What Is the ROI for Window Replacement in Northern Virginia?

There are several good reasons to consider updating the windows at your home in Northern Virginia. You can help mitigate uncomfortable drafts, improve insulation, and enhance the style of your home.

Regardless of your main motivation, however, there is another overarching benefit to window replacement in Northern Virginia, and that’s the high return on investment (ROI). New windows boost the curb appeal of your home and also yield several benefits as a result of better performance and energy savings. As with any home improvement project, there are a few caveats to consider when deciding if this is the right home improvement project for your budget and long-term goals.

Are Window Replacements a Good Investment?

Both the cost per window and the average ROI depend on several factors, including the type of windows you choose, the manufacturer and product line, any extra features you include, the condition of your home’s interior and exterior, and the value of comparable homes in your Northern Virginia neighborhood. There is also a difference in cost and ROI based on whether you plan to repair or replace existing windows at your house or add new ones. Building extra windows into your home is a much more extensive project that may involve major structural changes.

According to the Cost vs Value Report, the cost to replace 10 existing 3’-by-5’, double-hung windows with new insulated, low-emissivity (low-e) vinyl windows with a customized exterior finish is about $21,500, or $2,150 per window, including installation. The average ROI for vinyl window replacement in Northern Virginia is roughly 66%.

If you decide to go with wood windows instead, the cost is a bit higher—or approximately $25,250 for 10 new windows including installation. The average ROI is closer to 64%. Since wood doesn’t hold up as well as vinyl, you may want to spring for aluminum-clad lumber, which ups the price by about 15% to 20%.

In either case, however, the ROI is significant, making window replacement one of the most lucrative home improvement projects to undertake along with kitchen makeovers, new siding, and outdoor living additions. That’s because new windows perform better and function more efficiently.

Another option, if you’re not ready to commit to completely replacing your windows, is to repair your existing ones. A window repairs specialist in Northern Virginia can help you replace broken parts, add weather-stripping, and undertake smaller tasks to augment the function and appearance of your windows. This is especially relevant if your current windows are important architectural elements of a historic home.

New Windows ROI and Energy Efficiency

Another way that window replacement directly impacts your pocketbook is through increased energy efficiency. If you have old, outdated windows—especially those with single panes—they tend to be drafty, and they don't do well regulating your indoor temperature. Especially in a four-season environment like Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metro area, you could be spending more than necessary trying to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. With high-quality, dual- or triple-pane windows, you can potentially save on your monthly utility bills for several years to come. Keep in mind, however, that windows are only a part of your home’s exterior envelope. If you want to improve the building’s insulation and energy efficiency, you may want to tackle other projects in tandem with your window replacement.

Modern windows come with a variety of options for glazing, glass thickness, gas fills and spacers, and other technologies. These features can increase thermal performance and regulate the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light that passes through your windows and cause your flooring, walls and furniture to fade. Certain characteristics of high-quality replacement windows also contribute to noise reduction, helping you create a more comfortable and peaceful environment at your home in the Arlington area.

Added Benefits of Window Repair and Replacement

Along with comfort and energy efficiency, replacement windows have the potential to improve the appearance of your home from the inside, and out.

After living in your home for several years, you may be ready for a change aesthetically. Updating your windows can be part of that. New windows come in a variety of materials—including vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum—and different shapes and styles to help you achieve your desired style, whether that be traditional, contemporary, Cape Cod, craftsman, French country, or something else entirely.

Creating a beautiful home can enhance the joy you derive from being inside the space. If you’re thinking about selling in the near future, you also will appeal to a broader array of prospective homebuyers.

Replacing Your Windows in Northern Virginia

If you’re looking for a home improvement project that stretches your investment and yields a worthwhile return, replacing your windows may be the place to start. Our team at Window and Door Showplace can help you explore your options and select the right products based on the style of your home, your budget and your project priorities. We also provide installation assistance to ensure your replacement is done correctly, thereby helping you achieve the maximum ROI.