FRENCH-STYLE SLIDING PATIO DOOR

FRENCH-STYLE SLIDING PATIO DOOR

FW&D announces a new style in sliding patio doors. Alside, a leading manufacturer of windows, introduces the Promenade™ French-Style Sliding Patio Door. The new premium patio door is designed to function flawlessly, protecting homes from inclement weather and reducing energy loss without taking up the space of traditional in-swing French doors. The patio doors also allow an abundance of natural sunlight into the home – what many homeowners desire when choosing a patio door.



“French-style doors are a popular design choice for many consumers,” said Robert Schindler, senior vice president of marketing for Associated Materials, Inc., Alside’s parent company. “The challenge is that they require a considerable amount of space to operate. With this new patio door design, Alside has made it easy for homeowners to capture that same elegant appearance in a space-saving sliding door design.”

The doors’ 5" top, 7" bottom and 3" side rails feature mortised joints that help to achieve the traditional “French door” character and charm. For easy, quiet operation of the door panel, these patio doors are developed with a steel tandem roller system with nylon-encased steel wheels. Promenade patio doors require little maintenance; will never need painting; and are made with premium vinyl that won’t chip, peel, crack or warp.

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, dual internal and external weatherstripping on the patio doors provide improved energy-efficiency performance. Alside also offers ENERGY STAR® qualified ClimaTech® insulated glass package options that help reduce the transfer of heat and cold, leading to improved energy savings year round.

Promenade French-Style Sliding Patio Doors are available in 2-, 3- or 4-panel configurations. Homeowners can choose from a white or beige door and a collection of decorative glass options. For added visual appeal, cut or polished V-grooved glass patterns and six elegant handle styles also are available.

For additional information on Promenade French-Style Sliding Patio Doors or other Alside products, please contact FW&D or visit www.alside.com.

Starting in mid March, Fairlington Window & Door is proud to begin a new ad campaign throughout Northern Virginia which includes, but is not limited to the Watergate at Landmark, All Fairlington Bulletin, Daventry and more. As some of you will see the ad in black and white, we want to share with you the color version and at the same time, thank our friend Carlos Durkin of DesignSomething for the excellent work in putting this together for us. Tell us what you think?

Super Satisfied!

At Fairlington Windows and Doors (FW&D), we always do our very best to meet and exceed our customer's expectations. Our customers deserve it and that's what they pay us for! Therefore, when we get feedback like the one below, it reminds us that we're doing what we're meant to do and makes us very happy that our actions are producing these results. See letter below:

To whom it may concern:

Recently, I had a basement renovation, and follow-on repair to a stairway wall, completed by Fairlington Window & Door LLC of Arlington, VA. Their craftmanship and results were superb. I would hire FW&D again and I would recommend FW&D to my friends. In fact, a friend recommended FW&D to me because she was pleased with their work. Their great reputation was well deserved.

For the renovation of my basement, FW&D gutted and replaced most of the ceiling, walls and floors. The old “popcorn” style ceiling and dated light fixtures were replaced with a modern flat surface ceiling and multiple recessed lights. Sheet rock, drywall and fresh paint replaced the old, painted over, wood paneled walls. Multiple new electrical sockets and cable connections were added to the walls. In one room downstairs, a bookshelf and cabinet combination turned a dull basement room into a comfortable library. Last, but not least, the craftsmanship in the new tile floor throughout the basement was outstanding. This was true particularly at two angled steps leading to an exterior stairway. The tile fits together precisely at angles that required expert cuts. The renovation was more than a home improvement; it turned my basement into art.

After the renovation was done, I had a mishap with furniture that was too tight for the interior stairway. Damage was done. I called FW&D for help and withing a short period of time all repairs were made. Again, the work was perfect. I remain pleased with FW&D. The community should be proud to have such a fine company of experts available to improve its homes.

Sincerely,

Marc J. Thomas

Fairlington Kitchen Remodel by FW&D

FW&D did some more work in Fairlington. We like the area.

