Quality Home Improvements recently became an Official Window Wise^TM Contractor. Now, you are probably wondering, what exactly is Window Wise^TM? Window Wise^TM is a replacement window quality assurance program designed to give homeowners peace of mind. They approve window replacement manufacturers and certify window installation contractors.

In the window replacement industry there are many poorly trained installers, poor quality products, and companies that don’t service what they sell. Consumers are seeing this more and more on reality television shows like “Holmes on Homes”. Quality is becoming more and more important, as people are becoming more conscious, that sometimes saving money in the short run doesn’t always mean you will save in the long run.

There are basically five components of Window Wise^TM. They include: Approved Windows, Certified Contractors, Trained and Certified Installers, Random Job Inspections, and Quality Assurance Guarantee. Approved Windows need to be high quality and energy efficient windows. Window Wise^TM feels that it is important to be a trained, certified window dealer and window installation contractor. Also, it is important to register your window replacement job to ensure all product and installation criteria have been met. Window Wise^TM also guarantees a full 5-year transferable guarantee, and random job inspections to ensure contractor workmanship and customer service.

A Window Wise^TM installation ensures that the windows are being installed correctly. Since it is important to most home owners to become more energy efficient, using a Window Wise^TM installer will ensure this. If an energy efficient window isn’t installed correctly, the energy saving benefits and features of the window could create costly problems in the future, but may not be recognized for months or years. Window Wise^TM specifies over 25 criteria for quality and energy efficient installation. For every Window Wise^TM installation, there must be at least one certified and experienced installer on site.

Becoming a certified Window Wise^TM Contractor has specific criteria to ensure quality. Window Wise^TM ensures that their contractors have trained staff that they will do an excellent job, and stand behind their work. Beyond that, the Window Wise^TM Contractor has been in business for 3 years, a proven reputation and financial stability. They need to adhere to the SAWDAC code of ethics, they offer a minimum 5 year workmanship guarantee, and carry a minimum of two million dollars in liability insurance.

Window Wise^TM independently audits and certifies contractors and window manufacturers, and conducts comprehensive window installation training seminars for installers. This ensures that if your replacement windows are Window Wise^TM certified, you have made a wise choice in your selection.

Quality Home Improvements already uses approved Window Wise^TM windows made from Vinyltek. Taking the next step to become certified Window Wise^TM installer just made sense. A Window Wise^TM installation offers a level of confidence and peace of mind not available anywhere else.

Tom and the gang had a great time learning about Window Wise and becoming certified installers. The training ensures that installers use proper installation techniques to ensure that your windows work properly and offer energy saving benefits for many years to come.

To make the best possible decision just consider these 5 questions:

• Do they have testimonials? Previous customers are often the best source of feedback on a company. Does the company you're considering feature a number of glowing testimonials on their site? If so, that's a good sign. But, if you don't see any, you might consider asking for them.
• Does the company have WCB insurance? Workers Compensation Board insurance is critical because it keeps you, the homeowner, protected from liability for any accidents work crews might have around your home.  If a company maintains WCB insurance, it means that it takes responsibility for the safety of its work crews, and won't leave you at risk in the case of an accident.
• How long have they been in business? While not always an ironclad sign of trustworthiness, in general the longer a company has been operating, the more likely it is that they do business the right way. Brand new businesses can sometimes cut corners (like WCB insurance) to save money, while established firms tend to stick to the straight and narrow. Plus, you can never be sure that a new business will last, and if they go under your warranties or guarantees might not be honoured; an older company will be around for a long time, ensuring any problems down the road are handled appropriately.
• What affiliations do they have? Many consumers are already sophisticated enough to demand their contractors be Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited. But, in the home improvement industry there are often other organizations that certify product installations, so you know your improvements are done properly. For example,   Window Wise approves window installers based on their high quality installation processes; if a company is certified it means they will follow prescribed mounting techniques to maximize the lifespan of your windows, and reduce any chance of leaks or other problems. Ask any potential home improvement company about their affiliations and make sure that they are certified by organizations like Window Wise.
• Do they have a guarantee? Finally, any home improvement company worth its salt will provide its customers with a guarantee. This provides homeowners the peace of mind that any unforeseen problems will be handled by the business, and the homeowner won't be on the hook for any damage that might occur. Don't see a guarantee? Demand it from the company, or look elsewhere.

