@HCP , what windows did you go with? We are literally about to embark on our remodel (new kitchen and new windows, plus a few smaller projects). We've had a few quotes for windows. Holy hell - windows are super-expensive. We don't even have that many windows...
Hey man, we went with Milguard. Top of the line energy efficient. Thought if we were going to get new windows, might as well get the super duper ones. Windows definitely feel like a product that you get what you pay for. Only had them 2 weeks and have been gone a week of that time, but can really tell how much more quiet the house is. A good friend of mine does windows, let me know I can give you his info.
Things are chugging along. Going to start prepping the house to paint this hopefully today. I think I hired the only SLOW Mexicans out there. Doing good work, but taking their time for sure.
Guys took down my Satellite dish to do roof. Just now put it back up and pointed it the wrong direction!!!!! Got no TV!
Oh My! You best replace that brick chimney. It won't stand a mild shaker let alone a Cascadia special.
Haven't read this thread, but my suggestions would be 1. Stay to the style and era of the house when remodeling. 2. Get ready to assemble cabinets. You will save a ton. 3. Splurge on quartz counters. They don't need to be resealed, and are more durable than granite. 4. DON'T USE LAMINATE FLOIRING 5. Stay away from trends and fads.
Do them windows yourself bruh. They aren't that hard. I'm not an expert but my buddy and I did them for a relative. Now we are replacing his siding over the summer. It's a bitch. Not too hard but we are just super slow.
Based on very recent experience with kitchen and bathroom remodeling, I agree 100% on the quartz recommendation. Great stuff with minimal if any upkeep. And you get a way better choice of colors, patterns, etc than you do with granite. Plus granite eventually "dates" itself. I would amend the statement on laminate flooring to don't use inexpensive laminate flooring. Buy their good stuff. It's cheaper than wood (usually), holds up better and does not need to be refurbished regularly (as in never) and is resistant to doggie claws. 20 years ago we put down the top grade of Pergo (rated for 30 years). Excellent stuff and very durable. It still looks brand new.....we've never regretted it for an instant and expect it to last for at least another 20 years.....
Yep. Even laminate in the bathrooms. My first house was a foreclosure and we redid stuff cheaply. Had to redo the floors after 2 years. Bought expensive stuff and could tell a YUGE difference. Same with decks. I will always buy plastic decking materials. All i have to do is pressure wash it twice a year.
Thanks MM. We started wanting to remodel our kitchen and finish the basement. 100 year old house....... realized how much work was needed on the outside, and that kinda became our focal point. Ended up tearing down the porch and front steps then rebuilding and pouring new ones. New windows all the way around two weeks ago. Just had the roof completely torn off and a new one thrown on. Start prepping for paint today. Looks like we will get the whole outside done and have just enough to finish the basement. Huge projects, acting as the general contractor myself even though i know nothing about any of this. Luckily I know tons in the industry and that has helped.
I have a very good friend who used to run a window business. Had him install. Love them. House is very quiet now and seems to be much cooler during these hot days.
Today started the first part of the physical part of the remodel for our house. Gutted the kitchen. Started tearing up the vinyl floors. Fingers crossed, but the portions of floor we got to are Fir and in great shape. If the rest of the floor is in the same shape, we're going with all Fir. Otherwise, white oak. Floor guys come out on Tuesday. Doing the kitchen floors, then refinishing the entire downstairs and stairs (they'll do upstairs when they have time in the winter - we just slid in for the downstairs job because someone cancelled on them last-minute). Milgard Windows will be installed in about a month. All windows, including the basement. Hoping there are no delays because we want to paint the exterior. Cabinets are about 3 weeks out. Then some minor touches to both bathrooms. Sometime in there, we're going to get the driveway re-done and fix the detached garage floor so we can convert into an office studio. Let the games begin.