Fairlington Remodel by FW&D

The homeowner Carole had been in her home since, she says , “before I was a hippy”. She decided to remodel her bathroom. She had also decided to make some changes the ceiling in her kitchen.

Naturally, she called on FW&D.

Click here to read the story!

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

Storm Door Needed! by FW&D

A Fairlington storm door needed immediate replacement. FW&D came and worked a little "Remodeling Made Easy".

The result was so astonishing, the kids noticed and were impressed!

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, 

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site.

Hands Free Faucet in FW&D Home

Ned Overton, resident “Inspector Gadget” of FW&D (especially when it comes to household appliances), has installed a newfangled contraption in his kitchen- something called a Foot Faucet.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, 

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site.

Basement Remodel by FW&D

Mr. and Mrs. B called FW&D to construct a finished workout area in their unfinished basement in Burke VA... Click the image to read the whole story.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D Seeking A Salesperson

We are a growing family-owned remodeling business with a high referral ratio and excellent reputation looking for a sales consultant to grow with us. This experienced salesperson should have knowledge in remodeling, (kitchens, baths, other interior projects, etc.), strong integrity, and a desire to earn a high commission-based income.

We provide qualified leads, a company vehicle, and a friendly supportive environment.

It would be a great opportunity for the right person.

Click the image to contact FW&D

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Galley Kitchen by FW&D

Near the Gallows exit of 495 in Annandale, there is a nice quaint home hidden away. One of our previous clients were so thrilled with the basement remodel done by FW&D that they called upon FW&D to remodel the kitchen, and the change was beyond words.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D once again recognized as CertainTeed ShingleMaster

FW&D has performed all tests, requirements, and recommendations in order to maintain the ShingleMaster status. 

This status must be renewed every two years in order for FW&D to be able to offer warranty options such as SureStart, and SureStart PLUS 3-STAR or 4-STAR. And the test must be passed prior to recognition of the ShingleMaster Level. Test topics covered the specific installation instructions for CertainTeed shingles, workmanship, estimating, roof ventilation, shingle underlayment, flashing specifications, and repairs.

The Shingle Applicator’s Manual, written for roofing professionals, is a fully illustrated manual for shingle roofing installation instructions and tips “This manual is the roofing industry’s most authoritative guide to proper steep-slope roof system installation,” says Jay Butch, senior marketing manager of contractor programs for CertainTeed Roofing.

FW&D will remain qualified, certified, and up-to-date on all industry techniques and standards that make remodeling easy.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Starting 2011 Safely

The security of the home is something that is very important to us here at FW&D, and New Years is a great time to get more involved in educating our friends in Northern Virginia about the many choices and tips available for increasing home safety. When you leave for work, play, or extended vacation, you should be able to do so with absolutely no worries whatsoever.

Here is an inexpensive option for your consideration:

This is known as a security bar. In conjunction with other devices, and a little common sense, you can increase safety and peace of mind for your entryways.

Internet sleuthing for home security resulted in a printable Home Security Checklist from a Security Bar Company. Here are some of the questions listed under "DOORS":

1. Have you re-keyed your locks since you moved in?
2. Do your doors have a wide-angle peephole viewer?
3. Are entrance doors equipped with 1” good quality dead bolts?
4. Is glass in outside doors at least 40” from the lock?
5. Is the glass in outside doors shatter resistant?
6. Do you have a patio door bar fastened into both the frame and the door to securely lock the door?
7. Have you inserted screws into the top track of your patio door to prevent it from being lifted up and removed?
8. Do you have decals on your patio door indicating that you use an alarm system even if you don’t?

For the full list, please click here. You may want to review some of these questions when considering door safety.

FW&D is committed to the safety of our clients and our neighborhood. Should you have any questions about safety for our doors, any of the products we offer, feel free to contact our office, and we will be more than happy to go over that information with you.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D lists top 50 on Facebook's Networked Blogs in Arlington

Perhaps, in the slow hours between your remodeling projects, you have a blog. Perhaps you want that blog to get exposure so that it can advertise your company. And perhaps you post it on Facebook so that your friends and clients may more easily find it. 

