Helge Lange

• the door shape
• the door handle position
• light control

1. Choose a window treatment that is not too deep so it will not interfere with the blinds.
2. Hang a wood blind or soft shade close against the door so that the decorative handle will not interfere in the operation.
3. Allow a roller shade to hang flush against the door.

• Miter saw
• Nail gun or hammer
• Tape measure
• Square
• Level
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Screw driver
• Caulk Filler

• Extension jambs - In installing these pieces, the first thing to be done is the top followed by the sides. If you do not want to have a windowsill, then you may skip the installation at the bottom of the window.
• Window stool - After measuring the width of the window and cutting the stool in the right size, you are now ready to affix it to the jambs. When cut properly, it could be easily slid into the extension jobs. Nails are necessary to install each piece.
• Casing the trim. This part is almost on the finishing touches. Measure the casing trim and install it on all the sides of the window frame. You may sink in nails at both ends of the trim. The final touch includes ensuring that all the nails are sunk properly on the material.

1. Sort and organize your clothes. Clothes are the first thing you need to arrange when packing the bedroom. When you stay in one place long enough it's almost inevitable that you'd accumulate more clothing than you actually need. Divide your clothes into what's necessary and what's not to avoid carrying over extraneous stuff to your new home. You can get rid of the unnecessary clothes either through a garage sale or by donating them to a charitable institution. Set aside the clothes you're going to be wearing for the time it will take to finish packing, moving and settling down in your new home. These set of clothes should be in your traveling bag along with the necessary toiletries and personal gadgets.
2. Tackle the other items in your bedroom. When you're through with your clothes go through the other items in your bedroom in this order: a) shoes, b) jewelry and other small valuables, c) beddings, linen and pillows, d) mirrors, pictures and frames, e) drapes, curtains and blinds, and finally f) furniture. Shoes could be kept in their original packaging and placed at the bottom of medium sized moving boxes together with other clothing or cloth items. Jewelry and other small valuables should be secured in a small hand-carry container which you will personally need to handle as most moving companies won't transport valuables without the appropriate insurance. Bed sheets, linen and pillows can be folded and sealed in transparent plastic bags. They can be stuffed in the extra spaces in the moving van later on to provide extra cushioning. Mirrors and picture frames are fragile and will need special boxes available in most moving supply stores. Be sure to label them 'Fragile.' Drapes, curtains and blinds can be kept in wardrobe boxes to keep them clean and wrinkle-free. Alternatively you can neatly fold them and wrap them in any type of paper (news print would be cheapest) and pack them inside medium sized moving boxes. Furniture is the trickiest as you might need to disassemble some of it (if possible). Mattresses should have their own mattress bags and boxes which might be provided by the movers or available for purchase from moving supply stores. If the dressers are light enough to be carried, you can seal the drawers in place with tape so they won't slide out during transport. Be sure to clear away any small bottles or other breakable items.
3. Ask each family member to help out. If your kids are old enough, you can probably ask them to organize and pack their own bedrooms. Teach them to first organize their closets and separate clothes, toys, and other items. You can also teach them to sort out what's necessary and needs to be packed and what can be thrown away.
4. Start with the least used bedroom. It's always a good idea to start packing in the least used bedroom such as a guest room. Later on the room can be used as intermediate storage for other bulky items that have already been packed to keep the other rooms and corridors free from clutter.

1. Before beginning installation, paint and seal your new shutters. This is easier to do before they are hanging and eliminates the danger of painting over the hardware. Use a good outdoor paint that matches or compliments the trim of your house.
2. You will need to attach the hanging strips next to the window frame. They should be painted to match either your shutters or window frame. Hanging strips are 3/4” wooden strips that you will mount the shutters on to. In some cases, your window frame may be wide enough to attach the shutters directly, though this may ruin the aesthetics of the treatment.
3. You will then need to hinge the shutters together using the face mount hinges. These should be included with your shutters. Make sure to place the hinges correctly so they will open and close easily without sticking. You may need to use a spacer to achieve this.
4. Attach hinges to the edges of the shutters. The instructions from the manufacturer should tell you where to place them on your particular shutters. Hold the shutters up to the window and mark on the hanging strips with a pencil where the screws where go. Set the shutters down and drill a starter hole for the screws.
5. Verify one last time that your shutters are even with each other and the window frame. Make sure they will close flush together with no overlap or gaps. Screw the hinges to the hanging strips. Make sure you drill the screws straight in and tighten them firmly. You do not want the screws to close to the edge of the hanging strips or you will run the danger of splintering the wood.
6. Now you can install the window shutters. Lift each shutter up to the window and line up the hinges. Slide the hinge pin in. Complete for each hinge.

