During the lifetime of your home, you might have to replace your windows. Like many homeowners, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. For those home repairs, you have to budget for certain costs, such as materials and installation. In the process, it is important to find the most cost-effective way to replace your windows. Before you go ahead with those window replacements, here are some reasons that make this project worth the cost.
Are All Renovations Considered Great Investments?
You would think that a major improvement would be an excellent investment for your home. For example, many homeowners choose a kitchen or bathroom for a renovation project. By improving your space, you should see a great return on your investment. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. If you add a high-quality bathtub or glass stovetop, those improvements might not be a good investment. Some of these projects can add some value to your home. However, since these improvements cost a significant amount of money to install, they are not considered smart investments.
The good news is that window replacements are a more practical update than a kitchen or bathroom upgrade. For the most part, window replacements are worth the initial costs, and you might even raise the value of your home. Of course, the market value of your home is just one part of this investment. When planning a replacement window project, many homeowners also want to improve their home’s energy efficiency. look and offer potential savings on your energy bills. As you can tell, these replacement windows provide more benefits than those of monetary value. Energy-efficient windows can increase your home’s overall comfort. For some people, those benefits are worth more than boosting the resale value of their homes.
Make an Investment in Your Home
If you are looking to raise your house’s value, you should think about window replacements. In most cases, window replacements are a great opportunity to improve your home. You will have to spend some money on the initial cost of the windows. However, the cost of replacing your windows will balance out after a few years. Some homeowners can recoup about 70 to 80 percent of those costs as their market value starts to increase. For example, if your replacement window project costs $400, you can expect your home’s value to boost by $300 in a few years.
Similar home renovations can give you a high return on your initial investment. However, some home improvements do not provide those same results. For example, a sunroom addition gives you a return of just 52 percent. You have to remember it is very rare that a home replacement or renovation will allow you to recoup 100 percent of your initial costs.
However, you must keep in mind that increasing your home’s value based on your window replacement depends on your particular area. There are factors that can affect the project costs, including frame type and glass type of the windows. Vinyl window frames are often more cost-effective than composite or fiberglass frames. These frames typically cost between $550 to $1,000, and those prices cover the replacement and installation per window. Vinyl windows also have comparable energy efficiency to composite or fiberglass products.
Wooden window frames clad in fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl are valued for their aesthetics. Unfortunately, these windows cost more than other styles of frames. Many of these wooden frame products cost $750 to $1,150. For many homeowners, they can see their home value increase with those higher-end products.
Window Replacements Are a Big Investment
When you are ready to replace your windows, it could be the biggest investment for your home. Like many homeowners, you want to know if these replacements are worth the cost. Unfortunately, these answers are not always straightforward. Several price variables play a role in your replacement project, including the condition of the window frame or the desired window style. With more features and options, your cost will be higher than if you choose a budget window.
The Cost of Window Replacement
If you are planning your window replacement project, you want to know the material and installation costs. For those whole house replacements, the price will depend on the number of windows in your home. The average standard-size, double-hung, or double-pane vinyl windows range from $450 to $600 per window. You can expect wooden frame windows to cost a bit more as they range from $800 to $1,000 per window. Most of these costs do include labor.
According to the Department of Energy, replacing an old window provides you with energy savings that can help reduce your initial expenses. The project will eventually pay for itself, but it may take 10 to 12 years to recover the majority of your project costs.
How Much Can You Expect To Save?
In many situations, your window replacement project can lead to a better energy-efficient home. If you replace single-pane windows with Energy Star windows, you should see an increase in your energy savings. However, the Department of Energy does caution that those energy savings will vary by region. Your home will see more energy savings in a colder climate than a home in a warmer region. For those homes replacing their single-pane windows, there will be significant savings in the energy bills. If you have drafty, single-pane windows, replacements are worth the investment cost for older homes.
