Windows: Value and Perception
July 1, 2009
The last thing you should assume is that you will never need or want to sell your home. However, even if you stay in the same home for most of your life, you will feel a sense of pride to know that passers by admire the well-kept appearance of the house. Nothing accomplishes this quite as effectively as modern, sparkling clean windows. In fact, even if you need a few cosmetic touches on the inside, replacing your old windows will improve the perception of value in your home.
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Replacing your old windows will give you some benefits that go beyond appearance. Older houses with single paned windows lose a tremendous amount of cooling and heating energy right through the glass. You can detect this for yourself just by standing next to a window on a cold day. While heavy drapes and shutters can help, blocking out the winter sun can deprive you of Vitamin D and create a gloomy, dark interior that is both physically and emotionally unhealthy.
The money you will spend to replace your old windows will come back to you. The new double glazed vinyl windows on the market today will save energy both in terms of your heating and cooling bills and your own physical energy in keeping them clean. Today’s windows can be completely cleaned from the inside, making them safer and more convenient than the older styles. You will enjoy the clean shine both as you approach your house after a hard day of work and as you stand inside looking out through glass you almost have to touch to know it is there.
By far the most popular replacement windows are vinyl, primarily because they are easy to install, come in a variety of colors, and never need to be painted. However, you can also purchase wood, fiberglass or aluminum if you prefer. Regardless of the type of framing you select, a new window is an opportunity to get creative. Instead of the rectangular windows you may have had, be sure to check out the possibility of bow or bay windows, windows with side lights or with curved tops. In fact, you can purchase windows that are actually rectangular—to fit your opening, but that are designed such that they appear to be domed. You could also select glazing with frosted sections and many other designs that will give your home a whole new look.
How to shop for windows
With so many choices on the market, the hardest part of buying replacement windows is choosing the best type for your home. Unless you are handy with that sort of thing yourself, it would be worth your time—and even a few dollars out of your pocket—to have a professional window installer take a look at your home and tell you what type of windows would work best for your type of home and for your geographic area. There may also be building codes that must be observed which such a person would be aware of. Furthermore, an expert will be able to visualize and illustrate stunning possibilities that will make your home look like new. Even if you are capable of installing the windows yourself, a few minutes with a professional can help you avoid costly errors.
Once you know what kind of windows you need, have a couple companies visit your home and have them bring samples of their windows. Experiment with the way they open and close, and ask questions about how to maintain them, about their energy ratings, and about their warranties.
During your investigation, don’t forget to check out the company themselves. Do they perform the installation on their own product or hire a third party to do the actual work? Who is actually responsible for repairs in the event of an installation error or material defect? Although the new windows are supposed to arrive in pristine condition with no defects and are supposed to be installed perfectly to avoid moisture leaks and other problems, they are built and installed by people. Mistakes and defects happen with even the best of companies. Although you don’t expect such problems, it’s to your benefit to know how to resolve such an issue if it does happen.
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May we also recommend
It’s a good idea to request certification information from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) for any window products you are interested in. This information will assist you in comparing the energy efficiency of the different styles and brands.
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