During the busy Summer for all things DIY in our home, we also had a couple of projects on the go which involved outsourcing companies. This included our new double-glazed windows and doors from a local company based in Hertfordshire.
Like most things in our home, when Dominic and I moved in two years ago, we were faced with out dated, single glazed, dark brown windows. Also from an eco-friendly perspective this was not great value for the house.
During the Winters the whole house was freezing! The windows would have a serious case of condensation, and they were all starting to wear down, due to their wooden frames.
Personally, I am so happy the previous owners didn’t change the windows to double-glazed, (which we found out this was an option for them to potentially do before they moved).
Why am I happy about this, when the windows were a nightmare?
The answer is simple. It meant we, like the rest of our house, could put our own mark on the property. To make the most out of it’s full potential.
Having new windows and doors installed is not cheap, and the thought of not liking what they put in, is not great to think about.
Instead, we could decide. And we settled on the more simple designs we go for, the better!
(Before photos of our old windows)
The original single-glazed windows had brown frames on the outside of our home, which is in keeping with our neighbourhood.
But, we also had the brown continue on the inside. It didn’t help each window had lead cross hatch finish.
The two factors alone made the rooms look smaller, and darker.
In between converting to our new double glazed windows, I did take it upon myself to paint some of the window frames white, in particular rooms, to take away the gloomy edge. I used Dulux Satinwood Paint – Jasmine White, which helped the issue tremendously.
Plus this was a quick and cheap fix whilst for the waiting process of our new windows and doors.
Deciding on Windows and Doors
To be honest, Dominic and I knew exactly what we wanted when it came to deciding on our new doube-glazed windows and doors. Our house is two up and two down, so keeping it minimal, and making the house look larger is key.
- We were after double-glaze, white frames on the inside (rosewood brown for the outside), clear; with no lead lining.
- Each window to open fully, rather than being split into sections. (This gives the illusion of height for the outside and inside of the house, and larger windows.)
- The bathroom and porch windows were to be smooth (sandblasted), frosted windows, for no one to be able to look through. Plus being sandblasted meant it’s easier to clean.
- Our backdoor was to have two large glass panels at the top and bottom, to enhance the light into the kitchen. These were to take up the majority of the backdoor area.
- The front door was to be minimal in design, with the frosted windows to bring light into our porch, but prevent anyone from being able to look in through the door.
(Installing begins!)
Installing the Double Glazed Windows
We went through 3-4 different companies to get quotes from. The company we went for were through a high recommendation, plus happened to be the most reasonable, for what we were after.
We went through a wonderful local company (to Hertfordshire), who were absolutely a joy to work with. They came to visit and do a quick measure up, as well as consultation to see what we were after.
(If you would like to be passed on the recommendation, please get in contact.
Once we agreed on the cost, they came back again and did a full, precise measure. As well as go over everything we had initially discussed.
They were very clear on their lead times, and fell right on target for this as well.
The job itself took 2 days. Starting with the windows first, then moving onto the doors.
(After images of the new double-glazed windows and doors!)
Out of all the work we have been doing for our DIY home rennovation, this has been without a doubt the best investment we could have done.
The new double-glazed windows and doors have transformed the look of each room. They have made the spaces brighter, and look larger. And really add to the finishing touch to the house.
(As well as making the house more eco-friendly, which is key for us!)
The product itself is faultless, and have made a tremendous change to our home.
I can’t wait to have the roller blinds installed next, to really make these windows apart of each room, and the home as a whole.
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