The goal of almost every young, married couple is to wisely invest in a piece of real estate; namely their first home. That starter home launches the newlyweds into carefully watching the condition and value of the home in which they so proudly invested. Most importantly, all homeowners want to see the equity of their homes increase on a steady basis. Once equity builds to a comfortable cushion the homeowner begins looking at marketing the home and using the equity to reinvest in a better and newer home.

This American Dream became interrupted a few years ago as the real estate market plunged and market values drastically decreased. What was once a home with good equity became a home in which the homeowner owed more than what the market supported. More than ever before, home improvements called for very wise and careful spending. The homeowner now considers the home improvements that are of necessity and even more importantly, which improvement gives the highest return.

In keeping up with the importance of first impressions, real estate professionals list exterior improvements and replacements at the top of the list for having the greatest return on the initial cost of replacement. These improvements are what give that important eye appeal to the potential buyer. Entry door replacement ranked number 1 in cost effectiveness of midrange projects while siding replacement ranked number 1 in upscale projects. Window replacements were listed in the top 5 of both midrange projects and upscale projects. Additional recommended home improvement projects included deck additions, minor kitchen remodeling, garage door replacement, bathroom remodeling and roofing replacement.

Are you looking to replace the windows in your home? Adding a bay or bow window to your home can open up the space and let in a lot more light. These windows can change the appearance of your home, inside and out. They add extra space and can open up any room. They let in more light to any room. Adding a bow or bay window to your home can add value and make your home as unique as you are. Bay windows are more common to add than a bow window. Bow windows are a little more different but add just as much character and even more light to any room.

What are bow windows?

Let us start with what a bay window is. A bay window has three panels of windows creating a three dimensional shape on the exterior of your home. A bow window looks similar only it has four or five panels of windows creating a larger three dimensional shape on the exterior of your home.

How do they change your space?

Bow windows will really change and add character to any room in your home. They add value to your home and comfort to any room. These windows can open up a whole new view. They can add a little extra space in a room. You can add a shelf for displaying items or a bench for lounging. Bow windows are very versatile and can be customized to meet whatever your need might be. They come in many different styles. The interior trim can be oak or birch wood. There are even different roofing types to add character to the exterior of your home.

What are some benefits of adding bow windows?

• Well insulated

• Vinyl frames built to last

• Energy efficiency

• Easy to open

• Strength and durability

• Elegant style

• Moisture prevention

• Enhanced thermal performance

• Rain leaking prevention

• Unique design eliminates sagging

• Tightly sealed

There are many benefits to choosing bow windows. They can add unique character to your home. They allow in more light and open up a whole new view outside. These windows are crafted and designed to last for years. They will add value to your home and comfort for you and your family. Ask a professional window installer today if bow windows are the right fit for you and your home.

Vinyl siding is tough stuff! It wIt'stands high winds, weather extremes and anything else Mother Nature can'throw at it! With vinyl siding from the Exterior Portfolio by Crane, you can'trust that it is designed to stand up to many years of harsh weather conditions.

Vinyl siding delivers style and beauty, improving the overall look of your home. Your new vinyl siding can be customized to your home and to fit your style; along with vinyl siding trim and other vinyl siding accessories, your home's curb appeal will skyrocket!

What is it about spring that makes us all jump into home improvement projects? It must have to do with the spring fever that hits after a long winter. And since the official start to spring is just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about which home improvements you want to tackle in your home. Need a few ideas? Well, you came to the right place!

Replace old windows

Now that you can stand to even open a window without cold air blowing through the home, its the time when many homeowners finally say, ?enough is enough? with the drafty windows. And this is said for good reason. Not only are drafty windows a pain to deal with year after year, but they are very wasteful to our fuel and electricity bills. A drafty window literally lets your hard earned money blow right outside. If You're tired of being too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, it may be time to invest in energy efficient replacement windows!

Install new doors

Just like replacement windows, the thought of taking a door off the hinges during the winter might seem a little whacky (although our professionals certainly can do it!). With a nice spring breeze blowing through the front door, you might be thinking that now is the perfect time to replace the entry door system, or maybe even have a sliding door or french doors installed going out to the porch or patio. If its on your mind, now is the perfect time to give us a call so we can help you find the perfect replacement doors for your home!

Replace hard to maintain siding

Vinyl siding is becoming increasingly popular because of how easy it is to maintain. If you have wood siding on your home now then you are aware of the tedious task of scraping and staining that must occur in order to upkeep the look of your home's siding. But thanks to new vinyl siding options, you can cross all that work right off your spring to do list. Vinyl siding only requires a good splash of the hose and no painting or scraping. Sound more like your style? We?ve got you covered!

Mrs. Meyer?s- Ammonia free, this product is composed of ingredients that are at least 99% naturally derived. Comes in several earthy scents, including basil, lavender, lemon verbena, rosemary and geranium.

Seventh Generation- This product offers a streak-free shine with plant-derived cleaning agents and is safe on glass, mirrors, stainless steel and other surfaces.

Clorox Green Works- this product is 95% naturally derived from plant and mineral based cleaning ingredients and contains no ammonia. This is safe for use on glass, mirrors, counter tops, appliances, sinks and stainless steel.

Method glass + surface cleaner- this product includes no ammonia and is a green and clean alternative. It includes a new plant-based powergreen? technology to eliminate dirt, dust and handprints, without chemical smells and toxic ingredients.

If You're feeling really brave, you can create your own homemade window cleaner; just a simple Google search for homemade window cleaners brings up a multitude of recipes, most of which can be made with ingredients you can already find around your home! Whether you choose to make your own or buy your own, choosing non-toxic and earth friendly cleaning products is a good way to protect your family from harsh chemicals and help protect the environment.