Home remodeling and wall-to-wall renovations can get expensive. High price tags and an ever-shifting real estate market can leave homeowners wondering which renovations are worth it and which are a waste of time when it comes to resale value and ROI.
Most people think that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but what about windows? Do new windows increase home value, too? Are windows a worthy investment for homeowners looking to increase their home’s list price?
When to Get New Windows
Deciding when or if to replace windows depends on their current condition. You’ll want to ask yourself a few questions:
How old are they? Are the windows relatively new or approaching their third decade of life? Depending on the materials used, windows have a lifespan that ranges from 15 to 30 years.
Are they functional? Do the windows get stuck? Are they difficult to open or close? If so, they may need to be replaced.
How do they look? Curb appeal not only affects the value of a home but can also help a home sell faster. The windows could look brand-new, but if they don’t fit the style of the house, then the overall value of the property could suffer.
Most people don’t think about the condition of their windows until they’re broken or failing, but that could be a costly mistake. Homeowners shouldn’t wait until their home is getting inspected or they’ve lost valuable selling opportunities before taking action. If the windows in a home are less than ideal, homeowners might want to consider replacing them.
What Is the Cost of Replacing Windows?
The cost of replacing windows depends on the type of windows, the style, their size and how many need to be replaced. Other cost considerations include optional upgrades (like energy efficiency) and whether you hire a professional contractor to install them.
That said, the average cost of replacing a single window is between $200 and $1,800, averaging a cost of $650 per window. So, replacing every window in a three-bedroom house can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000.
How Much Value Do New Windows Add?
Here’s where the good news kicks in! New windows have a relatively high return rate. For instance, a luxury vinyl window replacement has a 68.6% return on investment. That means that if a person spends $10,000 replacing their windows, the value of their home will increase by approximately $6,860. That’s a much higher return than they’d get with many other high-dollar remodels.
Of course, that’s just an average expectation. Determining how much value a new window will add to a home depends on several different factors.
Style
Some types of windows are more classic and cozy, while others are more contemporary and offer a luxurious feel. Different windows have different costs and have varied returns, all depending on what you choose for your home.
There are many window styles to choose from, including:
- Single Hung Windows
- Double Hung Windows
- Hybrid Windows
- Casement Windows
- Awning Windows
- Hopper Windows
- Slider Windows
- Picture Windows
- Bow and Bay Windows
There’s no need to spend astronomical amounts to get a significant return. When choosing replacement windows, homeowners should look for modern upgrades of the windows they already had. Choose the style that compliments the home the best.
Materials
Materials have a significant impact on a window’s value. When trying to decide the material for windows, you need to consider durability, energy efficiency, cost, lifespan and style.
Wood
Wooden windows are stylish, luxurious, energy-efficient and durable. If they’re well-maintained, they can last for decades. On the downside, they’re more vulnerable to insects and inclement weather than some of the alternatives, like vinyl or aluminum.
Aluminum
Aluminum windows are affordable, lightweight, durable and easy to install, especially for a professional contractor. They also don’t require much maintenance. Unfortunately, due to their high conductivity of heat and cold, they aren’t as energy efficient as some of the alternatives.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows are durable, waterproof and long-lasting. They won’t bend, rust, warp, rot or crack. Due to their low heat conductivity, they’re also incredibly energy efficient. On the negative side, they’re much more expensive than some alternatives, including vinyl, which has many of the same benefits.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are a favorite among window experts. They’re durable, easy to install and long-lasting. Thanks to advances in vinyl window technology, they’re also famously energy efficient and come in various styles and colors to match the design of any modern home.
Energy-Efficiency
Due to rising electricity costs, most homeowners and homebuyers are prioritizing energy efficiency. As a result, they are actively seeking homes, upgrades and remodeling trends that improve insulation, lower electricity bills and reduce their dependence on the grid. That’s why solar and smart home technologies have become so popular.
It’s also the reason homeowners should look for windows that are proven to be energy efficient. Energy-efficient windows will increase the home’s value and become a significant selling point if the home goes on the market.
Will New Windows Add Value to a Home?
Yes, installing new windows will add significant value to a home. The math is simple, and a 68.6% ROI is something to celebrate.
Since it isn’t a 1:1 return ratio, homeowners will have to weigh the pros and cons. If you plan to stay in the house for years, then it’s a good idea, as the new windows will improve the aesthetic and energy efficiency of the home, reducing your energy bills. However, if planning to sell, there are several factors to consider.
Deciding to install new windows on a home comes down to one thing: the state of the current windows. New windows may not make or break the sale of a home, but old windows might. If potential homebuyers take one look at a house and decide that the cost of installing new windows themselves isn’t worth it, then the sale is likely to be lost.
At Paradigm Window Solutions, we offer high-quality vinyl windows and doors that will undoubtedly increase a property’s value, whether selling or staying put.
Check out our custom window lineup today, and then use our dealer locator to find Paradigm windows near you.