Is It Worth It To Replace My Home’s Windows?
Whether your home has five, 15, or 50 windows, a window replacement is a large investment.
If you’ve been thinking about replacing your home’s windows, one of the first things you wonder is…is it worth it?
This is a concern many homeowners have with any remodeling project. When you are potentially about to spend thousands of dollars, you need to know what’s in it for you and if you’ll see any return on your investment.
As a San Antonio remodeling contractor since 1989, Southwest Exteriors has helped thousands of homeowners find the right window solution for their homes.
But we aren’t here to convince you to buy new windows. The truth is, sometimes a window replacement may not be worth it for you.
We want to provide you with the right information on window replacements, so you will know when a window replacement is and is not worth it.
What’s The Cost And ROI Of A Window Replacement?
To determine whether replacing your home’s windows is worth it for you or not, you first need to understand the average cost of a window replacement and the average return on investment (ROI) for this project.
Cost Of Replacement Windows
In 2023, the cost of replacement windows can range anywhere from $200 to $750 for a 3 ft. x 5 ft. window. The lower end of the cost range is for the least expensive window you can purchase at a Big Box hardware store. The higher end of the cost range is for a higher-quality window with professional installation.
The cost of your project heavily depends on the window type, size, customizations, installation, and warranty.
No matter the quality of window and installation you choose, this project is still a large investment. So, how will you see it pay off in the future?
ROI Of Replacing Your Home’s Windows
The best and most accurate way to understand your ROI for replacing your home’s windows is by using the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine.
This report takes national, regional, and local data for numerous remodeling projects each year to determine the average cost, resale value, and cost recouped for that project. This allows you to understand how much your project will cost and what your ROI is.
According to the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), a vinyl window replacement costs $20,482 and has a resale value of $13,822. This makes the cost recouped, or ROI, 67.5%.
From this report, you know the cost recouped for your project, but it does not factor in how your investment shows in other ways, like improved energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and overall comfort of your home.
When Is It Worth It To Replace My Windows?
Now that you know the average cost and cost recouped of a window replacement, you want to know if it is worth it and what you’ll get from your new windows.
Replacing your home’s windows is worth it if…
- Your windows are old, broken, or not functioning properly
- You are a long-term homeowner
- You plan to be in your home for longer than the next few years
- You want to improve the overall comfort of your home
If you fall under any of these categories, replacing your windows allows you to…
- Improve the energy efficiency of your home
- Lower energy bills by allowing your HVAC unit to work less
- Improve the comfort of your home
- Protect you, your furniture, and your pets from harsh UV rays
- Upgrade the interior and exterior look of your home
- Increase the resale value of your home
As you can see, there are many benefits to replacing your windows as a long-term homeowner. The sooner you replace your windows, the longer you can enjoy the benefits and the better your investment becomes.
So, if you are a long-term homeowner and have been thinking about replacing your windows for a while, investing in a high-quality window replacement will be worth it for you.
When Is It Not Worth It To Replace My Windows?
After outlining when it is most worth it for you to replace your windows, you want to know when it is not worth it.
It’s not worth it to invest in a high-quality window replacement if…
- You are a short-term homeowner
- You plan to move soon
- You are a house-flipper
Each of these three scenarios has one thing in common when it comes to replacing windows - you don’t get to enjoy the benefits of your new windows for very long.
If your windows are falling apart or you feel you must replace your windows but won’t be in your home much longer, then choosing a less expensive window may make more sense for you. Investing in a high-quality, more expensive window replacement is not worth it.
When Should I Replace My Windows?
Now you have the right knowledge to know when it is and is not worth it to replace your windows and can take the right next steps toward your window replacement project.
- If you are a long-term homeowner and want to invest in windows you will enjoy for the rest of your time in your home, then spending more on high-quality, long-lasting windows and installation is worth it.
- If you are a short-term homeowner, house-flipper, or plan to sell your home soon, replacing your windows is not really worth it. If you do want to replace your windows, then choosing a less expensive option may make more sense for you.
Whether you decide to replace your windows is up to you. You are in control of your project and have the power to choose what is right for you.
We understand that starting any home remodeling project can be scary. Sometimes, you don’t even know where to start.
One of the hardest things to figure out is what product is right for you. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Check out this article that outlines the three best replacement windows for San Antonio homes and why they are the best for the South Texas climate.
Ready To Start Your Window Replacement Project?
Southwest Exteriors offers high-quality replacement windows from Marvin, ProVia, Vistamark, and more.
Our top-notch windows, paired with professional installation, ensures your windows will last a lifetime in your home, and our warranty is here to guarantee that.
Ready to move forward with your project? Fill out this form to contact us and get the look you love coming home to!