In 2021, people bought over 6 million homes. While many of those homes were likely to close to move-in ready save for some cosmetic improvement, some of them fell into the realm of fixer-uppers. In other cases, the new homeowners had a different vision for the house than the previous owner.
With major renovations and fixer-uppers, new windows are one of the more common renovations. Many fixer-uppers have old windows, while serious renovations often require new windows to fix the new floor plan.
If you’re renovating, here are five common window-shopping mistakes to watch out for.
Premature Decision Making
One of the most common mistakes people make when getting windows for homes is making a premature decision. They see a window and decide on the spot that they’ll use that window.
This is especially tricky when buying replacement windows. No matter how good a window looks on a computer screen, that doesn’t mean it will look installed at your home.
Ignoring Style
Different styles of architecture often involve specific styles of windows. Mixing and matching different types of windows on the house with a specific architectural style can make the window or the house look strange.
In the case of historical buildings, there are often local ordinances that require you to match styles when doing things like installing new windows. You don’t want new windows installed that you’ll just have to tear out again.
Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Windows are a big culprit when it comes to poor energy efficiency in your home. You can gain or lose a substantial amount of heat from windows that offer poor energy efficiency.
When shopping, make sure you look for energy-efficient windows in addition to comparing window prices and styles.
Misjudging Maintenance Requirements
The amount of maintenance you must pour into your windows will vary a lot depending on things like the materials and the styles. Take wood frame windows, for example. Wood frames will need fresh paint or stain every few years.
While most modern windows are a single pane, some styles of windows use decorative muntins. Those can become collection points for dirt.
If you dislike cleaning windows, you’ll want a minimum number of muntins.
Not Hiring Professionals
While you may buy the windows, it’s seldom a good plan for you to replace the windows in your home yourself. While some homeowners possess the DIY skills to do one window, replacing multiple windows can soak up an enormous amount of time.
You should consider who will install your windows while shopping. You can either hire them yourself or buy from a company that folds installation into the cost.
Avoiding Common Window Shopping Mistakes
The common window shopping mistakes above are, fortunately, not that difficult to avoid. In most cases, it’s a matter of minding the details.
You focus on getting windows that will match the style of your home or current windows. Keep energy efficiency in mind. Consider who will deal with the installation.
Looking for more home improvement ideas? Check out our Home Improvement category for more posts.
