​When it comes to home improvement projects; DIY, saving time and money are common buzzwords you hear. But how do you accomplish those goals when it seems like every remodeling project has unforeseen problems that blow your carefully planned budget out of the water? The answer to that is small renovations. Small renovations don’t cost a fortune but can breathe new life into your home and make a significant impact on your home's value as well. So, before you go knocking down walls and tearing up carpets, here are some remodeling tips to help save you money as you begin planning your project.

Bring in Natural Light 
Want to capitalize on the natural sunlight but don’t have the budget to reframe a wall for a new window? Brighten up your space by adding a skylight or install a solar light tube that will help funnel sunshine into your home. If replacing windows is in your budget, then we have some excellent window replacement tips here.
 
Go for Look-Alikes
Consider look-alikes where it makes sense; this doesn’t mean you need to go cheap. Instead, look for less expensive hardwood flooring or tile that looks similar to the expensive version. Or go for the middle price range on your light fixtures or faucets. 
 
Efficiently Increase Storage Space
Everyone could use more storage space – especially in the kitchen. Consider adding 2-layer drawers for small kitchen necessities such as silverware or spices or replacing cabinet shelves with pullout drawers. They can handle more weight and you have easy access to the back without having to stretch with difficulty to the end of the cupboard. 
 
If you’re interested in more kitchen remodeling ideas on a budget, click here. 
 
Save on Material
There are many ways to save on material. After a fresh coat of paint and a little detail work, reclaimed material can look good as new.  Look for recycling stores that reuse building materials. For example, Habitat for Humanity Restores sells new and salvaged building materials and home appliances for a fraction of the retail price. 
 
Don’t Move Plumbing
If you can avoid it, don’t move the kitchen sink or the toilet. The added cost of new plumbing plus a plumber can overshoot your budget quickly. 

Use Stock Sizes
Strategically plan your remodeling project with stock sizes in mind. Using manufactured dimensions will save you time and money because nothing will have to be custom fabricated. 

Small renovations can have big payoffs when done right. So when you’re planning out your next remodeling project, look at your house with a critical eye and ask yourself: what features need updating or fixing, and what can wait? It will give you an idea of where to start, and with our handy money-saving tips, you can enjoy remodeling and have your home in tip-top shape in no time.

Looking for an expert to help you plan some recession-proof remodeling? Give us a call today at 928-778-3056.

​Here in the central highlands of Arizona, we homeowners have unique requirements for our windows and doors. We’re not as hot as the Phoenix valley, yet the sun’s high UV intensity still wreaks havoc on our homes. We don’t get as much snow and cold as the highest elevations, but it gets cold. These massive temperature swings will cause window and door seals to expand and contract – which causes problems over time. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your windows or doors? We put together a guide to help you determine if replacing your windows and doors should be at the top of your remodeling project list.

• Difficult opening, closing or locking the window or door.
• Drafts can be felt coming in, even when your windows or doors are closed.  
• There is condensation or fogging between the layers of glass.  
• The frames are soft, chipped, or water-damaged on or around the window or doors.  
• The style is outdated and doesn’t blend well with the rest of your home.  
• Cleaning has become a major hassle.  
• Replacement parts are hard to find or have been discontinued.  
• You hear a lot of outside noise when inside your home.
• You want to reduce your high energy bill.  

 
Choosing the right windows and doors for your next remodel project is an important process, and can be difficult. As homeowners ourselves, we understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be. This is why we created a simple process that makes selecting your new windows & doors as easy as possible.

1. Gather inspiration. If you haven't already done this step, start here. 
2. Decide what matters. Determine which features matter most to you such as energy-efficiency ratings, best window frame material, and safety features, so you can narrow down your selection. 
3. Do your research. Visit showrooms or home improvement stores to experience the look, feel, and different features of window and door styles up close. 
4.  Set a budget. Now that you’ve narrowed down your selection, you can set a realistic budget.  
5. Work with an expert. Whether you DIY the project or contract it out, it helps to talk with an expert to understand the process better. We do in-home consults here at Triple E where we’ll take measurements, discuss all available options, and answer any questions you have to ensure that you’ll get the right products for you. No more, and no less. 
6. Installation day. Triple E installation day is a breeze. Our no-mess, no-guess, hassle-free install means our crew will leave their work area cleaner than they found it. They’ll also haul away your old windows and doors for your convenience.   
7. Enjoy the view. Once our installers are gone, it's time to relax and appreciate the long-awaited benefits of your new windows.

Replacing your windows and doors doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking, confusing process. Call us today at 928.778.3056 or fill out our contact form. You’ll be amazed at how stress-free replacing your windows and doors can be!

Finding the perfect windows and doors for your home can be a frustrating process if you don't know where to start or what to look for. We put together some of our essential tips and pointers for window replacements to help guide you as you begin your project. These tips will help make your window replacement process not only easy, but enjoyable as well!

​Let’s Get Inspired
Start by building a foundation of your preferences. The easiest way to do this is by looking around the room you would like to remodel and note the things you love and the things that you don’t enjoy. Look at the big picture first. Is it full of light or dark tones? Is it busy or minimalistic? Does the overall feel of the room give you that “home sweet home” feeling, or does it lack your personality? 
 
With these questions in mind, now it’s time to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and get ready to be inspired. One of the best places to find Pella window and door designs is through our gallery, Pinterest, or Houzz. As you collect ideas, you will begin to notice a pattern of specific options and styles that keep coming up.  Be sure to make a note of these common themes you notice, as they're elements that you'll likely want to incorporate into your remodel.  
 
Here are some design tips to keep in mind as you browse for inspiration.
 
