New sliding sash windows should add value to your home, but it’s not quite that simple. First, it depends on the type of sash windows installed, second, what they are replacing and finally, the type of house you own.
What Affects the Amount of Value Added to Your Home?
The value added depends on the windows’ type, condition and maintenance. When homeowners consider the value of the return on their investment or ROI, it’s easy to overlook the cost of installation.
New for Old
Old sash windows that rattle and leach warm air from the home into the great outdoors are not attractive or valuable. Replace them with new timber windows, which are authentically period and offer excellent thermal regulation and draught sealing, and it’s a win-win. Not only do they look good and enhance the character and kerb appeal of the property, but the energy rating will be significantly improved, which is influential at sale time, especially when energy costs are so high.
What about Double Glazing?
Period homeowners crave the quiet, draught-free environments offered by uPVC double-glazed units, but you can’t always add these to old houses. First of all, it’s hard to make them fit – many new sash windows have to be made to measure to accommodate odd sizes and shapes. Secondly, if your home is listed or in a conservation area, then you won’t be allowed to fit uPVC units under the regulations. Even if your house isn’t listed, a lot of people dislike uPVC window units in period properties, and it could affect both kerb appeal and value. After all, character properties are all about the character.
There are options like vacuum double glazing, which looks like a single pane of glass and is lightweight enough to fit in old, narrow sash window frames. An example is Fineo vacuum-sealed double-glazed units, which can be retrofitted to original sash windows and usually satisfy the conservation area requirements and/or listed building regulations. (But always double-check first!).
Repair or Replace?
Repairing is often cheaper, but if the sash windows are in a very poor state, then it’s not always a long-term and cost-effective decision. Each property needs to be considered separately, and often it’s a case of going window by window, refurbishing some sash windows and retrofitting others.
The moral of the story is, don’t assume that any new window installation will give you a return of 70% on your investment. Period properties need the right sliding sash windows both in terms of appearance and to satisfy any relevant regulations.
For old houses, timber is always the best option as it’s more characterful and in keeping with the age and style of different period homes, and it is what people expect to see – a unique and desirable feature. Plenty of new timber products offer excellent longevity and performance, minimising maintenance for the homeowner.
New windows are a great way to market any property. An essential and prominent design feature, there is loads of scope to make improvements to energy efficiency, noise levels, draught sealing and security. Just make sure you choose the right ones!
We manufacture timber sliding sash windows for all properties, from the very ancient to the modern and contemporary. We produce windows in every size, shape and style with a limitless choice of paint colours. We also repair and restore old sliding sash and casement windows using a blend of traditional craftsmanship techniques and modern materials. All our windows offer optimal thermal regulation, draught sealing, acoustic control and security.
Contact us here to learn more about bespoke sliding sash windows and our repair and restoration services.
