Windows... again.

Yes, I know Pam is generally not in favor of replacing windows, and I do pretty much anything Pam says.  But in our defense, we were replacing already-replaced windows (not originals) and were doing so for improved function.
See, the front windows of the house - in the living room, office bedroom, and master bedroom - were picture windows.  This meant we couldn't get any cross-ventilation in the main living area and the office bedroom did not have an egress.  There were also broken latches and handles on other windows.
So, we opted to replace most of the windows (excluding only the half-bath and the doorwall) with the same Marvin Infinity with which we were so pleased in our first house.  We also got pet screen this time - we are teachable!

Traumatic and cold - the living room window was out for most of the day.

Installing the sliding end windows.

Living room - done!

Guest bedroom has two double-hung windows.

Office bedroom has Everwood casement
The bathroom in the back has obscure glass double-hung.

The vastly enhanced air circulation has improved our lives considerably, and lowered our summer electrical bill a lot, even accounting for a unusually cool season.
Window replacement might not be for everyone, but it was definitely a good idea for Skyline.

Family Quarters

The main floor private area is where the three bedrooms and full bath are located, all off the hallway adjacent the public area of the house.  These are red oak hardwood floors, like the rest of the main floor.

 The bedroom in the northeast is green, with dark green roman shade.
The large window overlooks the front yard.
There is a switched ceiling fan with light, and two electrical outlets.
There is a phone jack on the west wall.
The internet LAN cable comes up through the northeast corner.
The double-sliding door closet has two shelves.

The southeast bedroom is blue, with beige and-cream Jacquard roman shades.
The east window overlooks the front yard, the south window overlooks the side yard.
There is a switched ceiling fan with light, and three electrical outlets.
There is a phone jack on the west wall.
The double-sliding door closet has two shelves.










The southwest bedroom is beige, with burgundy satin blackout tie drapes.
The south window overlooks the side yard, and the west window overlooks the deck and back yard.
There is a switched overhead light, and two electrical outlets.
The hinged door closet has one shelf.








The upstairs bathroom is currently in renovations.
We've started removing the tile from the wall, and have primed the walls.
We're replacing the wall tile with white rectangular tiles, edged with black bullnose.
The counter top and sink will be a one-piece cultured marble vanity top.
The shower doors are also being replaced.
The floor, bathtub, and tile shower surround will remain intact.

Windows and Doors

We really like the classic, original wood-and-aluminum windows that are throughout most of the house.  However, the two large picture windows in the dining area were not the same style (as the rest of the house or each other), and were not nearly as energy-efficient, which is really saying something.  During our first winter, slabs of ice would form on the inside of the window panes, which would then melt and drip into the wooden windowsill.

The left window was fixed; only the right window could open

With all the incentives for "green" upgrades, we were able to replace these two windows with Marvin Infinity fiberglass EverWood gliders, installed by Nu-Vu Builders, who worked very quickly to install the windows, and replace the damaged wood frames and sills.  Another great experience!
With my parents' help, we stained the frames to match the woodwork in the rest of the house - Sherwin Williams was able to match the 50+ year-old color perfectly.

One of the first things we ever did with the house was to replace the driveway side door with a fiberglass model.  Locks and handles on all three 'people doors' (front, side, and garage) were installed by Strauss Security Solutions, the only Medeco retailer in the area, who provided exemplary service.

 

One of my favorite changes has been replacing the sliding glass door to the deck.  The old door, which we also have kept, was incredibly heavy, and the screen frequently came off the track.

The replacement, Pella hinged patio doors, are easy to use, beautiful, and very easily facilitate the moving of large furniture into or out of the house.  Plus, I totally have the princess "fling open the doors and let the birds sing" moment every time I open them.  The interior was stained the same as the windows.