Home renovation projects can be daunting for even the most seasoned homeowners. Whether you’ve done remodeling jobs around the house before or not, starting a new project — especially when it feels like a major change to your space — can feel scary. One thing many homeowners put off for this reason is replacing windows. Even though almost all homeowners have to replace their windows at some point in time, this project often feels like it could snowball.
If, for example, you are thinking about replacing one damaged window, would it make more sense to replace all of them together? Or, if you’re replacing your windows, should you go ahead and replace your entry doors as well? Fortunately, the team at Hatch Homes understands these questions and more, and we’re here to help! As you read on, you’ll discover whether or not it’s actually smart to replace residential windows and doors simultaneously.
How do you know that a door or window needs to be replaced?
First and foremost, it is important to figure out which doors and windows in your North Carolina or South Carolina home actually need to be replaced and which are still functional, but perhaps outdated or not your personal style. Below, you’ll find a list of red flags that indicate you should buy a replacement window or door very soon:
- Noticeable dents or scratches
- Rusted areas
- Rotten wood or soft wood
- Flaked paint
- Cracks
- Aging weather stripping (that cannot be replaced for whatever reason)
- Excess air and light coming in around the frame
- Moisture collecting on inside of glass panes
- Broken door handles or window cranks
- Broken or cracked glass panes
If any of these issues exist, you do not have much of a choice — your window or door will need to be replaced in order to keep you and your loved ones not only comfortable, but safe.
What if there’s nothing wrong with my windows and doors?
If you are considering getting new windows and doors simply because you are tired of your existing ones, the main thing you need to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to replace everything at once is, of course, your budget. If you are hoping to do your home renovation project without spending a great deal of money, buying your new windows separate from your new doors might be the right choice.
If, however, you are not overly concerned about how much you spend and your main priority is getting the job done quickly and efficiently so you don’t have ongoing construction, doing the whole project simultaneously is likely to be the best solution. Furthermore, if you do have the money to do everything at once, many installers recommend it so that house wrap and other similar products can be used easily.
It is also worth noting that replacing both windows and exterior doors offers a high return-on-investment (ROI), so you won’t regret the decision to go ahead with this project.
No matter which route you decide to go, the expert team at Hatch Homes is here for you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions at any time.