The Best Kind of Windows to Increase Your Home's Value

They say kitchens and baths sell homes. But when was the last time you thought about your windows and how old they’re getting? 

There are lots of factors, including where you live and whether you go for a midrange or upscale variety, that impact how much windows cost and what you’ll recoup from your spending. However, this is what the straight-up data says.

The average cost to replace all of the windows of a house is $12,000. A single-window replacement cost can fall anywhere between $200 and $1,800. That doesn’t account for custom or nonstandard-size windows, which can inflate the bill closer to $20,000. The average national cost of window installation is $5,421.

Swallowing the truth about these costs gets a little easier when you realize that, on average, if you spend a little over 12 grand, you’ll likely get a little over 10 grand of it back. Plus, you won’t have to worry about old windows slamming the book on your home sale when you were about to close.

Not sure when your windows were last replaced? Are they original to the home? Check for these signs of aging:

Draftiness and higher energy bills.

If your windows sit out of plumb or the curtains move when the windows are closed, you’re letting in a draft. According to Energy.gov, air leaks in your windows can make your heating and cooling bills 10%-20% more expensive.

Warping or visible rot.

Notice bending, discoloration, or softness in your window sashes or frames? The culprit is moisture where it shouldn’t be. At this point, your windows are ready for repair or replacement.

Window stickiness.

Hopefully, you haven’t painted any windows shut. If not, then sticky windows are likely (again) a warping issue due to the wet weather elements.

Condensation or moisture between panes.

When moisture builds up between your double-pane windows, it means you have a broken seal that’s allowing that condensation to build on the inner side of the outside pane.

 For more information on increasing your home value for Captiva and Sanibel, Contact The Bell Team. We know what buyers are looking for and can get you the best price for your home.