If your current windows are failing to enhance the look of your home, keep out the elements, or adequately filter light and sound, you may be thinking about replacing them. Although new windows are a big investment, they carry some important benefits. New windows will add value to your home overnight, compliment your architecture, and save you money from carrier heating and cooling dealers each month. Plus, they look nice.
New windows are a big decision, and you may have questions before you even begin. Below are some of the key factors to consider when you are shopping for new windows for your home.
Choose Between Repairing and Replacing
If you are considering new windows for your home, you should understand that there are two broad replacement options. “Replacement windows” may be a realistic option if your current window frames are still in excellent condition. “New Construction windows” are a better choice if you’d like to replace everything all at once.
Obviously, replacement windows come at a lower price. If your current windows are from the 1970s or earlier, they may have been constructed with solid, old growth wood. These window frames are good candidates for replacement. Unfortunately, most modern window frames cannot withstand this kind of repair.
Request an evaluation from a window professional to determine which type of window replacement would work better on your home.
Select Windows That Match Your Architecture
Your home probably falls into one of the following categories: Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish/Mediterranean, Victorian, or Craftsman. It is important to choose windows that match the look of your home.
Once you know the architectural style your home was built with, you can better select windows, doors, and other fixtures to match and compliment your architecture. The windows you have currently might not match at all! Upgrading your windows gives you the opportunity to create a seamless and cohesive look. Plus, new windows always look fantastic.
Speak to a window specialist to determine the best windows for your specific architecture and home.
Standard Windows Cost Less Than Custom (But Custom is Worth It)
Windows that you order “off the shelf,” so to speak, are more economical that custom-built windows. Custom windows can include features such as non-standard sizes or colors, specialized hardware finishes, premium window screens, and certain types of glass. High-performance windows — such as windows with triple-panes, energy-efficient coatings, or impact-resistance — are also considered custom.
Any new window installation will make your home more efficient by eliminating drafts and increasing the level of insulation. Custom energy-efficient windows can bring this to the next level by controlling the amount of UV light and heat that pass through.
Specialty windows can be worth the extra money if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures or high instances of storms, if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, or simply if you have a specific look in mind for your home.
Consult a professional to determine whether or not custom windows would be worth it for you.