Many homeowners have a long list of home improvements they want to make to their homes but simply don't know where to begin. What's most important, will cost least and be the best investment for the future? There are many factors that go into deciding on remodeling projects. One resource that is available that can help to understand which project will be best for you is the annual Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine. This report serves as a reliable evaluation of residential remodeling and creates lists of the best and worst projects for your home in regards to the cost of the project and money recouped over time. It is a great tool for determining what home improvement projects to undertake. Let's take a look at the results for the 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report for the Middle Atlantic region where Central New York is located.

In a time when many homeowners are concerned with saving money it is good news that seven of the top ten best ranked remodeling projects are also the least costly. In fact, the number one ranked project - steel entry door replacement - will recoup 98% of cost and is also the least expensive on the list. Other top ranked replacements are vinyl siding with 81% of costs recouped and vinyl replacement windows with 77% of costs recouped. The worst ranked projects? Costly, upscale room additions and full room remodels.

Why are entry door, siding and window projects on the top of the list? It has a lot to do with energy efficiency. When installing high quality insulating products on your home you will actually be saving money on your energy bills. You will no longer be wasting money on heat escaping through drafty windows and doors or poorly insulated walls. The technology of home improvements is so advanced that with high quality products you can actually lower your energy bills by 30-40%. Additionally, there are many programs available from the government to offset the costs of energy efficient remodeling projects. This includes the Federal Energy Tax Credit of 2009-2010 with more on the way under the Obama Administration.

Another reason why doors, siding and windows make the top of the list in the annual Cost vs. Value Report is that exterior improvements contribute to the overall look and feel of a home and are a great boost to curb appeal. When the exterior of a home is updated homeowners can take their time in remodeling the interior of the home. This information is important for those improving their homes with plans to one day sell, especially in a market with more sellers than buyers where initial appearance is everything.

Overall the 2009-20 Cost vs. Value Report shows a trend towards low-maintenance exterior projects with an emphasis on essentials over extras. When deciding on your next home improvement project, keep these factors in mind. Be sure to fully research the options and review the full Cost vs. Value Report at www.remodelingmag.com.

My family business, New York Sash of Whitesboro, are experts in the home improvement industry and specialize in high quality energy efficient remodeling products. Visit www.newyorksash.com or call (315) 624-7344 for more information or to request a no cost no obligation estimate.

Kathryn Reilly is a Production and Marketing Assistant for the television show CNY's Open House. Contact her at kreilly@newyorksash.com.

Replacing old windows brings a range of benefits and advantages, but at the same time there is the issue of cost plus you don't want modern looking windows to spoil the aesthetic appearance of your home. It pays to take time to research the needs that you have plus the products available on the market which will meet your specific criteria. Once you have a good grasp of what you need and are looking for, you are in a much better position to find a contractor who can deliver on the job.

Appearance

Simply having a new look is not what many people are actually looking for. It is more important that the windows complement the curb appeal of the property, and strangely enough, this may mean choosing windows which actually set-off the "aged" appearance of your home. It is pointless fitting new windows which detract from a Victorian appearance or façade unless they actually suit the character and style of the building itself.

This said, there is a lot of curb appeal generated by replacing old, discolored or broken windows with brand new ones which look modern. Fitting new windows is one of the best features to address when improving the overall look of any home.

Maintenance

Windows are subject to the elements and take the full brunt of rain, snow, heat and temperature together with wind and anything else that is thrown against your home. They are also going to be used by your family and opening and closing them will also lead to wear and tear. Nothing can be put through the punishment meted out to your windows and not require regular attention if it is to function well.

New windows, constructed from modern materials and methods offer low maintenance options, particularly if you choose vinyl replacement windows. New windows also offer modern opening mechanisms which are usually much easier to operate (especially for the infirm or disabled) and do not require any attention from the homeowner. In short - a simple wash down with a cloth and warm soapy water is usually all that is required for modern replacement windows.

