Looking Back on 2021: WoW’s Year in Review

Well, what a wild year 2021 was. We all know 2020 was a year of unprecedented change and uncertainty – and 2021 was supposed to be a fresh start. And while the world slowly returned to a post-Covid normal, there were plenty of curveballs thrown into the mix. As such, we learned to adapt and once again make it through another crazy year thanks to the support of our amazing clients and wonderful team. If the last two years have taught us anything it is that community is everything – and we are beyond thankful for the WoW community. 

While we are certainly looking forward to 2022 and whatever may be in store (hopefully nothing too eventful!), we wanted to look back at 2021 and share some of our most popular articles. Who knows, you might even get some great inspiration for your 2022 projects! Once again, a big thank you for continuing to stick by our side this year and we look forward to turning your dream homes into a reality in 2022. Have a safe and Happy New Year we look forward to helping you with your home improvement projects in 2022.

Replacement Windows: Why Good Enough Is Not Good Enough

Hands up if you have ever been guilty of saying “Oh well, good enough is good enough”. Go on, we have all said it before. Perhaps you have even said it about your replacement window project. When it comes to any home improvement job, it may be tempting to go for the quickest and most cost-effective option. There is no arguing replacing your windows can be a costly affair. The reality is, however, it often ends up being more expensive in the long run if you opt for the cheaper option because ultimately, cheaper materials do not last as long, and do not work as intended. While there is nothing wrong with being frugal, when it comes to replacement windows, “good enough” is never good enough. This is because when it comes to replacement windows, not all are equal. Typically, the cheaper the window, the lower the quality, and the higher the price tag, the better the quality. However, cost alone should not be the only factor in making your decision. You also need to be confident that the replacement window will be durable, deliver in performance and suit the needs of your home. Read more about why good enough is not good enough when replacing your windows here. 

Don't Fall For These Home Improvement Contractor Sales Tricks

While we wish all home improvement contractors were trustworthy and professional, this is sadly not the case. It is highly likely in your search for a professional home improvement contractor you will come across some less-than-honest people who employ sneaky sales tricks to get you to use their services. When choosing the right trustworthy home improvement contractor for your next project, you should take heed of the old saying “If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.” The reality is dishonest salespeople using high-pressure sales tactics to persuade you into purchasing a product or service are common across all industries, including home improvement. Unfortunately avoiding such tricky sales tactics is hard to avoid, however, if you know how to spot them, you are much less likely to hire a dishonest contractor. For example, if they give you 24 hours to decide, it is likely they are trying to unfairly push you into a sale. You should not feel pressured into buying before you are ready. A trustworthy contractor will give you the time you need to make the right decision.Learn more about sneaky home improvement contractor sales tricks here. 

Which Siding is Best for Homes in Virginia and Maryland?

Siding is often overlooked when it comes to home improvement projects, but at Windows on Washington we believe it is one of the best projects for your home. Not only does it significantly enhance curb appeal, but most importantly, it increases the overall performance and energy efficiency of your home. Basically, it is a win-win home improvement. However, there are many different types of siding, so how do you decide which is best for your home? There are several siding material options on the market and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. The best siding for your home will depend on many factors, including the climate of where you live. Find out which siding is best for homes in Virginia and Maryland here. 

A Homeowner's Quick Guide to Finding the Right Insulation

Looking to insulate your home in 2022? Insulation is vital to any energy efficient home – not to mention it works to keep your home temperate and comfortable year round. In the winter, insulation stops the cold air from outside penetrating the interior of a house, helping to keep your home warmer inside. In summer, insulation helps trap cool, conditioned air inside the home while resisting heat from the outdoors. Effective insulation reduces the need for using your HVAC system year-round, which in turn reduces your energy bills. In fact, installing insulation truly is one of the most important home improvement projects you can undertake. There are several types to choose from, each with their own advantages. In this article, we offer a quick guide to help you find the right insulation for your home. Read our homeowner’s guide to finding the right insulation here. 

Need to Replace Your Roof? Ask These 6 Questions First

Perhaps one of the biggest (and often most nerve-wracking) home improvement projects you can undertake is a roof replacement. Not only is a roof replacement one of the more expensive home improvement projects, it can also be one of the most disruptive to your everyday life. The good news is that headaches can be avoided and your roof replacement can remain stress-free if you take the time to answer these six important questions first. The first question you need to ask is: how long do you want your new roof to last? Most modern roofs last anywhere between 10 and 50 years, depending on the composition and quality of the materials you use. It is important to take longevity into account when establishing your budget, as it is an investment that you may need to repeat if you intend to live in your home for a long time. Find out the other 5 questions you need to ask before replacing your roof here. 

Once again from everyone here at WoW, we wish you a Happy New Year and thank you again for your support and loyalty. We cannot wait to see you and work with you in 2022.