Home maintenance is one of the biggest recurring costs you’ll face as a homeowner, and windows are one of the occasional things you’ll spend money on. Maverick Windows estimates that a new window will improve your home’s value by about 1% to 3%, depending on the type and material. It can also help you save money on energy costs.
But it’s often a worthy consideration to try replacing a single window when you’re faced with a budget cap. Is it worth it? Should you replace just a few windows or get things over with once and for all? Here’s everything you should know.
Should You Replace Just One or a Few Windows?
It’s often better to replace all your windows at once. There are many reasons to consider investing in a total replacement, including;
Curb Appeal
One of the biggest paybacks for replacing your home’s window is the curb appeal it adds to your property. As earlier stated, a new window can also improve your property’s value and help it sell faster (if you’re looking to sell). However, there’s often a mismatch of appeal and appearance when some windows look newer and more graceful than others.
So, if you choose to replace just one window or a few of them, you risk damaging your home’s initial appeal with the mismatch.
However, if you do not have the budget to replace your home’s entire windows in a single sweep, it may be best to consider a strategic approach to the problem. You can start by replacing the entire front or side window set, creating a uniform appearance and appeal for your home.
Energy Efficiency
Window replacements are among the home improvement projects homeowners are leveraging to improve their indoor air quality and energy efficiency. With the right windows, you can save up to 30% on energy costs annually.
Considering the significant insulation advantage of windows, it means that replacing just one window in your home will not deliver as much value as replacing all of the windows.
With all windows replaced, you can significantly improve your indoor comfort and insulation, reduce your energy costs, reduce the pressure on your HVAC, and save on heating and cooling repairs.
The energy efficiency advantages of replacing all your windows in one sweep offer a promising head start to cost savings for the present and the future.
Project Cost
Homeowners on a budget often consider their disposable income over the cost savings they’re likely to gain when their budget is stretched. Replacing one or a few windows may appear right on paper, especially as it’s a project that’s within your budget. However, you may be saving significantly more if you consider replacing everything at a go.
For instance, you may spend twice the cost of replacing a few windows to get the entire windows done, while doing the entire thing from the start may have cost you less.
To get a good financial view of this, contact your local professional and request a quote for a few windows and the entire windows in your home. You’ll likely be shocked that doing the entire windows is a lot more cost-effective compared to having the contractor do the windows in tranches.
Hiring a Professional Window Replacement Contractor
After deciding to change all your windows in one sweep, you must work with the right company to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Below are some tips on choosing a window replacement professional if you don’t already have one.
- Ask for Recommendations
Similar to hiring any other contractor, it’s best to ask friends and family members for recommendations. They’re likely to have worked with a window replacement contractor who has done a great job.
But if you live far away from friends and family, ask your neighbors and search online. You’re sure to get an array of options.
- Read Reviews and Services
Recommendations are great, but you should validate each company before hiring. Do this by reading reviews about the companies or contractors as well as the services offered. A window replacement contractor that also offers stucco repairs may be a great option if you’re looking to install a new window and repair or replace your stucco.
- Make Contact & Request Quotes
Contact contractors or companies you’re happy with. Ensure that those contractors are happy to offer a physical inspection and a free quote for the service. The physical inspection is a great time to get a feel of each company and determine whether you really want to hire them for the job. You should also request quotes from the contractors and compare the prices and services.
- Hire
After meeting with each contractor and comparing quotes, hire the one that appeals the most to you. Ensure to review the contract, payment terms, warrant, and other important information before signing the dotted lines.
Window replacement can prove to be strenuous on your wallet. A professional window company can help you determine if you can replace your windows in a strategic manner based on your immediate needs.
