Timber Windows Crystal Palace

Sash windows were first put up in England in the late 17th century. The famous Ham House located on the River Thames just outside of London is an early architectural example of a building featuring sash windows. Robert Hooke is credited with creating the sash window, although there isn’t any conclusive evidence that proves this.

Victorian and Georgian houses often feature sash windows. There are two panes up and three panes across in classic sash windows, providing homeowners with six-over-six panel windows. The standard size of sash windows is four feet wide; however, wooden sash can fit almost any size and there is no fixed rule.

In order for sash windows to function, there is panel that is balanced through using a counter-weight made of heavy steel or another material hidden within the window frame.

Usually sash windows are made out of single glazed glass and soft wood, although sometimes double glazed glass is used.

Due to the fact that a sliding motion is required in order to open and close sash windows, they can be more vulnerable to problems than other windows. They require a lot of maintenance as well; however, the extra work involved is worth it since sash windows are very attractive.

Other than beautifying a home, sash windows offer some benefits that ordinary windows do not. They are more energy efficient, and they help to keep a home cool when the weather is warm outside. This is due to the fact that sash windows open at both the bottom and top. The room’s warm air is allowed to escape through the top opening, while cool air coming from outdoors is allowed in through the bottom opening.

A new kind of sash window was released recently into the marketplace. They are called uPVC sash windows, and they are attractive like regular sash windows are but are much more energy efficient and don’t require as much as maintenance and painting on a regular basis.

As with anything that you do, you must not employ the very first window company you find. Make sure to get work samples and quotes from thee different companies at least before you make your final decision on which company you want to have install your new windows.

Increasing The Value Of Your Estate Through Home Improvements

Even if you don’t plan to sell your house for another 10 or 20 years, you are bound to still want to find effective ways of adding value to the property. Adding value to you house is not only geared towards resell value. A more valuable home provides you with better options for refinancing, and gives you a source of collateral. You know that your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. Increasing your home’s value only strengthens that investment.

You can put money into home improvements to make your home more valuable. Some renovations yield better results than others.

These creative ideas are some of the options you will have when you want to drastically increase the value.

Building More Rooms

Can you quickly add value to your home? Add a bathroom or bedroom. Even if your home is exactly the same as the one across the street, yours would be worth more because of the additional rooms inside of it. This is due to the fact that larger homes can house more people, so they will cost more to purchase.

You can always put an addition on your home by simply adding an extension to one of the rooms that you already have. Although, not everyone chooses to make extensions. Instead, they may convert larger, unused rooms into multiple, smaller rooms. Having more rooms after a split like this will still make a home worth more.

Remodel the Kitchen or Bathroom

Kitchens and baths can make or break the deal for potential home buyers. People want beautiful open kitchens with attractive upgrades, such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and new cabinets. A kitchen remodel can be expensive, but a worthy investment in the price of a home you are considering selling.

Another sticky area are bathrooms. These days, it’s important for buyers to see plenty of storage space, his and her matching sinks, claw-foot tubs and even jetted tubs. Having a beautiful bathroom will make your home a more pleasant place to live in. People have to spend a lot of their time in the bathroom.

Update the Heating and Plumbing

It’s not the most fabulous home improvement projects, and not really one homeowners will be showing off to family and friends. Even so, this will help you prevent problems and add value to your house. If you still currently rely on old forms of heating or pipes, then this will be especially true. Some locations have actually make copper piping illegal in homes, so the owners can get assistance with a plumbing project.

Replacing or renovating your roofs, windows and gutters are also some bight ideas of increasing the value of your house. Although any type of home improvement can help to increase your properties value, these suggestions will bring the biggest rewards. Adding rooms, renovating the kitchen or bathrooms, or updating the utilities will add value and enjoyment in a home for years to come.

Best of luck with any renovations!