Architecture & Style: Choosing the right design for your home

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right windows for your home: cost, climate, durability, and energy efficiency, to name a few. In previous blog posts we’ve discussed some of your options for increasing the value and performance of your windows with glazes and glass, taking advantage of extended tax credits, and the importance of manufacturer warranties and installation guarantees like our Peace of Mind maintenance plan. But there is another thing to consider when choosing your doors and windows—something that realtors have been talking about for years: location, location, location. Where you live is important in terms of geography and climate, but beyond that your location in your chosen city matters, too. Read on:

Geography & Climate

As a Houstonian you know that humidity, heat, rain, and high winds—even the occasional hurricane—are going to affect the decisions you make for your home. Choosing strong windows with structural integrity that will protect your home through the most intense of storms is a must. In addition to heat and moisture, structural pressure and impact resistance need to be considered as well. We carry a wide array of products and our master installers are highly-skilled experts; Renaissance Windows and Doors is ready to help you choose the best window to suit your needs.

Style & Location

We all live in the same city, but as you drive the city streets it’s easy to see that each neighborhood has its own distinct personality. Modern, contemporary homes are easy to distinguish from older, traditional homes at a glance, of course, but lines and embellishments are only part of the story. To illustrate, here are descriptions of just a few of Houston’s beautiful neighborhoods, each possessing of their own style and individuality:

• The Heights: This turn-of-the-century neighborhood was described by National Geographic as having a “quirky sense of individuality.” One of the city’s earliest planned communities, the Heights “now flourishes as a destination for foodies, architecture buffs, and creative types.” Walk along Heights Boulevard to see beautifully restored Victorian homes alongside Craftsman bungalows and Mission-style homes-turned-commercial spaces.
• Montrose: Established just after the turn-of-the-century, Montrose is about 20 years younger than the Heights and has a personality all its own. “Quirky” fits the bill in this neighborhood, too, and there are no shortage of great restaurants and bars, galleries and antique shops, coffeehouses and boutiques for the resident and visitor alike. In a wonderful New York Times travel piece on Montrose, the author described the neighborhood as a “mishmash of architectural styles ... from Prairie to clapboard houses with gingerbread trim.”
• River Oaks: Upscale and beautifully groomed as far as the eye can see, River Oaks isn’t just one of the wealthiest communities in Texas –it’s one of the wealthiest communities in the U.S.! Large mansions and even larger estates, set well back from the street are the design hallmark of this community which includes new construction as well as 100-year-old homes.

What about the ‘Burbs?

As Houstonians we also know that the geography of our city includes the “OTL” and “ITL” distinctions. (That’s “outside the loop” and “inside the loop” for newcomers and visitors!) Folks living in the suburbs will encounter different home styles depending on the community in which they choose to live, just like inside the city, but there are perhaps more opportunities for affordable new-home construction or older home renovation.

If it’s time to replace windows and doors in your home and you need an expert to help you maintain the architectural integrity of your home, come see us at Renaissance Windows and Doors. We are committed to helping you with home renovations that preserve your home’s unique style! Stop  in and see our showroom today.