These five questions will go a long way to determining whether or not you can trust a home improvement installer. Quality Home Improvements aces every question, but don't take our word for it; you can view what our customers have had to say here.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today.

There are many different types of doors that you can choose for your home. The first thing you'll need to be aware of when when deciding on your door is that there are significant differences between interior and exterior doors, so you'll need to ensure you're purchasing the correct one. This is a fairly simple concept; if you are looking to replace a door within your house, choose an interior door. If the door you need to replace is going to lead outside, then choose an exterior door. Exterior doors include doors connecting the house to the garage. Exterior doors are thicker, and are made with seals and gaskets so that the cold air stays out. Placing the wrong door in the wrong area will mean less energy efficiency, and potentially higher risks of break-ins and other security problems.

Energy Efficiency

Since doors are the main entry and exit to a house, cold and hot air is constantly escaping, necessitating the frequent use of heating or cooling systems. Existing doors can be made more energy efficient by adding weather-stripping. Usually, weather-strips are designed for do-it-yourself projects, and can be purchased from your local home store. This simple, easy to install upgrade can do wonders for the energy efficiency of your home.

According to Natural Resources Canada, doors have less impact on the energy consumption of a home compared to windows, because there are fewer doors in a house. But it is still important to have efficient doors. They type of material your door is constructed out of can have a huge impact on your home's energy consumption. For example, metal-clad doors are more efficient than solid wood doors, and their also much more resistant warping (a common cause of air-leakage). It is important to note that if the door doesn't fit right then the type of material doesn't matter, because a poorly fitting door will make the home drafty, and lose energy.

Design

Adding a new front door can spice up the look of an older house, especially when it comes time to sell your home. Many potential buyers are attracted to the exterior of the house first, so adding a new door will be one of the first things they notice when they visit. Exterior doors come in all sorts of colours to accentuate the exterior colour of your home.

There are many different styles of doors to choose from:

• Panel Doors are made up of wood panels, and held in place by wood stiles and rails made from plywood, solid wood, metal or glass.
• Solid Core Doors have solid lumber cores, and compressed wood fibre cores or rigid foam board.
• Hollow Metal Insulated Doors are made of fabricated and welded sheet metal, with a mineral or cement board as a core.
• Hollow Core Wood Doors are made of plywood or pressboard face and honeycomb wood core. These doors are for interior use only.

Usually, six panel pine doors are the most common, but hollow core doors have become more popular due to the cheaper cost and the use of pine. Metal or fiberglass doors are popular modern choices for the energy efficiency and durability.

Many doors nowadays come with the option of glass trimlites installed. This decorative glass serves not only to beautify your home, but will also increase the brightness of your home by allowing extra light in. Some homeowners like glass in their doors for security reasons, allowing them to see outside without actually having to open the door.

So when you are looking to update the doors in your house, whether it's to help consume energy, or just for looks, it's important to research the different type of doors, and choose the right one for your house.

