When you go to hire a contractor, you’ll also want to make sure that they are insured. It’s required by law that any contractor in Wisconsin carries workmen’s compensation insurance, to cover their employees if they are injured on the job. But it’s also important to make sure the company has general liability insurance, to cover any damages to your property. If you hire an uninsured contractor, you could get stuck with paying for any damage they might cause. Like licensing, it’s a good idea to verify their insurance coverage. Ask to see a certificate of insurance and check with their provider.

So, be patient and do your research. Once you’ve got these bases covered, you should be well on your way to finding the right contractor for your job!

At AHT, we’ve always prided ourselves on being a window contractor with integrity; were  the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our customers is most important. Along with maintaing our licenses and insurance, we are a members of a number of professional organizations like the NARI, and hold an A+ Rating with the Wisconsin BBB.

But don’t just take our word for it – see what people have been saying about replacement windows and doors from AHT, or take a look at some of our work and see for yourself.

According to realtors and remodeling experts, the value of home improvement investments is higher in 2013 than it has been in years, and the increase in value for Wisconsin and the Mid-West is better than much of the country. That means you’ll get more of a return on investment for your remodeling dollar than you would have last year, making it a great time to start planning out improvements for your home. To help you maximize your return on improvement, here are four projects that are certain to add real value to your home.

Upgrading the Kitchen – No other single room offers more of a return of on investment than the kitchen. A kitchen can often be a make or break factor, so having a great kitchen can help you seal the deal. Fortunately, there are many levels of improvement that can be done to a kitchen, ranging from quick fixes to full remodels, so you can still add value with a small budget. Repainting backsplashes and cupboards, and replacing the flooring are relatively easy projects that can make a big impact. Stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops are pricier, but they’ll give any kitchen a modern look. Though if your kitchen is really hurting, then a full remodel is the way to go. Although it won’t be cheap, you should be able to get most, if not all of that invest back when selling your home.

Upgrading the Bathroom – Like the kitchen, there are a number of different improvement projects for bathrooms that will recoup your investment dollars and appeal of your home. Upgrading to new faucets and hardware is one of the simplest bathroom projects you can take on, and will go a long way to increase appeal. After that, consider replacing old flooring for new tile and putting in new counter tops. Again, a major bathroom remodel can get expensive, but bathrooms also generally have a near full return on investment when improved.

Finishing the Basement – With some hard work, you can convert a cold, dark basement into an inviting space that will add square footage and value to your home. When planning your basement remodel, make sure it includes a bathroom, as that will greatly increase the value you’re adding. After finishing the basement, you should be able to recoup at least 70% of your investment, and you’ll benefit from the boost in your home’s appeal to potential buyers.

Replacing Windows and Doors – Upgrading to new windows and doors will build the value of your home on many different levels. New windows and doors will add thousands of dollars to the sale price of your home. Plus, the increased energy efficiency of your home from composite windows will start paying you back immediately. They’ll also add major curb appeal to your home’s exterior, and the wood look will add beauty to the interior, drawing in potential buyers.

So take advantage of this upswing in value by improving your home in 2013. It’s never too early to start planning, so start now! And if you’d like to know exatly how much value new windows and doors can add to your home, contact us for a free in-home consultation.

Color

Whether you are thinking about buying a brand new door, or freshening up your old one with a new coat of paint, color is most likely one of the first things on your mind. Working with color on your front door is a great chance to draw attention to your home from the curb and make a memorable first impression. When choosing a color for your door, finding the right balance of contrast and continuity is key. You want to make the door “pop” without looking gaudy or out of place.

In general: if your home is a darker color, go with a lighter color door and vice versa. Houses with muted/neutral tones can benefit from the boldness of a vibrant colored door. If you have a brick home, consider a darker green door, as it’ll complement the red of the brick well. Staining the door instead of painting will offer a much more traditional look, and you can even use the same light/dark contrast ideas.

