If your windows are drafty and your backyard is bare, a Metro Detroit home improvement company with more than 50 years of experience says now is the time to do something about it.
Pat Ward, owner of C&L Ward, joined Live in the D during the show’s Home Improvement Week to share expert advice on two of the most popular - and most overlooked - home renovation projects: window replacement and deck construction.
WINDOWS
For homeowners wondering whether it’s time to replace their windows, Ward says the answer is often simpler than they think.
“When you know, you know,” Ward said. “When you just say, ‘Hey, it’s time to get new windows,’ it’s probably time to get new windows.”
Draftiness, rotting frames, and general wear are among the most common warning signs - and this past Michigan winter, Ward said, made those issues impossible to ignore.
C&L Ward offers a “good, better, best” approach to window selection, ranging from budget-friendly vinyl options to composite Andersen windows - a blend of wood and vinyl designed to withstand Michigan’s extreme temperature swings - all the way up to elegant wood windows for homeowners looking to add a premium touch to their interiors.
Beyond comfort, Ward noted that new windows are also a smart financial investment. “In most cases, you replace your windows, you’re going to get about a 60 to 70% return on that investment,” he said. “You get to enjoy the comfort for a lot of years and you get the return when you go to sell the home.”
One thing that sets C&L Ward apart, Ward emphasized, is that the company does not use subcontractors for installation. “We install your windows - we’re not outsourcing it to a third party, which unfortunately in our industry seems to be the norm,” he said. “We control the process.”
For homeowners who have been putting the project off, Ward says spring is the ideal time to act. Window replacement projects typically take six to ten weeks from order to installation, meaning homeowners who start now can have new windows in place well before next winter. Flexible financing options - including no payments for 18 months - are also available.
DECKING
With warmer weather on the way, Ward says outdoor living is top of mind for many Michigan homeowners - and C&L Ward’s deck specialists are ready to help bring those backyard visions to life.
“We study decks, we understand decks, we’re certified in decks - we’re deck specialists,” Ward said.
The design process, he explained, starts with understanding how a homeowner plans to use the space - whether that’s a quiet reading nook, a family-friendly area with railings for little ones, or what Ward enthusiastically described as a “party deck” complete with multiple levels and a hot tub area.
When it comes to materials, composite decking has become the clear favorite among today’s homeowners. Unlike traditional wood, composite decks are virtually maintenance-free - no staining, no sanding, and no slivers. A simple rinse with a garden hose is all it takes to keep them looking pristine for decades.
“They look like a million dollars for 40, 50 years,” Ward said.
C&L Ward also takes a distinctive approach to deck construction that sets them apart from competitors. Rather than setting support posts directly into the ground - where treated lumber can eventually rot - the company uses a precast concrete system that keeps wood above ground and allows them to offer a lifetime warranty on their decks.
Training, Ward said, is the backbone of every project. “When you build a deck, you’re building it for a lifetime - not a temporary structure for four or five years.”
For homeowners ready to get started, Ward’s advice is straightforward: “Give us a call. Get your Pinterest boards, look at what you’re trying to create, and sit down with one of our deck specialists.”
To watch the segments, click on the videos. For more information or to schedule a free quote, visit goclward.com.