When we look back at the process behind the renovation of our house, we know that one of the biggest changes for us, happened on the outside. Which in turn, influenced so much of the inside. It’s so gratifying to step back, and look at how far we’ve come in these past few years in the journey. Today, we wanted to check out the stages of how we updated it: the evolution of a house with Window World.
Recently, Window World did an awesome write up and were oh so kind to include us! Be sure to check it out, along with their national commercial here!
We stumbled upon this little 1976 house, and knew it needed some love so we could turn it into our home. One of the biggest changes we made, was when we were able to install some new windows with window world, and it was a total game-changer for this 1976 fixer upper.
The decision was multifaceted, from energy efficiency to safety and a little bit of everything in between. It all started with windows.
The old windows on the house were wooden and single pane and hadn’t been replaced since 1970 something. That means they were covered with old storm windows which could cause many issues. The number one possibility in the back of our minds as parents, ia the need to escape in a fire, for starters.
They did nothing to protect the interior of the house, and their dingy existence let in minimal light.
From a pure aesthetic standpoint, we were fascinated by what the new windows did to the inside. People are sometimes hesitant to spend money on such an important investment, but it’s one of those things that once you do it… we can’t imagine not doing it.
There’s a striking difference between the amount of light it let in, the way the room instantly felt larger. There are so many more awesome advantages like protecting our furniture… that we adore about these new windows.
It started with a consultation and quote, we ordered, and they came. They were installed. {And if you missed our post on replacing windows, check out the full why, here.} Seriously… I was scrambling for my camera by the time they were halfway finished. And I didn’t have to panic over the siding or what the process was. It was effortless.
Here’s a little more of our step by step process with Window World, in case you’re curious!
• Choosing windows
• Why it’s good to replace your windows
• The process of installing new windows
• Combining the new with the old
• Opening your views
• All about the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval
So once we renovated the main and upper levels of the house, we were thrilled to tackle the outside. This kind of happened simultaneously with our basement renovation. Our next phase, once our main and upper levels were done, was a total makeover on the outside. I think out of all the stages of a renovation, this was definitely the most gratifying. Our home was long overdue for some outside love and it was so nice to see it all happen so quickly.
We loved being able to replace our old, dingy siding with new window world colors. As you can see the before and afters, it brought so much more wow to the curb appeal factor in our house.
Outside Architectural Details:
You can read more about our outside makeover with window world , here + here but here are all the details on what we chose:
• Siding – Platinum Gray
• Shakes – 826 Moon Rock
• Soffit + Fascia – White with Hidden Vent {So we didn’t have to look at those anymore}
• Porch Ceiling -Mystic Blue {Solid}
• Shutters – 3 Raised Panel in 95 Dark Navy
• Gutters and Downspouts in White – to come
• Front Door – Classic-Craft {Their American Style Collection} in Cherry
• Back Door – Full glass double swing door in SW Seaworthy 7620 + Mindful Gray 7016
Aren’t those details just gorgeous?
That door gives us all the warm feels of coming home.
We can’t get enough of those shakes, either.
They bring so much character and fun contrast to our house! We get compliments all the time from sweet neighbors telling us how they’re glad we did something with this house. It was much overdue for some major love, and we’re more than thrilled that we get to call this our home.
It’s been such an amazing experience. Who doesn’t love a little haint blue?
But back to the inside for a moment.
Because while it’s fun to have your neighbors comment on what a great job you’ve done to your house {and actually kind of rewarding after all that blood, sweat and tears} the real reward is the every day. And getting to enjoy the view. It’s really crazy what a difference real windows can make. They truly made our spaces feel larger.
Besides energy efficiency, and safety which we already mentioned above, as well as curb appeal… here are a few other reasons you may not have considered… why we replaced our windows:
• Added Value
New windows add value to your home. If you ever plan to resell {you never know where life can take you} it’s one less thing new owners have to consider when it comes to updating a house. There are a ton of things to consider when purchasing an older home, and windows can be a big chunk of a new homeowner’s budget. Thankfully, Window World makes it affordable, but it’s still an investment. And a wise one for your home.
