Home Solutions Midwest Q&A

Yes, we offer a variety of different warranties. Each individual product has its own warranty coverage. You can read all about our warranties by clicking on the warranties tab which is located under the OUR WORK and ABOUT US subtitle. You can also always call us directly at 507-373-3435 and we will have someone explain the warranties to you over the phone or have someone come speak to you at your home.

The upgrade or addition of a projection window is a popular way for homeowners to boost their curb appeal, expand their view, and increase a room’s functional living space. If you’re just starting to research replacement window options, you’ve probably heard mention of both bay and bow windows—but what’s the difference between the two, and which style should you choose for your home? Here are the benefits of each type and a few factors you should consider when making a decision between the two.

Bay Windows:

A bay window is the combination of three or more windows that angle out beyond the exterior wall. Our Certified Master Installers can expertly install bay windows in four projection angles up to a 90 degree box bay. Since the window protrudes outside the wall, you can enjoy an extended view and even additional seating space.

Bow Windows:

Similar to bay windows, bow windows extend beyond the exterior wall, but sweep away from the wall in a graceful arch of four, five, or six windows.  This elegant window style is typically larger than the bay window style and has more glass area because of a curve in lieu of corners. As with bay windows, adding a window seat to your bow window can be a quick and easy room addition. If you’re adding a bench seat below your window, consider it an opportunity for extra storage! If you’re looking to make your room appear bigger and brighter, bow windows are the perfect solution.

Bay and bow windows are typically associated with Victorian architecture—you might think of “The Painted Ladies” in San Francisco for instance. Dress your bay and bow windows with grilles, various roof options, and colors that complement the architectural style of your home. These windows can be flexible when it comes to each individual window type. You can choose a combination of double-hung, casement, picture, or awning windows to create your bay or bow window.

If the idea of a bay or bow window is new to your home, note that they can be used as a replacement in most large window openings—so if you’re looking for something new, we recommend talking with our experts! It’s in your best interest to schedule a free consultation with one of our design experts to talk through your exact needs so you can rest assured you’ve made the right decision. Schedule a free consultation and start your replacement window project today!

Yes, Home Solutions Midwest has a contracting license and we'd be happy to provide proof of liability insurance to any prospective client.

It’s (almost) that time of year again! The smell of fresh air is on the horizon so much so you are ready to open your windows, but your double hung windows on your house are filthy. Have no fear—Renewal by Andersen has an easy step-by-step tutorial for your spring window cleaning checklist:

1.)    Safety first!

Please refer to Renewal by Andersen’s Care and Maintenance Guide about best safety practices when working around windows and doors.

2.)    Cleaning the Interior Glass of Your Window

If it’s still a little chilly to open your windows, start with cleaning your interior glass.

• First, check to see if you have removable interior grilles. If so, remove them by lifting them away from the glass near the edge of the frame, leaving the grille clips in place. For more information on the removal and replacement of interior grille clips.
• Then, clean the windows as you normally would. Renewal by Andersen’s double hung window is designed specifically for the easy cleaning process.

3.)    Cleaning the Exterior Window Glass

Start on the lower sash:

• To clean this part of your window, unlock your window and lift it up about two inches.
• Then, locate the wash assist tabs located above the window sash on each side of the frame. Slide the wash assist tabs until they are wedged down between the sash and the frame
• Next, grasp the lower sash—using both hands—at the outer edge close to the wash assist tabs, and pull firmly towards yourself. The sash will then tilt inwards toward you after slight resistance.
• Continue to tilt the sash so that the glass is supported by a durable object—like a chair.
  NOTE: Do not tilt the sash more than 90 degrees.

Upper sash:

• Start by leaving the lower sash in its title position on its durable object.
• Then, slide the wash assist tabs (the same ones used for the lower sash) up back to the top of the frame.
• By doing so, you are able to lower the upper sash until you can comfortably reach the title wash tabs that are on the top edge of the upper sash. Make sure the space between the upper and lower sash is at least one-inch apart from each other.
• Next, move the assist tabs inward while simultaneously pulling the upper sash towards you, and continue to tilt it until it rests gently on the lower sash.
• Now you can finally clean both the lower and upper sash.

4.)    After cleaning your windows

You now need to close the upper and lower sashes back into their original positions.

• Start by lifting the upper sash from its lower position until it snaps back into a completely vertical position.
• Next, push the upper sash down about an inch before sliding to the top of the frame.
• Then, lift the lower sash from its lower position until the sash snaps back into a vertical position as well. Finally, push the sash into its assigned place.

