Do Window Replacements Increase Property Value?

When renovating your home on a budget, you want to ensure you get the highest value possible for your money. Window replacements can be expensive, and factors such as energy efficiency must be taken into consideration to cut back on repair and maintenance costs in the long run.

If you are contemplating replacing your windows soon, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself to ascertain your decision aligns with any future resale plans you may have. Firstly, you need to ask yourself if there is an alternative to replacement.

If the windows are repairable, then you should weigh both options and go with the one that makes more sense economically. You also need to ask yourself if the replacement project is going to necessitate other aesthetic adjustments on your home.

Certainly, if your windows were selected with your home’s design in mind, the replacements will have to complement it or you will ruin your entire home’s look.

When is Window Replacement Necessary?

Consider installing new windows if you see or experience any of the following:

• Fog formation or condensation between window panes: If there is fog or condensation between the panes of a double-pane window, it means moisture has gotten in there. Damage to the window’s seal is the most common culprit behind this. The reason you should go for replacement is that the energy efficiency level of the window is now on par with that of a single-pane one. Seeking window installation services from a seasoned expert will not only reduce your home’s utility bill but also improve its curb appeal. Be sure to let the professional know the aesthetics you are looking to achieve so you know if they are able to match your standards before you commit.

• Difficulties opening and/or locking: If your windows are getting harder to open and close or lock by the day, it means they are on the verge of giving up the ghost for good. It is thus wise to go on and replace them early on as leaving it late may lead to further damage to adjacent parts. What’s more, being quick to replace windows that are difficult to open and lock reduces the risk of injury to family members and minimizes energy costs. Windows should be easy to open for all, including children and the elderly, during emergencies. At the same time, it should be difficult for intruders to open from outside in case of a burglary attempt.

• Damaged frames: Wooden frames are likely to get warped or bent at some point, thanks to constant contact with moisture. If your window frames are bent, you may start experiencing difficulty opening and closing the window. Gaps may also develop in the window seal, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. Consider replacing the entire window if the structure of the frame has been compromised. Fusion-wielded windows are strong and can withstand the damaging effects of moisture and other weather elements for years.

How will New Windows Affect the Value of my Home?

It is very unlikely that your home’s value will remain the same after a window replacement project. That said, the window installation expert you choose for the work will have an impact on the change in value your real estate gets. If you don’t know where to start or can’t exactly tell which material and design options suit your specifications, you will need an experienced expert by your side to help you make a choice.

So, what is the specific real estate value increase that comes with new window installations?

That will depend on a number of factors, and one of them, as stated above, is the installation company you let handle the project. Properly-installed windows have been shown to have an ROI of between 70 and 80 percent. This means that if the installation cost is $400, your home’s value will go up by $280-$320. There are not many improvements of a similar scale that can recoup more than 50 percent of their costs.

Other factors that will influence the change in value of your home following a window replacement exercise include the material of the window you choose and your area’s real estate market conditions. Composite and fiberglass are more expensive than vinyl. Wooden windows are even costlier both in installation and maintenance, but they offer an arguably better aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

While replacing your windows is almost bound to increase the market value of your home, it is always wise to know what you want before getting on with the project. Don’t risk compromising the curb appeal of your home just because you are hell-bent on getting that new set of windows. Seek advice from friends and family, consult a professional, go window-shopping, and make a list of all the options you have, so your decision is well-thought-out and in line with your objectives.

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