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Welcome, Before and After projects – an exciting Jurney; from big projects like remodeling a kitchen to small ones like waxing a car, you can journal daily about your project improvement.

Replacing Window
How to remove and install
When it's time to replace your old windows with a new set, the first thing you should do is get accurate measurements for all of them. Once you have the new windows ready and all of the tools and materials you need, you're all set to get to work.
Necessary tools and materials
Hammer Tape measure Drill / driver Handheld screwdriver Utility knife Pry bar Chisel Caulk Caulking gun Square Shims Replacement window

Steps to follow:

Because replacement windows fit inside the existing window frame, you only need to remove the sashes, parting bead and inside stop from the existing window. To make things easier and safer, you should install replacements from the inside. Before starting work on your windows, you should check out your local building codes to make sure you're not breaking any of them. When you're ready to go, follow these steps as well as you can - you should be able to replace your window without the help of professional contractors.
Remove the inside stop pieces from the old window. Take care of them, as you can reuse them with the new windows.

Remove the inside
window sash. If the old window uses weights, then you need to cut the sash cords or chains. Let the weights drop to the bottom of their wells and just leave them there.

Slide the outside sash to the bottom of the window and remove the parting beads. Then remove the outside sash the same way you removed the inside sash. Don't remove the exterior stop from the window jambs though, as they will retain the replacement window when you put it in.


You should clean the window jambs and the window sill. If the old window has weights, you should drive the pulleys into the frame or take them out completely. If there are any holes in the jambs or window sill, you should fill them with caulk.

You're now ready to put in your replacement window.

Put a line of caulk along the inside of the outside stops on the jambs. Then mark the window sill for the angle, and caulk and install the sill angle.

Center the top and bottom sashes vertically in the window frame. Then you should slide the bumper stops toward the middle of the frame, until you can see the four mounting holes in the side jambs.

Place the header on top of the window and caulk the top of the header. Put the header into position and fasten it with the small screws that should have come with the window.

Put the window into the opening and make sure it's square. If it isn't square in the opening, you'll have to shim it. Then install the mounting screws at the top and bottom of each side jamb. Don't screw them too tight as they could deform the jambs.

Slide the header upward so it seals any gap between the top of the window and the old frame. Then screw the header firmly into position.

Slide the top and bottom sashes up and down to check for any gaps, and to make sure they work smoothly. If the sashes don't operate smoothly, you can use the built-in adjustment screws in the side jambs to adjust the window frame.

Caulk the inside of the window and put the inside stops back in place.

Need Professional Help?

You can count on Sears for a job that will be done well and at a fair price.
Choose Sears, WHY?

Professional - Pros that are neat & courteous.
Fair - Established parts and labor prices.

Clear - You'll get an estimate before we begin.

Knowledgeable - Licensed and insured installers trained to do the job right.

Conscientious - Your home will be as clean when we leave, as when we arrived.

Dependable - Satisfaction Guaranteed.*

Exterior Home Improvement:
Maintaining the exterior of a home can improve the functionality and efficiency, as well increase curb appeal. This section provides informative articles about building materials, gutters and drainage, sidewalk and driveway maintenance, exterior additions and renovations, and roofing maintenance and repairs. With our help no exterior home improvement project is too difficult!








Windows: Custom replacement windows from Sears can give your home style and charm and may help reduce your energy costs!* Your new windows from Sears can be installed with confidence and peace of mind. Best of all, just imagine how beautiful your home will look with your new windows from Sears!

Don't let your time and energy slip out of your old, drafty windows. Don't spend your hard earned money on high heating and cooling bills caused by inefficient windows. Put an end to many of the tiring tasks of exterior home maintenance. Trust the renovation of your home to Sears Home Improvement Product!











  • Siding: Beautify your Home. Premium vinyl siding, eaves and overhangs from Sears give your home a freshly painted look, that lasts as long as you own it.* Siding can dramatically increase the appearance of your home. There are so many different types and styles, however, that it makes it difficult to decide which siding type would work best on your home. The articles in this section provide information to help you make an educated decision between the various types of siding.
It comes in a full selection of popular colors. Your siding color won't scratch, peel or flake off as the color goes clear through the panel making your home's exterior virtually maintenance free! With Premium Vinyl Siding from Sears, you know you count on the quality materials and installation you have come to expect from Sears. In addition, you'll get a great price, great quality and peace of mind.

