Expecting a crowd this holiday season?  If you’re entertaining family and friends over the holidays, there’s no doubt that you’re also cleaning your house from top to bottom.  You may even be thinking about doing some home improvement or remodeling.  Sure, the holiday season is still a few months away – but it’s never too early to start thinking about a remodeling project!

Not quite sure where to start?  Here is the second of 4 tips that should help you put some Scottsdale home remodeling ideas together:

Cabinet Refacing – If you’ve ever been to a family gathering (and we’re pretty sure you have!), you know that most people tend to congregate in the kitchen.  Give them something to talk about – beautiful kitchen cabinets!  You can give your kitchen a new look by refacing your cabinets.  Refacing involves replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and refacing your cabinet boxes with wood or laminate to match the door style you choose.  This will give you the look of a brand new kitchen in about 1 week… and for about half the cost!  Plus, Republic West has many beautiful woods, finishes and styles to choose from, so your “new” kitchen will match your individual taste and style.

Get ready for the upcoming holiday season! Contact Republic West for home remodeling in Scottsdale, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Expecting a crowd this holiday season?  If you’re entertaining family and friends over the holidays, there’s no doubt that you’re also cleaning your house from top to bottom.  You may even be thinking about doing some home improvement or remodeling.  Sure, the holiday season is still a few months away – but it’s never too early to start thinking about a remodeling project!

Not quite sure where to start?  Here is the first of 4 tips that should help you put some Phoenix home remodeling ideas together:

Window & Door Replacement – Many people overlook the value of doors and windows.  A simple upgrade can completely change the look of your home and give it the curb appeal you’ve desired for years.  By replacing your windows and doors, you’ll leave a lasting first impression on your friends and family.  Plus, Republic West custom designs and fabricates replacement windows using our exclusive PROtec™ glass system.  PROtec™ is a high performance glass system that provides maximum efficiency, comfort, optimum light transmission and the highest long-term energy savings.  In addition, new windows and doors can help you save on utilities, reduce dust and noise, increase your home’s value and eliminate harmful UV rays.

Get ready for the upcoming holiday season! Contact Republic West for home remodeling in Phoenix, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Expecting a crowd this holiday season?  If you’re entertaining family and friends over the holidays, there’s no doubt that you’re also cleaning your house from top to bottom.  You may even be thinking about doing some home improvement or remodeling.  Sure, the holiday season is still a few months away – but it’s never too early to start thinking about a remodeling project!

If you plan ahead, you can have your home ready in time for holiday entertaining.  Many people wait until the last minute to take on a home improvement project, hoping that it will be finished before the holiday season arrives.  Unfortunately, their procrastination rarely pays off!  It takes time to plan and design all of the elements that go into a home remodeling project and it is definitely in your best interest to get started as soon as possible.

Get ready for the upcoming holiday season! Contact Republic West for home remodeling in Arizona, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

If you’re like most people, you’re looking to save money.   But like most people, you’re probably also too busy to hunt beyond the obvious for the best places to save.  That’s why you may be happy to learn that recent events have resulted in a huge savings opportunity in an unusual place: your home’s windows.

The most recent savings opportunity came with the passage of the stimulus bill earlier this year.  The federal government is offering a tax credit of up to $1,500 for people upgrading their primary residence with energy saving exterior windows, doors and skylights.

The second, longer term trend has been the latest innovations made by the window manufacturing industry in developing new products that translate into significant energy savings.

These innovations include:
- Edge spacers made from insulated steel, butyl rubber, silicone foam, and vinyl – they don’t conduct heat and cold like old fashioned aluminum.
- Lighter, less noticeable window tinting that can be a real energy saver in Arizona.
- Filling the space between glass panes with gas – it’s less conductive than regular air, which increases the energy saving properties of a window.
- Clear Low-E coating applied to glass that lets in light, but keeps the radiant heat out in the summer.

According to ENERGY STAR®, upgrading single-pane windows to new energy efficient windows can save you as much as $460 on your annual heating/cooling costs, depending on where you live.

Combine this with the $1,500 tax credit and the cost of replacing your windows is much less.  Plus, new windows don’t just mean immediate savings – they mean less maintenance, less noise and an upgrade to the look and the value of your home.

If you are looking to replace your windows in Arizona, you can save even more by using a company that both manufactures and installs its own windows.

One of the premier such window companies is Republic West. Republic West is an award-winning leader in innovative high-performance, maintenance-free technology combined with beauty and styling.

Republic West is the only window replacement company in Arizona that offers 4 different glass systems – one that is right for every application in your home. The concept that one glass system is the right solution for all of the different exposures and problems each presents in your home does not make sense!

We offer new customers a free, no obligation in-home consultation to discuss your needs.  Better yet, we’re offering 20% off window replacement until the end of the month.

Republic West windows are:
- 100% GUARANTEED for as long as you own your home
- 100% virgin vinyl that will not crack, split, warp or peel
- Custom designed with the right glass
- Glass with insulating performance up to 2 ½ times that of Low E 3, which is the highest performing glass of other companies.

