Windows!

It's amazing how different the house looks with new windows.  Almost doesn't look haunted anymore --well, maybe just the third floor.

We went with charcoal grey exteriors instead of the white that was originally there, but tried to keep some of the original look by adding grilles to the front bay windows. 

So many neighbours have commented on how nice the grilles look-- almost original to the house. I wanted them above eye level so we'd still have a clear view out (currently to a port-a-potty!)

We ended up buying our windows from Trimbo Windows.  Our contractors have worked with them for about 10 years and recommended them.  We did use Trimbo for the basement windows of our current house and were very happy with them, but I thought I should still shop around for such a large item.  

We looked at 3 other companies for windows.  One that does only wood windows, one that does both wood and vinyl, and another vinyl company.  Vinyl windows have come a long way apparently, and both wood window companies couldn't give us a better reason for buying wood other than the look of it.  And that is pretty much only from the inside as well with a clad window.  I personally couldn't tell the difference from the outside between a vinyl window and a clad wood window (which we would have done since we don't want the upkeep of wood exterior windows).  But the cost is considerably more.  They ended up being quoted to us at approximately 3 times the cost of Trimbo windows. That just seemed crazy!  We did get quotes from other vinyl companies as well and they all came in higher than Trimbo with nothing more to offer in terms of quality or energy efficiency.  This is probably because Trimbo manufactures their own windows.  

We couldn't be happier with our decision!  Honestly, the guys at Trimbo have been fabulous to work with.  It is a family run business and they are all so knowledgeable about their product.  They are also extremely fast!  We got our windows-- all 28 of them-- in 3 weeks!  I don't know if that is normal for them or if it was because of their long standing relationship with our contractor, or if we were just lucky with our timing.  I've talked to some friends who have waited months for their windows.  Holmes on Homes apparently works with these guys and I can see why.

This is my fake corner window.  The big one was a beast!  It took 4 men to carry it.  I couldn't watch that one going in-- I was too afraid of it getting dropped into the ravine!

After installing this one, our contractor pulled off all the Trimbo stickers and stuck them back on upside down.  This was their little joke on my dad.  They figured he would come by and flip that the window was installed upside down.  I unfortunately couldn't be there for that and don't know if the plan worked.  Funny if it did!