Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, windows are so important to any home. Windows come in various sizes, prices, and styles. Should you repair them before you sell, or should you wait? If you are buying a home, what is the return on investment if you need to replace windows? These are all questions we may ask ourselves. Home inspections always check the state of the windows. If windows are foggy or leaky or just not working properly, you will be advised if they need to be replaced right away or not.
Here is some information to help you decide:
Cost:
Depending on the type and style of window, you can expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $2100 per window. This can be costly especially if you need to replace all the windows in your home. On the bright side the return on investment (ROI) to replace windows is approximately 75%.
Repair or replace?
How do you know whether you should repair, or you have to replace your windows? Here are some tips:
Repair:
- Broken or cracked glass
- Mullions that hold the glass needs to be repaired
- Sashes are unable to move, or sash is off the track
- Exterior casing is cracked or broken
Replace:
- Foggy windows causing condensation – where removal and replacement is the only option
- Outer windows structure is failing
- Excessive water leakage into the interior of your home
- Muntin and mullions are pieces of wood separating the glass and if they are broken, cannot be replaced
Although windows may be a bit on the expensive side to replace, they are such an important feature in your home. It is always best to check with a specialist in window repair or replacement to help you. Always get 2-3 estimates and check referrals from friends or family or google reviews before you decide.
Also, check for government programs that are available (federal or provincial) which sometimes give rebates to make your home more energy-efficient. These programs often will give you between $100-$200 per window that is energy efficient and fit certain criteria.
If you are not sure if you should sell your home with your present windows, give us a call and we will be able to give you some expert advice on what you may wish to do. Contact us for any real estate, buying, selling, or staging questions.