As a homeowner, it’s always nice to know which renovations can improve the value and function of your home. Since most home renovations can be quite expensive and time-consuming, you want to know which ones are actually worth the investment.
If you’ve lived in your current house for some time, you’ve probably considered replacing the windows. While it’s not the most exciting home renovation project, replacing your windows can provide many immediate appeals. They are the first things that people notice about your home, and they offer greater energy efficiency, improved security, and enhance the overall curb appeal.
But you might be wondering, do new windows increase the value of a home? Well, yes they do. But it’s important to understand all the factors before you undertake the project.
Do New Windows Increase Home Value?
Choosing to install new windows in a home really comes down to the current state of the installed windows. New windows won’t make or break the sale of a home, but old windows certainly can. A potential buyer may look at them and decide that the hassle of installing new windows isn’t worth it.
As such, new windows will increase home value, especially where you’re moving from very old and damaged windows to new, modern windows. Of course, every home is different, and there are lots of factors at play. As such, how much the value of your home increases will vary. The following are the different ways in which new windows will increase home value:
Durability
Generally, installing new, high-quality windows means that they can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years, depending on the material choice. Old windows can have noticeable issues such as discoloration, rotting frames, warping, and moisture intrusion. New windows assure the buyers that the house has been looked after well.
Curb Appeal
Windows are among the first things that visitors see when they visit your home. One of the key reasons why new windows add value to your home is the fact that they boost the overall aesthetics of the house. Old windows are a noticeable indication of a house’s age, and it can be a turn-off for buyers.
Energy efficiency
Window technology has seen dramatic improvements over the past few years. Installing new windows could help you dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home, by minimizing heat loss or heat gain from your windows. This is especially true if the existing windows are old and outdated.
Nowadays, more buyers are looking for energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes. Shopping for “Energy Star” rated windows can help you choose the more energy-efficient models.
Better noise insulation
If your area experiences a lot of outside noise, your new windows can help to significantly reduce how much of the noise you actually hear. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can go for “soundproof” windows, which are designed to minimize noise pollution seeping into your home. Such a feature can be a major selling point, especially if you live near an airport, highway, or noisy street.
Enhanced security
There are few things more valuable to potential buyers than home security. Old windows can be a major vulnerability point in the security of your home. They may give criminals and pests easier access to the inside of your home.
Installing new windows with more secure frames, modern locks, and stronger glass can help keep your home a lot more secure overall, helping you deter malicious people and pests from entering your home. Plus, in case of an emergency, newer windows will be easy to open from the inside, such that you can get to safety quickly.
Fewer inspection issues
Damaged or broken windows are one of the most commonly flagged items on home inspections. Having several problems on your inspection reports could be an obstacle to the transaction process, and could even risk losing the sale.
Buyers can even push you into installing new windows before they commit their money. So, if you don’t fix your windows before you list your home for sale, you might just end up doing it as part of your home inspection repairs.
Ease of maintenance
Over time, windows can become dirty and difficult to clean, especially if they are old and/or have an outdated design. Modern windows are designed with ease of maintenance in mind. This adds on to the appeal of installing new windows, as they are easier to clean and won’t stain easily.
Discover the Benefits of Installing New Windows Whether You’re Selling or Staying Long-Term
Replacing your windows can increase the value of your home considerably. So, if you are considering putting your home on the market soon, this is something you might want to consider. Do note that there are different kinds of windows to choose from, and you want to install ones that suit your home’s needs.
At Family Windows & Doors, our team can help you choose and install the most suitable windows for your home. We will walk you through the available options and guide you to choose the ones that will offer the most value. Call us today at 864-982-0957!
