When it comes to making the home energy efficient, windows are a huge issue. After all, although they let in the light, they let in the light. What I mean to say is that on the one hand, we don’t have to burn every light in the house during the day, and on the other hand, they also let in heat. So they beg for energy-savings steps.

The question is, does it make more sense to replace the existing contractor grade windows with double or triple glazed argon-filled Energy Star windows (whew, that’s a mouthful!), or compromise budget and efficiency and install solar window film?

The Home Envelope

First, a bit of an overview to put it all in perspective. How efficient the home is depends on the entire home envelope. I love radiant barrier foil in the attic. It is more effective (in the big picture) in a one-story house than a two-story house. Why? Because with one floor, the roof is a larger percentage of the total envelope.

Conversely, on a two story, windows comprise a bigger envelope percentage than they do on a one story (Two stories = twice as many windows). What I’m trying to say here is that all renovation projects that lower utility bills are important, but each home’s priorities are different.

Let’s get this out of the way first - do your radiant barrier as a first line of defense. And do this job yourself. Labor charges double the price of the project and only the cost of the material is eligible for the stimulus package energy tax credit.

Now, Focus on Energy-Efficient Windows

Alright, how much money do you have left? In the real world, this determines what to do about the windows. Energy Star replacement windows are optimal, but boy, are they proud of them at the check-out counter. If you can afford them, go for it. Don’t forget to upgrade your homeowners insurance policy.

This is likely not a DIY project for most folks.

On the other hand, solar window film is a great DIY job, considering that you have patience. And it makes less of a mess than complete window replacement. It’s available in several shades, and if you’re after privacy, there’s a mirrored finish available.

As a further compromise, your remodeling budget might justify replacement windows on the side of the house that takes the sun’s hammer most violently, and apply film on the more docile sides.

So in answer to, “Window replacement or window film?,” the answer, like many things in life is, “It depends.” Don’t you love it when I’m ambivalent?

As the weather becomes more enjoyable, it makes sense to get off the couch and plop down on a chair or glider on the porch. But it’s not always much fun with rain, scorching rain, and other bothersome elements of nature.

If you’re a baby boomer, no doubt you recall watching TV with Andy Griffith playing guitar on the front porch after consuming dinner, teaching Opie all the important moral lessons of life. Ah, the good old days, before ipods and DVDs…

Building a porch roof can solve these peevish environmental issues though. And it’s a great way to add value to your home equity. Always be sure to check with your homeowners association and local building code before embarking on this journey.

And don’t forget to update your homeowners insurance policy when you’re done!

This might or might not be a project you want to tackle on your own. It is a bit more complex than the typical DIY project, simply because it involves so many aspects of the different trades. Some residential structural framing, some roofing, painting, and possibly a bit of rain gutter and downspout installation.

Basically, you can get as primitive of fancy as you want. And there’s always the option of screening the porch in. Why do I say that? The mosquitoes have once again invaded my neck of the woods, pesky little sods! And why is it that only the females sting? As Rudyard Kipling wrote, “For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.” Ouch.

Homeowners insurance. Shoestrings. Toilet paper. What do these things have in common? We buy them and promptly forget about them. Until we need them, that is; and that’s when we find out if they are adequate.

Unlike toilet paper, you should update homeowners insurance coverage on an annual basis and/or after significant home improvements. In most cases, your insurance provider should be glad to help you figure out what the replacement price tag for your home is.

My insurance company is State Farm and they’re very helpful. In fact, they just sent me a letter on this topic which prompted this post.

This is what you have to consider: replacement; not what the state or county says the property is worth when they send you that inflated estimate of home value for tax purposes. It’s also not the same as market value, which is what you realistically could sell it for.

If you hire a building contractor to remodel a kitchen, obviously the replacement cost of your home will go up. But what if you make no improvements throughout the year? Most folks assume that the status quo remains static but they would be wrong!

Why, you ask demurely? Because material and labor costs rise.

Improvements Affecting Insurance Payouts

Just a sampling of home improvements to consider -

• Installing hardwood or laminate flooring
• Upgrading to energy-efficient krypton or Argon filled windows with a Low-e coating
• Bathroom or kitchen remodel
• Remodeling your basement
• Siding replacement with Hardiplank fiber cement siding
• Replace your central air conditioner with one with a higher SEER rating

There are more, of course, but this gives you an idea. The more money you pour into the homestead, the more reason you have to update your insurance policy.