Why You Need to Upgrade Your Builder-Grade Windows

You know that list of things you’d like to do to your home? The painting, the landscaping, the new flooring? Perhaps you haven’t really thought about your windows — perhaps the windows your house came with seem “good enough”.  Builder grade windows are the cheapest windows out there, and they’re made with low grade materials. They were “good enough” to get the house sold, but they aren’t made to last. After all, they were chosen to maximize your contractor’s profit margin!  You might get a few years out of these inferior windows, but it’s definitely a good idea to get this window replacement project to the top of your home improvement list.   Here’s why:

7. Get rid of drafts

You might notice this one on a cold winter morning—builder grade windows can leak cold air right into your home. When your old window insulation wears out, and the materials around the glass start to break down, the cold air will cause you to shiver no matter how high you crank the heat.  Seal up those drafts with an upgraded replacement window. 

6. Let the light shine in

Is there anything more pleasant than staring out your window and daydreaming? If your lovely view of the backyard starts to look a bit hazy, then the window has worn out. Once the seal around the glass starts to break down, the glass will fog up. While there may be ways to wipe away the condensation, you’ll need to add this task to your regular chore rotation.  Upgraded windows will stay bright and clear, and they’re designed for easy cleaning. 

5. Cut down on street noise 

Yes, everyone has heard the classic saying — real estate is all about location, location, location.  If your neighborhood is louder than you bargained for, you don’t have to pack up and leave. Replacing your windows is a sneaky-good work around. Upgraded windows will come with upgraded glass.  Thicker, better glass has noise reducing qualities and can lower the volume significantly. 

4. Play decorator 

Builder grade windows are one size fits all. They usually open just from the bottom, and come in just a few standard sizes.  They probably weren’t your architect’s dream choice, and you may discover they aren’t yours either. Maybe the window over your bathtub wants to slide open from the side, or maybe that dark corner in the living room needs a larger window.  It’s time to get out of those cookie cutter windows and into something a bit more custom. You know your home well at this point. Upgrading can really liven things up- you’ll boost your curb appeal and change the whole experience of a room. 

3. Enjoy a stronger warranty

A good, dependable warranty is like having health insurance for your windows. You’ll know that for the length of that warranty you have a promise that your windows will be as lovely and dependable as the day they were installed.   There are plenty of other things to fuss and fix around the house — a warranty on a set of upgraded windows means you won’t have to think about your windows for a good long time. 

2. Increase your home’s resale value

Every real estate posting comes with a list of recent upgrades.  While installing a stylish new lighting fixture is fun, you know you’re looking at a well-maintained home when you see the windows haven’t been forgotten.  Because the warranties on replacement windows are nice and long, this is an upgrade that will increase your home’s resale value for a long time. 

1. Lower your Energy bills

You might already be thinking about upgrading, but nervous about the cost. Here’s the thing — you pay for your windows every month when you write that check to the energy company. Upgrade to energy efficient windows and watch your monthly energy costs go way down.  Installing energy efficient windows will treat the environment better, make your home more comfortable throughout the year, and pay for themselves over time. Smart. Give us a call at Window Nation and we’ll talk you through the next steps of this process. Let’s get you out of those builder grade windows, and into some windows you’ll really love.