My husband and are considering having our windows replaced in our condo and would like to know what return on this we might see when we go to sell. We'll probably live there no more than 5 more years. We live in a city that is relatively expensive and in an historic district with restrictions on window replacements. To have our 5 large front windows replaced, our first estimate was $6,500. We have windows in the back, but there are more options since they don't have to be custom wood windows. The total cost would likely be around $8,000. Although, we will definitely get additional estimates before going forward.

The choices - If we get them replaced, we think it would make the condo more comfortable. Our current windows are drafty, do not have screens, and are difficult to open as well as clean (they are 10-20 years old). In addition, we live on a busy 4 lane street, so the new windows would help with sound - not something that bothers us greatly, but could be a good selling point later on. However, $8k is a huge cost for us right now and we could definitely live with the current windows if we have to. Is it worth to buy new windows for 5 years of living there? We would love your expertise and opinions!

You won't see any real difference in the appraised value of your home. The idea behind that is - a house has to have windows - what you choose to pay for the windows is up to you.

With that - when you put your house with your new energy efficient windows on the market - you will have that as an advantage over other homes on the market in your neighborhood.

If you can afford to do it - go ahead. It will make your home more liveable for the next 5 years plus you should see some savings on your utility bills. Some areas you get tax and utility company incentives for high energy efficient building materials.

We replaced all our windows (and doors) in our house, and while I never assumed I'd get all that money back - the difference it has made in energy costs is amazing! We did this in the winter, and the house became so warm, I had to open all the doors and turn the furnace off (I hadn't realized just how bad our old windows were until that happened). We have the tip in ones that are easy to clean, have screens, etc. I love them, and it has made the house so much more comfortable....

You may not get your money back at the sale of the house, but you will get your money back in terms of energy savings. I am almost willing to guarentee my paycheck, that if properly installed, you will notice a big difference in your heating/cooling bills.

Spend a little bit extra and get energy star rated windows. Don't go cheap, you'll get cheap product.

Actually, if you're going to be there for another 5 years, I'd wait and get the windows replaced right before you sell. If you do it now, they won't still look new in 5 years. Also, 5 years from now, there may be improvements in window technology with solar films that help heat your house in the winter and cool it in the summer.

I got my windows replaced 2 years ago; we're on a busy street and there is definitely a reduction in street noise. But surprisingly there was no measurable reduction in my heating bill, even though my old windows (30+ years old) were very leaky. The house feels less drafty - but the heating bill has stayed the same depressingly large number.

Hire someone go into your attic and check for holes in AC/Heating ducts. Many types of bugs bore small holes into the ductwork

This message has been edited. Last edited by: real estate lady,

quote:

Originally posted by Amanda390:
My husband and are considering having our windows replaced in our condo and would like to know what return on this we might see when we go to sell. We'll probably live there no more than 5 more years. We live in a city that is relatively expensive and in an historic district with restrictions on window replacements. To have our 5 large front windows replaced, our first estimate was $6,500. We have windows in the back, but there are more options since they don't have to be custom wood windows. The total cost would likely be around $8,000. Although, we will definitely get additional estimates before going forward.

The choices - If we get them replaced, we think it would make the condo more comfortable. Our current windows are drafty, do not have screens, and are difficult to open as well as clean (they are 10-20 years old). In addition, we live on a busy 4 lane street, so the new windows would help with sound - not something that bothers us greatly, but could be a good selling point later on. However, $8k is a huge cost for us right now and we could definitely live with the current windows if we have to. Is it worth to buy new windows for 5 years of living there? We would love your expertise and opinions!

This is a tough decision, because of the custom nature of the fabrication and the historical requirements, consequently forcing you into a high cost replacement with limited alternatives.

I disagree with those who say replacing windows doesn't affect market value but affects whether people will be interested in your house. If people are more willing to buy a place with excellent windows, then that is affecting the market value, because the more people who might bid, the higher the price and/or the quicker the sale. It is just basic Econ 101 - supply and demand.

However, it has been my experience and from the surveys of improvements I have seen, that buyers like many improvements but won't pay 100% of your cost for them, even if they are brand new. Maybe they will pay some figure like 50-70% (maybe more if you can document energy savings or noise reduction)? That suggests that, if you're going to do it, you should do it now so that you will get substantial benefit out of it.

I might consider the overall cost of replacement windows in relation to the cost of the home. If it is relatively low, I think that's another factor suggesting you go for it.

Finally, and this is all entirely subjective, I replaced (nearly) all the 40+ year old windows in my house that were hard to open, drafty, etc. I have the tilt-ins also. The cost per window is probably lower than yours but the overall cost similar, as I have a lot of windows. I love the difference they make and being able to easily open them on a warm (not hot) day. They make a small difference in energy costs. Do you like a breeze in your house? Do you clean your own windows vs. pay to have them done? If so, I think you'll really enjoy them.

It's just another opinion, but I'd get the windows now and NOT wait until you're ready to move.

Windows that are five years old are still new enough to mention in your listing so the buyer knows THEY won't have to worry about them, and you'll get the energy savings in the meantime.

AND the closer to the time you sell that you do the improvement, the less likely you'll get back what you spent, and you don't have time to have 'appreciation' help you either.

quote:

It's just another opinion, but I'd get the windows now and NOT wait until you're ready to move.

Windows that are five years old are still new enough to mention in your listing so the buyer knows THEY won't have to worry about them, and you'll get the energy savings in the meantime.

I agree. Get them now. You'll have one big project out of the way, you'll get the energy savings, and the price of the windows will probably be higher in 5 years.

Yep, I'd get them now, too.

Have you considered repairing what you have? Since this is historic home they must be double hung windows and being just 10-20 years old they no longer have the weight system. The draft may be coming because the weight cavities (that are no longer used) were not filled properly.

Screens are likely still available or if you have odd sizes they can be made at a resonable price. Repairs would address the 'hard to open' thing too.

Just an idea to consider.

quote:

Our current windows are drafty, do not have screens, and are difficult to open as well as clean (they are 10-20 years old). In addition, we live on a busy 4 lane street, so the new windows would help with sound

That alone would cause me to replace the windows now! reap the short term benefits in addition to IRS/state tax credits now. don't forget improvements will reduce capital gains when you sell

my next door neighbor replaced all the windows on the first floor last fall (they are doing the upstairs windows this fall) she said she saved over 400.00 in heating this past winter due to the new windows, so you will save money on heating. Their house is so much more quiet now too w/the new windows you barely hear anything going on outside now.

How much of the cost will you get back? I'm not sure, unless your house and someone elses were the same (layout, upgrades in kitchens and baths etc) meaning if the only difference between your house and someone elses house that was for sale was the windows in your house I dont' know that someone would pay more ** for your house unless of course if you showed them how much your heating and cooling bills have gone down since the installation of the new windows.

If replacing all the windows in the house costs 5,000.00.

Then even at saving 400.00 a year. to recoup all your costs just for that purchase and install would take you over 10 years to get that back.

BUT if you already know you won't be in the house that long, you know you WILL 'save' the heating costs while you remain there, and whatever 'upgrade' increase you get in the price of the house because you have new windows.

Now to me it's obvious that all things being equal and updated house sells for more than one that hasn't been. So if for no other reason you get some mileage out of the new windows when you sell.

So the decision that makes the most sense is to get the windows.

Now, the shorter time I plan to stay in the house (after I get the windows) might affect the decision as to how much I SPEND on the windows and the 'quality' of window I get for the money.

(Sellers rarely put the best water heater or appliances in when they know they won't be staying long. I'm not saying get the CHEAPEST window but there's no need to get Marvin or Jeldwin (sp?) either.)