Window Replacement Equity
According to a few studies, homeowners can expect to recoup about 81 percent of their project’s total cost when they sell their home. These percentages are based on the installation of standard, energy-efficient windows. However, customized windows are often not worth the extra cost since they have little impact on your home’s overall equity. If you combine the energy savings with equity gains, your window replacement project will be a valuable investment in your home.
Window Types Will Affect Your Project’s Cost
Replacement windows come in all sizes, shapes, and options. These window options often affect the cost of your replacement project. If you are looking for your home’s best value, you may want to choose a double-hung window. These window styles are the most popular type of products, and they are found in many homes. A double-hung window will have two sashes that open vertically. With their popularity, these windows are often the most affordable options in the marketplace.
For those who want another option, you should consider a single-hung window. These windows are cheaper than the double-hung option, but they are less popular. Many people shy away from these alternatives because the top sash is inoperable. For that reason, single-hung windows are harder to clean and less functional.
Finally, casement windows are another excellent choice for your home. However, these windows are more expensive, but they can help keep out cold air and drafts. Casement windows are better at insulating your home than single- or double-hung windows. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to look at these replacement window options.
Aesthetic Options for Your Home
For those who want to choose a replacement window for aesthetic reasons, then you have several options. Picture windows feature a wide, single pane of glass. Many homeowners purchase these windows for an uninterrupted view of their outdoor spaces. These windows are the perfect complement for your modern architecture. Picture windows cost about the same as casement windows. They range from $340 to $800 per window.
Window replacement projects do not have to be costly. If your home’s window sills and frames are in great condition, you may not have to replace them. You might be able to repair these windows. For example, a pocket replacement is designed to fit within the existing frame of your window. These replacements are used to avoid installing a new sill and outer edge. While these types of repairs can lead to savings on your initial project costs, these products may not be energy efficient. A pocket replacement could have gaps of air between the original frame and the replacement parts.
Your Return on Investment With Energy-Efficient Windows
When replacing windows, you need to consider your particular return on investment. Your home’s market price is just one piece of the picture. There are other factors to consider for this project. For example, an energy-efficient window can help you save money on your home’s power bills.
For many homeowners who want to list their homes, there is some good news. Buyers want to purchase homes with lower electricity bills and higher energy efficiency. If you are ready to sell or want to improve your home’s value, you might want to replace your home’s windows.
Choose the Right Option
Replacement windows come in different styles and options. It is vital to choose the right option for your home’s needs and budget. For example, single-pane windows do not offer much energy efficiency. Since there is no insulation between the glass panes, they tend to allow air drafts into your home. Homes with these windows should purchase a storm window. Without these extra features, your home could lose up to 20 percent of your home’s heating.
Double-pane windows are also called double-glazed or insulated windows. With these windows, there are two layers of glass. Double-pane windows can help to reduce energy leaks and keep out those cold air drafts. Many of these window products are filled with gas, like krypton or argon. These gases absorb the exterior winds and prevent them from entering your home. With these windows, you can stay comfortable in your home on the coldest winter days.
As you have guessed, double-pane windows are more expensive than single-pane windows. In some cases, these windows can cost about 30 to 50 percent more than single-pane products. While these costs may influence your decision to choose a double-pane window, you must remember that double-pane windows can save money on your heating expenses.
For those homes with old, single-pane windows, you should consider replacing them with double-pane windows. However, saving money is a little more complicated than installing a few windows. Even a few contractors caution against the idea of recouping your new windows’ costs with a simple window replacement installation. If you have a home that needs several window replacements, your project might take years to regain those project costs.
If energy savings are the primary concern for your window replacement project, you need to choose windows with the Energy Star certification. These windows have been rated by the EPA and the Department of Energy. All the window products are evaluated for their energy performance. When you choose an Energy Star window, you can expect to save anywhere from $30 to $500 per year on your energy costs. For those who live in areas with extremely high or low temperatures, you are more likely to see significant savings. Cost savings will be higher for some homeowners, especially for those who are replacing old, single-pane windows.
