Choosing The Right Window For Your Kitchen Reno
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the home to remodel, and for good reason. According to HGTV and Trulia, a kitchen update is one of the secrets to selling your home.
There are a lot of decisions to be made with a kitchen remodel – cabinets, counters, floors and appliances – but don’t forget to include new windows in the planning. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2016 Cost Vs. Value Report, window replacement – whether wood, vinyl or fiberglass – provides a good return on investment compared to other replacement projects, increasing the value of your home financially and aesthetically. And kitchen renovations continue to offer a solid return on investment. So whether you’re making small updates or completely gutting your old kitchen, including window replacement in your project is a smart addition.
When choosing a window for your kitchen, the experts suggest considering these three factors:
Style
Kitchen windows are often placed above counters or sinks, making them hard to reach and prone to moisture. Choosing a window style that is easy to open and close, such as an awning, sliding or casement, is a smart move.
Awning windows – which can be pulled in or pushed out – are perfect for ventilation, which can be especially helpful in a hot kitchen. Since hot air from the oven or stove typically rises, awning style windows perform the best when placed close to the ceiling or above eye-level.
Sliding or casement windows – which use a crank out method for opening and closing – are two good options for hard to reach areas, like above the counters or behind the kitchen sink.
Material type
With window placement above counters or sinks, moisture and staining can occur, so choosing an easy-to-clean material like vinyl or fibreglass, is equally important. Fibreglass windows can withstand extreme heat and cold, are energy efficient and can have the same quality look of painted wood. Vinyl windows are easy to care for, don’t require painting or staining, and stay looking great for years.
However, if wood makes more sense for you and the style of your home, then make sure to select a finish that will hold up against stains and moisture, and be prepared to do a little more cleaning and maintenance.
Features and Options
Whether your new kitchen is traditional, modern or rustic, your new windows should complement the space. Window designs offer a variety of features including colours, hardware and grilles. Some windows even offer a between-the-glass solution that keeps blinds and shades located behind sinks from getting splashed. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to design a window that’s unique to you and the style of your kitchen.
Courtesy: Homeservice Club of Canada