If there’s one thing that real estate experts agree on, it’s that selling a house quickly and for a good price comes down to a strong first impression. If your property has curb appeal, you’re off to a good start.
If you’re planning on investing in creating better curb appeal, consider starting with window replacement. Window replacement not only boosts your curb appeal but increases your property value, reduces energy costs, and more.
How do you know if it’s time for replacing your residential windows? How, exactly, do new windows improve your property?
We’re here to answer all of your questions about window replacement to help you decide if that is the right home improvement to tackle this year.
How Does Window Replacement Boost Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal refers to the impression buyers (or passersby) get when they look at your home from the outside. You can boost curb appeal by tidying up your lawn, planting attractive shrubs and flowers, and adding a fresh coat of paint as needed.
However, if your windows are out of style or worn down, these efforts won’t impact your curb appeal as much as you may like. Whether you have dozens of large windows on the front of your house or a few small windows, they’re going to draw the eye. If they’re broken, sagging, or dingy, your house is going to look older and less cared for.
New windows, on the other hand, can rejuvenate your home’s exterior immensely. You can customize your frames and panes to give your home an updated or elegant look, all without the cost of a huge remodel. Even if you opt for a similar appearance, those new frames and fresh, clean glass will show the care you’ve put into maintaining your property–which creates a great first impression of what’s to come!
What Other Benefits Come With Replacing Windows?
Curb appeal is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of window replacement. Windows are a crucial structural component of your home, and new windows can increase your property value, energy efficiency, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how window replacement can lead to some serious benefits.
Increased Property Value
Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home now or in the future, you’ve probably got your eye on your property value. Property value is impacted by factors you can’t control, like the local real estate market and your proximity to amenities. However, there are also plenty of ways that you can positively impact your property value, and window replacement has one of the best ROIs.
If your windows need to be replaced when you place your home on the market, potential buyers will know immediately that your property will require work. They may want to haggle over the asking price more or even walk on the offer in search of a home that’s more move-in ready.
When you take on window replacement, yourself, you can expect to see a return on investment of at least 70%. That means that if you spend $10,000 on your window replacement, you can raise your property value by at least $7,000. This is a higher ROI than almost any other home improvement project–and can get your house off the market much faster.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Did you know that most residential properties create a ton of energy waste? The EPA estimates that homeowners could lower their energy usage by up to 25% by taking a few precautionary measures, including window replacement.
Even if your windows aren’t cracked or misaligned, the seal around your windows will wear down overtime, especially on older windows. What that means is that your windows are letting the outside air in while letting your temperature-controlled air out. As a result, your HVAC system has to work significantly harder to keep your property at the temperature you prefer.
Whether you opt for high-end, efficiency-oriented windows or more standard windows, replacement will increase your property’s energy efficiency–and lower your energy bill.
Comfort and Security
New windows can contribute to feeling comfortable and secure inside your home. Functionality and energy efficiency make your home more livable and temperature controlled. Strong glass and secure locks will give you the peace of mind that your windows aren’t accidental entry points for intruders.
Signs That It’s Time for Window Replacement
How do you know when it’s time to find replacement windows? We’ll go over some of the most common signs that your windows need an upgrade so that you can make an informed decision.
Your Energy Bill Is Growing
One of the tell-tale signs that you need window replacement is a growing energy bill. If you feel like your energy bill is higher than ever before, you can always start by having your HVAC system inspected. However, if you know that your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently, it may be time to turn your attention to your windows.
As we mentioned earlier, new windows can protect your energy usage–while old windows can be a total leach on your energy bill. In fact, this is yet another reason that new windows have a high ROI. Even if you’re not looking to sell, new windows can save you hundreds of dollars on your upcoming energy bills.
Your Windows Are Damaged
Window damage is not something that should be ignored. Window damage is almost always going to get worse if it is not addressed, especially given that your windows are exposed to extreme temperatures, rain, and sun.
Window damage can include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Cracked or chipped glass
• Loose or warped frames
• Damaged or peeling seals
• Constant presence of moisture on or inside glass
Once you notice any of these signs of damage, it’s time to start thinking about window replacement. In some cases, you may only need to replace the damaged windows. However, damage is often a sign that your windows are getting older and less durable, which may mean that a full replacement is ideal.
Your Windows Are Losing Functionality
Depending on where you live, you probably enjoy opening your windows in the mild seasons. Letting in fresh air is a great way to increase circulation, improve air quality, and achieve a more comfortable indoor temperature without resorting to your heating or cooling system.
However, it becomes a lot harder to take advantage of outdoor air when your windows are impossible to open or close. When this occurs, it usually means that the frame has become warped or that the windows were not properly installed. Overall, it tends to mean that new windows are in order.
You Want a New Look or Updated Style
At the end of the day, windows really do add to aesthetic (or lack thereof) of our homes. Replacing your windows is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your house a new look that everyone is bound to notice.
Nowadays, you can find tons of different styles of windows in a large variety of materials. This makes opting for something that suits your aesthetics more affordable now than ever before.
In addition to a new look, newer windows can offer a variety of benefits that just didn’t exist twenty years ago. For example, you can find windows that offer added UV protection to keep your skin safe even in well-lit homes. You can also find windows that are designed to be more sound-proof, more energy-efficienct, and more heat-trapping.
Your Windows Are Old
It is helpful to keep track of how old your windows are. Different window materials provide a different lifespan, so to speak, and it’s best not to push that lifespan over the edge.
As a good rule of thumb, most windows are not designed to last more than 20-25 years. Some vinyl windows may have a lifespan of up to 40 years, but these are usually newer models. If you’re not sure how old your windows are, ask a professional to inspect them and give you their best estimate.
Invest In New Windows and Reap Major Rewards
Window replacement may not seem like a huge home renovation project, but the benefits are certainly huge. From boosting curb appeal to improving energy efficiency, replacing your windows is a great project to take on with a strong ROI. Whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply want to improve your quality of life, consider window replacement for your next project.
Looking for more tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of the real estate market? Check out our real estate section to find out about the latest trends, the best home renovation projects, and even DIY improvements you can take on on your own.
