If you’ve inherited your house from your parents, you may have little or no idea about home improvement and possible expenses. So, air leaks and high energy bills make for the only signs that it’s time to sort things out. As the chances are that windows are the main culprits of your home’s poor energy efficiency, it’s reasonable to replace them in the first place. You can hire a contractor and shift the responsibility onto them. But it isn’t the best solution, as you can end up paying through the nose for options you don’t fancy. That’s why it’s worth delving into the window replacement question.
Detect the Telltale Signs You Need New Windows
If you’ve set your heart on a total house makeover, and old windows don’t match the style or interior color scheme, you can replace them for purely aesthetic reasons. Pay attention that wood window frames, for example, can be repainted, so you can cut corners by only changing the hue. Nevertheless, inspecting the units for signs of tear and wear first is always better, as you can make sure you won’t have to pay twice. Replacing windows is a preferred choice when:· Window frames are wrapped, cracked, or damaged· You can’t easily open or close the unit· Rainwater leaks into your home from outside· You feel a draft even after resealing the window· There is a buildup of condensation on your window panes· Your utility bills keep rising According to the DOE, up to 30% of your home’s heating energy is lost through old windows. So, you can dramatically reduce your electricity consumption while adding value to your property.
5 Steps to Create a Happy Ending to Your Project’s Story
You can’t just measure your window opening, get a new unit according to those dimensions and install it yourself in short order. Okay, you can, but the result will fall short of expectations unless you are a professional window installer. To take the hassle out of this renovation project, you need to think through all the nuances to put a window replacement cost estimator to good use.
Know Your Budget and Stick to It
A brand-new window can augment your home’s value, providing a return on investment. Plus, it can affect how your house looks and feels inside and out. However, you’ll hardly get 100% ROI, so it’s better to develop a balanced approach to your expenses.How much is it okay to spend on a window replacement project? How long do you plan to live in the house – one month, ten years, or a lifetime? Does your climate have some peculiarities you need to consider when selecting a window frame material, like a sweltering summer? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the choices.
Determine the Features You Want Your New Window to Have
The window costs can vary from $100 to $10,000, depending on the size, frame material, and add-ons you select. Even though high-level options come with higher price tags, they can make your life more comfortable all year round. For instance, if you live in a high-traffic area, you can install double- or triple-pane windows to reduce noise pollution and create a serene home environment. And homeowners from the hottest states can benefit from Low-E coating that ensures UV protection, so furniture and flooring won’t fade that fast. Moreover, you can opt for window models with advanced locking systems to prevent unwanted guests from entering your home.
Examine All Options Available
The window industry has been developing by leaps and bounds for the last year. Thus, the market is jam-packed with variants for any taste and budget. Take your time to examine all models available now so that you can install exactly what you need. Once you decide on a few options, you can contact multiple local contractors for quotes according to your needs. By doing this, you are guaranteed to get the best deal. However, don’t buy the cheapest offer if you are interested in quality.
Select a Trustworthy Contractor
You should always keep your eyes open when searching for the ideal specialist. If you’ve got an estimate that drastically stands out from the rest and looks too good to be true, analyze it carefully. You may discover that some services aren’t included in the total price and must be paid additionally. Plus, you should check if a selected contractor is licensed to work in your area and has all the required certificates and insurance. You can either google them or take advantage of specialized contractor-matching services.
Invest in a Warranty
An array of window manufacturers offers units without warranties and only provide the latter at an additional fee. Even though this may seem unfair and trigger a desire to refuse it, it’s better to get it. These warranties may cover windowpanes, various defects, and even damages. If you have kids or live in an area with a high likelihood of a broken window, investing in such a warranty can save you a bundle.
The Bottom Line
If you have many windows that need replacing, but such expenses don’t fit your budget, you can take two different ways. You can go for more basic options and styles, like single-pane units with standard glass and affordable frame material, to cover all the rooms. Or you can prioritize the windows that should be replaced in the first place. It may take you some time to complete your window replacement project, but all the units will serve you much longer and provide improved energy efficiency. Whatever option you choose, it’s worth discussing it with your contractor. Some specialists give a discount for larger orders, so you may agree to install a few units instead of one.