Hardware

Just like the color of the door itself, you will get the biggest impact with hardware through contrast. Try to pick hardware with finishing that will stand out from the door, and even better if it matches the rest of your house’s trim at the same time. There are a wide variety of style options for hardware beyond the finish, from traditional to modern and in-between, so choose pieces that are going to fit the overall feel of your home.

Glass

If you’ve decided to replace your door with a new one, then putting some thought into the glass features of a door is a good idea. Most door manufacturers offer a range options for glass size, opacity, and decoration. Mixing and matching these options can create a downright stunning door to fit any style home.

Material

Even after everything you add to door, the material it’s made of still makes a huge difference in how it looks, how it’s maintained, and even how it affects the interior of your home. Wood doors offer a look of traditional elegance, but require extra maintenance to prevent chipping and warping. Steel doors are incredibly strong and durable, and have a modern feel, but are prone to scratching and denting. Fiberglass doors are extremely versatile, and can come in a variety of colors and even woodgrain styles. They also have the added bonus of being virtually maintenance free and energy efficient!

Hopefully this helps you in your quest to make your front door the best it can be. If you have any questions about doors, feel free to pick the brain of our door experts!

Go Green  - Adding a touch of greenery to your home is an easy way to create a warm, and inviting look to your home’s exterior. Container gardens and window boxes are cheap to buy, or a quick DIY project if you choose. With a bit more work, you can go all out by putting in a plant bed, a tree, or shrubs in the yard. After you’ve got your new greenery in place, don’t forget to keep it looking great with regular trimming and clearing!

Focus on Your Front Door – In many ways, your front door is like the ambassador to your home. It’s one of the first parts of your home people will see, so you’ll want it to make a great first impression! Something as simple as replacing old knobs, street numbers, and other hardware can really freshen up your front entry. If the door itself is looking drab, try painting it a new color to accent your home or add bold contrast. You may even want to consider swapping your old door with a beautiful replacement door, and on top of the new look, you’ll get added value in energy savings.

Don’t Forget The Porch! –  If your home has a porch, it’s perfect area to add style that will grab a prospective buyer’s attention. Make your porch a comfortable place with chairs and cushions or a porch swing. But before you start adding pieces to your porch, plan it out. Make sure any furniture accents the color and feel of your home’s exterior, and try to keep your porch symmetrical to avoid an unbalanced feel.

Of course this is only a just start to the list of things you can do to. We’d love to know what ideas you have for adding curb appeal to your home. Leave us a comment below, or tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

Freshen up with a new coat of paint - What better way to start off the year than with a fresh new look? Repainting a room, or even just an accent wall is an easy project you can do yourself with a little work, and can liven up a room in a big way. Each new year always brings new trends in color, and different colors will have drastically different effects on the feel of the room, so it’s important to make sure you pick the right color.

Get organized - Odds are, you’re not using the space in your home the best you can, and because of this, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by clutter. This year, try tackling the mess with some organization projects. Maximizing the way you use your space will make any sized home feel bigger, and give you some piece of mind.

Make the most out of your outdoor space - While warm weather may just be a fleeting memory at the moment, Spring isn’t too far away, and you’ll be in shorts and a t-shirt before you know it. In 2013, think about what you can do to improve your outdoor space. Fire pits and decks are great way to create an inviting outdoor atmosphere for your family to enjoy. Even a bit of light landscaping will add beautiful touch to your home’s exterior.

Invest in your home with new windows or doors - Trends come and go, but making a real investment in your home is always a smart idea. Replacing your windows with long-lasting, and energy efficient windows and doors will not only make your home look better, but will also add real value to it. And, over time, you’ll get a real return on your investment through home energy savings.

So make 2013 the year you invest in your home. Contact us to see how replacement windows or doors from AHT can add value to your home for 2013 and many years to come.

This weekend, the Madison Home Expo returns to the Monona Terrace Convention Center for it’s 15th year!

Like every year, the 2013 Madison Home will feature exhibits and seminars from hundreds of the best home experts Wisconsin has to offer. Whether you’re doing some light remodeling, landscaping, or building a new house, the Home Expo has something for you. Come get advice and inspiration for your home from the industry leaders at this years expo.

