Home Visions Inc. successfully installed five (5) Simonton Replacement Windows for Mr. Parke in Ashburn, VA at the end of 2011.

We are excited to hear that he is extremely pleased with his new windows and we are appreciative of Mr. Parke's business.

It is no surprise that Mr. Parke feels so good about our windows and our services considering Simonton is a consecutive JD Power award winning manufacturer as voted by consumers and contractors as well as Home Vision Inc.'s committment to service, communication and trained installation crews.

What is AAMA?

The American Architectural Manufactures Association (AAMA) is a trade association of firms engaged in the manufacture and sale of building fenestration components and related products.  Tracing its origins back over 60 years, AAMA is active in its role as the “Technical Information Center” for industry’s products such as windows, glass doors, storm windows and related fenestration products.

How are windows tested for structural performance?

AAMA is a third party certification agency with whom manufacturers must certify structural performance for all its products. Recently, AAMA and the NWWDA (National Wood Window & Door Association) have worked together and approved a new combined test specification called AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97. It allows vinyl, aluminum and wood products to be tested to the same criteria so consumers can compare products more uniformly and accurately.

Do all windows participate with AAMA programs and testing?

No.  Due to the very tough guidelines and increased costs, not all window manufacturers participate in the AAMA testing program.

Does Home Visions carry windows that are AAMA certified?

Yes.  Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows as one of our preferred window solutions.  All Simonton windows carry the gold AAMA label which is the highest level of certification a product can receive.

Press Release – SELECT CertainTeed ShingleMaster Status Achieved January 2012 – Residential/Commercial Asphalt Roofing

Home Visions Inc. is proud to announce certification by CertainTeed  as a SELECT ShingleMaster for roofing installations allowing the company to offer exclusive warranty coverage.  HVI has partnered with CertainTeed for eight years and the relationship has driven continuing education and manufacturer training for all departments within the company.  There are several requirements to obtain SELECT status including production and installation team training, consistent use of responsible business practices, proper insurance coverage and the company has been in business at least five years.

This accreditation will give all of our current and potential customers the confidence that they are dealing with top notch roofing installers and insures that all HVI installers and employees are up to date on the latest details for CertainTeed roofing systems and products.

Continuing education is very important to Home Visions Inc. and along with similar efforts in other branches of the company HVI continues learning in order to stay up to date with state of the art installations.

Thank you to CertainTeed and all HVI employees who put the hard work in through the years to make this possible.

White Marsh, Md - REPLACEMENT WINDOW INSTALLATION




Home Visions Inc. takes pride in the fact that we can offer high quality locally manufactured windows and precision installation at affordable prices.

Ridge vent is an important component of a sound roofing system.  Ridge vent acts as the exhaust valve for hot air that gets trapped in the attic.  The newest technology in the market actually promotes the escape of hot air and looks aesthetically pleasing compared to the metal ridge vents on new construction homes.  The ridge vent works in tandem with the air intake areas of a home, most commonly the soffit or overhangs of the roof.  A properly vented roof is the key to a long lasting roof with little or no maintenance required.


Older Ridge Vent



Close-up - new ridgevent technology.




Finished product in the far section of this roof.

Selection for the Exterior 200 indicates a double honor. 
First, Home Visions Inc. was chosen for the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 earlier this year.  Home Visions Inc.'s ranking of 113 in the United Sates is based on an evaluation of percentage of work reported in the categories of decks, doors, outdoor living, roofing, siding, sunrooms, windows and other exterior work.  To be chosen for the Exterior 200, contractors must perform at least 50 percent of their cumulative business in exterior projects.

We feel as though this recognition speaks to the company's commitment to meeting and exceeding our customer's expectations which allows us to continue to grow through a strong referral program and an excellent track record.

Recently, Home Visions Inc. successfully completed a twenty three (23) replacement window project off of Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville, MD (Montgomery County MD).  This project consisted of all premium grade Heritage Series replacement windows manufactured by locally operated Vytex Windows Corporation (Howard County MD).

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander reported "the team was great, courteous and customer orientated" on their job completion report.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Alexander for choosing Home Visions Inc.

Window Job Completion Report


Replacement Window Project Exterior (During)



Interior Completed Windows


 

Double hung windows are most common and operate vertically.  In other words, double hung windows move up and down. One sash can slide past the other such that the top and the bottom of the window can be open at the same time which maximizes ventilation. Although it is possible to have sashes that are not of equal height, most are. Many homes with original windows have single hung windows which means only the bottom sash operates.

In the best window models, double hung windows use a state of the art balance system that does not require any moving parts so that the windows will slide up and down for a "lifetime".  No moving parts means less maintenance and less chance for the mechanism to break down.

Double hung windows also tilt inwards for easy cleaning from the inside.  No more dirty windows or paying for someone to get on a ladder and clean them. 

If you live in a community governed by a homeowner's association and you are in the process of considering replacement windows, siding or roofing then we hope this article will give you some guidance and eliminate any fears you may have about gaining approval from your community management team.

Step 1 - Become Familiar with the Standards
Review your HOA documents and determine the requirements for your project type.  Typically, this can be found online if you do not have your original copy.  In most cases the HOA simply wants the colors and styles to be the same or close to the original.  It is also important to determine the process for submitting an application in your community.  For example, one community that  Home Visions works with regularly requires that applications are submitted two weeks prior to the next scheduled board meeting for it to be reviewed and a decision to be made.

Step 2 - Seek Out Quotes
Next, you want to learn about your options for the product you are in need of replacing.  This could include and is not limited to choosing the right contractor, finding the right solution for your home, honest pricing and lastly - find a contractor that is willing to work with you on completing the proper paperwork for full approval from the community board prior to ordering materials and beginning installation.

Step 3 - After the Contract is Signed
Once your decision is made we have found that community managers want all correspondence to come directly from the homeowner which makes sense.  This does not mean that contractors are not permitted to complete any and all "technical" information on the application.  A professional firm will prepare all documents and ask the homeowner to review the information, sign and submit.  The HOA will then contact the homeowner with questions (if any) and an approval or denial.

Tips

+HOA representatives can be difficult to deal with, particularly when you own the home and there is a difference of opinion.  Having a third party deal with your HOA on technical items helps alleviate the dreaded feeling of being "controlled". 
+Always go through the process no matter how much time it may take.  Better to only have to replace one time!

+Don't be afraid to ask for something different than what is written in the bylaws.  Sometimes new rules are adopted or new colors make sense.   The trade-off may be longer wait times for approval.

+Home Visions Inc. has prepared thousands of HOA architectural applications since 2003.  We have mastered the process with hundreds of communities in the Maryland - Virginia - DC area.  We can help and take some of the stress out of home improvement projects in communities with strict guidelines.

HOA Window Replacement (white windows with beige trim) Example