In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we welcome Craig Hyson and Nick Blessing from Pella Windows & Doors of Cincinnati. This conversation is for homeowners who are starting a custom home, a large renovation, or even a production build and want to understand how to make better decisions about windows and doors before they order anything.

Craig and Nick start with one of the most important points of the episode: the window itself matters, but the installation matters just as much. A high quality window can still fail if it is flashed incorrectly or installed poorly. That is why they encourage homeowners to vet both the manufacturer and the installer. Pella’s local team describes its role as “owning the opening,” which means they can help with the product, installation, and service after the fact.

We also talk about why homeowners should go to a showroom before ordering windows. Windows affect both the inside and outside of a home, and a catalog does not tell the whole story. The way a window opens, the feel of the hardware, the look of the grilles, the screen options, and the finish details can all change a homeowner’s decision once they see and touch the products in person. A showroom visit can prevent surprises later.

Budget is a big part of the conversation. Homeowners can often save money without compromising the whole design. Grilles can be used only on the front elevation. Some upgraded hardware or blinds between the glass can be limited to key rooms. In some cases, changing window series or staying within certain size limits can make a large difference. Standard sizes can save some money, but the bigger issue is often whether a custom size pushes the window into a more expensive product line.

We also talk about glass, energy efficiency, sound control, and the importance of looking at the house as a whole system. Better glass can help, but walls, insulation, flashing, air sealing, and the overall envelope all matter. A great window cannot solve every performance problem on its own.

The design conversation gets especially fun when we talk about larger doors, multi-slide systems, pocketing doors, and the way homeowners want indoor and outdoor spaces to connect. Craig and Nick share examples of automated awning windows, huge stacking doors, and larger aluminum products that allow designers to push size and glass limits.

Our biggest takeaway is that homeowners should be more involved in the window selection process. Even when the architect and builder have a strong recommendation, it is worth visiting the showroom, asking questions, testing options, and understanding what is actually going into the home.

More: 

Pella Windows & Doors of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: https://www.pella.com/locations/cincinnati/

Pella Windows & Doors Showroom of Cincinnati, OH: https://www.pella.com/locations/oh/montgomery/

(00:00) Intro
(02:05) What homeowners should know before starting a project
(04:38) When homeowners work directly with the window team
(05:31) Why windows affect both the interior and exterior
(07:33) What makes a good quality window
(09:51) Visiting the showroom and testing products
(14:25) Grille choices and setting clear expectations
(16:38) Budget levers that do not change the whole design
(18:50) A hot take on using fewer, better windows
(22:02) Standard sizes, custom sizes, and fixed versus operable windows
(24:37) Choosing upgrades only in key rooms
(27:12) Energy efficiency and glass options
(31:25) A memorable automated awning window project
(32:26) Multi-slide pocketing doors and big views
(34:05) Larger aluminum products and bigger glass limits
(36:27) Post-interview reflections
(44:08) Closing and contact information

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected]

Learn about our hosts:

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

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