While you’re at the expo, be sure to find AHT’s both to win prizes, chat with Scott the Window Guy, and see the replacement windows and doors AHT has to offer!

Need tickets to the 2013 Madison Home Expo? You are in luck, because AHT is giving away free pairs of tickets! To get a free pair of tickets to the expo this weekend, click here! Tickets are limited, so make sure you claim yours before they run out.

For more information on the 2013 Madison Home Expo, January 4-6 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, visit the expo’s homepage. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news from AHT Windows.

Installing custom replacement windows will save you time and money.

Customers will often ask me what the difference between stock and custom replacement windows are and why they should choose one over the other when replacing their old windows. When it comes down to it, the differences between these two types of windows can mean days or weeks of extra installation and extra dollars out of your pocket.

Stock windows are exactly that: pre-built windows, measured to stock sizes. But why won’t a stock replacement window work for your frames? Even though your windows may have been built with a common window size, over time your home and it’s window frames will shift. The shifting ends up changing the actual dimensions of the frame and window opening. Trying to fit a stock window into your home is going to take modifications to the window framing, and those modifications mean more money and more time.

Custom replacement windows, on the other hand, are built to the exact measurements of your window openings. It won’t take any extra work to get them installed. Stock windows can take weeks to install, but custom windows can be installed in a single day. Although the purchase price of a custom window is higher than a stock window, the reduced cost of labor is guaranteed to save you money and a headache when it’s all said and done. So when you go to buy replacement windows, fit the window to your home, instead of fitting your home to the window. You’ll be glad you did.

At AHT, all of our windows are custom built to fit your home perfectly. We’ll never try to force a window into a frame it doesn’t fit in. If you’d like to learn more about our custom composite replacement windows, or want to schedule a free, in-home consultation, contact us by clicking here.

Window condensation can lead to mold and rot

‘Tis the season – the time of year when your home windows start getting sweaty. During these winter months, condensation on window interiors can be an annoying issue for many homeowners in Wisconsin. Not only will it fog up your windows, but it can lead to much bigger problems like mold, mildew, and rotting window frames. Getting rid of moisture problems before they do serious damage can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Before we look at how to fix the issue, it helps to understand what causes window condensation in the first place. Window condensation happens when the warm air in your home comes in contact with a cold window. The window cools down the warm air, and because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air can, water vapor in the air gets pushed out, and condensation forms on the window.

So what can you do to prevent condensation build-up on your windows? I’ve got a few tips:

1) Wipe down your windows. Although it won’t directly stop moisture from getting on your windows, wiping down wet windows will keep water from sitting, which will eventually lead to rot and mold.

2) Use a dehumidifier. So many things in your home can produce moisture to condensate on your windows. Taking a shower, drying a load of laundry, cooking dinner, and yes – even breathing are all major sources of moisture in your home. Running a dehumidifier can greatly reduce the excess humidity in a room, and will help keep water of your windows.

3) Ventilate better. In addition to a dehumidifier, increasing the ventilation in your home can help your windows from getting fogged. Make sure to run fans regularly, and especially while cooking and showering. Keeping bathroom doors closed while bathing will help keep moisture from spreading to the rest of the house, and the bathroom window can be opened if needed.

4) Consider replacing your windows. If you home has single-pane windows, fighting condensation will be a never-ending battle. The piece of glass being chilled by ice-cold Wisconsin weather is the same piece of glass meeting the warm interior of your home, and because of this, moisture will build up despite all of your efforts. Double & triple-paned windows feature insulating gas between each pane. This insulation helps keep your interior pane from getting cold, and will prevent condensation from forming, and you won’t have to worry about moldy on your windows again. The added energy efficiency is great for those winter heating bills too!

So if you’re having trouble with excessive condensation, don’t worry – there are things you can do to stop it! And if you find yourself still battling wet windows, AHT is here. Contact us to see how replacement windows from AHT can keep your home condensation free and energy efficient.