When thinking about selling your home, or even just remodelling it there are several ways to increase the value of the property. There are also relatively easy ways to give your home more curb appeal for if you ever move one day.
Some of the internal improvements include new bathrooms and kitchen units, while the outside projects are also important. Here you may want to look at paintwork and driveways. Another thing to consider is double glazing.
Double glazing is often thought to be one of the most important improvements you can do to your home. Even if you never plan to move, adding this to your home will not only look smart but will also save you money in energy bills.
The cost of double glazing
You should plan to spend between £400 and £600 per window. This will depend where you are buying them from and where you live. Plan to spend up to £7,000 for your entire home, although small apartments will obviously be less expensive. Smaller windows will also reduce the cost but you will still have to factor in the number of windows you want to install.
If you need bay windows installed they will add to the cost as there are more panes.
While this amount may seem a lot to spend upfront, you should remember that your new windows will last for up to 20 years before needing any replacement.
Before you commit to any firm to install your windows you may want to ask neighbours for recommendations. They will be glad to tell you who to use – and better still, give you advice on companies to avoid!
What to replace old windows with
Generally, windows should be replaced with the same style – like-for-like. Double glazing will however need to be done within current building regulations depending on where your home is. If your house is listed or is in a Conservation area you will not be able to install plastic windows.
Apply for a grant
In older homes you may be able to ask for a Government grant to help you with the cost of double glazing. Double glazing is one of the ways that you can improve energy efficiency and you may be eligible for one of these grants.
There are several good reasons why double glazing is a good idea
Safer and stylish
It gives you an instant curb appeal. Because of the increase in thermal insulation your home will be cosy and warm through the winter months, as well as comfortable through the summer. You will notice a reduction in noise from traffic and passers-by, as well as aircraft noise.
Double glazing comes in a wide selection of colours so you can match the windows to whatever suits you, even your driveway.
New windows come with new locks on them and add extra defence against burglars. Because of modern technology, new windows are stronger than many old fashioned windows. This makes them well worth investing in.
More glass, more benefits
You will notice a significant decrease in your energy bills. With two glass panes and a spacer between them, the heat stays where you want it – in your home. Cold cannot come in either so your home stays comfortable all year round.
In a semi-detached house you could save as much as £80 per year while a detached home could save you upwards of £110 per year.
Further reading: benefits of double glazing.
Less damage to furnishings
Because there is less sun coming into your room, any furnishings and painting will be more protected with this than from regular windows. Carpets will also be less inclined to fade. Curtains will also fade less.
Less condensation
With double glazing there will be less condensation on the windows in your house. This is a health benefit as there are no spores for mold which may affect breathing. This is particularly worth thinking about if you or a family member have breathing issues such as asthma.
Save on bills
Most people who have double glazing installed can bank on a savings of around 44% on their energy bills.
Silence
You will notice that your noise levels from outside are significantly reduced by double glazing. The window will create a barrier between you and traffic and other noises.
It makes your home more desirable
People who are looking to buy a house will select a house with double glazing over one without. This is because the work has already been done and they don’t have to do it soon after they move in. This makes your home preferential over homes with no double glazing.
Prospective buyers also look for houses that are efficient in heating so houses with double glazing are better choices for them.
How much value does this add?
Research has shown that the average value of a house will go up by 10% if there is double glazing installed. Totally worth it!
If you consider that your double glazing – when installed by a reputable company – will come with a 10-year guarantee and will last for about 20 years before you need to do anything more. This makes it a great option if you plan to sell your house. It is also a better choice for anyone who wants to buy a house.
To sum up
While it is a personal choice to install double glazing or not, there are far more pros to it than cons. Not only does it look smarter and neater, adding curb appeal, but it will also save you money on your energy bills.
Pound for pound having double glazing installed is relatively cheap for the length of time it will last you. It is easy to keep clean and never needs to be painted.
You can colour co-ordinate your windows to other parts of the house such as the garage door.
You will add 10% value to your property with one quick fix.
Double glazing could be the difference between selling your home or not. It will certainly increase the value, whether you are thinking of moving or not.