Maintaining the exterior of a home can improve the functionality and efficiency, as well increase curb appeal. This section provides informative articles about building materials, gutters and drainage, sidewalk and driveway maintenance, exterior additions and renovations, and roofing maintenance and repairs. With our help no exterior home improvement project is too difficult!
Protect Your Home With New Siding
In a lot of ways, the structural elements of a home can be compared to the human body. Framing is similar to our bones, waterproof barriers are like our skin, and siding is like the clothes we wear to cover our bodies. Siding can be compared to clothes because it protects the waterproof barrier (our skin) and serves as a decorative finish that enhances the home's overall aesthetics and, thus, its value. Clothes do the same for our bodies by protecting our skin and visually enhancing our appearance. Keep in mind; siding does not act as a waterproof barrier.
In the past there weren't many siding options to choose from, but today there are a wide variety of options available. The trick to choosing siding is to consider what would be attractive and compatible with the architecture of your home. You should also pay close attention to the quality of the material and how easily it can be maintained. Failure to maintain even the best, most architecturally pleasing siding can lead to sore looks and structural problems.
When is it time to install new siding? Unless you are building a new house, you will probably be stuck with the material that was applied when the home was constructed. If you are starting to notice that the exterior of your home needs a facelift, or the siding is looking worn due to neglect, then you may be in the market for new siding.
Regardless of whether you are building a new home and need new siding or looking for replacement siding, shopping for it can be daunting. New siding is available in many choices in composition, size, style and color. Furthermore, some siding is factory finished and other siding is finished on site.
The most common types of siding include:
Natural wood (plank and plywood), Wood composites, Fiber cement, Aluminum, Steel, Vinyl, Stucco, Brick and stone (or a combination)
Which type will work best for your home? Several factors will influence the answer to that question. The most important factors include product quality, architectural compatibility, appearance, maintenance requirements, ability to repair-replace damage and cost. Keep in mind, when it comes to siding it is not recommended that you look for the cheapest you can find. Siding is an important investment in your home, not to mention the fact that it is one of the first things people will notice about your home. Quality material will cost you more, but it is definitely worth it.

Vinyl Siding is an amazing product because it is fast and easy to install, and once it is finished you don't have to do anything to it ever again, besides a simple wash here and there. Vinyl Siding will not rust, rot, corrode or peel, fade, crack, chip or discolor. Vinyl can transform an old warn down home into a beautiful masterpiece in just a few days Advanced panel design. Only CenterLock uses a patented locking system that pulls panels tight to the wall. Extra-thick panels stay flat and overlaps are minimized, producing walls with the smooth, even appearance of solid wood. Added rigidity helps helps span faults in walls, assuring straight course lines that last. Unmatched appearance. The patented locking system also provides consistent "board to board" appearance - the look siding is supposed to have.
Increase Your Home's Value with New Siding.
What do you first see when you drive or walk past a home? The exterior of the house, of course, which is mostly siding. The outer shell of a home gives a first impression; it’s what realtors call “curb appeal.” A house that looks run-down and worn out with faded siding, peeling paint, or crumbling brick looks grim and uninviting. A home that looks freshly painted, with seamless, smooth siding turns heads. Update and increase the value of your home by installing new siding on the exterior of your home.

Appearance: Is siding just about appearance? Absolutely not, but how your home looks from the outside can make a huge difference. If you’re planning to sell in the future, a well-maintained home will get you a higher price and selling it may be less arduous. New siding is an advantage to both the buyer and seller. It doesn’t matter how great your home may look on the inside, if a ramshackle appearance pervades the outside. Forget those brand new kitchen cabinets and the really spectacular fireplace. If you can’t get people inside because the outside leaves much to be desired, your home may be a hard sell. Installing new siding will make your house shine to anyone passing by.

