Exterior upgrades were still offering the most promising return on investment (ROI) in 2024, and part of the reason behind this is how new windows can increase home value significantly in today’s housing market. Replacement windows maximize ROI in several ways, enhancing curbside appeal, lowering energy and maintenance bills and protecting your home’s interior.
First impressions are pivotal, and this applies to your home’s exterior, too. Replace your old or worn windows with a stylish, polished set, and you’ll impress a much larger group of potential buyers with added curbside appeal. Windows also elevate your home’s interior aesthetic, with real estate agents encouraging homebuyers to critically assess the layout, natural light and view quality of the windows during walk-through.
A 2024 study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) revealed that 34% of homebuyers prefer traditional homes, such as colonial and farmhouse styles, with aesthetics rooted in historical architecture. Second place goes to contemporary home designs at 26%, sporting clean lines and large windows. Minimalist modern architecture, with right-angular features and flat roofs, came in at 17%, with the remaining 12% preferring a combination of contemporary and traditional features.
Although tastes differ, NAHB’s research found homebuyers are most interested in four distinct window types, including:
Over the last few decades, window insulation technology has grown rapidly. New designs expertly minimize heat transfer and keep rooms warm in cold winter months and cool during heatwaves. This improvement takes immense pressure off your HVAC system and can save you up to 30% on heating and cooling energy bills. You directly benefit from the savings, and future buyers may be more likely to pay more upfront for a home with reduced energy costs.
ENERGY-STAR-rated windows are very important to homebuyers, more so than other wildly popular features like a walk-in pantry and a front porch. In an NAHB survey about America’s most prioritized home features, Energy Star windows placed in the top three most important out of over 200 competing amenities. Other essential or desirable window features include:
Savvy homeowners are increasingly turning to renovations to attract potential buyers. According to an extensive 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, exterior window replacements earn over 60% of their cost back upon resale. That’s because potential buyers want a home with high-quality, up-to-date, professionally installed windows that will save them money and keep their family safe.
Zonda Media’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report assesses which remodeling projects offer the best return on investment in different United States markets. It found that window replacement projects yield at least 50% cost recovery in every region across the country, provided the windows were low-E coated, well-insulated and custom-colored to match the house.
The report also found that some states value window replacements significantly more than others. Window replacements are a particularly good investment in Pacific states like Seattle, Oregon and California, where homeowners may recoup 80% to 85.9%.
For homes along the West Coast, if you replace 10 double-hung windows with energy-efficient, low-E, custom-colored, matching vinyl windows with grilles, you could boost your home’s value by $19,241. Maximize these savings and earnings by choosing windows made from composites like Fibrex® material, which offer homeowners better long-term savings.
Direct sunlight can fade and damage carpets, upholstery and other textiles. Ultra-violet (UV) light is the biggest culprit, sometimes permanently degrading dyes. Infrared light also introduces heat that dries and ages fibers, prematurely aging them. Luckily, you can install low-E-coated windows and preserve your fabrics’ color and quality.
Windows made with low-E glass have low emissivity, meaning they let certain light frequencies pass through while reflecting infrared and UV radiation. This microscopic, metallic coating preserves textiles and regulates indoor temperatures, potentially saving you money on carpet replacements and energy bills.
Both bathing and cooking produce water vapor, which rises from the bath, shower or pot and eventually condenses on walls, ceilings and cabinets. Over time, this creates a damp, humid environment ideal for fungi and bacteria. To keep your bathroom and kitchen dry and save thousands on repairs, you need large, openable windows positioned high on the wall so the hot steam can easily escape outside.
If you replace your old, worn windows with highly durable composite alternatives, exterior maintenance will become easier and more cost-effective. You’ll make fewer callouts to repair companies, need far less frequent replacement parts and impress potential homebuyers with your home’s low-effort upkeep. High-quality, professionally installed windows may also defend against intruders better and are more likely to withstand extreme weather like high winds and coastal salty water to protect your home from debris.
Each window material responds differently to environmental conditions, so their condition over time can vary. Choose which material best suits your needs based on your location’s unique climate and how much you’re able to spend on upkeep:
One of the best assets you can have when selling your house is a transferrable window replacement warranty, which lets the original purchaser transfer coverage to the new homebuyer. This valuable exchange enhances your home’s value and makes it more attractive for potential new owners.
For a reliable window replacement warranty that satisfies both your best interests and any future buyers’ preferences, look for these essential details:
You can trust Renewal by Andersen to customize and install exceptional and durable replacement windows, all covered by a clear transferrable warranty. Enhance your property’s value while you save on energy bills, repair costs and maintenance for however long you keep your home. Schedule an appointment or get your quote today to get started while the exterior renovation market is in your favor.
