Do replacement windows always add value to a property?

Question

I am a widow with a three bedroomed sixties house with original windows. I am not sure whether I am going to stay here but will certainly do so for the next two years until I retire. The windows are OK but not brilliant. Is it worth spending the money to replace them.

Answer 1

Is it that you think that the windows are not atheistically pleasing
or is it that you feel that you would get more for your property if you replaced them.

You really need to consider the outlay costs as you say that you may not stay where you are living . Obviously if they are not in good condition it would be wise to replace. However, if they could just do with a lick of paint then consider this option. As you no doubt know It is surprising what a difference a quick brush up can do.

I have to admit a property will sell better if the buyer knows that the windows are double glazed to new BS's. Why not ask advice from an estate agent if replacing old windows is going to add additional value to your property then you will have your answer.

Answer 2

ALMOST always, more so in cold climates.

Replacement windows are one of the best investments you can make. Not only do they cut your heating and cooling bills but they generally add enough to the value of the house to make a difference when the time comes to sell.

They payback time is generally in the five year range, but with home heating fuel and electricity skyrocketing in price, it may soon be less.

I would look at vinyl first, they are the lowest in cost, and when properly installed, provide a huge savings over your old ones. Be sure to get a double glass thermopane style. I would also buy Low-E glass and an argon or krypton gas filled thermopane if you can afford the cost and live in a climate where the heat or AC is used a lot. They should add between $20 and $50 to the per-window cost. Wood replacement windows have good performance, and can be painted in any color rather than being limited to white, off-white and a few other choices. Vinyl-clad wood windows are the very best from a performance standpoint and need virtually no maintenance, but again you have a very limited color choice.

Some local contractors may offer a recognized name brand, and will provide an installation and performance guarantee as well. I'd look for at least five years from the installer. It's also quite possible to purchase the windows and do it yourself, or with a handy friend or hourly contractor.

Be sure to get the kind that have built-in screens, and with tilt-in / tilt-out installation for cleaning and replacement.

Answer 3

I agree with sloop_sailor...the savings in energy are real, but the break-even point, the time when the savings equal the cost of the install, will be 7-8 years. There IS a definite improvement in the look of your house, the elimination of drafts from your old windows and the reduction of noise from outside. These are real improvements and you will enjoy them. They generally do not turn into significantly higher sales prices, you can expect to recoup no more than half you cost. They WILL help sell the house faster, however, and may be a requirement; if all the other houses on the market have them, you'll have a harder time selling your house if you don't.

Answer 4

I have an older home built in 1925. I am in the process of replacing my windows with casement windows that crank open. It is making my house look updated and also saving on heating/cooling costs. Replacement windows can be expensive, although they will add property value. Since you are planning to retire on a limited income, maybe think about painting the windows, and getting new window treatments. It will freshen them up and save you a whole lot of money to get more fishing bait for your retirement.

Answer 5

They add value almost always, but not neccessarily the same as you pay out, i.e. pay six grand for windows increase the house price three grand.

If you have the single glazed metal frames that were popular you would make a more dramatic increase in the house value.

Get quotes from smaller local businesses, and try to get quotes from people who have been referred to you.

We were lucky our neighbours bit the bullet first, they got a very good quote, a very proffessional service and good quality product.

We still got other quotes but ended up using the same people.

In the long term you save money on heating, but it takes a long time for them to pay for themselves despite what some high pressure sales people say.

Answer 6

Considering how much it costs to keep a house cool/warm (depending on the season), windows are a good investment and will add value. We recently had a guy give us an estimate on replacing 19 windows in our house (including two huge plate glass windows). The original bid was for $16,000. We said we couldn't afford that and it went down to $14,000. That was still out of our range, so they took down to $11,000. We told the guy he could leave and his sales manager called and told us they would do it for $8,500. We decided that was a deal. I hate their sales tactics, but the windows are nice. You shouldn't pay more than $500 a window for top quality.

Answer 7

Most definately, you can have uvpc in various colours keep to the same colour your windows are now, don't change them dramatically as this could spoil the look. You will also find that your property will feel much warmer.

Always make sure you get several quotes as these companies do tend to vary so much in price.

Answer 8

Yes U could cut UR heating bills & keep out noise 2.
Some companies have various offers U could take advantage of, shop around.
I'd say it would B worth it & increase the value of UR home.
Try 2 B careful who U give UR telephone number 2, or U could end up with a deluge of unwanted sales calls.
:)

Answer 9

depends on a lot of factors. If a buyer is going to have the opinion they need replacing, and work that into the offer price, then yes, replace them and enjoy the benefis for the next 2 years. get a few quotes though

Answer 10

They most definately do. New windows mean newer model windows. Which means that a perspective home owner will not have to worry about windows in the future and save money in the long run.