Protection: The fact of the siding matter is that siding creates a barrier to everything we want to keep out from coming in. It’s the first defense against the elements. Siding protects what lies within from sun, wind, snow and rain. A good quality siding does even more by ensuring that your home is well protected. Tight siding keeps out unwanted insects that can cause interior damage to a home. All those things we want to stay outside will be just where they belong with a high quality, tight fitting siding.

Energy: As prices of oil and gas continue to rise, being conscientious concerning energy costs is becoming a bigger issue. Siding should insulate the home to some extent and protect the insulation that lies within the walls. Air tight siding should help in maintaining the inside temperature of a home. It should not allow air or moisture to get through to ruin insulation, or cause you to turn the heat up in the winter and turn down the temperature of the air conditioner in the hot summer months. Whether your intent is to sell someday or live in the house until you no longer needed it, you’ll want to consider installing new siding that will help in the battle of hot and cold and keep your home a comfortable living space.

Environment: Whether the environment in the home is toxic or the siding is toxic to the outside environment, adding value to your home by making it environmentally friendly and healthy for the inhabitants is a wise choice. These two plusses - environmentally friendly and non-toxic - could be key selling points. It's wise to replace siding painted with lead paints, or vinyl siding that becomes toxic when burned. Making a change for the better good of all is never a bad choice. Choose a siding that takes into consideration environmental safety. Looking years down the road when the siding may need to be changed once again, means looking at the prospect of a siding that will not be toxic to those who live inside the shell as well as to the environment when it’s time to be rid of it.
The Difference Between Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
Q. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?

A. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness from .040 - .046. Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically .019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a baked on enamel paint finish.

Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the wintertime. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than aluminum siding.

As mentioned before, vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if it is scratched, the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, and if scratched, the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible. However, due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.

Aluminum siding has lost tremendous market share since the release of vinyl siding. Some statistics report as much as 80 percent of all sidings installed are vinyl. Aluminum siding is still very common for trim pieces because of its flexible properties. It is very easy to custom bend an aluminum trim piece. All vinyl has to be extruded or molded into shape.

In most situations it is recommended to install vinyl siding with aluminum trim pieces. Overall vinyl is more durable, has solid color and is cheaper than aluminum. Vinyl and aluminum siding have their drawbacks. Composite siding does also. Cement fiber siding provides low maintenance, but unlike vinyl, doesn't sacrifice the beauty and character of wood. It does not rot or crack, and it resists damage from rain, hail and flying debris, and the kids' baseballs like vinyl and aluminum. It is flame resistant.
Whether you choose wood, brick, vinyl, aluminum or any of the other sidings available, you can add value to your current home by replacing the old tired look of your home with new siding. Rotting, chipping, peeling, warped and gaping siding does not give a good impression to anyone who happens by. Living in a home that is protected against the elements and an insect invasion allows you to rest easy. A harmonious home is one that acknowledges the need for environmental safety for the family as well as the earth. With the advantages of installing new siding so obvious, there’s little reason not to increase the value of your home.
Experience Relief

  • Eliminates the agony of sanding, scraping and painting by giving your home a magnificent" just painted" look, warranted for as long as you own it.*
  • Made in America to the quality standards you expect from Sears.
  • Exculsively offer brand names like WEATHERBEATER™.
  • Feature weather resistant, wood-grain texture panels, in a variety of popular colors.
  • Covered by a lifetime transferable limited manufacturer's warranty.

Since vinyl siding never needs to be painted, you save money by not having to paint your house every few years. Siding goes right over the existing exterior of a house. This results in improved insulation and may mean lower heating and cooling costs. Whether your home has a wood, brick, stucco, stone or other masonry exterior, siding is a simple way to give it many years of maintenance-free good looks. Call for more details. A Sears In-Home Design Consultant is only a telephone call away...it's FREE!

  • Professional Project Consultants
  • Choose from a variety of colors and options.
  • Quality materials and installation.
Highly trained, reliable professionals, dedicated to your complete satisfaction. nstallation by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors, and a Project Coordinator to stay with you every step of the way.