• Low Maintenance
It’s just one less thing to worry about. New windows are going to hold up better. They’re easier to clean; they do their job, and they’re one of those things that go in your house that you don’t even really have to think about once they’re in. I don’t know about you guys, but we have other things to worry about.
What do I love the most? That if one is broken, Window World’s windows come with a lifetime warranty. Simply call them and they’re back to fix or replace it. In our last house, one of our windows went bad, and we were on our own with that game… trying to match them up to the rest of the house, and finding a source. No one to help out with a faulty window.
Not with Window World . You’re paying for a relationship! And it’s a nice, trustworthy investment. From a family’s perspective, this is kind of amazing.
• Safety and Security
It doesn’t take much for older windows to shatter, and new replacements are a plus in that arena. They’re sturdier and make it one more obstacle for the bad guys. We can all use a little more peace of mind in that category, and I don’t think it’s something we think about when it comes to new windows. Bonus, for sure.
• Protects the Inside
The inside of your house is the place where most of your sentimental belongings and investment pieces are found. UV protective coating on new windows is a definite yes, and it helps to know that rugs and furnishings won’t be affected by the sun’s harsh rays. Again, one less thing you have to think about.
• Reduced Sound Transmission
We really don’t want to hear every single car that comes down our street. Or every single person/family out for a walk. And likewise, our neighbors don’t want to hear every conversation inside our home. I’m sure that would be totally obnoxious. {And kind of embarrassing for us…} New windows are a game-changer when it comes to a little extra on the sound transmission front. A definite pro.
And we even added windows to our new addition this spring, because they make everything so gorgeous. We also added more of their siding to the brick in the back, to tie in beautifully.
If there’s something that’s important to me anywhere I live, it’s a light and bright space. Another reason we had no problem replacing those windows.
Here are a few more things we adore about Window World…
• They come with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
• Their warranty is unmatched.
• We love that their company comes with numerous accreditations
• Their products are homegrown and made in the USA
• Window World supports wonderful causes like the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. — We ADORE this.
And while we’re on the topic… who knew all the light {and life} they could bring to a basement?
Our favorite angle is from the outside. The before and after is so satisfying!
When we first took possession of the house, our little 1976 money pit looked like this: So after the main and upper levels, we took on the outside, along with the basement renovation.
Total game changer to the house, and the new windows from window world, along with the amazing siding changes + doors… did so much for the space!
Then this past spring, we took on the final stage of eliminating the 70’s look from the back of our house and built the pool room {inside seen above, but the outside made such a huge difference!}
Those doors just might be my very favorite in the history of ever.
Did you know you can pick a color and they’ll deliver it to your specifications?
This blue is everything. We chose it. They delivered. Nothing makes us happier than having so much fun personality on the outside when entertaining.
Making changes to the outside has been so gratifying, with such an amazing company. We have more coming your way, in lieu of additional house changes, in the future. But right now, we’re excited to just sit back and breathe… and enjoy!
Have you worked with Window World?
What are some of your favorite things about their amazing company?
We’ve come such a long way.
As always, let us know if you have any questions.
We’d love to hear from you! Have an inspired day!
:: This post was brought to you in partnership with Window World. All opinions are 100% ours. Please read our full disclosure pertaining to partnerships here ::
Tommy says
What kind of window do i have? It looks like 4 horizontal awning window in one. That has a crank handle at the bottom that opens. My house was built in 1956 billings Montana. But i think it is a calfornia style. I would like to know how to remove to replace.
Jamin Mills says
Hey, If it has a crank at the bottom it is most likely a casement window.
Ivory says
Wow, what an amazing transformation. You and your family did an awesome job, both inside and outside your home. I love it all. We will be replacing our old windows in about two years from now. Cannot at this time, because so much other more pressing things must b done first. I love I’ll keep this company name, and inform them where I heard about their company. Thanks for sharing