Well, Facebook has a freeture (see definition below) available to those who take the time to get on board and use it. For those of us who have succumbed to peer pressure and created a Facebook account, we have the option to Network our blogs through the Networked Blogs App.

FW&D did just that. And unbeknownst to us, we became FAMOUS... well, sort of. 

You never know what you are going to find on Facebook. 

Freeture [free-cher]  

noun, verb, -tured, -tur·ing.- a feature that you may have access to for no monetary charge. 

Word Origin: About 2 minutes ago by Tiffany Monique

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

11//11/2010 Veteran's Day at FW&D

Yes, we are here at work. We started the day hoisting a flag at the home office. FW&D crews are out working on projects in Potomac Falls, Arlington, and Fairlington (we have a couple projects going on in Fairlington) and elsewhere in Northern Virginia.



Roofing, bathroom remodeling, painting, rotten wood replacement, and the office is of course open and setting appointments.

This blog article is from FW&D. 

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us! 

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

Storm Doors and Buildouts

For those of you who don’t know, a build out must be done to accommodate doors that don’t fit in the original shape or size of the frame. FW&D went to Springfield to do just that. The original frame of the door was not the correct size to add the Storm Door that the client wanted.

Once the project was completed, the clients were quite pleased with the results. Their ProVia Model 397 Full View Storm Door was completed with a Townsend Satin Nickel Handle.

The clients also had other doors installed during this project, and had this to say- “We will pass your name along as often as possible!  When we have future projects, there is no one else we would contact other than you!”

We here at FW&D thank Ms. Schellin for both her for her business and kind words. They truly mean a lot.

This blog article is from FW&D. 

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us! 

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

A NEW MEMBER TO THE TEAM!

FW&D is pleased to announce that we have a new office person. Tiffany is new the the area, and came on board in early September. She is now handling the office projects, web updates, and marketing. Tiffany is excited about the different type of remodeling experience that FW&D offers and looks forward to helping customers have a wonderful experience from the very first phone call! Her work in the office will help ensure that the On-Time Guarantee is met, and that customers always have a place to turn for their

service needs.

“I live in Virginia, but I am California Girl”, says Tiffany, who loves her East Coast heritage, specifically the Fall Leaves and Virginia’s beautiful landscapes. When you call in for your Remodeling needs, chances are you will be hearing Tiffany’s cheerful voice. Did she mention she was once in a band that performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

A million years ago in another land...

In her free time, Tiffany continues to perform in the area, and is a Graduate School student & freelance writer. You have already read some of her work in our newsletters. We are definitely excited to see a restaurant review from her in our FW&D Newsletters! Welcome Tiffany!

It is sad to say that with the welcome addition of a new Office Manager, it means saying goodbye to our previous OM, Elizabeth, who is devoting her time to school. She has enjoyed her time with FW&D and promises to remain in touch.

Once again, let’s welcome Tiffany to the family!

This blog article is from FW&D. 

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us! 

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL FOR FW&D SERVICE

There are customers and who are truly one of a kind. Mr. Kelly is no exception. According to his message on our machine, he thinks we are too. After previous satisfaction with FW&D when we took care of his Window Installation project, he called again to have us do another remodeling project at the same location. This time, he wanted the bathroom in his Arlington rental property completely renovated.

From the ceiling to the floor, there wasn't a thing FW&D didn't replace or install. New toilet, new shower, new wall fixtures… We took the bathroom from quaint to contemporary, and Mr. Kelly couldn't have been happier. “I went right to Ned, he said, “they gave a good estimate… stayed on budget, and they did the job in an A+ manner.” What more can be said? FW&D prides itself on customer satisfaction and family oriented business.

This blog article is from FW&D. 

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us! 

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

At the start of 2011, FW&D was contacted by the Window & Door Dealers Alliance regarding the 2011 Tax Credit.

