Transparent Investments: How Home Value is Affected by Windows in Orange County Homes
A lot of home improvement shows, blogs, and professionals will talk about why replacing your windows can be a big booster in your home’s energy costs. But what about the overall value of your property? Obviously, there are benefits in getting a window properly fitted, with new materials that prevent air from coming in or going out when it shouldn’t. Insulation and air conditioning retention in California is a must during the summer months. But is it worth the cost to buy and install new windows?
Remodeling Magazine did a wonderful study of the topic, in which case they found that the cost of new windows is not readily apparent. The yearly saving on energy costs would seem negligible against the cost of buying new windows. However, homeowners would find that they got that investment back worth about 80% of their original cost. So not only are you making quite a large amount of the investment back, but your property will look better and be far more environmentally friendly with newer, more energy-efficient windows.
How do new windows affect the value of your home?
- Appearance – New windows, especially vinyl, can look sleek and fresh. They’re one of the highlights of a home, and vinyl windows can be ordered in many different varieties and shapes, colors and designs that can fit your property. People looking to buy may find that your building is worth more than one with repainted, older windows. They’re one of the first things people see about your property, don’t ignore them!
- Energy Costs – Newer windows are double or triple glazed. This can be advertised as a benefit, or simply be for the good of your home and the environment! They are very good at keeping the temperature steady inside of a home, up to 30% of a home’s temperature leakage comes from the windows. Save power, save money, do your part to help reduce your carbon footprint!
- Maintenance – A lot of newer window designs are easier to clean and maintain than older ones. Instead of simple, sliding windows that open upward, you can get windows that tilt back to open. Many of the newer materials and glass formulations are also easier to keep clean. They’re scratch resistant and resist the effects of weathering better. This is critically important when the wind starts to blow that ever-present CA dust around! With many materials, you won’t even have to bother painting the frame every few years.
- Security – Not often talked about, your home’s windows can be one of the easier ways to break in. You can upgrade to a design that is more easily locked closed than what you originally have. Harder glass also means that it’s harder to break into, and anyone daring to try will make a lot more noise in the process.
It is important that you consider replacing your home’s windows, especially if that home or building is more than a few decades old. Wooden frames can warp and shrink with time, caulking and seals can wear out, and your glass can become scratched and pitted with age and weathering. It shows, even if not immediately. Limescale buildup, small scratches, and cracks can make your windows look old and worn. Even if you take great care of your property, time can catch up with you and cause your home’s value to drop. Consider replacing the eyes of your home with something newer and better fitting.
Don’t sit around and let your home go! Whether you intend to sell or not, replacing your windows may be beneficial to you, your property, and your environment. We here at Hardy Windows want to help you make the best choice for your home, that’s why we offer a free estimate of replacement and upgrade work! Contact us today to get an expert opinion from your Orange County window experts!