When you buy a window for your home you are investing in a home improvement that can either save you money or continue to cost you money. There are considerations that need to be taken into account:

• How long will the window last?
• How energy efficient is the window?
• How much maintenance will be needed?
• How long is the warranty?
• If damage occurs, how will I get it repaired?
• How much will the new windows increase the value of the home?

Saving Money on Maintenance

New windows can save you money on maintenance in two important ways:

1. If you choose vinyl windows, you can eliminate the cost of painting the windows inside or out. In a typical painting project, the most expensive part is painting the windows. Eliminate the need for that and your painting costs will be reduced.

2. The outside of most modern replacement windows is designed to be cleaned easily from the inside. If you wash your own windows, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and eliminate a major safety risk. If you normally hire a pro, you may find you can do it yourself with these practical new windows.

Many people are inspired to replace their windows when they see a great sale at a local home center store. Be careful! Usually, the great prices you see are for the bottom-of-the-line windows. Some well-known manufacturers make top, middle and “bargain” lines of windows. You’re better off avoiding the so-called bargain line. Many homeowners can’t get someone to install bargain windows because the pros don’t want to be associated with an inferior product.

Price is not the only consideration. When you add it all up, a cheap window can really cost you.

Cost vs. Value

Cost – how much you pay for something. Value – how much you get back in relation to that cost.

Window quality Basic Average High

Price per window

$300 $400 $500

Total installation price (10 windows)

$3,000 $4,000 $5,000

Resale value recouped

56% 74% 86%

Resale return on investment

$1,680 $2,960 $4,300

Net cost

$1,320 $1,040 $700

10-year utility bills at $125/mo. (incl. inflation rate)

$18,868 $18,868 $18,868

Percent utility savings

10% 20% 35%

Total utility savings

$1,887 $3,774 $6,604

Total return on investment

$3,567 $6,734 $10,904

Net return

+$567 +$2,734 +$5,904

Source: Cost vs. Value Report, REMODELING Magazine 2005/11/01

As you can see, the better the windows you have, the higher your return on investment will be. This should not be surprising – “You Get What You Pay For!” Think long-term about your investment in new windows and doors: you want a quality product that will last and provide years of enjoyment and performance, so the lowest price may not be the best choice. To realize a valuable return on investment, look for a product that will perform up to your expectations and add value to your home, and ultimately your quality of life.

This article was provided by Welda Windows. Visit them online at www.weldawindows.com , or email info@weldawindows.com or call 1-800-579-3532 and (416) 667-1444.