We hope you find this information helpful when considering your projects throughout this year. The tax credit limits have changed, and there is now a lifetime limit for “any combination of all tax credit qualifying products”. There have been other changes, and both WDDA and WDMA (Window and Door Manufacturer's Association) note that additional information from the government (www.energystar.gov and www.irs.gov) will soon be available, though no deadlines have been set at this time. Please see the below links for more information.

WDDA FAQ’s
WDMA's fact sheet
WDDA 2011 tax credit article

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Alexandria Porch Roof Addition

A friend in Alexandria wanted to update the look of their house. We suggested adding a front porch roof. WOW! What a difference in the curb appeal. If your house is looking dated and you want to improve the appearance just give us a call. We would like to share our design and remodeling expertise with you and increase the value of your home.

Managing Expectations: Stealth costs

What I want to share with you today is one of the biggest enthusiasm-killers to any project, the shock you get when what you had in your mind doesn’t match up with the actual costs. I’m not talking about when you first start your research, although many of you have emailed with your disappointments. I hear you.

What I’m talking about is additions either during the selection process or during the project. You know the type – you decide to add can lighting to your kitchen. You went online to a box store, added the cost of 4 can lights, 4x $ 20.00 per can (and you weren’t in California where you needed fluorescents at 4 times the cost.) You’re thinking $ 80.00, maybe $ 100.00.

You get the bill or change order for $ 900.00.

“What?!?” you say. “Wait a minute; I’m not paying for this! It should have cost 1/8th of that.” Now you’re steaming mad, refuse to pay, hop on the internet and blast your contractor for being a crook.

Hold on. Yes, your contractor was wrong, but not for the reason you think.

One of the biggest common failings in our industry is that we have a tendency to assume you all automatically know what we do AND how we do it. *scratch head* I don’t know why, but we figure just by talking to us, you have somehow absorbed every aspect of our business. Silly, isn’t it? Then we end up all shocked that you would be shocked, because we actually gave you a discount even though we had to drop everything else to accommodate this last minute change and it put us a day behind at another job and now our other client is upset.

Hurt feelings all around, but really? That’s our fault. We need to step it up and recognize no, you don’t know:

• the cans you saw online – that $ 20.00 is just for the trim. They need housing and assembly which costs extra. The bulbs are also on top of this. New price: $ 38.00
• the sheetrock and/or plaster have to be cut for 4 boxes. The ceiling joists weren’t in the right spot and the contractor had to add some framing in the ceiling so that the lights would line up exactly where you want them
• the sheetrock also had to be cut out on the wall for the light switch
• somebody had to go pick up the lights (and Murphy’s Law being what it is, the store was out of stock and there was an extra 1/2 hour drive to another store for pickup. You probably weren’t charged for the extra trip, but when you ask why it’s taking so long, that’s one of the time-killers on any job.)
• you forgot to add in the 2 hours of electrician’s time
• the electrician found a wiring mess buried in the insulation and had to repair it
• someone had to repair the sheetrock
• someone else had to paint the ceiling. If it’s done properly, the entire ceiling was painted, not just 4 small patches(Sometimes it’s more labor taping around a patch then spraying the entire ceiling)
• the mess of sheetrock, insulation bits, and wiring had to be cleaned up

Knowing what’s involved is a big step towards understanding. Repeat after me: Failed expectations are the sole cause of anger. Ommm. *grin*

The last few years, I’ve taken time to explain where the costs come from and if I can, in the early stages, so that the adjustments for both budget and expectations can be made. Sure, I still have clients say: “I had no idea there was so much to this”, but at least they didn’t have any surprises.

And that’s my 2 cents for the day.

Kelly Morisseau

Hi and welcome! My name is Kelly Morisseau and I'm a second-generation CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer), and a CID (Certified Interior Designer) for a residential design/build firm in Northern California. This blog, http://kitchensync.typepad.com/, isn't about looking for clients. After 25 years in the business, I wanted to give something back.