5.)    If you removed your interior grilles: Put them back on your window by placing the grille against the glass and firmly pressing into the grille clips and all along the grille. Make sure the grille fits snuggly on the glass.

If you have anymore questions feel free to call us and we'd be happy to have someone show you how to fully take advantage of the Renewal by Andersen windows.

Andersen Corporation's heritage includes a long-standing commitment to energy efficient products and environmental stewardship. Andersen, including Renewal by Andersen, earned the 2017 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence award.

Poor performing windows are an energy drain and can account for a significant percentage of a home’s heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer.^*

Renewal by Andersen^® window replacement can save you money on your energy bills. Our newest glass option, SmartSun™ glass, is our most energy efficient glass option.

Compared to ordinary dual-pane glass, SmartSun™ glass is^:

• 70% more energy efficient in summer
• 47% more energy efficient in winter

Plus, the great combination of our exclusive Fibrex^® material, High-Performance™ Low-E4^® glass, and expert installation means your Renewal by Andersen windows have excellent NFRC ratings. Our ENERGY STAR^® certified units are available with select glass options.

Green Seal estimates that if all windows in the U.S. were as energy efficient as those made by Andersen Windows, Americans would save up to 2.5 percent of the annual U.S. energy consumption—an estimated 200 gallons of oil for every household in the U.S.

Renewal by Andersen’s sustainable approach to window replacement means Mother Nature smiles just a little bit brighter.

Construction waste is a major source of landfill waste in the U.S. Every day, we replace windows that are less than a decade old. Renewal by Andersen products are designed to stand the test of time and are backed by one of the strongest, fully transferable limited warranties in the business, meaning decades of energy-cost savings for you—and less landfill waste for our planet.

Home Solutions Midwest has been in business since 1979.

We strongly believe that your home is your most prized possession and we will treat your family and property with the out most respect. Our master installers go to extreme measures to make sure the area they are working is cleaned up and well taken care of.

Your design consultant will be bringing actual product samples as well as color swatches so you can see, touch, and feel everything first-hand. What’s more, our 3D iPad® app can help you actually visualize OUR windows on YOUR home—from both the inside and the outside. You can experiment with colors, window styles, grilles, trim sizes, hardware options, interior stain colors, and more!

First, you’ll schedule your free design consultation. Give us a call or fill out our form on our website, and we’ll set up a specific time that works for you (no vague appointment windows). During your individual design consultation, we’ll get to know you and your home, identify its particular challenges or issues, and then talk about ways we can address them. At the end of your consultation, you’ll be left with a printed (or electronic), detailed estimate with pricing good for one year.

our window frames are rotting, your windows leak air like it’s their job, and you dream of a picture window where your double-hung windows live. In short, it’s time for window replacement.

But what is the cost of replacement windows? That’s an important question to ask, along with the follow up question of what do you get with your replacement windows. Here are few things to keep in mind when considering the cost of replacement windows:

• Quality

Surprisingly, we often replace poor quality windows that are less than 10 years old. You could purchase cheaper, low quality windows, but the chances are you’ll have to replace them again very soon. By investing in quality installation and materials you’ll have beautiful, functional windows for years to come.

• Resell Value

Think you might want to sell your home in the future? Take stock of your windows. Beautiful windows can improve curb appeal and a respected brand name can add value to your home.

• Budget

While not a fun topic, it’s important to know what you’re comfortable spending. This will help dictate what project you can do now, and which projects you might want to tackle in the future. Consider the financing options available to you, such as deferred payment options.

• Time for a change?

Do you want to knock out your double-hung window and replace it with a larger picture window? Are you looking to replace every window in your house? What hardware tickles your fancy? All of these considerations impact the cost of your replacement windows, and should be in your consideration for what makes the best sense for you and your home. If these options seem overwhelming, our consultants are more than happy to schedule a free in home consultation to help you find the best solution for you desires.

For more information on our quality materials, financing options, limited warranty or any of our window options visit homesolutionsmidwest.com or give us a call!

We know that replacing your windows or installing new patio doors (or both!) is not a small project. And that’s why it’s important who you choose to do the job—you’re not going to do it very often; most people only do it once. So you want to do it right.

In this day and age, social proof is a powerful thing—you don’t just want to hear from US about why Renewal by Andersen is the right solution for your window needs. You want to hear it from your friends, family, and neighbors, as well. Their reviews, comments, and testimonials are powerful, and speak louder than we ever could.

We have more than half a million window and patio door replacement jobs out there. You can see some customer reviews and testimonials by reviewing them on the Renewal By Andersen Corporate website.

