Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Northamptonshire
Is double glazing much of an asset?
It would be fair to say that whenever I read articles about double glazing or replacement windows and doors, there is a great emphasis placed upon energy savings and reduction of heating bills. All of these things are relevant and helpful, indeed energy efficient double glazing makes it more so, but I believe that the overall asset value to us is much greater.
None of want to think that we are simply pouring our money out through the windows and doors, many will say somewhere up to 25%-30% of our heating could be lost through these outlets and I for one will be more than happy to save those costs, but if it was just about a straightforward recovery of capital and this was the only benefit, it could not be regarded as very cost efficient or effective.
According to those with greater knowledge and expertise than I, the savings on heating are around £150 - £180 pa on average – so lets be generous and say its £180 – in other words in 10 years, assuming that energy costs remained static, (I wish) we have recovered £1800 – if an anticipated life span of a double glazing installation is 25 years then the most I recover assuming price increases in energy costs is about £6,500 which is nice but it is probably not far off what I paid for it. I know I can’t be the only person who has thought of this so where is the real value?
The real asset
Whilst everything is gloom and doom and all the news is about recession and property prices falling or remaining at best, static it can certainly focus the mind and make you give fair consideration to all of your options. Lots of us are seriously considering either downsizing to something more affordable or in my case, perhaps moving to a different area in search of a more reliable job. So having seen our local estate agent I found it more than a little surprising just how much a house without double glazing can have its price “downwardly adjusted” as well as how much easier it is to sell with a decent system installed. Indeed – and this is where it is weird, considering our earlier thoughts on financial recovery rates, if you have the energy efficient A or B rated windows installed – you will, according to my property man, get even more interest and enthusiasm.
Simply put, the better condition the house is in and the less work involved for the new occupiers the more it seems to fetch and the easier it is to sell.
What a difference a bay makes (sounds like a cue for a song)
This whole thing, which upon reflection now seems pretty obvious, got me thinking.
Looking around at houses that had recently been double glazed, or had newer replacement window and doors located, and where the look of the house was changed. It was quite astounding to me, just how much difference it can actually make.
Take a simple situation a where flat style of window is replaced by a bay window – in the right location it can make an amazing difference and can add a whole new level of style and elegance to a property.
Having also viewed a property where this has been done from the inside, a bay window just makes the room long so different, somehow bigger and lighter. If only I can persuade the cat to sit in the bay and look totally contented when prospective buyers turn up – any sale will be a doddle!
Choose the right type of window frame as well and you have the added bonus of no or very little maintenance, which for non-practical souls such as me, is a real benefit.
Go for the possible option of adding self-cleaning glass (yes it does exist) to your replacement window options and mention that in your property blurb and it may even beat the cat to the finishing line!
Increased security
Many of the double glazed systems today offer all kinds of security benefits also – so that the whole house becomes more secure – double glazing usually starts off stronger than single glazed windows but most of the new systems offer locks with each window and even multipoint security window locks – another benefit
Sound insulation
Before I got a decent double glazing installation at home I don’t think I realised just how much noise actually came in from outside – I guess you just get used to it – I am now aware of the lack of noise – there is a school playground almost at the bottom of the garden, and it was a regular occurrence whilst on the phone to be asked if there was a bird aviary nearby – apparently they could hear all of the shrill noises coming from the playground – I cant say I miss it now I appreciate just how loud it was or how much traffic goes by.
Clearly if you want to do things properly and thanks to available grants it can be inexpensive to do, but may as well go all the way and get the cavity wall and loft insulation checked out whilst you are at it.
- So I now have a property whose exterior looks clean and fresh and thanks to my UPVC double glazing (in my case) is maintenance free and will continue to look clean and bright for years to come.
- I selected my window types and styles with care and I now really like the like of my house
- It quite and peaceful inside and my wife enjoys the feeling of additional security
- The house is warm and comfortable and draft free and all traces of condensation have gone
- The heating bills have come down – actually more than I originally expected as I have also had the lost sorted
- The feeling of increased space and light is a good feeling – I enjoy my own areas more
Have I moved and sold the property? – No. As it was I got some reassurances from work so I am still there but to be fair I am enjoying my own home so much more I would be reluctant to move.
New asset value of a comfortable familiar home during difficult economic times – priceless.
Search for an approved supplier in Northamptonshire – We cover all the following areas:
Blisworth, Brackley, Braunston, Brixworth, Broughton, Burton Latimer, Corby, Crick, Daventry, Duston, Grafton Regis, Gretton, Higham Ferrers, Horton, Irchester, Irthlingborough, Kettering, Northampton, Oundle, Pitsford, Ravensthorpe, Roade, Rushden, Stoke Bruerne, Sywell, Thrapston, Towcester, Wellingborough, West Haddon, Woodnewton and Wootton.
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