Window Replacement: What Homeowners Need to Know
How a Window Replacement Can Save You Money
A window replacement can save you money by raising your home’s energy efficiency and creating a proper barrier between your home and the elements.
Not only will you use less energy to heat or cool your home, but you’ll find that window replacement helps deafen the home, creating a noise barrier between you and the outside.
Between heating and cooling costs and helping protect your home from further damage and exposure to the elements, quality windows save you money both in the short and the long term.
How to Determine if You Need to Replace Your Windows
Most people wait until their windows have a visible crack or break in them before they start thinking about replacing them. Other times, you may notice a breeze or draft coming from the windows, even if it is closed. This may even be true of windows that cannot open, as the draft may be coming from minute cracks in the pane, or from around the sill.
You may also need to replace your windows if you find that they have condensation between the panes. This indicates a build-up of moisture and air within the window, which is an indicator of poor insulation. This is particularly common in the winter or fall when warm, humid air comes in contact with the coolness of the glass. This condensation occurs between the panes when the interior seal has failed and moisture has become trapped in the window.
You may also find that you need to replace your windows if your energy bill is rising based on usage, but you haven’t deviated from your normal heating and cooling routine. This is a particularly telling message that your windows are not energy efficient if you can feel a draft around the windows and your energy bills are rising.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Window Replacement
There are easily a dozen or more factors that affect the cost of window replacement.
Most notably, you’ll find that the window type and the material are the biggest factors that determine cost. The type of window determines its functionality and the overall design. Is this window meant to be operable, allowing it to open and close in some direction? Does it need to withstand the elements – as is the case with storm windows – or is it more of a decorative piece that doesn’t require much insulation?
These questions are all factors that play into the price of different types of windows. Depending on the requirements of the window, the cost will fluctuate accordingly.
Next comes the size and customization of the windows. Windows that require different shapes other than squares or rectangles can be difficult to manufacture, and additional time and resources are necessary to create unique shapes in the panes.
While energy efficiency technology has come a long way, it adds surprisingly little to the cost. If possible, it’s best to opt for an energy efficient window no matter the size and type of the window, since you’ll see even more savings and resale value from these types of windows.
Why Professional Window Replacement Over DIY
Like most aspects of home improvement, it is always beneficial to choose a professional installation.
Not only are you getting the experience and expertise of the professional when you choose professional installation, but you also have industry recommendations for selecting the right windows for your individual home, as well as additional attention in the install to help eliminate any and all drafts that may be caused by an existing imperfect fit.
Doing your own window installation can appear cheaper at the forefront, but there are many pitfalls that come with doing this kind of risky installation. Not only is it difficult to correctly take out an existing window without damaging the sill or nearby framing, but you also risk purchasing windows that are not the correct fit for your home, causing drafts and collecting moisture, which damages the integrity of your home’s structure.
Lastly, a DIY install is time consuming, and one average-sized window can take a day or more, whereas a professional can easily handle six to eight windows in a day.
Reasons to Replace Your Windows
There are many reasons to replace your windows, and chances are, you already have one in mind if you’re looking into window replacements.
The biggest and most convincing reason that many people get replacement windows is either to improve their home value when they resell the home, or to upgrade the quality of their windows.
To improve the home value, it’s best to choose windows that are energy efficient and match or improve the curb appeal of your home as it is currently.
The quality of your windows can make a significant difference in the amount of noise reduction and energy efficiency they provide to the home at large. Noise reduction can indirectly improve the resale value of your home if you live in a noisy area or are looking for additional comfort inside the home, as this is a feature that many buyers look for in more populated neighborhoods, or in homes that are near a lot of noise, such as train tracks, highways, or commercial districts.
What to Look for in a Window Replacement Professional
When looking for a window replacement professional, it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option available.
It’s important to also look at the window contractor’s qualifications and experience, as well as consider any available warranties that they provide with their products or on their labor. At Badger Contracting, we provide labor warranties as well, helping ensure your window installation is covered, the same way your product is covered by the manufacturer.
We also understand that sometimes, that’s what you have to do when you’re working within a specific budget. For most window installations, however, the team at Badger Contracting is happy to work with you to find a window replacement solution that fits your budget while meeting your needs. Give us a call to learn more about what kind of budget assistance you need to get your windows replaced. We are happy to help and provide you with the options we have available.
Are Energy Efficient Windows Worthwhile?
Yes, energy efficiency is an essential part of upgrading any home.
Even for windows that were installed ten years ago, the technology behind energy efficient glass and sealant has advanced considerably to combat rising costs of heating and cooling.