Some of our homeowners know exactly what they want when our consultants walk in the door—they know the number of windows, what style, what colors, even which hardware. But for many homeowners, this is uncharted territory. When you schedule your free in-home design consultation, here’s what will happen:

1. First, we’ll listen to you about your goals and the vision you have for your new windows.
2. We’ll inspect your home’s current window situation and identify any unique design and installation challenges.
3. We’ll talk with you about ways to balance beauty and budget, and come up with a design solution(s) that fits your home, your timeline, and your bottom line.
4. He/she will answer any and all questions you have—whether they are about style (“Can you do a dark exterior trim to match my siding?” or “What’s the right look for an Arts and Crafts bungalow?”), logistics (“It’s fall…do I have to wait until spring?”), or function (“What do you recommend for an elderly woman who has mobility issues?”).
5. Your design consultant will look for the best possible deal for you—letting you know of any current specials or offers running, configuring bulk or quantity discounts, and walking you through all of our flexible payment options.
6. Your consultant will draw up an electronic contract through our iPad® app and have it ready for you along with a detailed estimate and pricing good for one year.

With the different types of windows, learning the ins and outs of all of them can be difficult. That’s where we step in! Have you heard the term “casement window” bandied about but not exactly sure what a casement window actually looks like? Read on fellow window enthusiasts – we’ll break it down for you.

So what is exactly a casement window?

A casement window is any window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges. Specifically, windows attached to the frame on the side (windows hinged at the top are awning windows, but more on that later). Basically they’re like doors, only instead of opening with a knob they open with a crank.
Here are four things you probably didn’t know about casement windows:

 1. They’re energy efficient

- Need a window above your cabinets, counters, or some other spot where opening requires a bit of a reach? Casement windows are designed for easy opening and surprisingly easy cleaning.

4. Provides excellent natural light.

Our Certified Master Installer program takes “professional” to the next level with meticulous training, extensive supervision, and high expectations. Prior to certification, we require all trainers and installers to demonstrate their knowledge of construction materials, building codes, and installation methods.

So what is a French door?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, by definition:

French door (n.):  A door, usually one pair, of light construction with glass panes extending for most of its length. They also can be referred to as French windows.

Here are 4 things you probably didn’t know about French doors:

1.)     Easy access to your patio or exterior:

• French doors are perfect for warm summer days. You can easily bring the outdoors inside with such a door.

2.)     Energy efficient:

• Since French doors are primarily all glass, these types of doors can bring in an incredible amount of natural light.
• Renewal by Andersen’s 5-point locking system on its Frenchwood ®  patio doors not only offers an increase level of security but also improves energy efficiency.

3.)     Gives a plain room an extra look:

• Of course French doors are extremely functional, but the primary function of a French door is its aesthetic features.
• French doors can create a dramatic impact on your home. See the picture below on how this style of door can make your indoor and outdoor living spaces interconnected.

4.)     A valuable investment:

• Because of its aesthetics, Frenchwood ® doors prove to be a smart investment. With the addition of this type of door, you can increase the potential sale value of your home.
• Consult your local real estate agent to see if French doors are a wise addition for you home.

Installation of a replacement window isn’t simply a matter of putting a standard-size window into a hole in the wall. It’s a matter of expertly fitting YOUR custom window into YOUR home. Replacement window installers need to be prepared to handle any number of challenges such as variations in wall materials and thickness, various types of casings or sill constructions, changes from house settling, and even unforeseen structural damage. This is why we only hire the best installers—folks who are professional craftspeople experienced in installing windows in homes of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Our installers are proud of the work they do and the products they install, and they’re dedicated to working with individual homeowners and going the extra mile whenever necessary (and often even when it’s not).

We have several different ways to get in touch with our business but our preferred source of contact would be to call our office line at 507-373-3435.

After you decide you move forward with Renewal by Andersen, your project specs are sent to our newly expanded state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cottage Grove, MN—only a few miles down the river from where Andersen Corporation came to life over 100 years ago.  Your windows are custom crafted and made-to-order with precision and care by our dedicated employees who take great pride in their work.

One thing that makes production special to us is that we only make to order. Every unit that we make has an order and a name attached to it. When an order comes down the line, our plant workers take care of your project because we know that this is YOUR window, not just an anonymous order.

