Windows bring light, warmth, and a feeling of openness into your home, while at the same time creating a sanctuary where you can block out the world.
When deciding to remodel one should weigh the benefits to the potential cost.
It’s a fact that 38% of a home’s energy loss is through the windows and doors during cooler months. If a home has single-pane windows or single-pane aluminum sliders, the heat loss from windows could be as high has 50%. The worse the condition of a home’s windows means the more dramatic the savings and the sooner you will recoup your investment in energy costs alone. When we conduct our in-home estimates we often showcase this ratio and story to the home owner. Here are other factors to keep in mind when making your decision to replace your windows.
Increased Value in Your Home
There are many home improvement projects that people can consider, and some offer better returns on investment than others. Replacing your windows is one of the smartest home improvements to take on if your goal is to break even on your purchase. A study by The National Association of Realtor’s found that replacement windows increase the value of your home by 97% of the cost, meaning you will recoup 97% of the money spent on windows in resale value. New windows will also make a home feel larger and more spacious with clear panes that bring in greater amounts of natural light.
Improve Functionality
Windows become infuriating when they do not function properly and are hard to open, close or clean. Cracks that occur in a window pane are dangerous and when this happens the best option is to move forward with a replacement. Keep an eye on your windows and look for revealing signs they are no longer functioning properly. Some of these include condensation on the windows indicating a broken seals, and a drafty home indicating your windows are not keeping air out. Poorly sealed windows will also let dirt, dust and bugs into your home, so look for these as well. Finally, be sure to hire a licensed and reputable contractor to ensure your windows are installed correctly for optimal performance and safety.
Improves Personal Comfort
The most obvious benefit to installing new windows is physical comfort. Eliminating those drafty old windows keeps the interior temperature of a home more comfortable and you will no longer have those uncomfortable sharp changes in temperature from warm to cold.
In addition to sealing the air inside, new windows will keep noise out more effectively as well, creating a peaceful home environment. If you’re near an airport, a busy street or in an urban neighborhood, noise pollution can be a common concern. Many homeowners are often surprised how significant the reduction of exterior noise is once they’ve replaced their windows.
Saving Your Homes Interior
Ultraviolet rays entering through windows and patio doors can lead to fading of furniture, carpet, window treatments and artwork. These and other materials, especially ones with organic fabrics, are susceptible to fading when exposed to sunlight. Upgrading your windows to more energy efficient products can potentially reduce fading and extend the life of your personal and household items.
Window Options
There are many available window options to fit any budget and home style. Window frames can be made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass, wood, vinyl and aluminum. The most affordable option is vinyl-frame windows, and these have the added benefit of being very energy efficient. It may seem obvious but the more windows’ you have in your home the more expensive your project will be. Talk to your contractor about the different window frame options available and what will work best for your house, climate, and budget.
Smart investments in your home will pay off in the long term, and keeping your house bright and comfortable makes a difference you will notice every day.
Happy Remodeling,
Laci
When deciding to remodel one should weigh the benefits to the potential cost.
It’s a fact that 38% of a home’s energy loss is through the windows and doors during cooler months. If a home has single-pane windows or single-pane aluminum sliders, the heat loss from windows could be as high has 50%. The worse the condition of a home’s windows means the more dramatic the savings and the sooner you will recoup your investment in energy costs alone. When we conduct our in-home estimates we often showcase this ratio and story to the home owner. Here are other factors to keep in mind when making your decision to replace your windows.
Increased Value in Your Home
There are many home improvement projects that people can consider, and some offer better returns on investment than others. Replacing your windows is one of the smartest home improvements to take on if your goal is to break even on your purchase. A study by The National Association of Realtor’s found that replacement windows increase the value of your home by 97% of the cost, meaning you will recoup 97% of the money spent on windows in resale value. New windows will also make a home feel larger and more spacious with clear panes that bring in greater amounts of natural light.
Improve Functionality
Windows become infuriating when they do not function properly and are hard to open, close or clean. Cracks that occur in a window pane are dangerous and when this happens the best option is to move forward with a replacement. Keep an eye on your windows and look for revealing signs they are no longer functioning properly. Some of these include condensation on the windows indicating a broken seals, and a drafty home indicating your windows are not keeping air out. Poorly sealed windows will also let dirt, dust and bugs into your home, so look for these as well. Finally, be sure to hire a licensed and reputable contractor to ensure your windows are installed correctly for optimal performance and safety.
Improves Personal Comfort
The most obvious benefit to installing new windows is physical comfort. Eliminating those drafty old windows keeps the interior temperature of a home more comfortable and you will no longer have those uncomfortable sharp changes in temperature from warm to cold.
In addition to sealing the air inside, new windows will keep noise out more effectively as well, creating a peaceful home environment. If you’re near an airport, a busy street or in an urban neighborhood, noise pollution can be a common concern. Many homeowners are often surprised how significant the reduction of exterior noise is once they’ve replaced their windows.
Saving Your Homes Interior
Ultraviolet rays entering through windows and patio doors can lead to fading of furniture, carpet, window treatments and artwork. These and other materials, especially ones with organic fabrics, are susceptible to fading when exposed to sunlight. Upgrading your windows to more energy efficient products can potentially reduce fading and extend the life of your personal and household items.
Window Options
There are many available window options to fit any budget and home style. Window frames can be made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass, wood, vinyl and aluminum. The most affordable option is vinyl-frame windows, and these have the added benefit of being very energy efficient. It may seem obvious but the more windows’ you have in your home the more expensive your project will be. Talk to your contractor about the different window frame options available and what will work best for your house, climate, and budget.
Smart investments in your home will pay off in the long term, and keeping your house bright and comfortable makes a difference you will notice every day.
Happy Remodeling,
Laci