Hello my Northern Colorado friends. 
 
Thanks again for stopping by our blog and we hope that you continue to find the information we share helpful as well as a tad bit light hearted as we share some home improvement tips with you all.
 
If you have not had a chance to read last week’s blog, I want to stop reading this page, and go back and check out what we had to say on the I Got Money On My Mind Part I.
 
We kicked our first blog of the year off by giving our viewers some ideas creative ideas for decreasing the amount of money spent each month on their homes energy bills.  Be sure to check out tip #2, which is our favorite. Yep you guessed it….installing new replacement windows was our favorite money saving tip, but can you fault us for our honesty.
 
Today we will share 3 more tips, however these tips will not merely save you monthly, rather the aim of these tips are to help increase the value of your home.  Home owners should always be on the lookout for practical ways to increase the value of your home, especially in cases when your home is your greatest asset. 
 
So, shall we begin…thought so!
 
Tip #1: Chromed Out Kitchen
 
When I hear the term “chromed out” I immediately think about a new set of shiny wheels, however, in this case we are talking about adding chrome or whatever your favorite surface may be to your kitchen.  For example, updating some appliances like our refrigerator, sink, faucet, and microwave can add a modern appeal to your home.  Outside of the bedroom, the kitchen is the most occupied room in the home so you are essentially guaranteed to get a return on this upgrade whether you decide to sell your home or not.
 
Tip #2: Finish that Basement
 
Alright fellas, many of you may think this means that you should build a man cave, but that could not be further from the truth here.  Finishing a basement can prove to be great investment in your home, but that doesn’t necessarily include dropping a rug down and adding a pool table. Finishing the basement provides the opportunity to add more bedrooms and even a bathroom, which adds to value of your home.  Now after these rooms have been established, IF there is still room for your Broncos memorabilia then go for it.  Don’t forget to run that by the boss first though…please don’t blame us.

You don't need to know How to invest in Gold for Retirement to redo your basement!
 
Tip #3: Upgrade the Throne
 
Sorry, we couldn’t resist this one here.  On a serious note, bathroom remodeling is becoming more popular each and everyday.  Let the modernization of your home continue by upgrading your bathroom with a new faucet like this one, or installing a new tub and or shower.  There are many professionals out there who specialize in bathroom remodeling and we recommend that you hop on Google and do some research just like you did when you found Fort Collins Windows and Doors.
 
Thanks for stopping by today and if you are interested in learning more about option #2 give us a call today at 970-372-5120. 

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Hello friends and Happy New Year to each of you.  As always, we would like to thank you for stopping by our blog today, and we will commit to doing our best to add a little value to your home improvement ambitions.
 
As you know the home building and remodeling industry is vastly growing, and each year there is a wave of new strategies and tactics that homeowners implement to do one of two things:
 
1.Save them money on their annual or monthly home expenses

2.Increase the market value of their home
 
After all, for most people their greatest investment and asset so we at Fort Collins Windows and Doors dutifully applaud such individuals for making the smart decision to invest back in their home. 
 
When we speak of investment, many automatically assume that this involves money. Well friends, while yes, things do cost money, many of the strategies that can improve one’s home can be done the weekend DIY’er with a quick trip to their local hardware store to snatch up a few supplies.  However, keep in mind that the greater the initial investment maybe often means the greater value in the long run.
 
In order to paint a clear and concise message we will focus on money saving strategies today, and share strategies for increasing the value of your home later this week.
 
Today, we are going to focus on some trends in home improvement that will help you save money on your monthly expenses in 2017 and beyond. 
 
Are you ready?  Let’s go.
 
Tip #1: Install a Whole House Fan
 
Now, if we were having this discussion in Phoenix, I’d authorize you to call me crazy and leave this blog right now. However, this is Northern Colorado so this is definitely a viable option for those who are committed to keeping more $$$ in your pocket this year.  I’ll have you know that a whole house fans only uses 10% of what a typical air conditioning unit does.  Going “green” is in and this move helps both the environment and your wallet. 
 
Tip #2:  Consider Window Replacement
 
Alright, alright, I know what you’re thinking. This is an obvious response from a window company.  Well, yes and no.  Window replacement is definitely not one of the “cheapest” options for improving your home, however, it is most certainly an investment that can save money every month of the year on your home’s energy bill.  Each of our custom window options are energy efficient and will also protect the value of your home.  Yes, the answer is a little bias, but when you put your long-term thinking caps on with us, we’re sure you agree.
 
Tip #3:  Install a Water Filtration System
 
Have you ever stopped and calculated the amount of money you spend each month on bottled water?  Each year Americans spend approximately $100 per person in the home on bottled water alone.  However, tap water (which we’re not recommending) is 2,000 times less expensive. So how do we provide a viable solution to this equation?  Water filtration!  Hop on Amazon get overwhelmed with options and you’ll be sure to find an option that will save you money in 2017 and beyond.
 
Thanks for stopping by today and if you are interested in learning more about option #2 give us a call today at 970-372-5120. 

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​Welcome back to our blog here at Fort Collins Windows and Doors. We know that it has been a little while since we last spoke, but rest assured we have a few more golden nuggets to share with you before we put a bow on 2016. 
 
This week we are excited to discuss a topic that we have all experienced this, yet most have no idea how to fix. That would be those stubborn and sticky sliding doors that don’t move seamlessly back and forth on the track as they were designed to do.  
 
You know the feeling of frustration when you want to let little Charlie out back to handle his business, yet your door gets stuck and starts to tip back after retracting all of six inches.  You push and pull, push and pull only to final throw the entire thing off track, creating a bigger mess than already existed.  Oh, and Charlie decided that he’d had enough of waiting for you to finish your fight with the door, so he handled business right there in the living room.  
 
Yep, we’ve been there too, but fortunately for you today we are going to give you 3 preventative maintenance tips to keep you out of the dreaded situation. 
 
Tip #1-Get Your Groove On
 
If you journey down to the bottom of your door you will likely identify a screw with a hole above, known as the access hole.  Below the screw you will see a groove which the rollers slide back and forth on.  Over time the weight of the door compresses the grooves and this can be reversed simply sticking a screwdriver in the access hole and turning it clockwise.  Just a couple of rotations will give the rollers a little more breathing and help provide a smooth slide on the track. 
 
Tip #2-Get Rid of the Dust
 
The majority of sticky doors will be fixed with the first solution, however, if your door still wants to be stubborn, your next amateur solution if to clean out the door track. Now this involves more than grabbing the nozzle on the vacuum cleaner and giving it a couple of strokes.  Before grabbing a vacuum, first grab a wire brush, and if you are above 40, a pair of kneepads.  Thoroughly scrape the entire track area and ensure to get up as much grime as possible. Once done grab the vacuum and clean up the mess, then hopefully your door will be back in business. 
 
 
Tip #3-Replace Your Roller Assembly
 
If the first two tips do not do the trick, chances are you have a faulty roller assembly.  Although this step will require much more manpower than the first, the good news is that you still do not have to call a professional at this point. Just hop in your car and head over to your local Joseph’s Hardware Store to pick up a new roller assembly kit.  You may want to grab a six pack on your back since this step will require you to take the door off and detach and attach the new rollers.