Flexible financing* and Satisfaction Guaranteed.**

Click here to request a FREE consultation & a FREE estimate appointment.

DOORS:

The exterior doors of your home provide security Where as, the interior doors of your home serve a more aesthetic purpose.

The following section provides information that will help you install a new door, repair a broken door, fit and secure a door frame, install new door hardware, and add on a storm or screen door.

Patio doors are one of the most popular features in any home. This brochure describes the basic procedures for installing prehung French and swinging patio doors, and for sliding patio doors. This is always a two-person job. Keep in mind that the procedures may vary for different brands of systems. Wherever those instructions differ, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

In this document you will find information about:

Types of French & Patio Doors Installation

There are three types of doors that often are lumped together under the category "patio door." They are:

Sliding Patio Doors may be two-, three-, or four-panels wide. They are sold "knocked down"–i.e., the frame and door panels are packaged separately, and the unit must be assembled on the job site. Available frame materials are aluminum, wood, or PVC vinyl (typically reinforced with steel or aluminum for extra strength). Aluminum patio doors are generally the least expensive, but also the least durable and energy efficient. Vinyl occupies the mid-range in both price and quality, and wood is considered top of the line.

A two-panel sliding door has one active (sliding) panel and one inactive (stationary) panel. It may be assembled with the active unit on either side. A three-panel door has one active and two inactive panels; the active panel is typically on one side or the other rather than in the center, for the added security of being able to lock to the jamb. A four-panel door typically has two active panels in the center, and two inactive panels outside.
Swinging Patio Doors are typically two or three panels wide. As a rule, the active panel is hinged to an inactive panel, with the latch at one of the side jambs, although three-panel units may have the active panel in the center.

Swinging patio doors are available in wood, PVC vinyl, or in insulated steel or fiberglass. In general, a swinging door tends to be more secure and more energy efficient than a sliding door.
French Doors are hinged at the outside of the unit and contain at least two active panels that swing in or out from the center of the unit. At one time they were considered less secure than swinging patio doors because the active panels were locked to each other rather than a permanent jamb. With the advent of three-point locking systems that secure the door to the head jamb and the sill, French door security is much improved. French doors are typically available only in wood.

INSTALLATION

To install a pre-hung French or patio door, first unpack the new door unit. There may be skid boards or other framing attached to protect the system during transit. Remove any protective materials; if the unit has pre-hanging clips to keep the door aligned and closed, do not remove them.

Swinging Patio Door (two-panel pre-hung unit, center hinged)–Run beads of caulking along the floor where the threshold/sill will rest. From the outside, center the bottom of the unit in the opening and tilt it up into place.

Adjust the unit so the face is plumb, then secure the inactive-side jamb to the wall framing temporarily with two 3"-long drywall screws, placed about 6" below the head jamb and above the sill.

Go inside the house and shim and check the gap along the top of the active door. It should be even along the entire width of the door from the hinge jamb to the latch jamb. If the gap is too wide above the latch jamb, drive a shim under the sill directly beneath the latch jamb until the gap is even. If the gap is too narrow above the latch jamb, drive the shim directly beneath the hinge jamb.

Once the gap is even, recheck to make sure the unit is plumb. Then shim the latch jamb, checking it with a straightedge as you work to make sure you don't drive the shims too far and bow the jamb. Shim about 6" below the top of the unit, 6" above the sill and both above and below the lock.

Be careful not to allow the unit to be twisted; the inside edge of the jamb should be flush with the interior wall surface at all points. DO NOT SHIM ABOVE THE HEAD JAMB.
Place the carpenter's square at the corners to make sure the unit is square; if not, add shims below the sill. Shim the inactive-side jamb in four locations evenly spaced along the jamb. Drive the shims snug but not too tight. Then go back outside and secure the inactive-side jamb with two 3" drywall screws through each pair of shims. You may want to countersink the screw holes to fill with wood putty later on.

From inside, check again to make sure the face of the unit is plumb and that the gap between the door and jamb is even along the top and down the latch-side jamb. Drive 3" drywall screws through the latch jamb into the wall framing at each pair of shims.

