How To Decide If It’s Time To Replace Your Windows and Where To Get Started

Before you dive into replacing your windows, the first step is to carefully evaluate the pros and cons. Replacing your windows is no small investment. The average cost to replace the windows in a home is in the five-figure range. Even if replacing your windows results in huge energy savings, it can take years and years for the investment to pay off.

If you’re truly ready to replace them—whether it’s for energy and comfort, an aesthetic upgrade, or your current windows are simply beyond repair—here are a few things to keep in mind.

Pick the right materials
Window materials include vinyl, fiberglass, composite, wood, and aluminum. There are several factors that should go into deciding on the best material for your home, such as durability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and even the style of your home. Some materials look great on one architectural style, but totally clash with others.

Carefully consider add-on features
Beyond choosing a window material and style, you’ll face another series of choices for add-on features. There are impact-resistant windows, extra panes, gas-filled windows, climate control coatings, and more. Most add-ons will significantly increase the price for each window, and in many instances, the long-term savings don’t justify the extra cost. Do the math and consider how long it will take for the extra features to pay for themselves.

Spice Up Your Kitchen With A Pop Of Color

In the past few years, the biggest kitchen trends revolved around stainless steel appliances, bright white or light gray cupboards, granite countertops, and minimalist decor, maintaining a clean, sleek look. And although this style maintains its popularity among homeowners, color is creeping its way back to the forefront. But it is definitely not how you’d expect.

Introducing the rise of colored appliances. Consumers have been asking and kitchen appliance manufacturers have listened. Instead of your standard white, black, and stainless steel, these companies are now producing baby blue ovens, green vent hoods, pink standing mixers, teal grills, and more. Some of these companies have produced specific color lines while others are going above and beyond, offering the ability to match any color swatch or metal treatment you wish.

On top of these pops of color, according to BHG.com, consumer research indicated a 150 percent increase in interest in shades of metallic, including brass and copper, and a 364 percent increase in interest in gold cabinetry.

However, a brand new appliance may be outside your budget, especially if you are a new homeowner. Not to worry! There is always the infallible accent wall, counter base, or pantry door. This cost-effective, do-it-yourself option is an easy way to refresh the look of your kitchen. You can also consider bringing in bright-colored stools or chairs or introducing bold tiles into your backsplash.

Create A More Energy-efficient Home Without Breaking The Bank

Many homeowners would love to invest in making their property more energy-efficient. Going green can save you a lot of money over time and is great for the environment, but the up-front costs can be significant. Fortunately, there are some energy-efficient changes you can make to your home without draining too much of your bank account.

Seal air leaks: As much as 20 percent of the energy used to regulate temperature in a home can be lost to air leaks. You can seal doors and windows with weather stripping and the project will usually cost less than $200.

Smart thermostats: Older thermostats are usually inefficient because they only have a few settings. A smart thermostat like Nest can be programmed to reduce heating/cooling when you’re not at home or during the hours when you’re asleep. The energy savings you will see usually equal the cost of the thermostat after a year or two.

Change your light bulbs: LED light bulbs are expensive, but require just a small percentage of the energy incandescent bulbs require. A cheap incandescent bulb uses about $15 of electricity a year (if it lasts that long). An LED bulb costs $25, but uses less than $5 worth of electricity per year and will last up to 11 years.

This Month’s Giveaway!

Score FREE tickets to a professional basketball game compliments of Coldwell Banker. Enter for a chance to cheer on The Golden State Warriors vs The Spurs in our basketball ticket giveaway. A pair of tickets will be awarded to 16 clients to catch all the action on the court for FREE. Game Details: March 29 | 5:30 pm | Chase Center, San Francisco Contest Entry Dates: February 11-29 Drawing Date: on or around March 2 Enter in link below.

ENTER NOW!

Search For Homes 24/7 at OhlmeyerTeam.com

The Ohlmeyer Team has been in the Real Estate business since 1979. We are a team of four family members (husband, wife and two sons) and recently, we have expanded with one other colleague; Jason Caskie who has been selling real estate in our area full-time since 2001. You now have 5 licensed agents for the price of 1…there truly is Strength in Numbers!

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME!

For Sale: Fabulous Custom Estate in Lafayette!

1982 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

$2,975,000 | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,746 SqFt

Nestled in the private Lafayette Hills, this custom estate built in 2001 spared no expense. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a den, and a guest home that enjoys their own separate entrance. Featuring timeless materials with a functional floor plan, soaring ceilings and state-of-the art lighting system (Lutron). Exquisite mill-work, detailed hardwood floors, and impeccable tile and stone. Built-in surround sound/intercom system, high-end appliances, pizza oven, multiple fireplaces, and loads of natural light. Fully functional guest house with open floor plan, beautiful views, and wine cellar. Amazing grounds for year-round enjoyment includes sparkling pool, spa, waterfalls, and a koi pond. Outdoor kitchen, panoramic views, green house, and a spacious view balcony with privacy! Just minutes from highly rated Lafayette schools (Acalanes School District), downtown Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Convenient commuter access to BART and San Francisco.

FULL LISTING

For Sale: Better Than New in The Lakes @ Disco Bay!

9607 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$635,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,503 SqFt

Better than new – in the private gated community of The Lakes! Gorgeous “newer than new” well designed home features “tons” of upgrades and amenities to live in and enjoy!! Open floor plan concept bathed in lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. Master bedroom suite with a lavish bath plus a second bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. The upstairs has two bedrooms, a loft plus a bath to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the lovely back yard with an inviting “California Room” plus an outdoor kitchen, built-in barbecue and luxurious spa. Lush lawn area with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains. a must see!!

FULL LISTING

Sale Pending in The Lakes @ Disco Bay!

9601 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$608,900 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,263 SqFt

Great location in the private gated community of The Lakes! Open floor plan concept with lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. One bedroom and full bath located on the main level. The upstairs has three bedrooms, a loft, plus two baths to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the back yard with an inviting “California Room”. Large corner lot location with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains.

FULL LISTING

Just Sold for 103% of Asking Price in 5 Days in San Ramon!

225 Zebrina Ct, San Ramon, CA 94582

$979,000 | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,606 SqFt

Create your own stay-cation paradise on this rare 1/3 acre flat/premium lot, over 14,000 square feet! This Shappell home in the Veranda neighborhood has been freshly painted inside, has new carpets installed and is move-in ready! A very functional floor-plan and all 3 levels of highly rated schools are nearby! Zoned for Quail Run Elementary School, Gale Ranch Middle School, and Dougherty Valley High School. Community pool available.

VIEW FULL LISTING