Frequently
Asked Questions

General

• Do you have contractor insurance for you and your employees?

  Yes – Our entire team is fully insured, and our business operates within all government and building regulations.

• Do you offer financing with your contractor services?

  We are pleased to offer flexible financing solutions for our contractor services. Our partnership with Foundation Finance – a reputable national finance company providing full-service financing solutions specifically for home improvements – allows us to offer our clients a variety of financing options at competitive rates and flexible repayment plans.

• Which areas do you service?

  Smart Home Improvement services the Greater Washington DC Area, including Fairfax, Loudoun, and Montgomery Counties.

• How do I know if my home is energy efficient?

  An abnormally high energy bill is often the first clue that your home is not at its peak energy efficiency. Inefficiencies may also be indicated if you have a certain room or section of the house that is much cooler or warmer than the rest of it.

  Small cracks and broken seals in your windows, doors and exterior allow conditioned air out and heat or cold in. This causes your HVAC system to work overtime which in turn, costs you money. Insufficient insulation also plays a big part in this problem. If you are unsure about the energy efficiency of your home, contact us for a FREE analysis!

Windows

• What are the best windows to use for energy efficiency?

  We offer Vinylmax vinyl replacement windows with a lifetime limited warranty. We also offer Marvin windows when the needs of the home call for fiberglass or wood frame windows.

• How long should my new windows last?

  We are confident in the quality of both our window materials and installation. You can expect your windows to last approximately 15-20 years at peak efficiency..

• Why do my windows leak?

  There are several factors that may cause windows to leak. Sometimes, the problem can be fixed quickly and inexpensively, however it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.

  Condensation between the panes of glass may indicate a broken seal. This means that your windows have lost their insulating gas and are far less energy-efficient than when they were new. Your windows will need to be replaced to fix this problem.

  In older homes, the original single pane, wood framed windows may still be in use. In addition to requiring lots of repair or maintenance, they often have broken or missing hardware or are difficult to fully open and close.

  Cracked caulking around the frame or tracks that no longer seal may also cause water to seep into your home on wet days.

• Is condensation bad?

  There are many reasons why you may see condensation on your windows. In some instances, condensation is normal and not a cause for concern, however it can also indicate if there is an issue with your windows such as when it is between the panes of glass.

  Newly installed windows often gather more condensation than old windows. This is simply because your new windows are more air-tight, allowing less warm air from inside your home to escape outside. Excess humidity within your home may be the culprit, as humidity is drawn to cool surfaces — such as your windows. Due to cool air being unable to hold this moisture, it is often visible on the glass. The same can be true during the humid months of the summer when you are running your air conditioning.

  Condensation can become a serious problem, so it's important to know when to call the experts. If you notice condensation even when it is warm outside, if the moisture is running down the walls, you can see mold or mildew, or the air in your home smells musty, there is likely a larger problem with your windows.

• What is argon gas?

  Argon is a non-toxic, odorless and colorless natural gas, used in windows to make them more energy efficient. The gas is used in both double-pane and triple-pane windows, sealed between each layer to slow the transfer of heat.

• What is low-e glass?

  Low-emissivity glass windows are highly energy efficient. Low-e glass reflects heat back to the source — meaning it keeps your home cool in the summer by reflecting the heat back outside, and warm in the winter by reflecting the heat back inside.

• What is tempered glass?

  Tempered glass is a type of safety glass, treated with heat or chemicals, making it approximately 4 times stronger than regular glass. It is often used in bathrooms or when windows extend all the way to the floor.

• How do I know my windows need to be changed?

  There are many signs that it may be time to replace your windows. Condensation, cracks, drafts, noise, outdated appearance and damaged frames are all indicators that it may be time to install new windows. Additionally, if you are having trouble when opening or closing your windows, it is likely time to replace them. It is also important to know when your windows were installed, as windows generally lose their peak efficiency after 15 years.

Front Doors

• Are some colors more expensive for doors?

  While all doors carry a different price tag, it is generally not due to the color of the door, but rather the material the door is constructed of.

• Why does it matter to get my new entry door professionally installed?

  Even the highest quality door can yield poor results if not properly installed. In addition to the inconveniences that result from poor installation, both safety and energy efficiency can also be compromised when a door is not installed by a professional.

  A professional installation will ensure that your door is properly sealed, secure, and not hitting or scratching objects in your home when it is being opened or closed.

• What types of doors do you sell?

  Smart Home Improvement offers a variety of both front entry doors and patio doors. We sell and install fiberglass, metal, and wood front entry doors, which come in a number of finishes, as well as steel entry doors for those looking for extra security and energy efficiency.

• Do your entry doors come with warranties?

  We are confident in both our products and installation. All entry doors are covered under warranty from the manufacturer.

• Do I need a building permit to install a new door?

  A building permit may be required should you select a new front entry door that requires us to alter the structure of your entrance. If the new door you choose can be installed simply by swapping out the old door, it is most likely that no permit will be necessary.

  Our experts at Smart Home Improvement will guide you throughout the entire process and advise you on how to select the best door for your home.

• How do I choose my door with your service?

  At Smart Home Improvement, we meet with you to discuss your vision and provide some options. We will provide you with all of the information you need to make the best decision for your home. Our experts are happy to provide recommendations if you are unsure of what you would like! We can even provide a digital rendering of the design to help you visualize it.

• Can someone help me with my front door choice?

  Yes — We will be happy to guide you through the process of purchasing your new front door, including assisting in material, style and color choice!

• How much does an entry door cost?

  The cost of a new front entry door varies depending on many factors, including the size of your entrance, your preferred material and color.

• Are entry doors pre-finished?

  Our entry doors are available in a variety of pre-finishes to suit the varied tastes of our customers.

• Are metal doors or wooden doors better for the front door?

  Metal doors provide more security and energy efficiency to your home. There are many finishes available of our metal doors, including our popular woodgrain options. Choosing a woodgrain finish provides your door with the appearance of being wooden, with the strength and security that metal delivers.

• Are there standard sizes in entry doors?

  Yes — Entry doors are typically 80 inches in height and either 30, 32, or 36 inches in width. All of these widths are considered standard and readily available.

• What if my door is not a standard size?

  Don't panic! Should you require a door that is not one of the standard sizes, our experts at Smart Home Improvement will work with you to create a custom door that suits the needs of your home.