If you are considering replacing some or all the windows in your home, you may be looking for ways to cut costs. While new windows can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and give your home a new look, it is an investment. Before you decide to save money by installing your windows yourself, consider the risks. DIY window installation, especially on older homes, is not as simple as it may seem. Here are some of the pitfalls that can occur with DIY window installations.
Size and Leveling Differences
Houses settle and change over time. If you have a home that is a few or more decades old, it may have been many years since the current windows were installed. You may find that there is a difference in the window size and level of the sill once the old window is removed. This requires expertise to install a new window in an unlevel or different-sized hole.
Leaks and Moisture Damage
If windows are not properly sealed and installed, you have the chance of leaks. These can allow moisture inside your walls that can cause rot and mold. The cost of moisture damage will far outweigh the savings of installing windows yourself versus hiring a knowledgeable contractor.
Lost Energy Efficiency
Many people want new windows installed to improve their home’s energy efficiency. While new windows can help insulate your home better, this is only true if they are installed correctly.
While DIY window installation may be tempting to save money, there are many things that can go wrong. Why take the risk? Hire a quality construction contractor that guarantees their window installations to ensure your new windows are installed correctly.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
There are a few home improvements that can have a multiple-impacts on the value of your home. Replacing old, inefficient windows is one of those improvements. New, energy-efficient windows can add value and comfort to your home in many ways. Here some of the benefits you can realize when you replace old windows.
Energy Savings
One of the biggest benefits of installing new windows is the possible energy savings. Older or poor-quality windows can seep air or have ineffective insulation. Choosing Energy Star windows for replacing those old windows can add up to significant energy savings off your heating and cooling bills, paying for your new windows over time.
Esthetics
There is a plethora of options in design for new windows, giving your home a new look. This can update the style of your home, adding to your curb appeal that can increase the value of your home.
Comfort
A cold draft can make your home uncomfortable on those chilly days. Updating your windows to well-insulated versions can stop the cold drafts and help maintain a higher comfort level in your home.
Cost vs Value
New windows in your home is one of the best cost-to-value home improvements you can make to your home. The addition of energy-efficient windows can increase the value of your home, on top of ongoing energy savings, making it one of the wisest investments.
If your old windows are no longer efficient or are detracting from the beauty of your home, it may be time to replace them with new, more-efficient models. Talk to your local home contractor about installing new windows to gain these many benefits to your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
Tax refund time is a great opportunity to put money back into your largest investment – your home. If you are like most people, your home is the biggest asset you own and should be a top priority when it comes to maintenance. Whether you plan to live in your home for decades to come or are expecting to sell in a few years, you want to maintain and add to the value. Replacing old windows with the help of your tax refund is a great way to improve your home and bolster this important investment.
Benefits of New Windows
If you have older windows in your home, there are many benefits to replacing them with beautiful, efficient windows. Not only can new windows enhance the curb appeal of your home, they can increase the energy efficiency, saving you money off your energy costs. This improvement can also add value to your home as energy efficiency is a top priority amongst home buyers.
When choosing new windows for your home, you want to ensure that they are rated for energy efficiency and are installed by a qualified contractor. Some specifications to shop for include:
Make your tax refund go farther this year by investing those dollars back into your home with new, energy-efficient windows. Talk to your local home contractor that offers Energy Star window installation and has a stellar reputation for their quality workmanship. New windows can pay for themselves with lower heating and cooling costs, as well as the value they add to your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
When it comes to improving your home, not all projects add value to your property. While you may want to add a new hot tub, if you sell your home in a year or two, that expense will not necessarily add value to your home’s value. For anyone planning on selling their home in the near future, return on investment in terms of home value should be considered on any home improvement project. Here are a few improvements that can add value to your home, making them worth the investment.
New Windows
If you have older windows that are poorly insulated, new windows can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Double-paned windows reduce heating and cooling costs, saving you and future owners of your home money every month. New windows can also improve the beauty of your home.
Vinyl Siding
If you have old siding or shingles, vinyl siding is a valuable addition to your home. Homebuyers are interested in homes with vinyl siding due to the low maintenance and durability of this material over other options, plus it improves your home’s curb appeal.
New Roof
If your roof needs to be replaced, it should be on the top of your home improvement list, especially if you plan to sell your home. A new roof can make your home more desirable since it is a large expense and inconvenience that new homebuyers will not want to add to the cost of the home.
When it comes to investing money into a home you will be selling in the near future, be smart with the projects you choose to get the biggest return on your money. Focus on improvements that offer energy or structural benefits versus luxury for your best return.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
Knowing when to replace windows is essential to making sure that a home is as efficient as it should be. Windows older than fifteen years of age, windows that are difficult to open or close, and moisture on windows are definite signs that window replacement is necessary. Over time windows need to be replaced due to settling of the home, natural aging of materials, and home improvement. Determining when it is time to replace windows can help the home retain or increase in value.
Older homes were built with single-pane glass in the windows. Single-pane glass windows are not energy efficient and let much head and cold in during the year. They are also very susceptible to frost during the winter months, making them more fragile which increases the risk of breakage and damage to the home.
Many people notice that their curtains, carpet, and/or furniture begin to fade. This is because ultraviolet rays entering through windows and patio doors cause the discoloration of materials inside the home. Having window replacements done to upgrade to more energy efficient windows can potentially reduce fading and extend the life of in home items and materials.
One telltale sign that windows need replacement and should not be ignored is when windows leak in water and air. Inefficient windows can leak which allows water to come in through windows and can damage the window casing and walls of a home. This water leaking is the number one cause of mold and mildew in the home – both that are dangerous to health.
If you are in need of window replacement in your home, contact your reputable window manufacturer for quality windows. Your home is probably the largest investment that you will make in your lifetime. Make sure your windows are adding value, not taking it away.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
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