If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your property, replacing your home’s windows might come to mind. But can this often large-scale project effectively boost your home’s value? Discover whether new windows can provide a good return on investment (ROI) for your unique circumstances.
Cost vs. ROI: Will New Windows Increase Home Value Overall?
Any major home improvement project can come with a significant price tag, and property owners often struggle to stay within their original budgets. You may not mind dedicating your financial resources to a window replacement if you know it will benefit your home’s value in the long run, though.
Take a closer look at the average cost versus the potential ROI when it comes to replacing your windows.
The Average Cost of a Window Replacement
So will new windows increase home value in most situations? Generally, replacing your outdated windows will indeed add value to your home. You can figure out the exact value by subtracting the cost of the project from the expected property value increase the project will provide.
A single window replacement can cost between $300 and $1,200, with the average cost totaling $850 per window. Another average to include in your calculations is the amount of window space in a home. The windows in a house tend to be equal to 15% of the total floor space, leading to an average of 22 windows per house.
Assuming the average cost of $850 per window, a total window replacement cost for a home with 22 windows would come to a total of $18,700. Looking at the full range of the cost per window, you could realistically expect your project to cost between $6,600 to $26,400.
Calculating the Average ROI for Replacement Windows
How much do new windows increase home value when looking at these costs? The property value increase for new windows will depend on the type of windows you install.
On a home with 22 standard 24×36” windows, the market value increase for wood framed windows typically comes to around $14,912. When choosing vinyl window frames, replacing the windows on the same house would result in a $13,766 boost in market value. That’s 69% of the project’s total cost.
Replacement Window Features That Increase Home Value
Will replacing windows increase the value of a home every time, though? While there is a basic market value increase with any window replacement project, incorporating certain features can give your ROI an added boost, especially if you run into problems during the project that bring unexpected costs.
Consider maximizing your investment by choosing windows with the following features.
Energy Efficiency
Any window replacement can reduce the energy loss that old and weak windows allow. However, some replacement windows offer more protection against energy drain than others. Windows marketed for their energy efficiency have double or triple glazing, which involves the use of multiple panes of glass within a single window.
Double and triple glazing reduces the loss of energy by up to 80% when compared to traditional single-pane windows. Air or gas fills the pockets between the panes to maximize this protection. In addition, these windows can provide stronger buffers against ambient noise, working as sound barriers as well.
UV Protection
It’s a common myth that any glass used in residential home windows will protect against UV damage. While this isn’t true, you can add UV protection by including a couple of different features.
One option involves laminating the glass with a UV barrier. The second option is to add a UV protective film to the glass. The film won’t cost as much as lamination and offers similar protection.
Do new windows add value to your house when they have UV protection? They can, so make sure to mention this feature when you list your home since it will appeal to buyers. When your house’s windows have this protective layer, your loved ones can sit near the windows without worrying about sunburn, skin cancer, and other harmful UV effects.
Home Security
But how much value do new windows add to a home when it comes to security? For many homeowners, security is paramount, and modern windows offer a range of options for providing extra safeguards against crime.
Start with impact-resistant glass. Since windows are a common point of entry for burglars, impact-resistant glass can make break-ins more challenging.
Multi-point locking systems can also enhance protection for your home. Rather than having a single lock on the top portion of the frame, manufacturers install locks at various points along all sides of the frame. Reinforced frames and security film can also reduce the risk of a successful home invasion.
By choosing replacement windows with more security features, you can both boost your property value and protect your family.
Other Benefits of Replacing Your Home’s Windows
Do new windows increase the value of homes in other ways? Absolutely! Consider these benefits when deciding if installing new windows is a worthwhile investment of time and money.
Give Curb Appeal a Boost
While installing replacement windows will increase the market value of your property, it will also boost buyer interest. A house with old and weak windows will suggest to buyers that the rest of the house is poorly maintained. Conversely, new replacement windows will give the property a fresh look and encourage buyers to take a closer look.
Ensure a Safe Escape in an Emergency
In an emergency such as a fire or explosion, you need to be able to have convenient access to exits. While these occurrences are rare, you’ll want to prepare by creating multiple routes of escape.
Old windows have a tendency to get stuck since heat causes glass to expand. This means your family may not be able to rely on an easy exit when a fire occurs.
New replacement windows have heat protection. They’re also designed to open easily from the inside. As a result, you can create an emergency exit through any new window in your home.
Reduce Your Utility Costs
Another question many homeowners have is, “Will new windows increase home value when it comes to utilities?” The answer is yes, and energy-efficient windows will appeal to buyers when you list your home. In the meantime, you’ll have the opportunity to experience their benefits firsthand.
After completing the project, your HVAC system may run fewer heating and cooling cycles. The reduction of energy loss can affect your utility bills almost immediately.
Live a More Peaceful Daily Life
No matter where you live, the sounds of traffic, construction, and other disturbances can affect your ability to enjoy your daily life. Old windows can contribute to this problem since weaker or eroded frames have gaps. Sound waves will pass through those gaps, making ambient noise seem louder and closer.
New windows won’t have those gaps. Additionally, multiple panes, superior weatherstripping, and other features work together to block sound waves more successfully. As a result, your home may seem quieter even when there are more disturbances in your community.
How to Decide Whether You Should Install New Windows
Part of the answer to the question, “Will new windows increase home value?” relies on the unique factors in your home and your particular expectations. While there is a financial incentive in terms of the ROI, you might want to experience more immediate benefits, for example.
One way to gauge whether replacement windows are right for you is by evaluating the condition of your current windows. The following issues might serve as telltale signs that it’s time for a change:
Rising Energy Costs
If your monthly electric bill rises from one month to the next, there may be a problem with energy waste in your home. A common culprit is a malfunctioning HVAC system, but old windows can also let treated air escape while letting outdoor air into your living spaces.
Poor Window Performance
Can you open and close every window in your home? If you have windows that won’t budge, get stuck, or fall closed unexpectedly, you may have delayed your window replacement project too long. Poorly functioning windows can reduce your comfort and create safety concerns.
Lack of Curb Appeal
Even if you don’t plan to sell your house in the near future, your curb appeal matters. You might not be happy with the look your old windows offer, especially if they are in poor condition.
If the surrounding homes already have replacement windows, your home might look like the easiest property to burglarize. In this way, replacing your windows can both update and protect the exterior of your home.
Upcoming Home Sale Plans
Maybe you are planning to sell your home in the coming year. In that case, starting a window replacement project is a more urgent matter. If you want to enjoy the ROI you’ll get from the project, you’ll want to complete it before listing your home.
Since this involves securing your financing, hiring a contractor, and designing your windows, you won’t have as much time to finish the project as it seems.
Make an Informed Decision About Your Window Replacement
New windows can transform your home’s curb appeal, increase its security, and raise its value. Determining whether now is the right time for your window replacement can be challenging, but ultimately, it’s an investment that can provide a wealth of benefits for you and your family for years to come.
