REASONS TO GIVE YOUR GARAGE A MAKEOVER

When renovation season is underway, it’s only natural that homeowners often make the houses themselves the focus of their projects. However, other areas of the property deserve just as much attention, and your home’s garage is one of these very areas. Whether you have an attached garage or a separate building on your property, this unit is the heart of your outdoor activities. Therefore, you should carefully reflect on these reasons to give your garage a makeover before you decide on your other seasonal projects.

Adds to Your Home’s Value

As a homeowner, you should always be aware of your home’s value – upgrading your garage is the perfect way to raise it. Your garage doesn’t just store your personal artifacts; it can also affect your home’s curb appeal. By painting and remodeling your garage to match your home, you maintain a consistent appearance throughout your property and invoke homebuyers’ interest.

Slows Down the Rate of Deterioration

Just like your home’s condition can deteriorate over time, your garage can also show signs of aging. As this aging occurs, building materials can weaken and become less resistant to the outside elements. By taking the time to replace these broken-down materials, you’ll revive the look and performance of your garage for years to come.

Better Protects Your Belongings

With stronger, upgraded materials, your garage will automatically withstand anything the weather throws its way. This makes it more effective at protecting your personal belongings and keeping them in good condition for later use. This fact is particularly important for items you rely on, such as your car, tools, and property care equipment.

Change is Refreshing

Even if your garage isn’t falling apart, a few simple changes can still do wonders to brighten up your property. You may want to try something new or revamp the work you’ve already done, but the process of simply cleaning up your garage can be a breath of fresh air. Best of all, you’ll make the space more accommodating to the needs of your family.

Window Types: Guide To Styles, Costs, and Benefits

The right set of windows does more than enhance the look of your home; it also helps you manage HVAC costs and how much you need to spend on interior lighting. This guide will help homeowners decide on the right style, quantity and functionality of their windows, and we’ve included pricing information as well.

If you live in North Georgia and need help with your windows, contact Bear Mountain Custom Painting! We’ve been in business since 2005, and we are the leading company for window replacement in Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas. We would love to provide a complimentary quote.

Window Types To Choose From

Single and Double-Hung Windows

Among the most prevalent in residential settings, single and double-hung windows feature two panes that move vertically. In single-hung windows, only the bottom pane operates, while in double-hung windows, both panes are movable, enhancing ventilation and facilitating easier cleaning. These windows lend a timeless appeal to any home, coupled with the practicality of natural airflow.

Awning, Hopper, and Casement Windows

Awning, hopper, and casement windows pivot on hinges for operation. Awning windows open outward, creating a protective canopy against rain, making them ideal for wet climates. Hopper windows, opening inward from the top, are perfect for basements and bathrooms due to their ease of ventilation. Casement windows, swinging sideways, provide excellent insulation and are operated with a crank, offering a blend of aesthetics and functionality.

Picture Windows

For those looking to flood their homes with natural light and enjoy uninterrupted views of their surroundings, picture windows are unmatched. These windows feature minimal frames, maximizing visibility. However, their large, fixed panes can be vulnerable to damage in storm-prone areas, necessitating occasional replacement. Nonetheless, their ability to enhance mild-climate homes with natural beauty is unparalleled.

Bay or Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows project outward, creating additional space and offering panoramic views. These windows not only enhance spatial perception but also add architectural interest, serving as perfect backdrops for interior décor. With their multi-angled design, they facilitate cross-ventilation, making them a functional addition to any room desiring a breath of fresh air.

Slider Windows

Designed for contemporary homes, slider windows operate on a horizontal track, offering clear vistas and ample ventilation. While they may not provide the tightest seal against moisture due to their sliding mechanism, their cost-effectiveness and ease of use make them a popular choice for utility spaces and modern living areas seeking a minimalist aesthetic.

Storm Windows

For those in harsh weather regions, storm windows offer an extra layer of protection and insulation. Their reinforced glass and additional insulation features help in reducing energy costs by preventing drafts and heat loss. While installation is straightforward, fitting seamlessly into existing frames, the initial investment can be higher, though the long-term savings and protection often justify the cost.

Round Windows

Round windows bring a decorative flair to your home, offering various shapes like circles, half-circles, and ovals. These windows allow for creative control over lighting and architectural style, infusing spaces with a unique character that can range from Victorian elegance to Gothic charm.

Skylight Windows

Skylight windows are a solution for bringing more natural light into rooms with limited wall space. Installed in the ceiling, they offer ventilation, enhanced illumination, and a touch of luxury to any space. While they’re a beautiful addition to living rooms and bathrooms, placement should be considered carefully to balance light distribution throughout the home.

Customizing Your Window Selection

Choosing the right windows involves considering factors such as architectural style, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and budget. Modern advancements in window technology allow for custom solutions that meet specific needs, from UV protection and noise reduction to enhanced security features. Energy-efficient windows, for example, can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, while impact-resistant windows offer peace of mind in storm-prone areas.

How Much Do Windows For Your House Cost?

The cost of new windows for your house varies widely, influenced by factors such as the number of windows, their types, materials, and the complexity of installation. Generally, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,200 per window, with average costs sitting around $600 per window. These prices can fluctuate based on whether you opt for basic vinyl windows, which are at the lower end of the cost spectrum, or high-end wood or fiberglass windows, which sit at the higher end.

