What's moisture level? Is floor likely to get wet or is room naturally 'damp'?

Some floors just aren't suited for damp areas. A basement playroom with a high moisture content, or a bathroom are seldom candidates for a solid wood floor, though there are some choices in wood laminates that might work if finished properly. Instead, you might choose slate or ceramic tiles with area rugs for bathroom for a dramatic look that wipes up well and keeps its gloss for years.

What's your personal style? What mood do you want in your room?

Want a luxurious feel? A thick pile rug over polished wood is a classic, elegant look that is pure luxury. A floor to accent a spare, modern style? Stone or slate, polished to a high sheen is a beautiful backdrop for leather and steel furniture and ascetic lines. A wooden parquet floor can be a dramatic focal point in an open foyer, or can lend a touch of Continental elegance to a formal living room. Wooden floors can hit any mood from rustic to royal, and choices of color, pattern and style in vinyl or ceramic tiles can fit any active room in your home.

There are also several options in glass you will want to consider for your replacement project. You can choose clear or tinted glass. You may even choose leaded and bevelled edge glass or tempered safety glass. In addition to types of glass, there are a number of films that can be applied to glass to restrict light and energy radiation as well as to provide greater privacy.

Double pane sashes have added advantage of cutting down amount of sound coming from outside home. This helps reduce traffic noise in high traffic areas.

Planning your replacement installation

When you begin planning your replacement project, spend some time brainstorming options and specific benefits you are seeking. How do you want to control light? Ventilation? Is security an issue? How about privacy? Do you want to make room seem larger?

You will also want to coordinate your windows with other architectural features of house. This is called curb appeal. You can dramatically change appearance of house as well as its value with replacement styles you choose.

Finally, be sure to check city building codes to maintain compliance.

Installing replacements or even new installation projects not difficult tasks for a diy. There are numerous books and websites offering step-by-step instructions for just about every window application you can imagine.

Tips on selecting replacement styles

Here are some commonsensical tips to help you select your replacement windows.

1. Choose high quality products with a reliable warranty. Your new windows can be expected to last 40 or more years.
2. Choose models with low-e glass.
3. In cooler climates, choose either double glazed styles or gas-filled double glazed models for greater energy efficiency.
4. Check magazine and website reviews about various kinds of windows. The top brand names come at a price. You may find excellent engineering and craftsmanship in lesser-known brands that will provide you with excellent service for much less money.

The beauty and comfort of your home can be tremendously affected by replacement windows you choose. Offers to sell discount products by door-to-door or telemarketing salespeople should be considered extremely carefully. Most of these offers end up with installation of inferior quality replacements at inflated prices. The cost and effect of replacement windows is too great to take unnecessary chances. Take time to consider your needs for lighting, room access, ventilation and appearance. Consult a professional if necessary. The time and effort will be well worth it in selecting appropriate replacements for your home.