Real Estate: Windows Upgrade
by admin on Sep.04, 2013, under Real Estate
Sorry – I couldn’t resist!
All “punning” aside, the subject of windows when it comes to houses and real estate, often gets a cursory consideration when in fact, windows can provide many clues about the quality or state of the home.
People on HGTV are always talking about “natural light” – blah, blah – but they never seem to look at the quality of the windows. (Renovation is not the subject of House Hunters so we’ll cut them some slack!) Window quality is just as important in a warm as in a cold climate. Are the windows double-pane or even triple-pane? Manufacturer may be less important than the actual quality.
I did one house rehab where all the windows were just nasty – and I knew this from Day One. I also knew that this was a relatively quick and inexpensive fix – with major benefits. I ended up getting some mid-range windows from Lowe’s for about $200 each. Once the windows were replaced, not only did they all now actually OPEN and match in style, the house got a lot more quiet and the first cold season, heat loss was greatly minimized.
New window planning isn’t reserved for REALLY old houses as the one shown here.
Houses in the 15-20 year old age range can also be prime candidates for window upgrade and replacement. Dependent on the home’s builder – which you may or may not be able to discover – windows may have taken a back seat in priority to a fancy garden tub or upgraded carpet or flooring. You may find you have a prime opportunity to increase both the value of your home AND its energy efficiency – without spending tens of thousands of dollars.
Don’t forget doors and skylights too. A good place to start your research would be Energy.gov