Check the bottom of the door to make sure the door sweep makes even contact with the threshold across the entire width of the door. Adjust the threshold as needed.
Inside the house, stuff fiberglass insulation into the gap between the door jamb and the wall framing. Make it snug, but don't stuff it in too tightly. Nail the brick mold 16" on center outside and install the interior casing.

On the outside, caulk around the outside of the brick mold where it meets the siding. Finish the door according to the manufacturer's instructions.

French Doors (two-panel pre-hung unit)–Run heavy beads of caulking along the floor where the sill will rest. From the outside, center the bottom of the unit in the opening and tilt it up into place.

Adjust the unit so the face is plumb, then secure one hinge jamb temporarily with a 3" drywall screw placed about 6" below the head jamb. Leave a small gap between the jamb and the wall stud.

Use a level and a straightedge to make sure the head jamb is level and straight across the entire width of the unit. Shim under the sill directly below either hinge jamb if necessary. Insert shims directly behind the top hinges on both sides, taking care not to drive the shims in too hard (you don't want to bow the jamb). Drive two 3" drywall screws just above the top hinges on both sides.

Check the gap between the doors and the head jamb to make sure it is even across the entire width of the unit. If not, the unit is out of square. Adjust it as shown in.

Once the unit is square and level, shim behind the center and bottom hinges on both hinge jambs. Secure the hinge jamb with two 3" drywall screws just above the center and bottom hinges. Remove any pre-hanging clips or braces and test both doors to make sure they operate properly.

From inside the house, stuff fiberglass insulation into the gap between the door jamb and the wall framing. Make it snug, but don't stuff it in too tightly. Nail the brick mold 16" on center outside, and install the interior casing.

On the outside, caulk around the outside of the brick mold where it meets the siding. Finish the door according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sliding Patio Doors–Installing a sliding patio door is a little different because the unit generally doesn't come pre-hung. Consequently, the first step is to assemble the frame.
Once the frame is assembled, run heavy beads of caulking along the floor where the sill will rest. From the outside, center the bottom of the frame in the opening and tilt it up into place.
Adjust the frame so the face is plumb, then shim behind one hinge jamb near the top. Secure it temporarily.

Use a level and a straightedge to make sure the head jamb is level across the entire width of the frame. Shim under the sill directly below either side jamb if necessary. Shim the other side jamb near the top and secure it with a screw.

Use a level to plumb one side jamb, and shim at three more points along the jamb, spaced evenly from the top to the bottom. Secure that jamb, then repeat the process on the other side.
Once the frame is square and level, set the stationary panel in place in the outside channel (on whichever side you want the stationary panel). Push the panel snugly against the side jamb, then secure it with the brackets provided by the manufacturer.

Set the active panel in the inside channel, and test it to make sure it rolls smoothly and fits snugly all along the side jamb. If not, adjust the rollers to plumb the door or make it operate properly. Install the latch according to the manufacturer's instructions.
From inside the house, stuff fiberglass insulation into the gap between the door jamb and the wall framing. Make it snug, but don't stuff it in too tightly. Install the outside trim, then the interior casing.

On the outside, caulk around the outside trim where it meets the siding. If necessary, finish the door according to the manufacturer's instructions.

TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST

Door and Frame, Caulking, Hammer, Screw Gun, 3" Drywall Screws, Caulking Gun, Fiberglass Sill Sealer, 6d Finish Nails, Electric Drill, Shims, Level, Carpenter's Square, Steel Tape Measure,Wood Filler, Sawhorses, Screwdriver, Finishing Materials, Drill Bits.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Doors Overview:
Protect and Beautify your Home. _Give your home charm and style with an Energy Star Rated Custom Entry Door System from Sears. Your entry door makes a valuable first impression and reflects the warmth and friendliness of your home, while still providing security for your whole family. Sears is proud to be able to offer you one of the best entry door systems available on the market today.

