In this series of blog posts on remodeling options, we’ve been looking at the decisions homeowners need to make when hiring Hudson Remodeling to renovate their Whatcom County homes. So far, we’ve looked at bathrooms, kitchens, and the overall Hudson design/build process.
As you prepare to discuss and plan your home remodeling project, these articles might help you understand the decisions you’ll need to make.
In this post, we’ll look at options for doors, windows, siding and decking.
Doors
In addition to exterior and interior pass-through doors, you’ll want to think about the style of doors you’d like for other uses, including closets and pantries.
If you have a back patio, perhaps you’d like a glass accordion door that opens extra wide, connecting the indoors with the yard during warm summer months. For the pantry, you might consider a barn door that can easily be kept open and that adds visual interest to the room. For a small powder room, a pocket door might give you the extra space you need. And if you have pets or young children running around, a split Dutch door could be a fun way to provide kitchen egress while keeping everyone safe and secure.
In addition to the type and function of the door, you’ll also want to consider door styles, including panel, shaker, slab, full lite (large glass panel) and half lite (upper glass window).
Then there are the styles of knobs and finishes. Lever handles can make doors easier to open for the elderly or those with arthritis, but they’re also easier for young children to open, too. Consider also which doors need to be lockable, which need deadbolts, which need standard latching action and which need dummy knobs.
Will closet and cabinet knobs match doorknobs? Will door styles match cabinet styles? What finish or material would fit best with your décor?
Windows
There are as many styles of windows as there are functions, so you get to pick exactly what you want. Options include single hung, double hung, arched, awning, bay, bow, casement, picture, round, skylight, solar tube, slider and transom. Glass block windows for a bathroom also can be a fun, retro touch.
Siding
Hardie Board and similar fiber cement options are popular because of their durability. Other options include traditional wood siding, cedar and vinyl.
If you go with Hardie or vinyl siding, you can choose between a textured or smooth finish.
Finally, do you want lap siding, shingles or a combination? If you prefer vertical siding, such as board and batten styles, both wood and fiber cement are great options.
Cedar shakes or shingles are a classic and durable option as well.
Decking
If you prefer a wood deck, you’re going to want to choose between treated wood or cedar, as both can withstand the harsh Whatcom County weather for years. Composite decking, which typically is made from recycled plastic, can be made to emulate wood and is long-lasting. Plus, it doesn’t need painting or staining. In fact, composite decking is by far becoming the most popular choice among homeowners due to its low maintenance and durability.
If you prefer a clean look for your deck, you might want to select hidden fasteners, which keep the deck together without visible screw holes.
As always, please feel free to contact Hudson Remodeling with any questions you might have about options. We serve Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Fairhaven and the rest of Whatcom County on quality and custom home renovation projects.