Your dream home will feel more like a nightmare if it has old windows in it.
Old windows can drag down the curb appeal of a home and affect its overall value. They can also hurt a home’s energy efficiency and put a strain on its HVAC system. They can even make a home less secure than it should be.
For all these reasons, replacing old windows with new windows should be your first order of business when you buy your dream home. Purchasing new replacement windows will improve the appearance of your home and make it more comfortable inside.
But you shouldn’t buy just any old windows for your home. Instead, take your time when shopping around for windows and choose the right ones for your specific home.
This window buying guide features 7 useful tips that will help you settle on the best windows for your house.
Years ago, just about all of the windows that were installed in homes were made out of wood. Wood was, by far, the most popular window material on the market for many decades.
There are still lots of window manufacturers creating wood windows today. But there are also a whole host of other window materials that you can choose from when you’re shopping for replacement windows for your home.
Some of the most popular window materials are:
There are benefits that come along with using each of these window materials.
For instance, vinyl windows are known for being energy efficient and durable. They’re also less expensive compared to some of the other window materials and don’t require much maintenance.
Fiberglass windows, meanwhile, are some of the strongest windows that you’ll find, which makes them durable and great for those looking to make their homes more secure. They also come in a wide range of colors and can provide a home with sound resistance.
And aluminum windows are ideal for those interested in windows with design flexibility. In recent years, many designers have turned to aluminum windows because of how easily they can be manipulated. In addition to these benefits, they’re also affordable and durable.
Your job is to find the window materials that will look and perform best when your windows are installed in your home. Walk through a window showroom on your own or with your contractor to get a better feel for which window materials will work for your home.
Once you know which window materials you want to use in your home, the next step will be to figure out which types of windows you would like to install. There are many different types of windows on the market today.
Most people are familiar with standard single-hung windows. These windows have two sashes, including a bottom sash that can be moved up and down. The top sash is sealed so that air and water can’t work their way into a home.
Single-hung windows seem to be the preferred window selection among most homeowners. But in recent years, double-hung windows have also become a popular choice.
Double-hung windows look just like single-hung windows, aside from one big exception. Both of the sashes in double-hung windows slide up and down.
This gives double-hung windows a leg up on single-hung ones in a few ways. With double-hung windows, you can:
With these things in mind, it’s not hard to see why so many homeowners are choosing double-hung windows these days. Although they’re often priced slightly higher than their single-hung counterparts, they’re worth the cost for many people.
These aren’t the only types of windows you can buy, either. There are also other types that operate differently than single-hung and double-hung windows do.
Some other windows you should consider include:
When you have windows installed in your home, it’ll obviously boost the visual appeal of your home. Replacement windows have a way of making a home look more modern while also giving curb appeal a boost.
New windows have a way of making a home look more modern while also giving curb appeal a boost.
But the windows that you purchase for your dream home will do more than just look good. They’ll also make your home a lot more energy efficient than it is right now.
Look for windows for your home that have either double-pane or even triple-pane glass in them. This kind of glass is far superior to the single-pane glass found in many older windows. It’ll prevent air from sneaking in and out of your home at will.
If possible, find Energy Star certified windows for your new window installation. These windows can reduce your home’s energy bills by about 12 percent as you move forward and save you a bunch of money.
These windows will also provide you with an amazing selling feature if you ever decide to get rid of your dream home. Buyers will love to hear that you took the time to invest in energy efficient windows for your home.
There are hundreds of window manufacturers scattered all across the U.S. right now. You can find everything from gigantic companies that bring in more than $1 billion every year, to much smaller companies that make a very high quality window, but might not be as familiar of a name.
You’ll be surprised at the quality of some window manufacturers out there from large to small!
So, which one should you trust to provide you with the windows you need for your home? Here are a few of the things a reputable window manufacturer should offer to you:
Do your homework on the different window manufacturers that are out there before choosing one over the others. Find out everything you can about them and make sure they have a well-earned reputation for producing great windows.
Window manufacturers you should consider include:
Whatever you do, don’t just pick the window manufacturer that produces the least expensive windows and go with them. You’ll be setting yourself up for another window replacement just a few years down the road, or you’ll have buyer’s remorse.
Do your homework when researching or try to talk with a replacement window expert about new windows.
How much maintenance are you prepared to do on your windows once you have them installed in your home?
If you’re like most homeowners, you just answered with four words: “As little as possible.”
And who can blame you? Maintaining windows sounds like the last thing that most people want to be doing on a Saturday afternoon.
The good news is that almost all of the new windows on the market today require little maintenance once you put them into place.
Take vinyl windows, for example. To maintain them, all you need to do is:
You can buy the most beautiful windows in the world for your dream home. But if you don’t have the right installers put them in, it’ll all be for naught.
If you’re in the process of building or renovating your dream home, you should consult with your contractor with regards to your window installation. They’ll likely be equipped to tackle the job for you.
But if you need to hire a window installer to help you, make sure you find the right person or company for the job. A great window installer should have all of these qualities:
Don’t make the mistake of bringing the wrong window installers in to perform window installation for you. It could turn into a huge headache and end up costing you a lot of money if they don’t know what they’re doing.
You’ll sleep better at night knowing your windows were installed by someone who checks all the right boxes. You’ll also ensure your replacement windows last a lot longer than they would otherwise when you have them installed the right way.
Buying new replacement windows for your home can be a confusing and overwhelming process for many people. There are so many windows to choose from, which can make it difficult to narrow down a window search.
Our window showroom stretches across more than 7,000 square feet and is filled with a variety of windows from the best manufacturers in the business. Make a reservation to come and see it for yourself.