Improve your property value and save on electric bills at the same time
Window replacement has a return on investment of up to 85%, making it a great investment.
Buyers see more value in a home with new windows and may offer more money for your property.
New windows provide better security, soundproofing, and energy efficiency.
Consult with a window professional to determine if you would benefit from window replacement.
One of the most important things to consider when deciding on a home improvement is the ROI you can expect. You can get personal value from the work you do on your home, but you should also consider the actual monetary value a potential buyer will see in the improvement. So, do new windows actually increase your home’s value?
In short, replacing old windows will increase property value, but understanding how and how much can help you decide if this is the right place to invest your money. Before replacing your windows, learn what you need to know about how new windows affect property value.
In most cases, yes, replacing windows will increase your home value. However, the actual ROI and whether or not the project is worth the money depends on the type of window, the age of your existing windows, the materials you choose for the new ones, and how soon you plan on selling your home. You can safely expect an ROI of between 70% and 85%.
New windows add so much value for a few reasons. Most notably, they boost curb appeal, but there are other things to consider before deciding if replacing windows is worth it for you.
The most obvious bump in home value from new windows comes from the improved curb appeal. When a prospective buyer pulls up to your home, they’ll immediately form an opinion of your house, which can color the rest of their walkthrough positively or negatively.
If you have old windows that are faded, chipping, cracked, or dirty, chances are that the initial impression will be negative. Even if the inside of your home is updated and clean, poor window condition can cause a buyer to want to pay less.
On the other hand, newer windows are more likely to give a good first impression, making your home look clean, bright, and more attractive, meaning good news when it comes to that buyer making an offer. Larger window sizes can also make your home look more open and inviting, adding more natural light to your interior.
If a potential buyer knows your windows are energy-efficient and have years of life left in them, they’ll understand that window replacement won’t be an expense they have to worry about right after they close. Many buyers will be willing to pay more for that peace of mind.
Buyers should also understand that new windows are less likely to leak and cause expensive water damage, provided they’re installed by a professional window replacement contractor. Brand-new window seals and caulking can last for years before needing replacement to stand up to the elements.
As locking mechanisms and frame materials degrade over time, the overall security of aging windows declines, too. Modern windows are also often built with increased security measures, like double-pane or triple-pane glass that’s harder to break through, window security film, and stronger frame materials made with reinforcements.
The increased security of new windows will provide you with peace of mind and lead buyers to value your property more.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for up to 30% of the temperature loss in your home. The insulating value of windows declines over time as seals break, weatherstripping gets worn down, and frame materials shift to create air gaps.
Installing new windows can boost your home’s efficiency and substantially lower your heating and cooling bills. Plus, investing in new Energy Star-rated windows can decrease energy bills by up to 13%.
You’ll save money on heating and cooling, all while improving the comfort of your living space. Buyers will see more value in your home overall due to those benefits.
Newer windows often have better functionality than older models, especially if you choose replacement windows with beneficial add-ons. Below are some of the functional benefits you can enjoy with new windows.
Easier cleaning process: New windows sometimes have tilt-in panes that can make cleaning the outside of the window from inside your home a breeze.
Better airflow: Upgrading from a single-pane window or fixed window to a double-pane window gives you more options for ventilation.
Reduced heat loss: Window manufacturers can add things like window tinting, low-emissivity (low-E) glass, and triple-pane glass that help keep the outdoor temperatures where they belong.
Reduced UV radiation: New windows sometimes include UV-blocking coatings, which can reduce fading on flooring and furniture over time from sun exposure.
These perks add personal value while you live in your home, and buyers might be willing to pay more for those same benefits.
New windows make your living space quieter because of new seals that block sound and because most modern windows have double-pane or triple-pane glass. Multiple layers of vacuum-sealed glass block noise and provide a quieter interior, benefitting both you and a buyer, especially if you live near heavily trafficked roads, train tracks, commercial areas, or airports.
The property value increase you see from new windows depends on many factors, including the frame material and longevity, the quality of the glass, add-ons like low-E glass and tinting, and more. You can reasonably expect an ROI of up to 85% for new windows.
With the average window replacement cost of $282 per new window, that’s an expected return of around $225 per window.
When to replace windows is often a tough decision because you want to avoid replacing them too early, spending money before you need to. Still, you also benefit financially and personally from the home improvement. Below are some signs that it might be time to replace your windows:
You know your windows are 15 years old or more
Your windows become difficult to open or close
You see an unexpected increase in heating and cooling costs
You feel drafts in your living area
You see condensation between the panes of glass in your existing windows
Outdoor sounds seem louder than they used to
You experience ongoing window leaks
You see physical damage to the frames or glass
Since the decision on when to replace your windows is complicated, we recommend consulting with a window company near you to see if you would benefit from replacement. Professional window companies can give you insights into your windows’ remaining life spans, replacement costs, and other key details you’ll want to know before starting the replacement process.