For those living in a warmer climate, you should look at your replacement windows’ low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. These argon-filled windows also help with heating and cooling costs. With Low-E layers, the windows can improve the effectiveness of your home’s comfort systems. In some cases, you might see energy savings of up to 70 percent. These Low-E windows are more expensive, but those costs have been reduced over the past years. In some areas, you can find a standard Low-E window for under $500.
While these savings might seem exciting, they might not be enough to earn back your entire installation costs. However, many of these products offer government incentives to make their prices more competitive with other window options.
Benefits of New Energy-Efficient Windows
There are additional ways to measure the worth of your window replacement project. Those who want to be comfortable in their homes might want to choose an energy-efficient window. The Department of Energy has also advised homeowners to replace those old, leaky windows. These window replacements could have a positive environmental impact by saving the equivalent of 300 gallons of oil.
Alternatives To Window Replacements
Now that you know the benefits of window replacements, you want to move forward with your project. However, these window replacements cost a significant amount of money. While you want to start the project, you might not have the means to replace your windows. There are some alternatives to replacing your windows. For those facing the possibility of a whole house window replacement, you can save money on the project.
If you want a short-term repair, you can insulate your single-pane windows with an insulation film. Many of these products look like thick plastic wrap, and they stretch over the window frame. These inexpensive films give your windows an extra layer of protection from the outside elements. However, there are some downsides. With the film on the windows, you will not be able to open them. These products are a great choice for the winter, but they are not recommended for the summertime.
Those older homes have unique windows that add to the architectural charm of your home. If you add a modern window to the building, it could affect your home’s classic appearance. In these cases, storm windows could be a great alternative to window replacements. Some manufacturers will custom-design storm windows to fit your particular space. While these products are less effective than double-pane windows, they do add extra insulation to your home.
Things To Consider for Your Project
A window replacement project for your home does offer many benefits, but you still might need ways to reduce your costs. For those who want a wood appearance for their home, there are several alternatives. Wood frames are beautiful, but they are incredibly costly and require maintenance. Vinyl and wood frames with aluminum cladding are great alternatives to these frames. When you choose these options, you can avoid high maintenance costs and premature repairs. For those concerned with savings and equity, these extra costs will reduce any of your window replacement benefits.
You also might want to consider repairing your windows instead of replacing them. In some cases, those older windows can be restored. A professional installer can fill in gaps with caulk, add coverings to wood frames, or replace single-glass panes. These simple repairs can range from $100 to $350 per window. Even at the higher end of this range, it still costs less than a complete window replacement.
You Can Look at Financing Options
Window replacements are costly. Some homeowners do not have funds to complete their projects. In that case, you could be left with a broken window that allows the weather to filter into your home. If you require a window replacement, there are several ways to finance your windows. For many contractors, they offer special financing for qualified customers. These options can help you pay for your project as you accept their terms of the financing program. When you finance through the contractor, it is a one-stop process for your window replacement.
There are other options as well. For those installing Energy Star windows, some government programs can help with the cost of replacing and installing your project. In some cases, the qualifying homeowners can use the equity in their homes to finance their window replacement projects. When it comes time for annual property taxes, the project would be paid back over a certain period.
Window Replacement Projects Are Worth the Cost
When planning your next home improvement project, you need to consider several factors. Energy savings, increased comfort, and higher market values play a vital role in determining if these projects are worth the costs. For those with old, outdated windows, you may want to replace those windows. Even if you have modern windows, you can always find a product that will improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. For the most part, window replacements are worth the cost of the project.
We Are Here for All Your Window Needs
At RGB Construction, we can help with those window replacement projects. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help you select the right option for your home. We understand that your home has specific needs. You also want to find the best window that will meet your home’s budget. Our team can help you through the entire window replacement process. If you want to set up a consultation for your home, please take a few minutes to fill out the contact form.
