<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Dreaming of spring? Keep warm weather, home improvements on your wish list</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – A harsh winter may have many Americans dreaming of daffodils, green grass and open windows welcoming in fresh air. How will you celebrate a day of warm weather that signifies spring has arrived? Many people will devote the day to spring cleaning. Cleaning windows is the most dreaded spring cleaning chore for nine out of 10 homeowners who intend to take on such projects, according to research from Pella Windows &amp; Doors. Second on the list of least favorites is clearing out gutters or organizing the inside of the home and third is yard work.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Spring into action</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Not only will spring bring warmer temperatures and cleaning chores, but a likely wave of remodeling projects. According to Pella’s research, 61 percent of homeowners plan to make improvements to their current home, while only 6 percent said they would move into a home that doesn’t require upgrades. A smaller group of consumers plan to build their dream home in 2010.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Homeowners in the Midwest and South are more likely than those in the Northeast and West to do home improvement projects themselves. And families with children are more likely to take on their own home improvements to reduce job costs versus those without kids.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/8a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/8a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Spruce up for a new look</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Installing new carpet or flooring is perhaps the most popular home improvement slated for the new decade. According to the study, 48 percent of homeowners planning to make upgrades have intentions of replacing carpet or flooring. Updating the interior or exterior of the home was a close second and planting a new landscape was the third most popular curb appeal task.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class=&quot;MsoNormal"><strong>Tranquil colors emerge</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">So for those pulling up the carpet or painting their house, what do the experts say are the latest colors and trends to consider? This year, the consensus on home decor and design is "ease." Tranquil, cool colors fit the notion of relaxation and respite, while kitchen design trends showcase the total dining experience and blend the kitchen to meld seamlessly into the rest of the home. You can learn more about design trends at Pella’s Web site <a href="http://pressroom.pella.com/news_releases/new/307" target="_blank">http://pressroom.pella.com/news_releases/new/307</a>.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Simple solutions</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To create a simple, beautiful space in your home, begin by taking a look around at rooms or items that have become unattractive or non-functional. Consider everything from your front door (is it attractive and welcoming) to your windows and window treatments. If window cleaning is a dreaded chore, window replacement may be high on the list, too. And relax; Pella helps simplify your life and the process of choosing windows and doors.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Whether you’re considering replacing windows or adding new to a remodeled room or home addition, the process can be simplified by working with one company that offers a variety of energy-efficient window and door choices (wood, fiberglass, vinyl). Pella experts will come to your home, take measurements and see to it that windows and doors are properly installed.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/8c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/8c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Enlighten your days</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">You don’t have to compromise design to save energy, so factor that into the benefits of home improvement. More windows mean more natural light, a natural mood-enhancer in cold or warm weather months. Plus adding windows doesn’t mean you’ll be adding to your utility bill. With energy-efficient products like Pella Designer Series wood windows or doors with window treatments (blinds or shades) included between panes of glass and superior energy-efficient windows, you’ll save on monthly energy costs and to help maintain a sunny disposition year-round. For more details, visit <a href="http://pressroom.pella.com/news_releases/new/308" target="_blank">http://pressroom.pella.com/news_releases/new/308</a> .</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When spring weather hits, make improvements that will give your home a breath of fresh air. For more information on Pella remodeling projects or to contact a sales representative visit <a href="http://www.pella.com" target="_blank">www.pella.com</a>  or call (888) 847-3552.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>