7/28/09

My World - Home Renovations

Yesterday we finally got all our windows replaced, something we started about 3 years ago when four were done. But the cost is so high, we then took a break to save, but this years tax rebate persuaded us to get the job finished.

They were in a pretty poor state and most of them were almost impossible to open. The previous owner also had the local lumber yard, but when he renovated he just stuck the old wood & aluminium windows back in bizarrely!

Of course after so little rain of any kind, yesterday it rained most of the morning! But it wasn't enough to stop the work going ahead, and it did mean the temperature was in the 70's and the creepy grasshoppers weren't around to get inside, my big fear!

So it was out with the old and in with the lovely new. The 4 man crew arrived at 9am and they were totally done by 12:30pm, having taken out and then fitted 11 units! That's why I guess they're worth the money you pay, this particular company is the premier one locally and you get what you pay for no doubt.

The new windows are the highest UPVC rated, with all the UV and solar insulating standards, security locks when open and closed, and a slight tint. The two features I love are that you can't really see into the house at all from outside in daylight, and they tilt in when you need to clean them. The cleaning feature is invaluable, as I have found out with the four we already have.

And of course the most important members of the household were the first to check them out and give their own paw print of approval! We have already noticed the much reduced noise level inside the house from the highway (not that it's exactly busy!), and this afternoon there was no doubt they were keeping the reflected heat from the sun lower indoors.

So this was the highlight of my world this week. When new windows make you this happy, you know your growing up!

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27 comments:

Loran said...

Hooray for new windows! Boo to creepy grasshoppers, I loathe grasshoppers but our pasture is full of them. The worst thing is when they fly into my face. It's just so wrong.

Sylvia K said...

Oh, yes, hooray for new windows, indeed! We replace all of ours last summer and, oh, what a difference! And, yes, I'm finally growing up! About time, too!

Have a great week!

Sylvia

alicesg said...

Glad that you have sort out your window problem. Renovation is always a headache for me.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for new windows!:0)

Anonymous said...

I just realised everyone else has said 'hooray for windows'!! i think you have started a new window appreciation club ;0)

mub said...

My husband and I have been wanting new windows with a bit of a tint so that we don't roast in here *L* Unfortunately, we're in a building with 79 other flats and they ALL have to be replaced at the same time. A bit of a pain!

chrome3d said...

That looks like a dramatic improvement from the old ones. You and the cats should be happy now!

Jane Hards Photography said...

I'm still maturing then. Must be different considerations over there. I mean we don't have to think about grasshoppers here.

Wolynski said...

It certainly pays to get professionals to come and do the job properly. Do the grasshoppers bite your feet? Love your pets.

Almost American said...

Ooh - nice! I'm sure you will notice a difference in heating and AC costs! Were the old ones single-pane?

Anonymous said...

Getting excited by replacement windows is surely a sign of growing up! They do look good though.

Sherri said...

Sarah, that is wonderful about the new windows! They look marvelous! That was definitely money well spent!

Missy said...

New windows would make me very happy too!

Daryl said...

I SO understand this grown up feeling, I am feeling that way myself now that the apartment is painted and looking SO clean and light

Arija said...

Enjoy your new windows, but don'nt grow up too quickly, believe me it is not as much fun as it's cracked up to be!
The windows look really well with the house.

LadyFi said...

How wonderful! Enjoy the windows... they say that they are the eyes of a house...

Mm.. what on earth does that mean, she wonders while scratching her head. ;-)

Unknown said...

Girl, they look mahhhvelous! Anything to keep the thousand degree sun out! I bet you really enjoy these.

Sandi McBride said...

Oh Sarah, I love your cats!!! Oh and the windows, they're lovely...but those cats!!!
Sandi

erin said...

it is good that the furries like them...after all if it doesn't meet their paw approval standards...you might get a whack.
they look fab.
we too, have a window replacement project to do in the future and i am sure it will make a huge difference in all aspects.
enjoyed your post.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

The kitties seem to approve, now they can watch the grasshoppers :)
The windows look wonderful, and will save you some pennies on the electric bill every month, maybe enough to pay for themselves.
They are vey clean-lined, and neat.

Snap said...

New windows is probably something we should do. We started with new doors -- three patio doors. Yikes! And, just in time for Hurricane Ike last year -- but they didn't leak! I bet your fur babies are happy the workmen are gone and they have their windows back. Congratulations on the windows!

Flea said...

Sweet! And your meow-meows are beautiful.

Dee/reddirtramblings said...

Don't new windows just make a house look cheerful? Glad you got yours.~~Dee

Jill of All Trades said...

Oh boy new windows. B&B2 are in the process of trying to scrap enough money together to do that themselves.

Expat mum said...

Our sash windows are all supposed to open like yours but I've never been able to do it. Must try harder.

Its Just Me - Daring to Dream said...

New windows - all to see your world more clearly! Well done!

Barb said...

Good Job! Glad the grasshoppers stayed out, and the kitties approved. I bet you'll save in heating costs, too.