Traditional or Modern
Do you have to choose just one style? Many people find that they enjoy a mix of styles and would like to blend them. It can be done in a tasteful cohesive manner, but it just takes a bit of balancing work. Whatever style or blend you decide to go with, determine that ahead of time so you know what style of windows you're looking for.
 
Natural Lighting Control
Windows are great for maximizing the use of our plentiful natural light that we get in Arizona. Take a moment to consider which direction your windows or doors will be facing – where the sunlight falls and where it doesn’t. This will help balance the placement of your windows and doors to bring natural light in without causing energy loss or potential sun damage to your interior.
 
Design For The View
The right windows or patio doors can perfectly frame your outdoor area and make it the focal point of a room. If there is no view to enjoy or you'd like more wall space, placing windows high on the wall will let in more light.
 
Ventilation
Consider whether you would like windows that can open or not. With the high temperatures we get in the summer months, ventilation is key to keeping a room comfortable. 
 
Variety of Shapes
A fun way to add your personality to your design is to use a variety of window shapes and sizes. If you have a great view that you want to be a focal point – a wall of windows or a multi-panel patio door will add visual interest and bring nature into your home. 
 
No matter what room you choose to remodel, whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, living room or laundry room – windows and doors can play a critical role in improving the style of your home. If you would like help choosing the right windows and doors for your home, contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our window experts!

​Trying to decide on what kind of door to install for your patio or deck? Two popular options to choose from are sliding glass doors or hinged (also known as French) doors. But which one fits your home best? Let’s take a look at the different available configurations.

Design Configuration
A single hinged patio door has one door that can have right, left or both window panels added to the door. It’s a great way to bring natural light in with little-to-no wall space available.
 
Double hinged patio doors (French doors) have two panels that swing open from the center.  Whether your style is traditional or modern, the classic elegance of French doors will complement the room’s style while bringing in the outdoor beauty as well. 
 
Folding Patio Doors are multi-panel doors that fold and stack effortlessly to the side, creating the perfect connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
 
Sliding glass doors are the most popular choice because of their durability and functionality. They are also an ideal space-saving choice for smaller rooms. However, if you do have space, you can always add extra window panels to expand the opening and bring in more natural light. 
 
If you want to keep the upscale look of the traditional French door but don’t have the right design layout for swinging doors, the sliding French door configuration is a seamless alternative. 
 
Many homeowners have decided to go with multi-slide patio doors, because they have expansive panels that slide open and smoothly disappear into a wall pocket to expand your living space, so you can enjoy that uninterrupted view. 
 
Space
The layout of your room has a significant effect on which door style to choose. While a sliding door is more flexible with the room’s design, French doors can provide a wider opening.  Perfect for hosting gatherings or for moving large objects in or out. So, considering factors such as wall placement, furniture and floor space will help in narrowing down your decision. 
 
Climate
Your local climate can also play an important role when deciding on which style of patio door to go with. In regions with high winds, sliding doors will be safer because they are less likely to slam shut. If you choose an out-swing door, consider the drifts of snow that may block the door from opening. With in-swing doors, snow or rain can stick to the exterior of the door, and could bring moisture inside when opened.
 
With so many different styles and configurations to choose from, there is a patio door for everyone. It’s just a matter of finding the right door for your particular needs. Still unsure? Call our remodeling experts today at 928.778.3056 Or fill out our contact form at your convenience.and they’ll help you find the perfect fit for your home. 

​The kitchen is the heart of the home, and sometimes it needs a little renovating to bring it back to its former glory. Here are five kitchen remodeling ideas that will give you a return on investment, help you fall in love with your kitchen again, and allow you to stay within your budget.  
 
Upgrade Countertops
When you walk into a kitchen, counters are usually the first thing you notice. Much like last year, a significant kitchen remodeling trend we’ll expect to see more of in 2020 will be old laminate countertops being upgraded to stone or natural wood. We love this trend because it’s not only beautiful, but can be done on a budget while increasing your home’s resale value.

​Sinks 
Sinks are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Over the years however, damage becomes more visible and a simple sink replacement can make a drastic difference in the overall appearance of your kitchen.
 
Stainless steel sinks are easy on the budget, pair well with any style of counter, and are incredibly durable. Porcelain sinks are also a beautiful trending option for those of you who don’t expect to put too much hard wear on your sink. 
 
Replacing Kitchen Hardware
If you want a project that won’t take up too much time but will still freshen up your kitchen, try updating your kitchen hardware. Who knew adding such small items like warm metallic gold and brass drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to a traditional kitchen could make such a big difference?
 
Freshen up Your Cabinets
While we don’t believe classic white cabinets will go out of style anytime soon, we do see it giving way to the trending two-tone look. Consider contrasting white upper cabinets with natural warm gray and blue tones on your lower cabinets.
 
For small kitchens, a great budget-friendly idea for the aspiring minimalist that will make the space more breathable is to remove the upper cabinets altogether, or install the much-loved open shelving concept.

Mix-and-Match Lighting
Traditional kitchens tend to suffer from outdated lighting, which results in a lot of dark and patchy spots. Overhead fixtures do a great job of brightening up the entire space, while pendant lights lighten specific areas. The key to mixing and matching while still keeping a consistent look, is to choose at least one element such as the finish or the shape, and stay consistent with that element on each light.

Another great idea that deserves mention is placing LED lighting under or above your cabinets. There are many different shades and styles of lighting available, so you can pick a product that will match the warm or cool tones of your home.
 
With the help of these simple remodeling ideas, it’s easy to make your kitchen look bigger, brighter and updated while still staying on budget. Check out our gallery for more ideas and inspiration, and get excited to love your “new” kitchen again.