Post-holiday blues are a thing. But so are post-holiday wallet blues! 

According to a Bankrate survey, 6 out of 10 people say they feel compelled to overspend during the holiday season, with parents of young children feeling the most pressure to spend past their budget. 

So the last thing on most peoples’ minds is taking on a home project that could incur big expenses. But the fact is when well-thought through, it is possible to upgrade your home without overspending your budget. 

And did you know that winter is actually a great time to renovate? Things like contractor availability (hint: it’s much higher in winter than in summer) and off-season discounts can make it worthwhile to tackle a project during the cold season. 

And, if you’ve already got a good foundation, updating your home— and increasing its value – doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Renovation Boom

With the onset of COVID, many homeowners took advantage of their time in quarantine to take on small projects to modernize their homes. In 2020, home improvement spending was at an historic high, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

According to Porch.com, over 3 in 4 US homeowners (76%) took on at least one home improvement project since the COVID shutdown in early 2020, and that was just the start of the huge renovation boom in 2021. 

What’s The Highest Cost-to-Value Project?

From garage door, window and entry door replacements, insulation upgrades, and flooring updates, homeowners have focused on projects that increase the value of their homes. 

But in terms of ROI, window replacements (if properly installed and maintained) can last anywhere between 15 to 25 years, and the best news is that it’s one of the highest cost-to-value projects, with an average of 71% to 78% return on resale.

How Do You Know It’s Time To Replace Your Windows?

If you can see damage from the street, it’s definitely time to replace windows especially if you’re looking to sell, as curb appeal is a huge factor in assessing home value. 

And if your windows aren’t working properly or aren’t effectively sealed to get the most out of heating and air conditioning, it’s time to upgrade. 

The reality too is that windows aren’t just an aesthetic consideration as they serve to prevent damage to your home from things like storm, wind, and hail destruction. 

Signs your windows may need to be replaced include things like:

  • Draftiness
  • Increased energy bills
  • Visible bending, discoloration, or softness in the sash area
  • ‘Stickiness’ that can result from warping
  • Condensation between the inner and outer frame

Replacing Windows On a Budget

Take a look at your existing frames and sills. Are they still sound and square? If they are, that’s a good thing. You’ll save money on materials and labor. “Pocket” replacements— which fit into your existing frames—are much less expensive than a full replacement, or “new construction.”

And did you know you may qualify for federal tax credits that are available to homeowners that use ENERGY STAR-certified products? 

And ENERGY STAR-certified windows can mean huge bucks in energy costs, saving an average of $101-$583 per year when replacing a single-pane window, and $27-$197 a year when replacing a double-pane, clear glass window. 

Single-pane windows are typically less expensive than double. Though double-panes may be worth the upfront investment since they’re more effective at blocking sound and heat transfer. Typically, single-pane, single-hung windows are the least expensive option, while double-hung are the most expensive. 

Other factors that can affect the cost of a window replacement project include things like:

  • Hardware selection
  • Energy-efficiency
  • Insulation amounts
  • Frame material
  • Type of glass used

Personal preference and design will also play a role in influencing the cost of window replacement. The cost will be a sliding scale depending on the size and shape of the window. However, professionals can steer you in the right direction and get you what you want without breaking the bank. 

Choosing vinyl frames will give you the best bang for your buck, as opposed to wood framing which is the most expensive. Vinyl is easy to clean and doesn’t require much maintenance. However, one caveat is that if you live in an area susceptible to high wind speeds, tornadoes, or hurricanes, you’ll probably want to research more sturdy options. 

Another thing to consider is that if you have cash available upfront, you could save on installation fees by replacing all of your windows at once. This being said, if you live in an area with extreme weather and decide to replace your older windows with storm windows, you may be eligible for 10-15% savings on your homeowner’s insurance. 

Ask an Expert

Are you considering replacing your windows? American Window Products has been delighting customers with excellent products, quality, and service for over thirty-six years. 

We proudly serve nearly 30,000 customers in the North Florida area, and our team would be happy to walk you through options for replacing your windows.

We’d love to hear from you today!