1. When cooking on the oven, cook with the lid on pots and pans as often as possible. This keeps heat inside the pot, and once the desired temperature is reached, you can turn the burner down.
2. Match the pan size with the burner you are using. Don't put a small pan on the largest burner.
3. Don't open the oven door to constantly check on your food. Every time the door is opened, the temperature in the oven drops 25 degrees, and takes more energy to reach the desired temperature.
4. When reheating/baking small items, don't use your stove. Use a microwave for reheating leftovers, and a toaster oven when baking small items. Both appliances are more energy efficient than an oven.
5. Since refrigeration accounts for 30 percent of the energy costs in a home, keep the refrigerator as close to 37 degrees and the freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible. Any colder just wastes energy to maintain that temperature.
6. Regularly clean the gasket around the refrigerator and freezer door. Use a warm cloth with some vinegar, and wipe dry. Keeping this clean prevents cold air from escaping.
7. Keep the fridge and freezer as full as possible. Both appliances have an easier time maintaining a steady temperature when they are full.
8. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. You are using the same amount of water, whether it's full or not.
9. Since the drying cycle uses the most energy, let dishes air-dry.
10. In the Living/Family Room, keep drapes or blinds closed during the day in the summer, and open during the day in the winter. This helps circulate the room's temperature without relying on the air conditioner or furnace as much.
11. Place chairs or desks near a window so that you don't need to use a lamp during the day.
12. Keep furniture away from heating vents. Furniture blocks the heat, making it more difficult to heat a room.
13. Put electronics such as televisions or computers on a power strip. When they aren't being used, the power is cut, eliminating energy loss.
14. Turn the hot water tank down to 120-130 degrees. Not only does this save energy, but when too hot the water can be scalding when showering.
15. Wash clothes in cold water. There are many detergents that are specifically for washing clothes in cold water.
16. Only wash full loads of laundry.
17. Replace furnace filters regular. This improves the efficiency of the furnace and maintains indoor air quality.
18. Hang clothes to dry to save energy by not using a dryer as much.
19. Install motion sensor lights on porches, garages, and patios. This will conserve energy by not having the lights on all night.
20. Plant trees on the south and west side of your house. This will help shade the house, keeping it cooler in the summer.
21. Use a timer for pool pumps and sprinkler systems.

There you go; 21 free or cheap energy saving tips that will not only help save the environment, but help put extra money in your pocket.

According to Utility Bill Busters, when purchasing a home, it is important to look at the energy consumption the house currently has. These tips can help you save money on your energy bill, which translate into long-term savings:

1. Look for energy efficient appliances. Usually if they are energy efficient they will have an energy guide sticker on them. You can check the efficiency and the relative costs for each appliance.
2. Check the age and condition of the delivery ducts and vents.
3. Ask when the last HVAC job was done. Also ask if the current owners installed central air or a new furnace after the home was built or during the time that they lived there.
4. Check the age and condition of the hot water tank. Also check if the unit is located in an unheated area like a basement.
5. Are the delivery pipes or ducts insulated, as this is a sign that the current owners are conscious about energy use and savings?
6. What is the age of the windows? Are they vinyl? New vinyl windows reduce energy costs because vinyl insulates better than other materials.
7. Are there door sweeps on the doors, and are the doors in good condition? If the doors are in good condition that means that air probably isn't leaking through, and therefore saving energy costs.
8. Is the house equipped with a programmable thermostat? This helps save energy costs because you can control the temperature of the room during any time of the day and during any season.

If you can identify whether these energy efficient tips have been followed, it will help you determine if this is the right house for you. A more expensive home that is energy efficient can actually help save you money in the long run.

In an attempt to make homes more energy efficient, CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) has added an energy efficient mortgage when purchasing or renovating your house to make it more energy efficient. If you use CMHC insured financing to purchase an energy efficient home or renovate your existing home to make it more energy-efficient, a 10% refund on the Mortgage loan insurance premium may be available. There is also the flexibility of extending the amortization, up to 35 years, without a premium surcharge.

In order to qualify for renovating your existing home to make it more energy efficient, there are a few steps that you need to go through.

First you need to contact an NRCan qualified energy advisor so that they can let you know of your current energy rating for your home. The energy advisor will also give you a list of recommendations to increase the energy rating in your home.

So what exactly is a NRCan Qualified Energy Advisor looking for?

• The home is efficient and free of leaks. Specifically, this is called a building energy envelope, which is the area surrounding the home that effects energy usage. To determine this, a complete inspection is required, and sometimes they will even take infrared photos to see invisible energy leaks. The actual frame and construction of the home, the ducts inside the home, windows, doors, insulation, building materials, roof, basement, are all examples of what would be inspected.
• HVAC operation is efficient. The heating and cooling systems should be properly sized and installed correctly to efficiently heat and cool the living space.
• The exterior of the home. This includes the direction the home is facing, tree placement and landscaping.

Once you have received your current energy rating, the next step is speaking with your financial lender about a CMHC insured refinance.

The next step would be to hire a contractor to fix all of the issues in the house that were recommended in the report. It is important to hire a contractor that is experienced in working with energy efficient products, as they will have the most knowledge about energy efficient renovations. A contractor that doesn't have any experience working in energy efficiency renovations, may just cost more money if the renovations aren't done correctly.

