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Rental Property Replacement Windows: Cost vs. Benefit

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Replacing your windows is not something you likely think about often. However, it’s pretty important–especially in a rental home. Like most things in a rental property, windows become worn, damaged, or dated relatively quickly. Continue reading as we go over some warning signs to look for along with the benefits of replacement windows in a rental property. 

When Is It Time to Replace Your Windows?

Although replacing the windows in your rental properties is probably not first on your priority list, your Philadelphia property management company may recommend doing so in order to properly maintain your rental property. After all, there are tons of hidden benefits of replacement windows. For example, they can increase HVAC efficiency, help you save money, attract quality tenants, and add property value. 

But, how do you know when it’s time to replace them?

Well, homeowners should ideally replace windows every 15 to 20 years. First, however, let’s go over a few of the warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Warning Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

  • Noticeable condensation inside the window or between window panes
  • Windows are difficult to open and close
  • You notice a draft coming from the window
  • Your windows are older than 15 to 20 years
  • Energy bills have increased significantly
  • Window frames are damaged by water
  • You can hear a lot of outside noise 

If you notice any warning signs above, it may be time to replace your rental property windows. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that no matter what signs you’re experiencing, you should replace your windows after a certain period of time. Next, let’s go over the importance of window replacement in a rental property.

Is Window Replacement Necessary in Your Rental?

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Routine maintenance and repairs are a crucial part of owning a rental home. That said, replacing the windows is just as important as any other maintenance task. Although it may be at the bottom of your maintenance list, there are plenty of reasons why you should replace your windows every decade or two. 

So, what happens if you neglect window replacement in your rental property? Keep reading while we go over a few consequences of not replacing your windows. 

Consequences of Not Replacing Windows

By now, property owners should know that replacing windows when they are old or damaged is necessary. But what happens if you don’t replace windows in your rental property? Unfortunately, the consequences can be detrimental to tenants and owners. Some of the most common consequences of old windows include: 

  • Buildup of Mold
  • Weather-Related Damages
  • Decreased Home Value

Buildup of Mold

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Mold can create several issues, like sicknesses, allergies, or other irritations. Additionally, some molds are dangerous and potentially toxic. That said, it’s best to avoid mold buildup at all costs, no matter what type of property you are in. Unfortunately, if you don’t replace the windows in your rental, there’s a chance that moisture can gather and initiate mold growth. 

Weather-Related Damages

If a storm hits and you have old or damaged windows in your rental, you’re likely going to run into some issues within your home. After all, how can your home protect against wind, rain, or snow if the windows are not in working order? To avoid weather-related damages, inspect the windows annually and be sure to replace old or broken windows when necessary. 

Decreased Home Value

Homeowners, especially rental property owners, typically try to maintain or increase their home’s overall value. However, if maintenance or repairs go untreated, like window replacements, it can negatively impact the overall home value. After all, nobody wants to live in a drafty, outdated home.

Benefits of Replacement Windows in a Rental Property

Clearly, the major downsides of old windows encourage homeowners to replace them when necessary. However, are there any benefits of replacement windows? Luckily, there are plenty of benefits that outweigh window replacement costs. Here are some of the main advantages:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Noise Reduction
  • Increased Property Value
  • Less Maintenance
  • Enhanced Security and Safety

Energy Efficiency

Replacing the windows in your rental property can help save costs on utility bills by increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Since older windows tend to create drafts and air leaks, they can drive up the cost of utilities each month. Energy-efficient glass can save energy bill costs and block UV rays more effectively than older windows. 

Noise Reduction

When your windows are shut tightly, you shouldn’t be able to hear much outside noise. That said, if you constantly hear outdoor noises despite your windows being closed, it may indicate a poorly sealed or damaged window. That said, double or triple-pane glass windows can help reduce noises from traffic, lawn equipment, and other outdoor noises. 

Increased Property Value

As we mentioned earlier, neglecting to replace windows in your rental property may decrease the overall value or turn away potential renters. After all, old windows signal inefficiency, which could translate to higher utility costs. Therefore, when you replace the windows periodically and seal them correctly, you can increase the value of your property. 

Less Maintenance 

Newer windows are designed to be reasonably low-maintenance. For example, some window companies offer between-the-glass blinds that translate to less cleaning, dusting, and damage. Additionally, windows with between-the-glass blinds have no cords, making them a safer option for residents with children. 

Enhanced Security and Safety

New windows can help ensure safety and security in a rental home. For example, if there is a fire within the home and tenants need to get out through the window safely, you don’t want to have windows that stick or are hard to open. New windows with double locks can also help tenants feel more secure from the fear of break-ins. 

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Windows?

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One of the downsides to replacing windows in a rental property is the cost. Although it’s important to pay attention to what types of windows you have throughout the home, most replacements range from $200 to $1,200 per window.  

That said, the cost depends on what type of windows you want, how many windows you have, the location of the windows, and more. Next, let’s go over how you can calculate the cost of replacing rental property windows. 

Calculating Window Replacement Cost

There are tons of factors to consider while calculating the cost of replacing windows. For example, you need to think about labor costs, material types, the age of your home, and more. Let’s look into some of the main factors that determine window replacement cost in a rental home. 

Frame Material Type

When you replace the windows in a rental property, you’ll likely have a choice of window frame material. The most common types include – 

  • Aluminum – Aluminum frames are pricey, ranging from $100 to $1,200 per window. Additionally, this type of material isn’t the best for insulating your home.
  • Vinyl – Vinyl is the most common and can range from $100 to $900 per window. That said, this is one of the most durable and affordable window options to choose from.
  • Wood – Wood window frames offer a unique design and cost anywhere from $150 to $1,300 or more. Although this option is a bit more expensive, wood is a fairly common material type for windows in historic districts.
  • Fiberglass – Fiberglass window frames are some of the most expensive, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per window. Although it’s quite pricey, fiberglass frames are incredibly durable and insulate nicely.

Type of Window

Next, to calculate the cost of replacing windows, you’ll want to pay close attention to the types of windows you have. For example, look at each window’s size, function, and look. The most common types of windows include: 

  • Casement windows
  • Awning windows
  • Bay windows
  • Slider windows
  • Picture windows
  • Single-hung windows
  • Double-hung windows

A general rule of thumb to keep in mind is: the bigger the window, the more expensive it will be to replace. 

Location of Windows

The location of the windows within your home also plays a massive role in how much it costs to replace them. For example, basement windows are typically more expensive to replace, costing anywhere from $250 to $5,000 or more, depending on what type of window you’re looking for. 

On the other hand, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen windows are a bit more affordable, typically ranging from $300 to $700 each. That said, windows on the upper floor generally require additional labor and cost more than main-floor window replacement.

Keeping Up With Rental Property Maintenance

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Maintaining your property and keeping it up-to-date is essential when owning a rental home. Included in routine maintenance is window replacement every 15 to 20 years. That said, although the costs are quite high, the benefits of replacement windows are well worth it for the overall value of your property. 

If you need assistance keeping up with your rental property maintenance, you’re not alone. Luckily, your local property managers are here to help with even the most extensive tasks. If you are looking for rental management in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, or the surrounding areas, contact Bay Property Management Group today.