When it comes to replacement windows, it's not just about efficiency or fixing damage—it's also about design. In this conversation, Scott Dorrell shares real-world trends and creative ideas that homeowners are embracing to enhance both form and function. From maximizing views to upgrading curb appeal, window design has come a long way from the one-size-fits-all builder-grade options.

Transcript:

Interviewer (Andrew Curtis)
Let's talk about design trends, what's going on, what's actually happening in the real world?

Interviewee (Scott Dorrell, Co-Founder of Modern Day Window & Door)
Yeah, you know, it's pretty cool doing a replacement window project for a homeowner because when the house is built, they really don't get to pick their windows. They don't get to pick their view. The builders have a set of windows that they always work with. They have set sizes that they can use, and that's what you get in the home when it's built.

But when you go to do a replacement project, you can really do some cool stuff. Maybe you live on a lake and you have four casement windows all in a row, but you have this beautiful view. You never need those windows to open or shut, but you love to see that view. We'll replace that entire unit with a big picture window, and you'll be able to bring the outside in—and it's gorgeous.

What’s really cool is that one giant picture window is going to cost less than the four windows that were there before, if we replaced it as is. So you not only increase the look of your home and enjoy your view better, but you're also going to save a little money on the project. That’s a really popular option.

Another trend is going from double-hung windows to casements—I do that a lot in homes. Casements are generally associated with higher-value homes. So we'll go into a house that has double-hung windows on the front and replace them with casements, and it just looks a little bit different. You can see the upgrade right away. The screens are now on the inside instead of the outside, so the exterior of the home has a cleaner look.

We’ll also change the grid patterns around. Maybe take the grids off the back of the home. In my opinion, grids in a window are made to be looked at, not through. So on the front of the home, grids look great—but on the back, we’ll take them off so you can really enjoy your landscaping or the views that you have outside.