Contact Republic West for more information on window replacement in Arizona, door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Defining your unique needs and wants will help you with your kitchen remodeling project in Arizona. Use these questions to help plan the most efficient kitchen for your lifestyle and cooking habits:

• How do you currently use your kitchen?
• How would you like to use your kitchen?
• What type of pots and pans do you own? (You won’t want to buy a 14,000 BTU commercial range if you have pots and pans from a discount store.)
• How do you prepare a meal? Do you use every pot and pan in the kitchen or do you simply tear open a box and toss it into the microwave?
• On average, how many cooks use the kitchen at one time? (If you have multiple cooks in the kitchen, you may want to create separate work zones for more efficient use of the space.)
• Are you a baker who would benefit from a lower counter or island? Do you require a fair amount of counter space for kneading and rolling out pie crusts and pastries?
• How do you shop? If you buy in bulk, do you have enough storage space?
• Is there a certain style cuisine you prepare that requires storage for special ingredients, such as varying sizes of pasta or exotic spices and oils, or storage for specialized utensils?
• Do you enjoy cooking or is your kitchen more a gathering place than a gourmet retreat?
• If it is a gathering spot, is there room for family or friends who are not involved in the meal preparation? Is that space convenient and comfortable for everyone?
• Would a family desk be helpful in this space? If so, would you like a computer to be included?
• Do you have children or teens that will be using the kitchen? If so, would it be helpful to have a separate area in the kitchen dedicated to sodas and snack preparation?
• Have you taken safety issues into consideration? (This would apply not only to children in the kitchen, but also to elderly family members. Would some universally designed features such as multiple counter heights be helpful? Would an oven with a lock-out feature, to prevent use while you are away, ease your mind? Think about other safety concerns keeping your particular family composition and capabilities in mind.)
• Is the lighting in the room sufficient? Do you need additional task lighting or more light in general?
• Does your family eat together often? If so, do you want an eat-in kitchen? How many would you need to seat? Do you have enough room for all of them?
• Do you entertain? How often? Do you prepare the meals yourself or do you have them catered?

Contact Republic West for kitchen remodeling in Arizona, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Here are some things to think about when it comes to reviewing and accepting bids from a home remodeling contractor in Scottsdale:

Remember that the best bid is not always the lowest, as quality of materials and workmanship as well as overall experience will differ. Do not rely on verbal promises.

Always do business with all of the elements of the project detailed in writing. That way, there should be no misunderstanding and your position will be much stronger should you have to seek legal means to resolve a problem.

Don’t sign a contract that does not have all of the blank spaces filled in.

Make certain everything is covered from demolition and removal of existing materials and new material and labor specifications. A reputable company does not write estimates on the back of a business card.

Understand how they are using terms like “bid,” “estimate,” and “proposal.” Realize that until all of the details are determined, a contract should not be finalized.

Contact Republic West for home remodeling in Scottsdale, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Home remodeling in Tempe is about making an investment in your home and an investment in your future. A professionally remodeled room can increase the value of your home dramatically. That’s why choosing the right home remodeling contractor is crucial.

Questions to Ask at the Appointment

Be certain that you give the job details the same way with each company so that you won’t be comparing “apples to oranges.” Ask questions about anything that you don’t understand.

1. How are you organized and who is going to do the work?

It is very important to understand the company’s staff structure and process. Does the company assign project manager, supervisor and customer service responsibilities? Make certain they furnish you with names and responsibilities so that you know who to call before, during and after the project is completed. Beware of the company if numerous responsibilities lie with one individual.

2. What is the anticipated timeline of events to complete my project?

A reputable contractor will provide you with a comprehensive timeline. When there isn’t enough emphasis on operations and project management, or the contractor is dependent on subcontractors, often the effect is delays and more delays. Demand a timeline-even if changes happen, you will have a benchmark for the process and progress. If subcontractors are used, find out who handles service calls if something isn’t done on time or correctly.

3. Are all of your installation crew covered by Workman’s Compensation and liability insurance and, if so, will you provide me evidence of this?

Make certain that there is insurance coverage in the event that there are any injuries that occur during the work in your home. Were you aware that if the contractor does not have workman’s compensation insurance and a worker gets hurt on your job, you could be held responsible!

4. Will you provide me with previous customer references for similar jobs and also supplier references?

Ask the previous customers questions such as “would you hire this company again.” Check with the suppliers for indications that they are being paid on time. If a company is on C.O.D., it may be an indication that they have not established credit, or worse, they are struggling financially.

5. Do you have a copy of your warranty and what does it cover?

Find out whether the warranty covers parts, product and labor and for how long. Keep in mind that the warranty is only as good as the company who is issuing it.

6. What is your policy for clean-up on the job sites?

Get a feel for how the company will respect your home, how they handle any demolition debris, and other items that require disposal. Your home should be clear of debris and safety hazards each evening. Make certain that you don’t have issues that will involve neighbors or your homeowners association.

Remember that the best bid is not always the lowest, as quality of materials and workmanship as well as overall experience will differ. Do not rely on verbal promises.

Always do business with all of the elements of the project detailed in writing. That way, there should be no misunderstanding and your position will be much stronger should you have to seek legal means to resolve a problem. Don’t sign a contract that does not have all of the blank spaces filled in.

Make certain everything is covered from demolition and removal of existing materials and new material and labor specifications. A reputable company does not write estimates on the back of a business card. Understand how they are using terms like “bid,” “estimate,” and “proposal.” Realize that until all of the details are determined, a contract should not be finalized.

Contact Republic West for home remodeling in Tempe, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.

Home improvement in Phoenix is about making an investment in your home and an investment in your future. A professionally remodeled room can increase the value of your home dramatically. That’s why choosing the right home improvement contractor is crucial.

A home improvement contractor can provide services that range from one solution to a dozen or more. Some may just do flooring and lighting; a few may focus strictly on closet design and installs in bedrooms. Others may offer a variety of custom home improvement solutions that include kitchens, bathrooms, room additions, doors, windows, closets, offices, garages, utility rooms, pantries, wall beds, media centers and more. Many home improvement contractors provide a combination of many or all of these services.

Make sure you choose a home improvement contractor that will be able to design and install your entire project. Having more than one company work on the same project can become confusing and expensive! It’s best to find one company that can do it all – it will save you money and bring continuity to your project.

Contact Republic West for home improvement in Phoenix, including window and door replacement, custom cabinet re-facing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and room additions.