Return on window replacement

[Debbie]

Does replacing windows offer a very good return on investment when you sell a property?

I am remodeling a bathroom, replacing board and tile in the shower and there is a window in the shower. I have quotes from $400 to $650 to replace the window. The current window is functional but 30 years old.

Should I change out the window or not??

 

[MikeMcCrae]

Changing 1 window won`t add any value and may even detract if not a good match with the other windows. If the existing is still good and you are not changing all of the windows I would not change it.

 

[Debbie]

QUOTE (MikeMcCrae @ Mar 10 2008, 10:12 AM) Changing 1 window won`t add any value and may even detract if not a good match with the other windows. If the existing is still good and you are not changing all of the windows I would not change it.

Thanks for your reply Mike. I hadn`t thought about the appearance from the exterior, it would match fine though.

I didn`t think replacing one window would really add value. I like to do things thoroughly and have high standards and with the wall tiles going to be torn out, now would be the time to replace that window if a person was going to do it. The window is low in the shower so to make things watertight, the tile setter will tile the window jamb making it impossible to remove the window later without damaging the tile.

I guess I have to get over it... I don`t plan on living there and I will never re-do that bathroom again, as I will likely sell the house before it is in need of another bathroom reno. No point in spending several hundred dollars on something that I won`t see any return on.

 

[dwb]

What if you replaced all the windows? How much does replacing windows raise the property value?

The reason I ask is because I have a beautiful house in a fanastic part of London Ontario that is in a high appreciating area. But the Windows are ancient and as such are very unappealling. I`m considering putting in new windows. The tenant turnover has been bad, and the last one said they were only leaving because the windows are so old that its causing the heating bills to be too expensive for them.

Anyways, I`m putting about $12,000 in new windows... how much return on this investment should I expect? (At the very least I should gain longer tenancy from the next tenant so that`s good!).

Thanks!

 

[rbrander]

Here`s an alternative. Windows in shower areas seem to be both a long term water hazard and also a potential privacy issue. If the bathroom does not have a ventilation fan, consider installing one. As to the window, consider installing glass block! It is both a structural element, and provides privacy - you need only to select the finish on the glass. It is also extremely cost effective, will not rot, is neutral to the interior and exterior architecture, and will cost a fraction of the cost for a vinyl insert window. It is also most likely that your tile installer can do the installation: glass blocks use structural pieces that are hidden between the blocks and are secured to the framing.
Cheers!

 

[kabuku]

Hi There,
Just thought I would weight in on this one. I look at is this way:

Scenario 1
Replace window=
-Costs $500 aprox
-creates water tight eye pleasing end result.
-less likely to condensate and create mould and mildew.
-will prolong the life of the tile surround in general.
-exterior of window frame is taken care because believe me your ceramic/glass block guy won`t clad window frames(unless the glass block can go right to a brick exterior)
-more energy efficient.
-frosted glass gives privacy.
-happy tenant gets nice clean looking shower instead of old grubby window.
-on resale prospective buyers see nice bathroom that needs no work.

Cenario 2
leave existing window
cost $0
-water seepage can undermind tiles around window and shorten life of tile surround.
-Tenant has to deal with old grubby window that never really looks clean.
-on resale prospective buyers overlook the rest of the money you spent in the bathroom and just see a window that needs replacing/done on the cheap.

Scenario 3
install exhaust fan and glass block.
combined cost $1000 minimum
(wiring(supposed to be done by electrician with permit) and ducting for fan plus fan $700) plus $300 for glass block(if your tile guy will do it) and clad the exterior of the old window frame $100(if you can find anyone to do it)
-end up with slightly better ventilation.
-looks nice/good resale.
-BTW the price is conservative.
-likely a lot of hassle (cut plaster to fish wires).

All three are feasible but one and two make the reno quicker and less painfull.
Regards, Brian
www.andersonwindowsanddoors.ca

 

[rbrander]

Your best solution is the one that will satisfy your intentions for the property, and the type of client that you are attracting. As always, unless you are flipping, there will be multiple solutions for a simple need. Bathroom ventilation, be it by an opening window or by an exhaust fan, is better than no ventilation of any kind.

It may come down to putting in a non-opening window (always a lot less expensive than one that opens) and some form of ventilation fan (which is more desirable for those special moments - it exhausts the air quickly!).

When in doubt, check with your contractor, or if you are your own contractor, go to your local DIY store (RONA for instance) and ask them for a `cost effective solution` that meets all of your needs.

(PS: Not sure where Brian gets his pricing from. The last time this was done on a property of mine, the exhaust fan solution installed was under $200 and the glass block installed was $325. This included wiring and plaster work.)

 

[kabuku]

Hi Rbander,
no offence but, I get my prices in reality. $200 for material and labour that includes ducting and wiring and patcheing the drywall. NOt an electrician and not a pro and not insured.
I have seen many of these windows in downtown Toronto. It is likely a second story window and it will need to be vented through the roof(even if it is a bungalow it will likely still need to go through the roof). The materials alone are over $100. Anyway I`ve install a few myself and charged between $500 and $700. Of course I am licensed, insured and give a proper receipt. Did the price of the glass block include cladding the exterior of the window frame? I bet the window quote did.
Anyway, get some quotes. I just wish I could find one of these guys that works for free.
Brian