Bring Us Your Dreams And We’ll Turn Them Into Possibilities
This Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro replacement window and patio door post is dedicated to people planning a move in the new future.
There’s something magical about buying a new-to-you house, especially if you’re in the market for a fixer-upper ready to be transformed into your dream home. Shopping New Jersey and New York metro neighborhoods for a new place can be both exhilarating exhausting. On the one hand, hidden beneath the flaking paint and fraying carpet resides unlimited possibilities. On the other hand, it can chaotic and stressful. Continue reading Turning a ‘Fixer-Upper’ Into Your Dream Home in NJ & NY
People living in New Jersey and the metropolitan
New York area who plan to invest in replacement windows may wonder which is better
for them: paying cash or financing. There are some valid arguments for both
options. The Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro staff did
some research, and here is what we found.
Every homeowner dealing with windows that leak air and moisture is probably spending more than they have to on energy costs. Here are two quick facts from Energy.gov.
Heating and cooling account for almost half (48
percent) of the energy used to power the typical home.
Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible
for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
The Case for Financing Your New Replacement Windows
Financing makes sense if you have excellent credit, equity in your home, or a credit card company willing to advance you funds at zero interest for 12-24 months.
This might be the best replacement window project payment solution if you plan to start immediately.
The Fed is gradually increasing the interest rate, with an adjustment every few months as the economy improves. Right now, personal credit lines have interest rates from 4.29 percent all the way up to 25 percent, and are primarily dependent on credit scores and debt to income ratios.
For those who plan to do a major home renovation any time soon, it’s a great time to apply for a home equity loan. The current average interest rate on a HELOC as of December 14, 2018 was5.56 percent. There are still a few lenders offering 3.87 – 5.0 percent.
Borrowing $10,000 from your bank with a HELOC 10-year repayment plan at 5.56 percent, your total interest would be $2,977.51, or roughly $297.51 per year. You could apply the money you save every month on heating and cooling costs to reduce the total interest. Using this option, you’ll save money, have a more comfortable home, and increase the property resale value!
Use this option cautiously. If you can’t pay off the zero interest advance in the established window, interest rates will jump to your normal rate, which depends on your credit score and payment history, and the company could apply penalties.
The Case for Paying Cash for Your New Replacement Windows
For this discussion, assume you have $10,000 in a certificate of deposit nearing maturity, and you aren’t sure whether you want to roll over the CD, or use the available funds to pay cash for your replacement window upgrade.
As of December 2018, the average certificate of deposit interest rate for two popular terms (24-month and48-month) is between 0.79 percent and 1.03 percent from a brick-and-mortar bank. Online rates range from .59 percent for six-month CDs up to 3.15 percent for 5-year term instruments.
The best-case scenario means you could lock up your money for five years and earn $335.48 per year. Worse-case scenario has you earning about $60 per year – both of these figures are much higher than the national average which is currently $35.43 – $189.89 per year.
Paying cash means you could get a higher,immediate return on your investment by saving money month after month with lower bills.
Which Replacement Window Payment Option is Best For You?
You know your financial status better than anyone. If you need help deciding, ask a Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro replacement window specialist to help you run the numbers. Just fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at 1-888-826-2451 to schedule a private, in-home consultation.
Download our Free Guide to New Jersey & New York Metro Replacement Windows
Deciding whether you prefer Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro’s sliding replacement patio doors or one of its hinged styles is only the first step when you prepare to update a secondary entrance in your home. The major advantage of choosing custom-crafted replacement patio doors is the opportunity to address the “problem areas” that prompted you to choose now to update your New Jersey or New York metropolitan home.
Customization of your doors enhances beauty of your doors as well as the functionality, energy efficiency, convenience and comfort. The first step for many homeowners is considering how different door configurations influence panel size, construction material, color, finish and accessory choices. Continue reading Customized Replacement Patio Door Configurations for NJ & NY
Homeowners in New Jersey and New York metro neighborhoods who plan to update their facade may be considering how replacement window frame colors may impact the overall aesthetic of their homes. While most people tend to choose colors they like, sometimes that isn’t the best way to choose house paint. This Renewal by Andersen of Long Island article has tips and tricks for choosing the perfect color combination.
Follow the Color Formula for Success
There is a pliable, but reliable, rule that house painters follow when it comes to color combinations. It’s called the 60-30-10 rule, and relies on using three basic colors to create a well-balanced, pleasing appearance.
Here’s how it works . . .
Vinyl, wood, brick, shingles – whatever covers the largest visible surface of your house – share one common color, the 60 percent color.
A second color covers 30 percent of your visible exterior, and is often something that isn’t changeable, like the roofing material, or it may be the color used for entrance doors and the garage or other architectural elements
The third color acts as an accent color, which is typically seen on replacement window frames, trim and as a pop of color around doors, porch railings and columns. Sometimes, people paint the fascia (found just beneath the edges of the roof line) with this third color.
A harmonious color scheme considers the various unchangeable hues and shades – such as the gold flecks in red bricks or the subtle blues and grays cast from dark roof shingles.
Accent Color Pro Tip: Avoid using accent colors to draw attention to unsightly or otherwise drab elements. Creating an attractive facade means gutters, rain spouts and inconveniently placed windows and air conditioner units melt into the surroundings.
Look Around for Inspiration
Before you run to the hardware store or home center to gather a stack of paint chips, take a spin around your neighborhood. An afternoon drive gives you a chance to see what color combinations work (and, which ones don’t) in homes that have similar style and era features as your own house.
Online sites like Houzz, Pinterest and Home & Gardens also offer thousands of images that might help you identify possible color combinations.
You can also download the Renewal by Andersen 3D app and try on various window styles and color combinations so you have a better idea of what your home might look like after your upgrade.
Contrasting vs Coordinating Replacement Window Colors
The choice of whether to counter your broad surfaces with a contrasting color or to use matching colors on trim and replacement window elements comes down to what you expect from your color choices. If you want to add a bit of charm and warmth, contrasting colors emphasize your home’s character.
Keep these color facts in mind as you consider your options.
Light colors generally bring details closer, while dark colors tend to add an air of stability and substance.
Consider your landscaping. Choose colors that compliment plants and foliage, but still maintain a subtle independence.
Don’t be afraid to use colors that accurately reflect your personality, but do so in a way that doesn’t offend or anger those living in proximity.
Still Have Questions About How to Choose Renewal by Andersen Replacement Window Colors?
Before you make the final decision, learn how your color selections may influence your property values. Then, if you still have questions, check out our beautiful color palette in person at our showroom. Better yet, fill in the short form on this page or call 888-826-2451 to speak to a replacement window design specialist today.
Download our Free Guide to New Jersey & New York Metro Replacement Windows
