Rules of Proportion and Scale For Windows and Doors

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Have you ever seen a home with windows or an entry door that just didn’t look right? We see them all the time and offer design assistance to help homeowners understand the importance of proportion and scale when it comes to replacing their windows or entry doors. We don’t just plug one of our products into an opening…we evaluate the relationship of the window or door to the overall architecture and how we can stay true to the architectural integrity or even improve the overall look of the home.

Here’s a quick primer on how proportion and scale impacts your windows and doors.

Window Grids

These “before and after” photos show how selecting the correct grid size can have an overall impact on the proportion and scale of the windows to the home. Our designer suggested a move toward a more open look with larger grid pattern to provide larger daylight openings. Compare the grid patterns on the before and after homes. Notice how “busy” the original windows look when compared to the larger grid used on the replacement windows. (Click image to enlarge)

Here’s another example of how changing window grid sizes creates a cleaner and simpler look to better match the scale and proportions of a home. Not only did the grid sizes differ in the original upper and lower windows, but the lower window grid lines didn’t even line up to the upper window grid lines.

Door Styles

Sometimes the door style should be changed due to proportions of the opening. For instance, the door shown below was changed from a standard height door with two sidelites and a large transom over the door to a taller, double-door configuration with less transom area. The new door was sized to allow a simple half circle transom rather than the odd-sized transom on the original door. The door and transom size change “stretches” the look of the entryway to make it less intimidating and more pleasing to the eye. (Click image to enlarge)

Here’s a situation where the original double doors are not in scale with the home. The doors seem to be squeezed into the opening. Without changing the size of the opening, we suggested a single door with two sidelites to better suit the low ceiling height of the porch. (Click image to enlarge)

If you have a project that needs a good design eye, give us a call. One of our design consultants will visit your home and provide design opinions on how you can achieve the windows or doors of your dreams. Give us a call at 502-896-1717 to get started today. Interested in reading more of our content? Check out our blog about budget conscious window replacement options!

Replacing Windows? See How Much You Should Spend.

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How much will it cost to replace my windows or doors? That’s probably the single, most-asked question we get. And because it’s also one of the first questions we get, it is difficult to answer without knowing very critical information about the installation, size, options and many other details. Our professional, no-obligation consultations are the best and most accurate way to answer the question as our design experts will help educate you on various features and options and provide you with exact pricing for your project.

While you can see how providing a price over the phone without seeing your home or knowing your needs is challenging at the least, we don’t want you to start your window or door project in the dark. So let’s talk about some price ranges and other information. Keep in mind, a consultation is the single, best way to know exactly what you need, so use the following information for basic price guidance only.

Window pricing covers a wide range starting at a few hundred dollars for a basic small, single hung window and ranging to several thousand dollars for a very large custom window with many added features. Doors follow a wide range too, with a basic steel door installed starting around $1,900 while an elaborate double door with transom and sidelines might be several times that much or more.

The Cheapest May Be The Most Expensive

Keep in mind that these prices include all hardware, finishing, professional installation and a full warranty. And since window and door products generally follow the “get what you pay for” mantra, we typically don’t carry products in the lowest end of the range that don’t meet our minimum quality criteria. Some of these “budget” products may need to be replaced much earlier than a quality product resulting in a higher lifetime cost.

Focus On The Return On Your Investment…

One of our favorite resources for pricing and value is the “Remodeling 2017 Cost vs Value Report” (www.costvsvalue.com)1. This detailed industry report provides average prices for several styles of window and door installations. The report can be viewed nationally or specifically for the Louisville market.

The “Cost vs Value Report” also provides a projected return on investment for many home improvement projects. For instance, a professional install of 10 upscale wood windows with exterior aluminum cladding can recoup 70.7% of the project cost or $12,898 in added home value based on an estimate of $18,245 invested. Another example is a mid-range fiberglass entry door replacement. The “Cost vs Value Report” estimates you would recoup 85.1% of your cost or $2,739 in added home value from a $3,219 investment in the door and installation. Nice!

…And Added Energy Efficiency

Savings on heating and cooling bills will vary greatly depending on the condition of your windows, doors and the rest of the envelope of your home. It’s safe to say your home with be more comfortable with new windows or doors if you had drafts around your old windows or doors. We had a recent project where the homeowners saved 75% on their heating bills that they attributed primarily to new windows. That’s very high and not typical, but it can happen and at least some energy savings should be factored into your investment return.

Do A Little Each Year

As you start crunching numbers in your head, you may see costs that don’t match your budget. Have no fear. We have many repeat customers that do a few windows at a time or a door and some windows. We’ll work with you and your budget to put together a plan and a schedule for your home.

