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Staying on the Safe Side with Windows and Window Treatments All the hard work has finally paid off and you are now trying to find a home for yourself and your family, expecting to just make your pick and move in. Well, this is something many people are dreaming of, but instead, what they encounter with is usually bad plumbing, old, draughty windows and ineffective window treatments, damaged flooring and many other problems that need to be addressed. In order of avoiding rushing into something that will turn out to be a bad investment and drastically increase your initial costs, you should know what to check when shopping for a new house. It is better to be careful than to give yourself a headache and a problem which is very hard (or at least very expensive) to solve later on. We would recommend that you make a checklist of all the places to inspect and all the things to check before making your choice and signing anything, because than it will be too late. Of course this does not mean that you should at start say no to a tempting offer just because a thing or two needs to be replaced or repaired, but note that this will give you a good negotiation position that is allow you to maybe arrange a more favorable deal. You can always organize a detailed inspection of your potential home and hire a professional to do it, but if this is too costly for you, know that there are a few things you can do yourself – such as inspect windows and window treatments. Although it may seem at first that damaged windows and cheap (or worn out) window treatments are not such a big deal, know that these can cause more harm than you can imagine. Namely, windows that won’t open or close properly and old, torn drapes will not do much good in protecting your home, but on the contrary – they will let the cold air in and lower your inner temperature and reversibly increase your heating bills. What to Look For We’ll try to point some basic things to look into when checking windows and window treatments. The first thing you’ll need to determine is whether the windows function, that is open and close, properly. If you hear squeaky noises or you have any trouble completely opening or especially closing the window, try to arrange for the seller to fix the problem or at least try to lower the price since it is something you will have to do, sooner or later. Look for double-glazed windows which are much better insulators and will keep the cold air trapped between the glass panes. Probably the biggest problem in any home is moisture and condensation, since it can affect the thermal performance and ultimately your health. Especially check for poorly insulated windows, since they are the greatest source of moisture since water can easily travel through damaged sills and gaps in window frames. If you have noticed water drops on window sills, window frames or window glass, even in the corners of the walls, know that it can present a really serious problem. Sometimes, sellers and landlords are perfectly aware that people will not agree to live in moldy and musty places, why they decide to paint the walls or somehow cover the watermarks near windows. Don’t let it fool you, but always check areas that have not been painted or rooms that are especially subject to condensation and moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, where watermarks can still appear even if the walls have recently been repainted. Last but not least is checking the window treatments, not only because old drapes can cover and hide damaged windows but also because some window coverings are more energy efficient and more protective than others. Namely, it is well known that solid window treatments usually have greater insulation power than fabric ones. This means that if you are dealing with silk, synthetic drapes or curtains, you can expect many cold days to come. Now, it is a whole other story with blinds or shutters made from solid materials so look for PVC or better yet wooden Venetian window blinds. Even if the blinds are not brand new, not to worry, since we are talking about a very durable blind that will not lose its functionality for many years. On the other hand, if you like the house so much you shouldn’t let some worn our shades stop you from making your dream come true. You can always replace them with brand new Venetians in no time. They are very easy to install and they go nicely with whichever interior decorating style you go for. Even faux wood ones are a good substitute (and a cheaper one). White blinds like silky or pure white ones will match perfectly with your freshly painted walls, while more natural tones like chestnut or golden brown will add a touch of nostalgia and a hint of nature to your home. Visit Slats for more info on our beautiful Wood Window Treatments. Our mission is to offer quality window blinds at affordable prices.
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