As a homeowner there’s nothing more satisfying than the knowledge that your home is increasing in value, solidifying the investment you made. The problem is that to get a decent return on investment, homeowners need to be aware of what renovations, repairs, and upgrades are worth doing over the years. The last thing you want to do is shell out thousands of dollars only to learn you will see very little return on investment (ROI).
If you’ve toyed with the idea of swapping out the windows and doors in your home for high-quality impact windows and doors, there’s no doubt you’re wondering if the investment will pay off. We’re here to dig deeper into that question as we look at how impact windows and doors can enhance your home’s value and increase the ROI.
Why Impact Windows & Doors Are an Investment
Impact windows and doors are highly durable and strong, holding up to even the most severe weather conditions. The primary function of this style of window and door is to withstand extremely high winds without breaking or shattering thanks to the materials used and the manufacturing process involved.
Impact windows are made from impact-resistant glass. Even strong winds from a storm won’t cause the glass to break and shatter throughout your home. Not only do they use impact-resistant glass, but they also feature multiple layers to give them added integrity. Within the window panes is laminated glass which works to make them stronger.
And it’s not just the glass that is built to last, even the frames are impact-resistant and ultra-strong using only the best materials.
Severe weather may be a threat but it’s not the only thing that impact windows and doors can protect you from. Because of their strength and durability, they also help to protect the home from intruders and other similar hazards. Breaking the glass on a window or door to gain access to a property is incredibly difficult and time-consuming when impact windows are installed. It’s often enough to deter a would-be intruder from even trying, and they will likely target another home.
In terms of the initial investment required to install impact windows, it will vary from home to home. The thing to remember is that an investment pays off over time. You won’t need to replace your windows and doors as often, since they’re more durable, so in the long run, they could end up being the most cost-effective option.
Increasing Property Value
If increasing property value is your top concern, you can’t go wrong with impact windows and doors. This is an attractive feature that you can add to your property listing when selling. Buyers always appreciate an investment that’s already been made.
Determining just how much it affects property value requires a few considerations. It comes down to the cost of installation, the location of your home, comparables in the area, and even weather patterns. If your home is in an area that consistently gets severe weather, impact windows are going to be a much smarter and more desirable upgrade for home buyers.
As these statistics show, homeowners can expect an ROI of about 85% when it comes to installing new windows and doors. But keep in mind, that return is for generic windows and doors. When installing impact windows – that ROI will increase.
Return on Investment Analysis
To get a proper idea of the return on investment when installing impact windows and doors, you need to consider all the variables.
Here are the most important things to include in the equation:
- Upfront costs – The average cost of installing impact windows in a home ranges from about $800 to $2,800 per window, and impact doors average about $5,000. Keep in mind you can expect an ROI of around 85%.
- How old the original windows were
- The location of the home
- Estimated energy savings per year – Homeowners can expect yearly energy savings of $125 to $465. It will depend on what they had before replacing the windows and doors.
- Crime rate (home invasions)
- A longer life span than non-impact windows
Once you factor in all of these variables, it becomes clear that installing impact windows and doors is a no-brainer.
Long-Term Durability and Maintenance
We’ve touched a bit on longevity, but what about the maintenance of impact windows and doors? This is where the return on investment can increase again, as impact windows and doors require little if any maintenance. Homeowners will make the initial investment and then they can sit back and enjoy the benefits.
Generally speaking, you can expect your impact windows to last about 25 years or more. That eclipses what a traditional window offers considering its average lifespan is 15-20 years. And don’t forget, it’s not just the windows that are long-lasting, the frames will also last much longer. You don’t have to worry about cracks, peeling, and breaking like you do with a wooden window frame.
The only maintenance you need to do is to clean the windows as needed/wanted, and once in a while check to ensure there are no issues that need repairing.
It’s this minimal maintenance that buyers love, as it means less time and less money spent on maintaining the windows and doors. They know they can purchase the house and not have to worry about any hidden maintenance costs.
It’s Hard to Find a Safer Way to Enhance Your Home’s Value
If you’re a homeowner who wants to increase your property’s value, it’s hard to find a safer option than installing impact windows and doors. Not only will it give you peace of mind when it comes to extreme weather, but it also offers superior energy efficiency and a lifespan that is much longer than typical windows. It’s a smart investment no matter how you look at it.
Sources
https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/windows/calculating-the-return-on-your-window-investment
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/ways-to-increase-your-homes-value/