A Sears Custom Entry Door System provides outstanding security, peace of mind and greater energy efficiency than your drafty old door. Crafted with old-fashioned quality standards, with over 90 styles to choose from, you’ll find the door system that does more than provide outstanding security, you’ll find a door system that can help make your home a showplace!

Door Product Information.--- You won't be Disappointed.
Exculsively offer brand names like WeatherBeater®.
Continuous steel edge for strength and better securit.
20-gauge steel construction with a poly-core fill ~ that looks like natural wood.

Sears offers you the most popular door styles available in the market today.
Manufacturer’s limited warranty.* Think of what you have to look forward to!
Schlage® lockset and deadbolt hardware.
A large selection of exterior designer colors with interior contrasting colors or stains.


Click here to request a Free Consultation & FREE estimate appointment.

Kitchens Overview















Kitchens:
Transform your kitchen. ___ Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s a place where family, neighbors and loved ones gather to share meals and memories. Your kitchen should be functional, yet pleasant and inviting. If you love your home, but are not satisfied with your kitchen, Sears has a perfect solution for you! Trust the heart of your home to Sears Home Improvement Products!

Sears can help you create the kitchen of your dreams. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover how affordable it can be to renew your kitchen. Whether you choose to remodel your entire kitchen or simply reface your existing cabinets, Sears can give you a custom-designed look, to match any budget.

Kitchen Product Information

  • A solution for every kitchen. ---
  • In home design consultations help you define/design your dream kitchen.
  • Reface your kitchen in 4-6 days or remodel the entire room, the choice is yours.
  • Turn key installation includes related plumbing, carpentry and electrical provided by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors.†
  • All renovations include quality materials, installation and a manufacturer's limited warranty.†

Flexible financing* and Satisfaction Guaranteed.**

  • Dare to dream. --- Whether you choose to remodel your entire kitchen or simply reface your existing cabinets, your kitchen can be transformed into the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Allow yourself a little luxury. With hundreds of door styles and coordinating hardware, a large selection of colors and woodgrains, an array of sinks and countertops including selections in laminate, granite, Corian® or Zodiaq® certified by DuPont™, Sears has the fresh, new decorator look to match any style and budget.
Call for more details. A Sears In-Home Design Consultant is only a telephone call away... it's FREE! Request Now!

Kitchen Options:
Variety... the Spice of Life.
Refaced or remodeled, with Sears your dream Kitchen always has options.A large selection of cabinet colors and woodgrains.
Hundreds of drawer and door styles with coordinating hinges and handles.
An array of sinks and countertops available in granite, Corian® or Zodiaq® certified by DuPont™.

Click here to Request a FREE Consultation & a FREE estimate appointment.

HVAC Systems : Heating & Cooling Overview











Heating & Cooling
Reduce Energy Costs.___ As your heating and cooling system ages, it can lose its ability to cool or heat your home. If your current heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old; or your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it with a more efficient system. Inadequate insulation or equipment installation may be the cause of temperature changes from room to room.

Your new system can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter while saving you money on energy bills. Let the professionals at Sears help you determine if your current system needs replacing. Replacing your current equipment with an ENERGY STAR® rated heating and cooling systems can help reduce high energy costs as much as 10-30%.*
HVAC Information: Accept No Substitutes

  • Full line of exclusive Kenmore® and Carrier® heating and cooling systems.
  • ENERGY STAR® qualified systems that can help save up to 25% of your annual heating/cooling costs.*
  • Sears Heating & Cooling specialist can work with you to determine the right system for your home. Prevent minor problems from becoming big headaches.
HVAC: Heating & Cooling Options:
It's Time to make Your Choice

Popular Heating systems:
Forced Air Furnaces.
Hot Water/Hydronic Heating Systems (Boilers).
Heat Pumps.

Popular Cooling systems:
Individual Window or Wall Units.
Central Cooling Systems (Air Conditioner) .
Heat Pumps.

Full line of accessories that can improve the indoor air quality as well as the performance of your system:

Electronic Air Cleaners.
Humidifiers.
Attic Ventilators.
Digital Set-Back
Thermostats.
New Supply Registers/Grills.

Click here to request a FREE consultation & a FREE estimate appointment.