At a time when it seems everything is more expensive, many Carmel, IN homeowners find themselves cringing a bit as they open their monthly electricity bills. If you’ve realized that your electricity costs are continuing to increase even though your energy habits haven’t changed, adding new windows to your home could ultimately help you save money and increase your home value in the process.
After all, heat gain and loss through inefficient windows are responsible for up to 30% of your heating and cooling energy use. And, whether you’re planning to sell your home in the coming weeks or months or want to stay in it for the foreseeable future, making upgrades that will improve your home’s value is always a good idea.
Continue reading this in-depth guide to learn more about how new windows improve your home’s value, when you should plan to replace your windows, what to consider when choosing new windows, and how to choose the best contractor for the job.
How New Windows Increase Your Home’s Value
One of the many reasons we recommend new windows to Carmel, IN homeowners is that they provide plenty of benefits to your home. Here’s a closer look at how, exactly, replacement windows can increase your home’s value.
They’re Energy Efficient
As we mentioned above, replacing your windows is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s efficiency. Over time, your windows naturally start to degrade, leading to decreased efficiency. As a result, your heating and air conditioning system has to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
New windows have more insulation and new weatherstripping so that the outside Carmel temperature doesn’t affect the temperature inside your home. You can also opt for energy-efficiency upgrades, like double-pane or triple-pane glass or a low-E glass coating for even better performance.
These energy-efficiency upgrades will appeal to buyers should you decide to put your home on the market.
They Can Reduce Outside Noise
When you’re planning to sell your home, you start to look at your house and neighborhood with fresh eyes, almost like you’re seeing it for the first time, just as a potential buyer would. As you look around your home, do you notice street noise or loud neighbors?
If you are wondering how to reduce window noise, we can help. You don’t need to suffer from wind noise interrupting your sleep or relaxation.
If you opt for double-pane or triple-pane windows, they can act almost as a sound barrier against outside noise. By replacing them before you list your home, you can offer buyers a peaceful, quiet home that might help you fetch a higher offer.
They Can Boost Your Curb Appeal
If your home is older, your windows may have taken a beating over time. They might have scratches or even cracks, which can make your whole exterior look rundown. Even if the damage to your windows is less obvious, they can still make your home look dated.
So, it’s no surprise that replacing your windows with new ones can instantly give your home a fresh new look. We encourage our customers to be thoughtful about design when choosing new windows.
For example, you might choose bold, black window frames to pop against your home’s light exterior. This little extra element of design can go a long way in improving curb appeal.
They Can Make Your Home More Secure
Here at UHQ Construction, we believe that everyone should feel safe in their own homes. Unfortunately, older windows are less secure, putting your whole family in a vulnerable position. Of course, security concerns like this could also scare off potential buyers.
When you replace your windows, you can opt for secure models, like casement windows, which would be more difficult for intruders to use to enter your home. This boost in security can be an attractive feature should you decide to sell your home.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
Now that you know more about how new windows can improve your home’s value, how do you really know when it’s time to schedule your replacement? Check around your home for the following signs.
You Feel Drafts Coming in Around Them
One of the easiest ways to determine if it’s time to replace your windows is to check for drafts. We recommend standing by your windows holding a lit candle or lighter. If the flame blows out, your windows are no longer working properly and drafts are coming into your home. In that case, it’s better to replace them sooner than later.
You Notice Signs of Damage
Often, we think of damage to windows as being obvious, like broken glass. In that case, it may be easy to ignore more subtle signs of damage. For example, if you notice fog or condensation on your windows, you might not think much of it.
However, this is actually a sign of a more serious problem. When you notice condensation between the panes of your windows, it means that moisture is leaking inside and your windows are no longer working efficiently.
Your Interior Is Starting to Fade
The next time you walk around your home, take a closer look at your surroundings. If you notice that your furniture or wood floors are starting to look a bit faded, it could be because of your windows.
Inefficient windows can’t protect your home from the sun’s UV rays. As a result, areas of your home will start to fade due to excess sun exposure. To help prevent this in the future, choose replacement windows with low-E glass coatings for extra UV protection.
Things to Consider When Choosing New Windows
If you notice any of the signs we’ve outlined above, it’s time to start thinking about getting your window replacement project on the books. When you hire the UHQ Construction team for the job, we’ll be here to help you choose the right windows for your home.
In the meantime, here are the most important things to consider when making your decision.
Window Styles
When you’re shopping for new windows, you’ll quickly realize that there is no shortage of options available. Some of the most popular styles here in Carmel, IN include:
- Casement
- Awning
- Single-hung
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Bow
- Bay
- Slider
When making your decision, consider the function you want your windows to have and the look you’re going for in your design.
Window Materials
Another important decision to make is which frame material to choose. Here at UHQ Construction, we proudly offer a variety of fiberglass, wood, and vinyl windows, all of which have their own pros and cons.
- Fiberglass windows are one of the most durable options on the market, designed to be waterproof and resistant to rust and rot. They’re also a very energy-efficient option but tend to be a bit more expensive than other materials.
- Wood windows are also an efficient and durable option and they can give an air of luxury to your home. However, keep in mind that compared to other materials, wood frames can be more susceptible to insects and damage from weather.
- Vinyl windows are easy to install and can be a budget-friendly option. They’re also durable, energy efficient, and come in a variety of different styles and colors.
Glass Options
Finally, different glass options can make your new windows even more efficient. We briefly mentioned low-E coatings above, but what does that actually mean? Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings prevent excess heat from transferring through your windows, preventing energy loss.
You can also opt for insulated window glazing, which involves putting a sealed air gap between both panes of your windows. Our team can walk you through these options so you can feel confident about making the right decision for your home.
How to Hire the Right Contractor for Your Window Replacement
The final step to improving your home value with new windows is finding the right contractor for the installation job. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to make the right decision. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Look for a contractor with great reviews from previous customers
- Don’t be afraid to ask for references
- Look for a contractor that will take the time to answer your window questions, without making you feel rushed
- Ask for a written estimate before signing a contract
- Ask for proof of licensing and insurance
- Make sure they have a selection of windows that meets your needs
Using these tips, we hope you’ll agree that the UHQ Construction team is the best choice for your window replacement project!
Schedule Your Carmel, IN Window Replacement Project Today
After taking the time to read through this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of how new windows can improve your home value, when to replace your windows, and how to make the right choice for your project when it comes to windows and contractors.
As your local Carmel, IN window installation experts, the UHQ Construction team is here for you every step of the way. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have leading up to your project. If you do decide to hire us for the job, then you can have peace of mind that we’ll make the process as easy as possible for you.
When you’re ready to get started, contact our team to request a free estimate.