Read More: Why Replacing Your Windows In Stages Might Make Sense For You.

Get Started Today!

Give us a call at 502-896-1717 to schedule an professional, in-home consultation. It’s the first step to finding out exactly what your specific needs are and how to make the most of your budget. And in the end, you’ll love how new windows and doors can transform your home. Interested in low-e glass as a replacement window? Read out blog about it here!

1 © 2017 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

A Look Back at Door Store and Windows Over the Years

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In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we want to take a look back at some of the milestones of our business.
October 1, 1997 – Ann Gregory and her father, John Gregory open The Door Store in Hikes Point Shopping Center on Taylorsville Road with partner, David Doctor. Focusing exclusively on replacement doors, The Door Store was a unique concept for the Louisville market.

1998 – Within the first year, the Door Store installs its 100th door and starts to establish itself as an expert in Louisville door replacement.

2003 – The Door Store becomes Door Store and Windows as the company adds window products to meet customer needs for a replacement window and door company with outstanding design and installation expertise. In 2006, the company becomes an authorized installing retailer for Marvin Windows and Doors and quickly becomes one of Marvin’s star dealers.

July 4, 2005 – Door Store and Windows moves from Hikes Point Plaza on Taylorsville Road to a highly visible and easily accessible location on Shelbyville Road. The new office/showroom facility more than triples the available showroom space for the company and adds office and warehousing space.

March 2006 – As Door Store and Windows continues its growth, Ann’s sister, Laurie Scarborough joins the firm for a “temporary” period of time to help with strategic planning, marketing, accounting and operations. Nearly ten years later, Laurie finally trades her fold-up table for a real desk and takes on a partnership role in the business.

The heart of Door Store and Windows is the team. Every member has been critical to the success of the business. Several team member additions signaled major changes and milestones for the company. Craig Rowe was hired as Lead Installer and Installation Manager in 2006. Don Erickson was brought in to establish the new construction division of the business in 2009. Virginia Bell took on CFO duties in 2015 and has recently assumed the role of Operations Manager.

2013 – Finding the best manufacturer/partners has always been a key to Door Store and Windows’ success. The company evaluates and scrutinizes every partner and found a gem with ProVia Doors. ProVia has been producing high quality entry, patio and storm doors in Ohio’s Amish country for almost 40 years and truly meets high standards of excellence.

2014 – Despite difficult prevailing economic conditions from the financial crisis and the associated housing collapse, Door Store and Windows finds the right combination of great value and outstanding customer service to continue its sales growth and receive Marvin’s highest dealer recognition – the Marvin President’s Club award – for the first time. Every year since then, the company has been awarded the Marvin President’s Club award and the ProVia Platinum Club award in the same year.

2016 – Door Store and Windows is named Window & Door Magazine 2016 National Dealer of the Year. As the first Kentucky company to be awarded this honor, the company is profiled on the cover of the window and door industry’s top national publication, Window & Door Magazine, and established as a nationally-recognized industry leader.

October 1, 2017 – Door Store and Windows rings in their 20th anniversary and will celebrate by honoring the team members, stake holders, vendor/partners and, of course, the local community for helping create outstanding customer experiences for Louisville homeowners for two decades.

 

Tips for Accessorizing your Front Entry with Plants and Containers

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Ann Gregory brings in a pro to talk about using plants in containers to accessorize a front entry. Jeff Wallitsch, Container Expert at Wallitsch Nursery & Garden Center visits Ann at her house to offer his magic touch.

Check out the video of their planting session along with some photos:

 

Multiple Window and Door Styles Can Be Crafted For a Unified Look

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There are a number of different window styles available – casement, double-hung, picture and more – each designed for a particular use. But how do you use the different styles together without your house looking like a hodge-podge of window openings? We can help.

Can You Find The Four Different Window and Door Styles In This Picture?

While all of these windows and doors look very similar, this photo shows four different styles of window/door in use – casement (at left in kitchen), double-hung (corner above lamp), and picture windows (next to double-hung) along with sliding doors (next to picture window and far right). Notice how well the different styles of windows and doors maintain the “two-over-two” grid pattern.

Watch the video at right to find out more about how the architect put the appropriate style of window/door where it was needed.

Changing Grid Pattern Sizes and Muntin Styles

Before

The original windows in this home were a mish-mash of grid pattern sizes and muntin usage that didn’t match the proportions of the house.

 

 

 

After

Adding external muntins, changing to a larger grid pattern size and adding muntins to the half-round windows makes this home look more stately.

 

 

 

Call one of our design consultants at 502-896-1717 to get started on your project. We can help you transform your home with new windows or doors.

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