Is the Cost of New Windows Worth the Added Value?

Many homeowners tend to focus on the most valuable home improvement projects because renovations can be expensive but don’t all add the same amount of value to your home. They feel exterior upgrades, kitchen remodels, and bathroom remodels will add the most value to their homes. But what about new windows? Replacing your windows can impact your home’s aesthetics and energy efficiency tremendously. They can also make your home more appealing to buyers if you’re looking to sell. But how does the added value of new windows compare to the value you get from other big renovations? In this blog, we’ll answer, “Is the cost of new windows worth the added value they provide?” Keep reading to find out.

Repairing Windows vs. Replacing Windows

Most homeowners won’t replace their windows unless they really have to. The cost of new windows adds up if you want to tackle all the rooms at one time. Doing so ensures that you won’t have to break up installations over time, leaving your home looking incohesive. When deciding whether you should spring for new windows, it helps to determine whether new ones are really needed or if a less costly repair would be sufficient. The primary reasons people decide to get new windows include:

  • Updating appearance, especially if it’s an older home
  • To improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs
  • To remedy damage after a storm or accident or in response to normal wear and tear

If you’re considering replacing your windows for aesthetic reasons, a repair won’t get you the desired results. But there are ways to improve your windows’ energy efficiency and respond to damages that don’t require a total replacement. To determine if you need new windows or if a repair will suffice, bring in a professional, like WindowFits, to assess the situation and determine your best and most cost-efficient course of action.

Is the Cost of New Windows Worth the Added Value?

How Much Do New Windows Cost?

The cost for new windows varies depending on the type of windows you purchase, the size, and how many you need. Other cost factors include energy-efficient features and any other custom features. In addition to these costs, you will also need to consider the cost of professional installation.

HomeAdvisor says the average cost for a window replacement is $650 per window, with the standard range being between $300 and $1,000. You can expect to spend an additional $100 to $300 per window on labor. Considering this price, a three-bedroom home can cost from $3,000 to $10,000 to replace all the windows and $4,000 to $13,000 if you add in installation fees. The same renovation on a larger home will likely cost $20,000 and above.

When considering materials, aluminum windows are the cheapest to purchase, followed by vinyl, composite, wood, then fiberglass. To get the most added value from new windows, you’ll want to upgrade with the same materials or better than the ones you’re replacing. Choosing a less valuable material will have the opposite effect, and you’ll lose value while still spending a lot of money.

Added Value of New Windows

You’ll have to do an upscale upgrade to get the most added value from your new windows since minor upgrades don’t have as high of a return. The return on new windows is quite a bit higher than the returns for other high-cost home renovations, like midrange kitchen remodels, upscale kitchen remodels, and composite deck additions. There are still some other renovations that promise a higher return. You won’t get quite as good of a return as you would for things like an upscale garage door replacement, midrange minor kitchen remodel, or midrange manufactured stone veneer on your home’s exterior.

Gain More Value with Energy Efficiency

You can increase the added value of new windows by choosing energy-efficient options. By upgrading to energy-efficient windows, you can save $125 to $340 a year on energy costs, which is a considerable gain over time. There are a few ways that manufacturers create energy-efficient windows, and a variety of these features include:

  • High-quality frames
  • Multi-paned glass
  • Gas infused panes
  • Low-e glass
  • Warm edge spacers

These features provide more insulation, making them more capable of keeping outside temperatures from seeping into your home.

Is the Cost of New Windows Worth the Added Value?

How to Choose Your New Windows

When choosing the windows that will add the most value to your home, consider these few features:

Style. You want to choose a style you love that compliments your home’s style. Look for styles that provide a modern take on what you previously had that fit in with your exterior.

Materials. As previously stated, to get the most added value from your new windows, you will want to choose materials that are at least as nice as what you previously had.

Efficiency. Energy efficiency is the way to go with new windows. Before selecting the windows for your replacement, compare different manufacturer options to ensure you pick energy-efficient features in line with your budget and climate.

Single pane vs. Double pane. Single-pane windows are cheaper to purchase and install than double-pane windows. Today, most windows are double pane, having two panes separated by gas that traps air from outside and blocks either heat or cold from entering your home. If you’re considering single-pane windows to save money, learn about their performance as much as possible. What you save in initial costs, you may spend later on energy bills. We recommend you get quotes from at least three different window companies to compare pricing and get the most added value for your money.

The Verdict: Are New Windows Worth It?

Yes! Replacing the windows in your home is a good investment and offers a strong return for what you spend. It’s one of the most valuable home improvements you can make. As long as you research the windows’ materials and the company you hire to install them, you can stretch your dollar as far as it will go. At WindowFits, we can help you find the best windows for your home to provide you with the most added value. Call us at (951) 677-2593 or click here for a FREE window installation quote!