Insulation

A common reason for replacing old windows is to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, and while this is perfectly true and a major financial incentive for fitting new windows, one aspect is also frequently ignored - the benefits of enhanced sound insulation.

Fitting replacement windows will enhance the thermal efficiency of your home which means you will lose less heat in winter and equally, it will help keep you cooler in the hot summer. Both these facts means that you will incur reduced energy costs in heating and cooling your home.

Finally, modern replacement windows use state of the art manufacturing techniques and raw materials which are specifically designed to optimize insulation benefits. Not only will you enjoy reduced power bills, but you will usually notice a significant reduction in noise from outside your home as improved sound insulation significantly decreases the impact of noise pollution.

Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a Richmond siding contractor and provider of Richmond home improvement services and products such as Richmond Infinity by Marvin windows. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: CreativeEnergyExteriors.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Smallwood

Cleaning and care of your vinyl replacement windows is a simple procedure that can keep your windows with a permanent new look.

If you find any tape or labels on your window that did not come off completely use an alcohol based cleaner on small glass areas only. When you are done with the removal process make sure you thoroughly wet the glass and rinse with plain water.

Ammonia-based glass cleaners or regular glass cleaners can be used to clean the glass.

Refrain from using any solvents, paint removers or sharp objects to clean your windows and patio doors. PVC (vinyl) products should be cleaned with mild soap and water. In the event of heavier cleaning is needed use commercially advertised household cleaners that are non abrasive.

Should your window have condensation on the inside of your window, try to control the overall humidity in your home. This is your responsibility and has nothing to do with the quality of the window. The only time the manufacturer should be responsible is when the condensation is visible between the glass panes. This is a good indicator that the seal has been broken and the glass pack has to be replaced.

Mildew can become a problem when the humidity is too high for a long period of time and should be removed with an appropriate cleaner or mildew controller that can be acquired at your local store.

Vinyl windows are solid in color throughout making painting and varnishing a thing of the past. Keep in mind by doing so you will most likely void your warranty.

Also remember that the tracks of sliding and double-hung windows are exposed to outside environment, which can leave abrasive elements such as dirt, leaves, sand, grease, soot, etc. in them. If not removed they can cause groves in the vinyl tracks when operated. It is recommended to clean them semi-annual. Use a small, stiff nylon brush for cleaning and a soft cloth to wipe them down. If needed use silicone spray lubricant on the tracks of the sliding window and on the balance shoe track of a double hung vinyl window. This will keep the operation of the vinyl window smooth without leaving oily residues that tends to collect more abrasive elements.

Do?s and Don?ts for your vinyl windows

Do?s to know about vinyl windows: ? Do open the bottom and Top window for improved air ventilation. ? Do use both hands to hold the window when it is tilting inward for cleaning ? Do always support the inward tilted windows when they are in the cleaning position ? Do make sure that the tilt latches are fully engaged after you are done cleaning and bringing the window in its original position. ? Do make sure you have your top window (double-hung) moved all the way up before you try to lock your window.

Don?ts to know about vinyl windows: ? Don?t forget to leave your lock in the open position until your windows are closed and ready to be locked. Leaving the lock in the locked position while the window is open can damage the keeper when you attempt to close it. ? Don?t try to remove the windows on a double hung vinyl window ? Don?t use WD40 or other oil based lubricants, they only attract dirt. Silicon spray should be used for lubrication. ? Don?t leave the center section of a Swing & Clean sliding vinyl window open without the proper support or you will risk damaging the functionality of your window. ? Don?t try to move sliding window sash of a Swing & Clean when the pivot hardware is locked. ? Don?t use cleaners that are abrasive to clean the vinyl or the glass of the windows ? Don?t use any solvents to clean the windows ? Don?t forget to unlock your casement windows before operating the crank to open them up ? Don?t use a high pressure hose to clean the outside of a vinyl window ? Don?t forget to add enough support to your vinyl window when installing a window air conditioning unit ? DON?T PAINT OR VARNISH vinyl windows! This will void your warranty.