Whether you’re buying a home, selling your home, or just want a renovation, one of the most overlooked features are the windows. Windows give your home personality. They can also enhance the exterior look of your home, change the mood of a room, and even save you money in the long run. If upon inspection you decide you need new windows, consider these home expert opinions about replacement windows.
Why do you need replacement windows?
Buying a Home
Before you make an offer on your dream home, be sure to inspect the foundation, the interior, and the exterior of the home. This will ensure there are no surprise repairs you’ll need to take care of after you move in. The experts here at All Star Construction, Inc say an important feature to pay attention to when inspecting a potential home is the windows. Serving residents throughout Houston, Texas, our premier design/build company offers a remarkable line of window replacement products, as well as custom design services.
When checking the condition of the windows in a potential home, we at All Star Construction suggest checking for the following: leaking air, which can make your home less efficient; mismatched windows, which can affect the home’s value; and window balances, which ensures you can open and close each window.
Selling your Home
It’s often suggested that homeowners upgrade certain features of their home before listing it on the market. However, every upgrade costs money, so it’s important to know which upgrades are worth making. New, dual-pane, energy-efficient windows can make a huge impact when selling your home. They aesthetically look nicer, create a feeling of luxury, and help your home stand out. Also, potential buyers realize that energy-efficient windows provide better insulation, thus saving money on heating and cooling bills.
In addition, the National Association of Realtors 2015 report determined that replacing your windows is one of the best home improvement projects you can do to increase the value of your home for resale, while receiving a great return on investment. It is also one of the primary exterior home remodeling projects that appeals to potential buyers.
Renovating your Home
If you’re renovating your home, keep in mind that replacement windows are a sizeable, yet necessary, investment. They will make your home more comfortable and visually appealing. Energy efficient windows are the best type of replacement windows you can choose for your home. According to Tim Carstairs, energy consultant at Carstairs Energy and real estate broker, replacing single pane windows with dual pane windows can keep your home energy-efficient, while reducing heating and cooling costs.
ENERGY STAR, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that sets energy efficiency standards, indicates that homes can save approximately $500 annually by replacing windows with energy-efficient dual pane windows. ENERGY STAR even offers online resources to help educate homeowners about how to improve the energy efficiency in their homes.
When to Replace your Windows
Since your windows are a huge part of your home’s appearance and efficiency, it’s important that they are maintained. You’ve read what the experts have to say about replacing windows, but when is the right time to replace them? If noise is penetrating your home or you can feel drafts, your window insulation is most likely faulty, deteriorating, and needs replacement. Also, if windows are not properly sealed, they can allow moisture and heat into your home. This can cause paint to peel, frost/ice formation on the panes, and expansion on the frames.
What Should you Do?
The best way to ensure you are getting the most out of your windows is by assessing their condition. If you need replacement windows, contact All Star Construction, Inc.—your best, local choice for replacement windows in Houston, TX and surrounding areas. We’re here to help upgrade your current home or enhance your future home.