After the recommended energy efficient renovations are completed, the energy advisor will re-assess your home. If the test results show that the energy rating has improved by at least 5 points, and achieved an overall rating of at least 40, the 10% premium refund may be available. The final step is to apply for the refund through CMHC.

There are many benefits in improving the energy efficiency of your home. You will enjoy more comfort, long-term savings on energy bills and the confidence knowing that you are doing your part to make the world a greener place.

To learn more about the process of getting an energy efficient mortgage, go to http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm

According to Remodelling Magazines 19th Annual report, the top ten most profitable home improvement projects are:

Siding Replacement

• Average Job Cost: $9,134
• Resale Value: $7,963
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 87.2%

It might come as a surprise that vinyl siding ranks so high on this list, but it makes sense when you think about it. Siding replacement covers the most square footage of your house, and therefore can completely change the exterior look of your house. You can make an old house look new again with new siding. More and more people are updating the look of their older home by adding vinyl siding or rock siding, to give it a more expensive look. Replacement siding can also have a dramatic effect on energy savings.

Window Replacement

• Average Job Cost: $11,040
• Resale Value: $9,416
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 85.3%

Window replacement has become more popular because it can not only update the look of your home, but save you energy costs in the long run as well. New windows stop air from leaking in and out of the home. Vinyl windows are far and away the most popular for homes, thanks to their durability, attractiveness, and energy efficiency.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

• Average Job Cost: $17,928
• Resale Value: $15,278
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 85.2%

An updated kitchen can completely change the look of your interior. Since the look and functionality of the main cooking area is important to many homeowners and buyers, a kitchen remodel has good resale value. It's important to keep in mind though, that the amount you spend on a kitchen remodel should be in line with the cost of the house. For example, you don't want to spend your whole budget updating the kitchen when there is other work needing to be done as well. New appliances can really update the look of a kitchen, plus help you save money in the long run, as most new appliances help conserve energy.

Bathroom Remodel

• Average Job Cost: $12,918
• Resale Value: $10,970
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 84.9%

An updated bathroom should include updated fixtures first, and incorporate usability. You want to remodel the bathroom so that the space is used to the full advantage. Counter space, storage, and lighting are all important in a bathroom. It's also important to keep in mind the number of bathrooms in the house. Ask yourself; is this the main bathroom that a family of 5 will be using? As a rule of thumb, bathrooms shouldn't cost any more than 5 percent of the house value.

Two-Story Addition

• Average Job Cost: $105,297
• Resale Value: $87,654
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 83.2%

A two-story addition adds square footage to the house. This is generally a good investment when more space is needed. A one-bedroom house can gain a lot of value with a two-story addition because you can build a second or third bedroom.

Major Kitchen Remodel

• Average Job Cost: $54,241
• Resale Value: $43,603
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 80.4%

The rule for deciding a major kitchen remodel is to do approx 15% of the value of the house. It's important to consider the size of your home and neighbourhood, as the improvements from the project may add too much value to the neighbourhood the house is located in, reducing the return on your investment.

Attic Bedroom Remodel

• Average Job Cost: $44,073
• Resale Value: $35,228
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 79.9%

Similar to a second floor addition, adding more bedrooms can add great value to the house. The number of bedrooms is always very important for growing families, and when reselling the home.

Basement Remodel

• Average Job Cost: $56,724
• Resale Value: $44,685
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 78.8%

A finished basement can add great value to the home because it creates more living space without adding to the square footage of the home.

Deck Addition

• Average Job Cost: $14,728
• Resale Value: $11,307
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 76.8%

A deck can add great exterior appeal to the home. Many people see great value in having a deck on their home.

Bathroom Addition

• Average Job Cost: $28,918
• Resale Value: $21,607
• % of Project Cost Recouped: 74.9%

Adding a bathroom can add great value to a house. Especially in resale opportunities, having a second or third bathroom is what many homebuyers are looking for.

The simplified function of single hung translates into lower manufacturing costs and a more affordable choice for your home. So for the budget conscious that like the look of a vertically stacked window, single hung is definitely the way to go. If, however, you have small children or pets you may opt for the safer, double hung option which allows you to open the top pane only, keeping your kids and animals safely inside.