Dec 11, 2016
What home repairs/renovations can (or should) I make to best keep cold winter temps out, and my indoor heat in? I live in an older home (with an attic and basement), and I want to avoid massively high heating bills this winter, if it's possible (It hasn't gotten too cold yet where I live...probably won't for at least 2-3 weeks). Should I upgrade my windows? Install new attic/basement insulation?
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Feb 17, 2016
How to fix a screwed in loose door handle on a steel door
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May 23, 2017
What will be the difference in measurements for new installation vs. replacement insert windows. I had windows measured for replacement inserts but want to go with new construction, since we are replacing the siding as well. I want to know the actual size I will be looking for so I can get pricing.
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john barton asked:

Aug 13, 2015
We're opening a door off the back of our house and would love some advice on choosing the wood type. We're in the northeast. Door will face north and open to a deck. It will have a small portico above it and a screen door. It will be off our dining room so aesthetics are a consideration. We're going with either a 15 or 18 light, so lots of glass. Really wondering if fir or pine will work or if it's worth the $ for Oak or Mahogany. It will be stained dark.
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Apr 2, 2014
I want to update my front entrance portico. I am having trouble in finding the round balusters that would enrich the appearance of this project. I am finding it difficult to find a local supplier in Greenville, sc for this need. Any suggestions?
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C E asked:

Jul 7, 2015
I have a home built 1956 with original aluminum crank out picture window that I'd like painted to match my brown gutters. Picture window has 2 small crank outs on sides and one huge glass pane in middle. I was told aluminum was pitted and would be difficult to paint over even after sanded and primed. I don't mind if there's going to be a little texture because I want this window to match the color of the other windows and it doesn't need replaced, just rechaulked & painted. Will this look good painted or should I leave it alone? Thanks.
Last edited Jul 7, 2015 2:53pm
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Mar 17, 2015
Cindy: Sorry I was gone so long...something came up, but I'm back and this time with photos of the arch window! In looking at the arch window, I'm also wondering if the vacuum seal in between the two panes of glass has been compromised as well. What can we do ourselves to remedy this or can someone just give me an estimate as to how much it would cost to remove and replace this arch window in one day as we need to maintain our security. Thanks so much for any and all suggestions or information! We leave on Va-Ca this weekend so I'll be out of pocket till Monday, 3/30! Linda V Creedmoor, NC 3-17-15
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Feb 17, 2014
What's the difference between a "replacement window" and a "new construction" window?

A New Construction window includes nailing fins used to fasten the window in place and to flash it, helping to make it airtight and waterproof. This usually requires installation of new interior woodwork, and sometimes touch-up painting of the interior drywall. It also can require removal of the siding around the window, or new wide trim installation, depending on circumstances.

A replacement window fits inside of the current window frame, leaving the original exterior & interior window frame & trim in place. This is a quicker and less expensive method of replacing windows. But it can also leave existing problems in place. IE, if there is air leakage between the existing window jamb and rough opening, a replacement window will not solve it. If there is rotted wood, the rotted wood often gets covered by aluminum cladding but is not necessarily removed/repaired.

There are some good companies who do a good job of replacement winodws and I'm not putting down the good ones. There are also some really bad ones, who sell throw-away window products that are a good stop-gap measure. IE, replace 2 worst windows while you wait to replace the entire house full of windows and do new siding and energy improvements all at once.

For this reason, my company almost always installs New Construction windows and usually does so at the same time as a whole-house improvement with better insulation, air sealing, and new siding-soffit-fascia as well. It's the best practice if its what your home needs and you can afford to do it right. I suggest saving up to do it right, even if you need to live with a deteriorating product a little longer. It's better for your home in the long run, and better for our nation's housing stock as well!

The photos below show before, during, and after-- a new construction window, without installing new siding. 

Showing some rough-construction photos too of the type of damage that we often discover and fix. How we install peel-n-stick flashing to make a window replacement be "as-good" as a new home construction. If we're replacing the siding, we can literally do so. WIthout replacing siding, we're limited to the amount of surface we have exposed.

Nov 28, 2016
What's the best way to hang a Christmas wreath on the new door? Can a nail be used to suspend the wreath? Elaine Donnelly
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albert ahn asked:

Apr 22, 2015
How come I can't leave a review or comment for a specific contractor? There is no where I can leave a comment
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Apr 28, 2019
How to match color when repair wooden doors scratched by dog I'm trying to fix a few doors that our dog scratched. I'm terrible at home repair and tried to follow the advice but must be doing something wrong: I sanded them; wiped with tack clothes; filled with wood filler; sanded with 220-grit and 320-grit. The problem is when I paint them I can't manage to match neither the shade nor the finish. It looks super dull and for the life of me I can't understand how to match the color when the wood grain obviously has within it about 5 different shades and I don't know which color to purchase. I'm using Bohr semi-gloss Enamel Interior Paint and Primer in One. When I painted with it very carefully, it it looks as if I'm just painting the door with some dull paint that doesn't look as 'oily' or glossy - yet I know the door isn't glossy. What am I doing wrong? And if I fail miserably - what type of professional I need to call on - a painter? a carpenter? Thanks Helpless Homeowner
Last edited Apr 28, 2019 11:14pm
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Nov 28, 2016
What's the best way to hang a Christmas wreath on the new door? Can a nail be used to suspend the wreath? Elaine Donnelly
Dec 30, 2016

You can put a small tack on the top of the door and hang a piece of fishing line down from that to attach the wreath to. Make sure the tack does not stick up high enough to hit the top jamb of the door. We use this method to hang wreaths on the front doors of our model homes. It does not leave any kind of mark when we remove the wreath. 

Ralph Kerr asked:

Feb 15, 2015
I had Thompson Creek windows installed and now have to re-install (ADT) alarm sensors - where is the best location on my new windows to re-install these sensors
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Feb 24, 2020
The thin vinyl frame on the outside of a window has cracked. How can I repair this without replacing the entire double window?
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