There’s no home exactly like yours, so you shouldn’t expect a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your windows. All of our windows are custom crafted and made-to-order to fit your home’s exact needs. Therefore, before our trained design consultants can give you an estimate, they need to learn about your situation. Your consultant will meet with you in the comfort of your home, at a time that fits your schedule. He/she will walk through the details of your particular situation, listen to your needs, talk with you about a number of options, and provide you with pricing for your specific project that will allow you to review your options and make the best decision for your home and your budget. Because your home is unique, it shouldn’t be treated like any other house on the block—that’s why your design consultation is so important.

Renewal by Andersen's Signature Service is committed to giving you the best customer experience possible, through the perfect combination of the best people in the industry, a superior process, and an exclusive product.

Learn more about the benefits of Renewal by Andersen's Signature Service:

• Professional installation. With Renewal by Andersen, you get the product reputation of Andersen Windows with the master work of passionate installers.
• Superior performance. Andersen’s exclusive Fibrex® composite material lasts longer, performs better, and is stronger than vinyl. **
• Cost savings. Renewal by Andersen’s energy efficient windows are ENERGY STAR® certified and can reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Hassle-free process. Renewal by Andersen eliminates the need to work with multiple companies. We are responsible for all aspects of your window replacement and installation.
• Long-term value. Our comprehensive, hands-on approach ensures your window and installation quality, beauty, and energy savings last for many years.
• Unrivaled beauty. Renewal by Andersen offers a wealth of window styles, colors, and grilles to fit any home.

From design and sales through manufacturing, installation, and service, we own the entire process—giving you a single point of contact and helping make your experience the most streamlined home-improvement project you’ve ever done.

It’s the kind of service you would expect from the Andersen Windows name, and Home Solutions Midwest is committed to living up to those standards.

1. Better Energy Efficiency

We’ll be the first to admit that original, historic windows have a certain appeal to them. But, while they look amazing, they aren’t as energy efficient as new windows. And, with heating and cooling costs on the rise, you simply can’t afford to throw money out the window. Replacing your old windows with new ones that offer insulating features such as heat reflecting low-E coatings can save you between 10% and 25% each year on heating and cooling costs.

2. Old Windows May Cause Harm to Your Home

If your windows are poorly sealed, worn or damaged, they might cause damage to your home. For instance, if your window is poorly sealed, you might lose warm air during winter. Moreover, a leak in your windows could cause water damage to the wall, furniture, and carpets every time it rains or snows. Window replacement is the most effective action you can take to avoid a situation like this.

3. Reduce Noise

Picture this: you just can’t wait to get home and curl up under a blanket after long, stressful day at work. But, instead of the peace and quiet you were hoping for, you are welcomed by the noise of a construction site near your home. You could avoid this scenario entirely by replacing your old windows with dual-pane or laminated glass. This feature can reduce the outside noise, making it possible for you to relax at the end of the day. Moreover, these windows will reduce how noise is leaving the home as well, so you can pump up the volume without bothering your neighbors.

4. Improve the Air Quality

One of the benefits that often gets forgotten when talking about window replacement is how new windows can improve indoor air quality significantly. If you replace your heating and cooling filters every 30 days, then you will benefit immensely from replacing the old windows in your home. The multi-chamber design of new windows will keep the interior air of your home pure and clear, as it is constantly filtered through your cooling and heating system. 

5. Improved Security

When thinking about home security, most people tend to focus on doors and fences. While all these are important, they seem to forget the fact that their windows are a vital element of home security. Old windows that don’t lock properly are a gold mine for burglars. Window replacement is a great way to ensure that your home is protected not only from the elements but thieves, as well.

6. More Light

According to recent studies, the natural light keeps us healthy and improves our sleep quality. New windows have small frames and large panes compared to old ones, allowing more light to enter your home.

7. Add to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You’ll be amazed by the difference new windows can make to your home. Not only they look great, but they also offer great functionality.

8. Increased Home Value

Window replacement is a great investment, especially if you plan to sell the house someday. Nowadays, home buyers look for homes that not only look good but are also energy efficient. Old, drafty windows are a big turn off, and sellers are usually forced to reduce the price to compensate for the costs of upgrading. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, homeowners get around 73% of their window replacement investment back when they sell the house.

Even the most expensive windows won’t deliver the look and functionality you expect if they’re not installed properly.  Make sure you work with the right window replacement company to truly benefit from the advantages offered by new windows. Home Solutions Midwest can help you make your home new again.

Yes, we have a dedicated team that has been certified for each specific product. Once we assign an installer a job they stay on that project until it is completed. When you schedule an appointment you will be notified not only the date of when the job will start but also who will be working on your home improvement project. Here at Home Solutions we strongly believe in informing our customers about every step of the job.