Improvements, repairs, and investments are all part of the homeowner process. It’s not a fun topic that many people like to discuss or talk about, but it is something we should all be prepared for.
As a homeowner, there are going to be some repairs and associated costs that just happen to come up from time to time. During the winter you might have some frozen pipes that cause water damage, and during the summer months you might have to worry about your air conditioner or storm damage.
Unlike unexpected costs and repairs, there are other areas of your home that can make for an improved living experience, while also increasing the value in the process.
A perfect example of this would be window replacements, painting of the home and installing a new room. The common theme across most of these examples, is that they can all be a costly experience and one that should be approached with thorough research and comparing your costs, product quality and contractor options.
With all of this in mind, today we wanted to highlight the many benefits of replacing your home with new custom windows earlier than later, and not waiting until an unexpected event forces you into a quick decision.
Let’s get started.
1 – Energy Efficiency
While the costs of adding new windows to your home might seem like a big investment, it’s important to realize that your existing windows could be costing you hundreds of dollars in excess costs every year.
Windows that have ages, aren’t closing properly or have locks that just aren’t working, are letting air in and out of your home at all times. This means you are potentially losing money during summer when the AC is on, and in the winter when the heat is on.
As recommended on the MaxHomeNow site, a company that provides vinyl windows in New Orleans, “The Renewal by Andersen windows boast energy saving features like low-e glass, premium insulation, and double contoured frames, and these features help to prevent the transfer of heat energy into and out of the home.â€
This is just one example of the many new advances in windows, which allows for the ability to order different styles of glass that allows for less UV rays to enter in the home, and more.
2 – Safety and Security
Outside of the obvious, windows that are older will also lack the necessary stability and safety that new windows provide. This is especially true of older wooden windows that have locks that can easily be pushed open from the outside.
Just as important as not letting someone break into your home, is to keep everyone safely inside. The last thing you want is for someone to lean up against a window in your home and then have it break and someone falls out!
The NSC recommends the following safety tips when considering when, where and how windows are to be installed and used in the home.
- Make sure at least one window in each bedroom meets escape requirements, and incorporate windows into your home fire escape plan
- Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut
- Make certain that window stops, guards, security bars, grilles and grates have a release mechanism
- Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape
When choosing new windows for your home, be sure to consider your options with advanced locking methods, unbreakable glass, and built-in security locks.
3 – Style and Customization
Gone are the days when you would just have the option to go with a generic square or rectangle window for your home. Now, the options are pretty much limitless when it comes to colors, sizes, customization and more.
When it comes time to choose new windows for your home, stay away from traditional windows in your mind and start to think about the many different options now available. To learn more about the different designs and concepts out there, be sure to consider any from the list below.
- Single or Double Hung Window
- Sliding Window
- Casement Window
- Fixed Window
- Picture Window
- Bay Window
You can also refer to a site like Lowes to learn about the different window types, anatomies and shapes of windows, and the associated costs for each as well. And when it comes to window frames, you will have plenty of options there as well.
Another surprising component of home windows today, is that they are often more affordable than in previous years. With advancements in customized design and creation, pricing shouldn’t be the number one factor when trying to improve the overall look, security, and efficiency of your home.
How to Choose the Best Windows for Your Home
Owning a home is special and it also comes with a lot of responsibilities — many of which will be important decisions and might not always come up at the best times.
With this always in the back of your mind, it’s always a good idea to research what areas of your home might need improvements, while also considering your options to maximize home value and efficiency.
When it comes to windows in your home, this is likely something that will improve both areas. To explore your options for what might work best, be sure to check out each of the key factors and references mentioned in the article.
