Hi, sweet SI family, I hope you’re having a great start to the week. Two weeks ago I had the West Windows Crew here installing my brand new windows. Today I’m sharing a little about the process, and my thoughts on getting all new windows for the house.
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Here’s what my windows looked like two weeks ago. They were over twenty years old, some of the cranks were broken, and they were drafty. I could hear all the traffic coming and going outside. Although the house is super cute, I’ve never been fond of the brown and white trim.
PICKING A WINDOW COMPANY
I’m in the Greater Toronto Area and there are SO MANY reputable window companies to choose from. I decided to go with West Windows in Burlington. They are a family-based business and they train and employ all the installers rather than contract out. The owner Ralph West and sons Chris and Ryan are hands-on and it was obvious they take pride in their work, staff, and company. The actual window supplier played a big part in my decision as well.
PICKING THE WINDOW COLOR/DESIGN
I’m not going to lie, the process of picking the window style felt a little stressful. It’s an investment that hopefully will last for years so I wanted to be sure of my choice. My house is modest, built in the 50’s, and very traditional so I wanted to keep a traditional look on the front. I also knew I wanted black to give the house an updated look. I felt the window grills would add a design element to keep it looking classic yet updated. Bruce (part of the West Windows sales team) was awesome in helping me with all the choices I had. He was also patient as I was looking around trying to decide on how many grills I wanted on the front. A trip to Niagara On The Lake helped me make my decision. While out for lunch, I looked across the street and saw a similar window to mine with the 12 grid and knew that was it! I went back home and used electrical tape to make sure the 12 grid looked good on the front window. Cheap electrical tape works amazing if you’re ever in need of a visual! (see pic below)
MEASURING
Chris came out to measure all the windows and went over all the final details. Once measured, the window order was placed with the manufacturer and a date for installation was ‘guesstimated’ for late August. The installation didn’t actually happen until the beginning of October. I’m sure that if I was in a rush they would have done their best to accommodate – but I wasn’t in any hurry. I much preferred having the windows installed in the cooler weather.
INSTALL
The West Windows Crew came and installed all the windows in three days – AWESOME!
The third day was the finishing touches on the front bay window and skirt.
The beautiful view from my NEW office windows!
MY NEW WINDOWS
Here’s the finished look and I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new windows!
I’m so happy with the original style of skirt as well.
Here’s the back of the house. The basement windows have not been replaced because they are still in good condition. Because I’m not woohoo about the brown, I plan on painting the frames black to match the rest of the house. Let me know if this is something that might interest you in the comments below. If so, I’ll be sure to share the process and how they turn out!
Here’s a closer look at the front office window.
I LOVE them. Now that the windows look so good, there are a bunch of other things that could use freshening up. The fascia, downspouts, siding, and trim around the door are on my list.
A HUGE thank you to Chris, Ryan, Colin, Brody, Bruce, and the entire West Windows crew. Outstanding customer service and quality of work from start to finish. They were easy to work with and made the entire process seamless. The guys are awesome and it was obvious from the moment they started how well this team works together – like a well-oiled machine. I couldn’t be happier with my new windows and I’ve already received SO MANY compliments from neighbours and friends. If you’re in the area and in the market for new windows, I highly recommend West Windows.
I’d love to hear what you think of the windows… I always love hearing from you, it makes my day! 🙂 I’ll be back on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Upper Crew and these thrifted French Provincial Nightstands.
Happy painting my friends!
Denise x
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Your home is so darned cute! The new windows look great and a nice improvement over the old.
Huge improvement, right!?!😃 Thanks so much Jan!😊
It’s amazing how the change to black trim for the windows really cleans up and updates the look of your cute home. I bet it makes you smile every time you drive up to your home. Beautiful landscaping too!
Thanks so much Joanne! I’m so pleased I picked black. Funny I thought it was going to make the windows look smaller yet somehow they look bigger… and cleaner (just as you said!) than before! And yes, they’re putting a huge smile on my face everytime I drive up.🤗
You house is just adorable, Denise! Wood siding would be really attractive. The 12 grid looks really nice. How did you figure out the measurements?
I’m getting new windows tomorrow and I can’t wait. I look forward to more quiet and much better insulation. My windows are over 50 years old. What a great time to change out windows, too.
How exciting Caye, you’re going to LOVE your new windows!!! 😃 As for the measurements, math is not my strong point so I left that to the professionals…lol. And yes, I agree with you. I think the front of the house needs some wood to warm things up. Thanks Caye!!! Good luck tomorrow!
