Answers

It can definitely be repaired, it would need extensive spackling, most likely with 2 part Bondo, then sended primed and painted.

this is something that should not take more than 6-8 hours in total, obviously it does require some skill.

The picture shows the door is stained wood.  The wood is repairable but the door will have to be painted or the repairs will be visible.

Do you know if the estimate from Home Depot was to replace the entire door assembly or just the (door(s)?).   If they estimated the cost including removal and replacement of door jambs, threshold, and door trim, then an alternative that could cost less would be to replace the door slabs only and keep the existing jambs and trim.

If you do not know what you are doing, hire someone who does!  

I'm actually not seeing a wire sticking out of the wall to connect to (in either picture).  There should be a wire sticking out somewhere, unless they also clipped that off, or stuffed it behind the window.  Also, did they leave behind the other half of the sensor?  As others said, wireless may be an option if all else fails in your scenario. 

Windows and doors are the largest culprit in lost of energy efficiency. It may not be the cheapest option but will provide you with the largest impact.

Sorry to hear about your alarm wires.  There are a couple of differenct ways to go about resolving this issue.  We typically involve the servicing alarm company to make sure whatever is done to resolve the issue is accordance with their servicing the alarm system at the home.  They will be respoinsible and liable for the monitoring, so it is critical to involve them.  If possible to pull some additional length at the point of contact is helpful, or splicing on additional length is an option too.  If the wire issue gets too complicated, you may consider a wireless system.

I hope you found this helpful.  Please contact us directly of we can be of any service to you. john@assurancebuilders.com.

Veery few windows and doors have alarm sensors on them these days. Most monitoring is done with wireless motion sensors that cover windows and doors / entry points to the House. If you really want to have sensors on the windows then a good electrician will be able to extend the low voltage wires.

Dennis Gehman

Gehman Design Remodeling

www.gehmanremodeling.com

Harleysville, PA 19438

Make sure that your attic is properly insulated.  Make sure the seals around all windows and doors are in good shape.  If you can see daylight air is entering and leaving as well.

All of the answers given were great options. There are many, many ways to improve a home's energy efficiency. As we are a siding and window company, my focus will be on those areas. Windows are a huge energy loss/gain. Did you know that windows and doors account for approximately 50% of your heating/cooling loss? Air leaks around a window or door due to a crack of 1/16" of an inch is like having a hole in your wall the size of a brick. In the average home, that is equal to about 15 bricks. Consider how large that "hole" is in your home. The glass package is the most important thing to consider when replacing windows. Most folks just look at the cost of the window and install, and some smoke and mirrors some companies like to drag on about. A smart homeowner knows what Low-E is, what a good U-Factor rating is, whether or not it's single, double or triple pane glass, etc. etc. Same features apply to most doors. Lastly, siding is another area where a homeowner can save money. Check into insulated siding. Check to see what kind of underlayment is being applied to your home. Many companies don't even put a housewrap on to save cost and the average homeowner never knows. Make sure you only hire someone who is appropriately licensed and insured. Ask to see those documents. Hope this helps folks looking to replace siding, windows or doors! Happy remodeling!

The most cost effective things that you can do to improve your homes energy efficiency will depend on the existing condition of your building envelope, the efficiency of your equipment, and humiditiy control.

Addressing the condition overhead and tightening the building envelope are basic principles involved in maintaining efficient temperture control in the home. Thermal imaging will clearly indicate areas of major heat loss.

There are many types of structures and styles of thermal barriers. Therefore, you are best advised to have an energy consultant from a Home Energy Rating Service HERS evaluate of your particular home and assist in identifying the weakness of your home envelope and machanical equipment. Such a report  can provide you with a roadmap to begin taking steps to improve the overall efficiency of the home. 

Hello Alex, 

One alternative that most homeowners are not aware yet is reviewing your Roofing System. Along with the attic insulation, the type of roof you have can make a huge difference on how energy efficient your home is.

Most roofing materials (especially asphalt composite roofs) absorb solar energy and transfer heat to your home (requiring more air-conditioning during summer). On the other hand, energy efficient Metal Roofs are reflective and emissive. They bounce most of the sun's visible and UV light - meaning less heat transferred to your home. Independent studies show energy savings of up to 25%.

The Interlock Metal Roofing System is Energy Star certified (US only). More than energy efficient, our roofs are truly sustainable, being made of up to 95% recycled material, reducing the dependence of asphalt and stopping the cycle of old roofing material going to landfills. It is a lifelong solution that is better for your home, your pocket and the planet.

Hey John! 

Try searching on this webiste http://www.lampsplus.com/products/light-bulbs/ they offer a pretty good selection of different bulbs for all of your lighting needs! 

Hope this helps! 

I really noticed a difference in my electric bill when I put in a programable thermostat for my HVAC. I tend to keep the air down low and would forget to turn it up when I went to work. The new thermostat does that for me.