Renovations can be costly, and not all add value to your home. So many homeowners prioritize valuable home improvements like exterior upgrades, kitchen and bathroom remodels. But new windows? Adding new windows to your home can improve both the aesthetics and the energy efficiency of your home, as well as make it more appealing to potential buyers. But do new windows raise home value? And how do they stack up against other major renovations?
WINDOWS REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT
Most homeowners only replace windows when absolutely necessary. For a piecemeal approach, expect an incongruous look until the job is completed. So, before spending money on new windows, consider whether a less expensive repair would suffice.
Some of the main reasons people choose to replace their windows are:
- Renovating an older home’s appearance.
- Homeowner’s want to save energy and money on heating and cooling.
- In response to storm or accident damage, or normal wear and tear.
A repair won’t work if you want to replace your windows for aesthetic reasons. But there are ways to improve your windows’ energy efficiency and repair damage without replacing them. Bring in a professional to assess the situation and determine the best—and most cost-effective—course of action.
HOW MUCH ARE NEW WINDOWS?
The cost of new windows varies greatly depending on the type, size, and quantity required. Other costs include energy efficient upgrades and custom features. You must also factor in the cost of professional installation.
Window replacement costs on average $650 per window, according to HomeAdvisor, with a range of $300 to $1,000. Labor costs can range from $100 to $300 per window. To replace all of the windows in a three-bedroom home costs between $3,000 and $10,000, plus installation fees of $4,000 to $13,000. A larger home will likely cost $20,000 or more to renovate.
Aluminum windows are the most affordable, followed by vinyl, composite, wood, and fiberglass. According to HomeAdvisor, custom and ornate windows cost 25% to 50% more than standard windows.
When planning your renovation budget, keep in mind that to maximize the value of new windows, you should use the same or better materials as the old windows. Choosing a less valuable material may result in value loss while still costing a lot of money.
Value Of New Windows
The good news is that new windows have a high return rate, which can be increased by choosing windows that are more energy efficient. Minor upgrades don’t have the same added value as major upgrades.
Experts report that an upscale vinyl window replacement returns 73.4 percent ($16,802 spent returns $12,332), while an upscale wood window replacement returns 70.8 percent ($20,526 spent returns $14,530).
In fact, the return on new windows is higher than the returns on other high-cost home improvements like mid-range kitchen remodels (62.1%), high-end kitchen remodels (59.7%%), and composite deck additions (69.1 percent return).
New windows don’t add as much value as an upscale garage door replacement (97.5 percent), a midrange minor kitchen remodel (80.5 percent), or a midrange manufactured stone veneer on your home’s exterior (94.9 percent return).
GAINS FROM ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Choosing energy efficient windows adds value to new windows. Windows account for 25-30% of a home’s heating and cooling costs, according to the DOE. Energy Star estimates that upgrading to energy efficient windows can save you $125 to $340 annually in energy costs.
Manufacturers create more energy efficient windows in several ways, which you may notice simultaneously:
- Stunning frames
- Paneled glass
- Infused with gas
- Liquid e (a type of glass with a special coating to reflect infrared lights)
- Edge spacers
These features insulate windows better, preventing outside temperatures from entering your home.
HOW TO PICK NEW WINDOWS
When choosing windows for your home, there are many factors to consider.
Style
Choosing a style that you like is important, but so is choosing a style that matches your home. Look for styles that are a modern twist on your old favorites while still matching the exterior.
Materials
As previously stated, choosing a frame material that is at least as nice as the previous one will add the most value to your new windows.
Efficiency
New windows are usually energy efficient. Compare manufacturer options to ensure you get the most energy efficient features for your budget and climate.
Double Vs. Single-Pane
Single-pane windows are less expensive to buy and install than double-pane windows. Most modern windows are double-pane, with two panes separated by air (or gas) that traps outside air and keeps heat or cold out. If you want to save money by using single-pane windows, learn all you can about their performance. What you save upfront, you may pay for later in energy bills.
Get quotes from at least three different window companies to compare prices and get the best value for your money.
Summary: Do New Windows Raise Home Value
Renovations can be costly, and not all add value to your home. So many homeowners prioritize valuable home improvements like exterior upgrades, kitchen and bathroom remodels. But new windows? Adding new windows to your home can improve both the aesthetics and the energy efficiency of your home, as well as make it more appealing to potential buyers. But do new windows raise home value? And how do they stack up against other major renovations?
If you have any questions about Do New Windows Raise Home Value contact me today.