I do understand the stress of choosing something as important as windows. Especially if you’re considering black. But I have to say the black is stunning and you made the perfect chose for the style and color of your home. And what a great idea to use the black tape. You’re so smart! I’m so proud for you. I bet you make excuses to go to the store just so you can drive up and look at your windows. 😆 I DO!
And wasn’t it fun to watch the installers? I too chose a company that trained their own employees. Smart! Enjoy my friend. 🙂
You just gave me the BEST laugh Do… YES, I check my new windows out everytime I come and go. I slow right down so I can get a really good looksie…🤣😂! And I totally get why you do the same – yours are G O R G E O U S. Your windows were a huge inspiration so thanks so much my friend. XOXO
Wow, I too have multi-paned, black framed, tinted, dual pane windows and I love them. I don’t think you can go wrong with black. All white ever does is get dingy! Those windows look wonderful on your gorgeous house.
I agree with that gal above, that portico is beautiful but that off-white large triangle competes with it too much. Maybe try and find someone that has the software to take a photo and then try different things for that area, paint, vertical siding or sculpted wood, the cedar shake shingles. Probably lots of different things to contemplate.
Hi Mary, thank you!! I’m so happy with the black and yes, I’m hoping low(er) maintenance than white. And I agree with you and Kellee. I need some warm wood to warm things up and I like your idea about trying different looks in an online program!
These black windows look so beautiful and elegant Denise! Great design choice but I’m not surprised because you have such a great eye. I would also like to see how you paint the basement frames. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Nicki! And thanks for chiming in. I’m not sure if I’m going to get around to painting them before the cold weather hits but I hope so. :):) I’ll def share though!
Isn’t it a relief when a project like this comes out So well ! I love the black.
The electrical tape tip is great. I love the 12 selection.
Your home is Adorable. With your deco abilities… I am not surprised. 🙂
Such a cute home, and love your plant scaping.
Thanks for sharing !!
Thanks so much P and yes…a relief! It’s an investment and not easily changeable like re-painting furniture.😆 I found the electrical tape so helpful – at least it gave me a bit of a visual on the house before I made a final decision. Have a super week. XOXO
Great job !!!!!!
The new windows look beauuuuuuuutiful !!!!!!!!!
Perfect choice !
Thank you so much!!!🤗
Hi Denise, the windows look great! I really like the color and the updated style to the bay window. Great job! 👏
Thanks so much Liz! They really did an amazing job! Have a great week! xo
Looks great. But three days, how many windows do you have? We had our 51 windows replaced in 2021 and it only took one day. Of course, I don’t have a bowfront so maybe that’s why.
Wasn’t sure about the black idea but now that I’ve seen it, it’s perfect. I’m so jealous that you can visualize things.
Gina….51 WINDOWS…whaat!!? How many guys were on the instal crew? I had the full crew (5 guys) here for two full days. The third day was a partial day with 2 guys working on the front bay window. And ya, they did tell me that bay window took some effort…lol. And thanks, I LOVE the black as well!
What a lovely and I’m sure deeply satisfying change. How are the draftiness and noise control? I love the look of your house — the plantings, color and overall flow and balance make it so uplifting and inspiring. Makes me want to go tackle an outside project of my own.
Hi Cyndel! Thanks so much. The draftiness is gone and I still hear a little outside but waaaay better than it was. The best test will be come winter with our freezing cold temps. I’m guessing the new windows will be more energy efficient.🤗 And I’m with you,…I have so many outside projects I still want to tackle as well!
They look amazing and your house is SO stinkin cute! The windows really add a sleekness to it! XOXO
Awww, thanks so much Christy! It still needs some work but I’m super happy with what the guys did! XOXO
Hi Denise. Your new windows are beautiful. Your electrical tape hack is brilliant. I’d love a tutorial on how to paint outdoor window frames. I’m thinking of painting mine a charcoal/black.
Hi Monique, thank YOU!!! Yes, the dollar store electrical tape really helped me when I was stumped on the grill pattern…lol. When I walk my dog I see a few homes that have painted their window frames so I know its doable. I’ll have to research which paints would hold up best and then for sure, I’ll share!😊
These look SO good, Denise! The black really elevated it’s charm. Now I keep picturing some weathered cedar shake style on that tan vertical section. 😉
Thank you Kellee 💕 and yessssss, I just painted the door but now I’m thinking a wood door would really warm things up… or cedar/wood siding just as you’re suggesting! I totally agree!