While there are many things that a home may need to improve its energy efficiency, there is a clear difference in cost after improving the quality of the windows and ensuring the seals around the window frame are air tight and free from mildew or moisture.
By making a few small changes and upgrading your windows, you can experience the difference of an energy efficient home, all thanks to quality window construction and installation. At Badger Contracting, we take pride in the work we do and the quality of the products we provide. If you have any questions about the type of energy efficient windows we source, or the savings that you can expect from replacing your windows with energy efficient panes, give us a call today.
How to Choose Your Replacement Windows
Choosing your replacement windows is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider in an investment that you will typically only make once or twice in a home at most.
This is your chance to play with the home’s architecture, different colors and designs, and the style of the window itself.
To choose a replacement window, you should first consider what your goal is with the replacement. Is it simply to replace it out with a similar model and style after it was broken, or are you looking for more energy efficiency so you can save money on heating and cooling?
In addition to upgrading the energy efficiency or quality of the windows, installing windows with a new style and color can also have an impact on the home’s curb appeal, raising the value of the home for a sale down the line.
Depending on your goal, choosing a replacement window can be a difficult decision. If you are struggling with the process and want to find a replacement window that meets your needs and matches your budget, we are happy to help. Give Badger Contracting a call today and we’ll help you through the process of window replacement selection and installation.
How to Prepare Your House for Window Replacement
It’s important to prepare the home a few days before the installation takes place to ensure everything is all set.
You should first clear the space around the windows and cover the furnishings. The installation will be dusty, which means any materials that will be difficult to clean should have plastic wrap draped over it to protect it. Any valuables or fragile items should be moved to a secure location as well.
To ensure the window installation goes smoothly, you should remove all blinds and curtains from the window itself. Unless there is work being done to the surrounding wall or sill, curtain rods and brackets are typically OK to leave in the wall. You should also disconnect any alarms that are attached to the windows so that it does not go off when the windows are removed or opened.
During installation, children and pets should be secured to ensure their safety and to prevent them from escaping or interfering with the installation. Depending on the windows and the type of window frame, installation can take anywhere from one hour to a couple of hours per install, and it will be noisy.
Why Choose Badger Contracting for Your Windows
Badger Contracting is the top choice for window replacements throughout the Maryland region.
Family-owned and operated, our team is here to help you with your home improvement at every step of the way. We don’t just provide the installation, but we also walk you through the quote process and ensure all our work comes with a labor warranty.
When you choose our company, you’re not choosing to work with an installation contractor but a partner in home improvement for the long-haul. We want you to be comfortable in your home, helping you improve your energy efficiency and enhance your home’s curb appeal for resale ability. Depending on your goals, we can also help you find the right products and selections for your budget, matching you with what makes the most sense for your preferences.
How Long Does Window Replacement Take?
Depending on the number of windows you need replaced, and the size of these windows, window replacement can be completed in just a couple of hours or a couple of days.
An average two-person crew can replace an average-sized window within an hour or two. Odd-shaped windows and above-average sizes may take a little more time to accommodate, but this means that most full-home window replacement jobs take anywhere between one and three days to complete. These estimates are broad, since it cannot account for every situation.
For a more accurate estimate of how long your window replacement work will take, give Badger Consulting a call today and let us know how we can help you. We’ll gladly walk you through window measurements and types, and we can give you a better estimate over the phone than you can find online.
What Time of Year is Best for Window Replacement?
Especially in the Maryland region, replacing your windows can be a time-consuming and expensive process. We aim to help you minimize the cost and time expenses of window replacement, and we’ve found that, to do this, it’s important to have your windows replaced during either the spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate.
During milder weather, it’s less likely that there will be damage to the windows or sills during construction because of the lack of temperature swings. The milder the weather is throughout the installation process, the easier and faster the installation will be.
If you’re looking for the best time of year to have your windows replaced quickly, it’s best to get your install done during the cusp months of winter, where snow is infrequent but still a consideration, because product manufacturers will be building fewer windows, and contractors like Badger Contracting are more available to schedule an appointment.
Trusted Quality, Fast Results: Badger Contracting
Badger Contracting isn’t your average window installer.
Serving Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, MD and beyond, our team provides a level of trusted quality and transparency that outperforms the rest. As an employee owned and operated company, we believe that our values allow us to stand out among the competition and we provide products and services that fit every budget.
Fast results means that your window replacement can be done in as little as a few days, or a few hours depending on the job. Our reliable local team consists of experienced professionals, and all work comes with a labor warranty that matches the warranties of all products we install.
Give us a call today and let us know how we can help, whether you’re looking to enhance your curb appeal or maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
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