How to Increase Home Value by Installing New Windows and Doors
While there are many improvements you can make to your home to help increase its value, adding new windows and doors should always be at the top of your list. Not only does this instantly increase your home’s value, but it also improves your home’s energy efficiency and will help draw in more natural lighting.
So if you are considering making improvements to your home, here are tips on how to add value to your home with new windows and doors
Install New Energy-Efficient Windows
Installing energy-efficient windows is one of the best home upgrades to improve energy efficiency. Replacing old windows with new, low-maintenance, energy-efficient windows is a practical investment for your home.
New windows will significantly increase your home’s value by improving the appearance of your home from both the inside and outside. They will also appeal to buyers because new windows mean less maintenance and upgrade costs, along with lower energy bills for lighting, heating, and cooling.
Due to inadequate design and poor-quality materials, an estimated 70 percent of home energy is lost through old windows and doors, with 90 percent of heat loss occurring through the glass of old windows.
But new energy-efficient windows help insulate the home, keeping heat in during winter and cool air in during summer. And by maximizing the amount of natural light in your home, you can rely less on artificial lighting year-round.
The appeal of having windows that will keep the home comfortable and brightly-lit year-round, and also help homeowners save money on energy bills, make energy-efficient windows a big selling point for buyers.
Improve Exterior Appeal with a New Front Door
Your front door is one of the first things visitors notice about your home. And front doors can make an excellent first impression. The appearance of your front door can also say a lot about you and your home.
So if your front door is outdated, damaged, creaking, scraping the floor, or drafty, consider installing a new door to improve the appearance, security, sound-proofing, and energy-efficiency of your home. Sturdy doors, such as steel and fibreglass, are especially secure and resistant to warping, rotting, and wear and tear. And these doors come in a variety of finishes and panelling.
Bonus: Paint or update your garage door, too, if it’s in bad condition
Update Your Kitchen
Of all the house improvements to increase value, kitchen upgrades are near the top of the list. Even if you don’t plan to gut your kitchen and build it from scratch, there are ways to update the look of your kitchen to impress potential buyers, such as:
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- Painting—including the cabinets. Consider a faux-wood finish or a tuxedo-style kitchen with dark lower cabinets and light upper cabinets.
- Adding a new backsplash for a splash of colour. New tile backsplashes are very attractive.
- Switching to energy-efficient stainless steel appliances.
- Adding a rolling island.
- Replacing countertops.
- Replacing cabinet drawer handles and drawer pulls.
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Improve Curb Appeal
To help improve the curb appeal of your home, walk across the street and take note of your first impression of it. Does it look attractive, welcoming, and structurally sound?
Make a list of ways to accentuate the positive features of your home and get rid of any negative elements.
Another way to judge the curb appeal of a home is by taking a photo of it and looking at it in black and white. With the colour removed from the photo, you can easily notice any flaws, such as cracks in the walls.
While the front of your home will make the first impression, remember that homebuyers will also be looking at the sides and back of your home. And they may even peek over the fences. So don’t neglect these areas.
Tips for improving curb appeal include:
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- Keeping the outside tidy and trimming trees.
- Making sure the neighbours’ properties are tidy too (hint: you can host a neighbourhood cleanup party to get everyone motivated to improve their properties and upgrade their landscapes).
- Replacing old and missing trim around windows and doors with low-maintenance, all-weather PVC, which resists rot, termites, and other insects.
- Replacing outdated and rotted exterior rails, columns, and porch posts with low-maintenance fibreglass columns and rail systems.
- Repairing or replacing any damaged steps, walkway stones, or driveways.
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Fresh Paint (Inside and Outside)
A fresh coat of paint can significantly improve the look of your home. If you’re not sure what colour to go with, opt for white. White is neutral, so all homebuyers will be satisfied with this colour. And white paints—especially with a tint of grey or silver—are in style due to being simple, chic, and versatile.
Before painting the outside of your home, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any mildew. You can use a garden sprayer and mildewcide. And then use a mould- and mildew-proof paint to prevent mildew from coming back.
Update Light Fixtures
Updating the light fixtures both inside and outside of your home can make your home appear more modern and sophisticated. Recessed lighting is a popular option to help make rooms appear brighter, more beautiful, and more expensive.
When replacing lights, also consider replacing faceplates and wall switches. And consider installing outdoor lighting in your yard to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of your landscape.
Don’t Neglect The Outside
Updating the outside of your home is a sure way to increase the property value. So invest in your landscape and upgrade any hardscaping. Maintain your lawn, shrubs, and flower beds for a clean, well-manicured landscape that will improve the overall look of your home.
Remove weeds and dead plants. Repair and feed your grass for a lush green lawn. And add a pop of colour with flower beds and plant placement.
By considering what adds value to your house when planning home improvement projects, you can ensure that your home will look and feel great on the inside and out and appeal to more potential homebuyers.
And making certain upgrades—such as replacing outdated windows and doors—will impress buyers because these energy-efficient upgrades provide cost-saving benefits for many years to come.