1. First of all, you need to measure your window. Decide on whether or not you want an inside mount. This means that the blinds will fit inside the window frame, and this kind of mount is what most people choose. Measure the length and width of your window frame on the inside. You might want to take both measurements two or three times in different areas of the frame, in case your windows are not perfectly square.
2. Now you need to decide what you want to your blinds to do. Are you interested in keeping light out? Do you want to make sure that nobody can see in? Then you need to consider choosing thicker window blinds specifically designed for these purposes. Blinds with no route holes are also a good option for keeping bright light out. Many people save hundreds of dollars on their electric bill by installing window blinds that keep the heat out.
   On the other hand, you may want to be able to see outside at certain times. Some kinds of window blinds are easier to open than others. If your window has a nice view that you do not want to miss out on, make sure to choose window blinds that can be moved out of your way.
3. If you have a door or a large window that you are choosing blinds for, consider vertical ones. Although most blinds are horizontal, vertical blinds give a fresh look and are great at keeping out the light. It is very important that you measure correctly for these blinds.
4. Once you decide what kind of window blinds to purchase and what size you need, you will need to pick a color. Most people stick with white or off-white, but you can certainly get creative. Wood blinds are another option.
5. Choosing window blinds is not difficult. Blinds are a great alternative to curtains, and they often help people save money on electricity. Just measure, decide what kind of blinds suit you, choose a color, and then go purchase your blinds!

Step 1

• Valance board (thick cardboard or thin plywood)
• Scissors or saw
• Staple gun with staples
• Fabric
• Mounting Screws
• Drill

Step 2

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Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

It doesn't matter if you want to improve your view, increase your home's security, or make your home more energy-efficient; if you are in the market for replacement windows, there are a few important factors to consider - cost, brand and material are just a few.

1. What Type Of Window Replacement Do You Need? The cost of replacement windows has a dramatic range. They range from really cheap to expensive, expertly crafted wood replacement windows. If keeping costs low is of primary importance to you, you'll find the prices of vinyl appealing. Figure out how many years you plan on staying in the condo or house. If it is less than five, consider vinyl replacement windows rather than wood.
2. Make Appointments for Free In-Home Estimates. Call three window replacement companies specializing strictly in replacement windows to compare them. When you call the company, make sure the estimate is free and that there are no obligations attached to the visit. Some window companies will cleverly find out if you are married or have a "significant other" by asking leading questions. Be careful of this tactic, as if they find out you do have another decision-maker in the house, they might refuse to come out unless both of you are there.
3. Ask For Info about Cheap Replacement Windows. Window replacement companies will likely tell you all about a high-priced or middle of the road window. Ask them to talk to you about a window replacement that is a "step down" from what they are talking about. Indicate to them that you'd like their business, but that you have a strict budget that you will be adhering to. If the salesperson knows you will be stubborn on pricing, he will do his best to sell you on a cheap window (which will likely be what you are looking for anyway). These days, vinyl replacement windows are growing in popularity because they are energy-efficient and affordable. And fiberglass replacement windows are another great option if you're looking for durable, energy efficient windows.
4. Make Appointments with Handy Men and Contractors. Ask your neighbors and friends for references for handy men with experience installing windows. Have one or two evaluate your home and give you prices. Make sure that they have been given glowing recommendations before you invite them into your home. Ask them what kind of window they would use. It's also helpful to look for replacement window reviews and consumer ratings online before making a decision; you'll likely find valuable information about windows and local companies from Long Island to Reno, NV and everywhere in between.
5. Stick To Your Guns. Have a budget that you want to stick with for your windows, but allow for wiggle room. Never make a decision on the spot, particularly with the window replacement companies -- they are trained to close deals! They will tempt you with discount prices, but it is always wiser to compare several bids. Ask for an extension of three days on the price that they quote you to give you time to think it over. Do not feel bad that you aren't giving them business--it is their job to prove to you why you should hire them.
6. Compile Information. Keep all the window informational sheets and packets on your desk for comparison. It is likely that two or three of the companies or handymen will be using the same windows. This will make your comparison that much easier.
7. Replacement Window Pricing. Here's some more information about generally what replacement windows cost. 
   Cost is broken down into two basic things - the price of each window and price of installation. Break down the bids into these two categories. Compare the cost of replacement windows in terms of price per window installed. The low end (depending on where you live) will be $300/window for Harvey vinyl replacement windows and the high end for a product like Anderson or Pella could be $1000/window installed.
8. Quality. Factor in the quality of the window. Who makes the best replacement windows? That depends largely on your objectives. The price per window on Pella replacement windows, or Anderson, will be significantly higher than a price on vinyl replacement windows like Harvey. Decide if you really need the triple-paned window or if you just need a generic double-paned window. Most of the time the contractors and window companies will be showing you almost identical windows, but do your best to compare them on quality. Ask for brochures on the windows and set up a chart comparing the assets of each. Research the window model number online as well.
9. Warranty. Ask about the warranty on the windows. Most of the companies specializing in window replacement will offer a warranty on parts and service. Handymen and general contractors will not offer service contracts usually, but the window itself may have a transferable warranty. Ask if the warranty exists and if it is transferable. A transferable warranty means that it transfers to the next owner for the duration of the warranty. If you are planning on doing a condo over and reselling it, a warranty is a great asset to advertise.
10. Timing. The window replacement companies will lead you to believe that it takes over three weeks to get the replacement windows. Unless there is a serious back order on the particular window you are buying, it will take less time. These companies would like you to feel pressured into making a decision quickly, so as to "get the order process started." Ask them, point blank, how long the order will take, and that if it takes more than three weeks, you are not interested. It may be the case that it will take longer, but usually two to three weeks for regular replacements is the norm.
11. Payment. Companies may seek three installments - one at purchase, another when the replacement windows come in, and the last at the end of installation. Make sure you are clear on the cost and payment schedule before committing.