Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Kravelv
Window replacements are too often overlooked on any quest to boost a home’s value. Why wouldn’t they be? After all, windows are just windows and why fix what isn’t broken? What you may not be realizing is that beyond just aesthetics, windows play a huge part in the function of a home – affecting its safety, level of comfort, and the monthly payments it demands.
Why a window replacement?
Windows affect both the function and aesthetics of your home so upgrading a set will give you a boost n both aspects. And because windows can add curb appeal to a home, it’s a great investment if you’re looking to increase the value of your property – a must if you’re interested in selling down the road. Even if you’re not looking at selling, it’s an investment that can yield big savings, and an investment in both the comfort and safety of you and your family.
What a window replacement can do for you
While a lot of people replace windows to improve the look of their home, more are turning to replacement windows to cut back on energy costs. These days, energy efficiency is no longer just a fancy add-on to windows. It’s become a necessity because rising energy costs will significantly eat away a portion of your monthly budget if you’re not careful. But just because there’s a focus on functionality does not mean the beauty of a replacement window takes second fiddle. Find the right replacement window and you can enjoy both.
Window replacements by the numbers
Although the most energy-efficient (and most beautiful) windows are usually the most expensive, don’t assume that you have to pay top dollar to experience dramatic energy savings. A quick look at ENERGY STAR labels should tell you how a certain window would perform in your area, thanks to ratings provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council. The exact amount you can save on energy costs every year will depend on where you are, the kind of replacement window you choose, and how many windows you want replaced. ENERGY STAR claims energy-efficient windows will typically save you between $126 and $465 a year (when replacing single-pane windows).
Resale values
On average, a mid-range window replacement project will cost $10,049 for vinyl and $11,022 for wood. For upscale replacements, expect to shell out $13,425 for vinyl and $16,868 for wood. If you’re selling, current trends show that you should be able to recoup at least 73% of costs for mid-range window replacement jobs and 69% of costs for upscale projects. That’s a resale value of $7,325 for a mid-range replacement and $11,581 for an upscale upgrade. These figures have increased from 2013, according to the 2014 Cost vs Value Report released by Remodeling magazine.
What’s the best window replacement to get?
The best window replacement is relative because what will suit you perfectly will depend on your needs. Different people have different needs so you can’t automatically assume what works for one will work for you as well. However, choosing a reputable window contractor is a good start towards assuring that you end up with the best window replacement.
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Author Bio:
Andrea Peterson is a Marketing Representative of Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento. She graduated from the Stanford MBA Program before joining a division of the Andersen corporation – a company with over a century of window and door innovation in its history. When she’s not organizing events for RBA, she’s sharing her knowledge of the window industry on blogs and making new friends on Facebook and Twitter.
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Great post. This is exactly what I intended to do for my 2015 home improvement plans. I will surely include the window remodelling to the upper part of my house and then at the backyard side. Anyways, thanks for this useful post and keep up the good work!