When considering the cost by the number of windows, bulk installations can sometimes reduce the per-window cost due to efficiencies in labor. For a standard home needing 10 to 15 windows, the total project might range from $3,000 to $10,000, with premium options and customizations pushing costs higher.

The type of window also plays a significant role in determining price. Simple, single-hung windows are more affordable, while specialty windows like bay, bow, or skylight windows require more intricate installation and materials, driving up the price. Casement windows and double-hung windows offer a mid-range option, balancing functionality with cost.

Installation costs can add significantly to the overall expense, typically ranging from $100 to $300 per window. However, for complex installations involving structural changes or high-end custom windows, installation can exceed these averages. It’s important to get detailed quotes from professional installers to understand the full scope of the costs involved.

In summary, while the average homeowner might spend between $3,000 and $10,000 for a full house window replacement project, prices can vary widely based on the specifics of the project, including the choice of windows and the complexity of the installation.

Professional Installation

To maximize the benefits of your window investment, professional installation is crucial. A skilled contractor can ensure that windows are installed correctly, providing the best insulation, functionality, and appearance. They can also offer valuable advice on the most suitable window types for your home’s architectural style and climate, ensuring that your selection enhances both the beauty and efficiency of your living space.

Windows Do Increase Your Home’s Value

There’s no doubt about the fact that new windows increase the value of your home. Another way to look at it is that in addition to the monetary valuation, your home will be more desirable in a competitive market; so a buyer would choose the house with new windows, all things being equal.

If you live in the Greater Atlanta area and would like to discuss your window options, give us a call. We provide window replacement in Alpharetta, and we also offer the best house painting services in Johns Creek (along with much more). We would love to speak with you.

HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR HOUSE FOR SPRING

Moving into a new part of a year can mean a lot of necessary changes for your home. Between unpacking your outdoor furniture from its long winter hibernation to performing any repairs that may have sprung up in the great thaw, transitioning into spring can be hectic. Despite the ever-growing list of things you need to complete as spring approaches, a few tasks should take priority. Learn what you include on your seasonal to-do list and, ultimately, how to update your house for spring.

Install New Gutter Systems

With the snow starting to melt and inevitable spring showers on the horizon, a functioning gutter system is crucial to preventing water damage and costly repairs. Every homeowner should take the first glimpses of spring as a sign they should repair or replace their current gutters. When doing so, make sure that they’re properly secured to the home and that they provide an airtight seal, which prevents water from leaking down your siding.

Repaint a Room or Two

Another way to freshen up a home for a new spring is to repaint a few of your rooms. Something as simple as a new coat of paint can bring a room back to life and provide it with a unique look. This also gives you the chance to experiment with different color schemes and find something that complements your style.

Add Some Greenery

If you want to take your makeover a few steps further, then bring some of the outdoors inside with a few plants or flowers. These things not only provide a home with characteristic pops of color, but also allow you to embrace spring in a natural way.

Repair Damage from the Winter

One of the best ways to say farewell to winter is to repair all the damages it inflected on your home, whether it’s cracked windowsills or weathering from the intense cold. Correcting these problems early into the season sets the tone for the productive months ahead. By handling these fixes early, you also allow yourself more time to enjoy your home without worry.

At Bear Mountain Custom Painting, we understand that home renovations are the last things on your mind as you move into spring. That’s why we can take on any project your home might need—from custom house painting to quality gutter installation services in Cumming, GA—as you prepare for a new season. In fact, with our experienced professionals in charge, transitioning into spring just became a lot smoother.

TRENDING EXTERIOR HOUSE COLORS FOR 2020

2020 is a big year for various reasons. Not only is it the beginning of a new decade, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace the popular design changes coming to homes across the nation. However, this doesn’t just apply to your home’s interior. There are also several trending exterior house colors for 2020 that you should consider going into your renovation projects.

For the Front Door

Since the front door should be eye-catching and bold, it’s the perfect place to try out a new color scheme. Though in the past, homeowners have opted for a dark and neutral vibe for the door, it’s more common to see bright, vibrant colors donning the entryway. Yellows, oranges, and reds are particularly common, as they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For the Garage Door

In contrast to the front door, garage doors are seeing more of an emphasis on architectural design and color blending. Rather than going bright and bold, many are making their garage doors darker to draw attention to the rest of the home. For this purpose, hues such as dark blue, black, and natural green or brown are often the most effective.

For the Siding

The garage door isn’t the only area of the home going darker. In fact, darker colors are used more and more on home siding for their ability to add a personal touch to the architecture. This is especially the case for shades of blue and gray. Because dark colors do tend to be more of a personal preference, be sure to repaint with a lighter value if you plan on selling your home.

For Window Trims and Accents

If you ultimately decide to go with a darker color for your siding, make sure that you use a complementary color scheme for your exterior trims and accents. This will often mean choosing a lighter color to offset the siding’s darkness. For this reason, many homeowners choose to go with lighter blues or whites.

For assistance applying your colors of choice to your home, or even help choosing the colors themselves, reach out to Bear Mountain Custom Painting. Our home painting professionals in Cumming, Georgia, know the ins and outs of various trending color schemes and can provide you with insight into what colors best complement one another.

BLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOGBLOG