Your windows are among the most important fixtures in your home. They offer the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, and they elevate your home in a way that only a few other fixtures can.
That said, getting a window replacement is something you need to do every now and then if you hope to optimize them. In this article, we’ll look into the dynamics of a window replacement, as well as whether you should replace windows at once or take things one step at a time.
Signs It Might Be Time to Replace Your Windows
Before we go into the intricacies of replacing your window at once, let’s examine a few important signs that your window actually needs to be replaced. If you notice any of these, it might be best to start staging window replacement options immediately:
Noticeable Drafts or Air Leaks
If you notice hot or cold air leaking through the window’s edges, sash, or frame, it’s an indication that your window has stopped sealing properly. Whether it’s a worn weatherstripping or poor installation, you need to get a new window.
Condensation Between Window Panes
When moisture gets trapped in double- or triple-pane glass, you have a broken window seal. In the long run, this will affect the window’s energy efficiency and can only be fixed by getting a window replacement.
Difficulty Opening, Closing, or Locking
You could notice that your window sticks, jams, or won’t even lock itself fully. This can be an indicator of a few issues:
Worn or rusted hardware
Warped frames, especially in vinyl or wooden windows
Foundation setting issues
Rising Energy Bills
When you find that your utility bills start rising, you want to check your windows. Besides faulty drafts, your window just might no longer be insulating as it should.
Visible Warping, Rot, or Structural Damage
Structural deterioration in windows is manifested in symptoms like peeling paint, soft spots, and bowed frames. Rot is especially worse as it weakens your entire window over time, and at that point, a whole-house window replacement might be the best way to ensure your safety.
Excess Outside Noise
When you start to notice more noise coming from the outside, you know you have issues with your window’s soundproofing. The seals, frame, or glazing could be faulty, causing you to have to upgrade your entire window.
Pros of Replacing All Your Windows at Once
With the signs of a window replacement understood, let’s look into some of the reasons why getting all your windows replaced at the same time just might be in your overall best interest:
Consistent Energy Efficiency Improvements
Replacing and upgrading all of your windows ensures that you can enjoy optimal insulation and tighter seals at the same time. This eliminates any weak points and maintains indoor temperatures overall.
Uniform Appearance and Better Curb Appeal
There’s a significant chance that your windows all look the same and have a similar aesthetic. From the styles and frames to sightlines and colors, replacing your windows all at once allows you to maintain consistency and helps you to create a more cohesive look.
Better Long-Term Value and ROI
A whole-house window replacement usually offers a higher return on investment. You get durability improvements and energy savings, both of which scale across the house. Plus, if you’re looking to sell the house, buyers won’t want to pay a premium for a house with inconsistent windows.
Bulk Pricing Discounts from Contractors
Window contractors usually offer more competitive pricing when handling a whole-house window replacement. As such, you’re able to cut down on per-window expenses and get a more affordable experience when staging window replacement.
Shorter Project Timeline and Less Disruption
When you complete your window replacement at once, you only need to set up once. You’re able to reduce labor time and minimize home disruption, completing the project much faster.
Why You Might Not Want to Replace All Your Windows At Once
While it might sound glamorous, a lot of people will admit that conducting a thorough and complete window replacement at the same time isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here’s why:
Higher Upfront Cost
First, let’s start with the easiest reason - a whole-house window replacement is comparatively more expensive.
This is especially true if you’re upgrading your window to a more premium option. The long-term ROI is very attractive, but you also need to be willing to shoulder the immediate financial hit coming from the window replacement cost. Remember - when it comes to a window replacement, quality should be your biggest factor; even though it can be pricey.
May Require Financing or More Complex Budgeting
Due to the comparatively higher upfront cost, if you choose to replace windows at once, you might need to explore payment plans and other financing options. And because not everyone will be comfortable with taking a loan just to replace windows at once, a phased replacement might seem more appealing.
More Logistical Planning and Temporary Disruptions
Replacing all of your windows at home, at the same time, will need a more thorough consideration of logistics. You’re transporting multiple windows at the same time - not just one. As such, you might need to work around:
Scheduling days for the inspection
Moving your furniture and clearing the workspace
The potential security and privacy concerns while the project is going on
Transporting the windows to your building in one piece
When It Makes More Sense to Replace Windows in Stages
When it comes to staging window replacement tasks, you pretty much have two options - you could handle the entire process at once, or you could choose to take things one at a time.
Let’s look into a few scenarios where the latter option might be better for you:
You Have Large Homes With Many Windows
If you’ve got a massive home or building with dozens of windows, the process of replacing each and every one of them at the same time can truly be overwhelming. From a cost and logistical perspective, you have quite a lot to handle.
As such, it might be better to stagger the project across multiple phases. The load becomes easier to manage, and you can move at your own pace.
Budget Restrictions
Being a bit more objective, you might not have the budget to replace all your windows at once. So, if a whole-house window replacement isn’t financially feasible, you can phase the project and replace the more urgent windows immediately while you plan for future replacements based on your budget.
Prioritizing the Worst-Performing Windows First
Like we mentioned earlier, some windows have a higher effect on efficiency and comfort than others. Generally, we’d recommend that you start with:
Windows that face the south and get more exposure to the sun
Old or dilapidated window frames
Windows with condensation, air leaks, or worn-out hardware
With this methodological approach, you can achieve the biggest improvements to your home while sticking to your budget.
Renovating Section-by-Section
In the event that you’re already conducting a home remodeling, you can replace the windows in the parts of the house you’re working on - kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms, etc.
This approach helps you to minimize disruptions and can help you get the best windows for your home.
When You Want to Test a Brand or Window Type First
Sometimes, you might not be sure about the specifications you need. So, replacing a few windows at a time allows you to evaluate the performance of the ones you have while you plan for the others to be replaced, too.
Seasonal or Climate Constraints
In overly cold or hot regions, it might actually be detrimental to conduct staging window replacement for every window in your home. A phased replacement reduces discomfort during installation, especially as the weather becomes harsher.
Cost Breakdown: All-at-Once vs. Staged Replacement
Let’s face it - when you’re thinking about a window replacement, cost is easily the first factor that comes to your mind. So, from a window replacement cost perspective, what should you go for? Should you replace windows at once or handle it in stages?
Get Your Window Measurements Right
Before looking into questions like how much does it cost to replace a window, you want to have a good overview of the size and measurement of your windows.
In most cases, contractors tend to consider the measurement of your windows when giving you your overall quote. So, look into how to measure a window for replacement.
Now, how do you measure windows for replacement? Well, here’s a quick breakdown to help you out:
Start by measuring your window’s width. Measure the top, middle, and bottom so the new window fits perfectly, even if the frame isn’t straight
As you did with the width, measure the window’s height. Start from the left to the center to the right
Then, measure the window depth. Start from the inside stop to the outside stop, then record what you have
If your window is square, measure diagonally from top-left to bottom-right, then from the top-right to the bottom-left. If you notice that the numbers are within ¼ inch of each other, then you know you have a square window
Remember to record what you have in width x height so you get an accurate reading.
Average Cost Per Window
Most homeowners pay for their window replacement on a per-unit basis. And, this means you need to deal with price variations based on size, material, and other factors.
Here’s a breakdown that can help you understand the window replacement cost implications:
Vinyl windows are generally more budget-friendly
You can get aluminum-clad and fiberglass windows in the mid-price region
High-performance composite and wooden windows tend to be higher priced
However, specialty casement sizes and custom shapes will attract an even higher premium
You also need to consider the cost of labor. The labor cost to remove and replace windows will vary, and you need to recognize that.
So, when asking, how much does it cost to replace 25 windows, you want to also factor in the amount of money needed to cover labor costs.
Still, overall, individual replacements should be more costly.
Whole-House Replacement Price Range
You might be wondering, “How much does it cost to replace 25 windows?”
Getting a whole-house window replacement usually allows contractors to offer bulk pricing, which can reduce your cost profile.
Sure, the overall window replacement cost is higher. However, you also get a higher value per window because:
The contractors are only installing the windows once
Labourers can work at once and more effectively
You get discounts on labour and materials
You’re only paying for transportation once
If your home is large, you’ll find that this can save you quite a lot of money. So, instead of looking into how much does it cost to replace a window, you just might want to consider getting all of your windows fixed if you’re in this situation.
Hidden Costs to Expect
Now that you know how to measure windows for replacement and the window replacement cost upfront, you need to remember the place of hidden fees.
Regardless of the strategy you adopt, it’s important to be aware of a few hidden costs that might be attached to the project. These window replacement costs include:
Repairing faulty sills or frames
Upgrading additional structural components to match the new windows
Fees for disposing the old windows
Additional touch-ups like painting, trimming, and drywall fixes
Permit fees, depending on local laws
When you’re repairing your windows at once, you can usually cover these costs immediately. Phased projects, however, have to spread the costs.
How Staging Affects Labor and Materials
A phased replacement project can add to the overall cost for the following reasons:
You need to mobilize the labourers on more than one occasion
You might not get discounts for bulk orders
Material prices can easily change
Your chosen window model can get discontinued, affecting the progress
That said, staged replacements can also help you maintain flexibility as you adapt your choices based on the progress of the project.
Cash Flow and Budget Advantages of Staged Replacement
While the long-run window replacement costs associated with a staged replacement can be higher, you also get the following financial benefits:
You get to manage and spread your expenses
You don’t have to take any financing options
You can prioritize and move at your pace
How to Decide What Works Best for Your Home
So, how do you know what strategy to adopt as you embark on the window replacement process?
Assess the Condition of Your Existing Windows
Before anything else, look into all your windows to see how they perform and how strong they are.
Inspect for drafts, moisture between panes, issues with opening and closing, and faulty hardware. If there are issues with just a few of these windows, then you might want to do a staged replacement instead.
Evaluate Your Budget
Next, decide on how much you’re able to afford comfortably. If you have a limited budget, then we’d recommend replacing the most affected windows and working your way up from there.
Consider Your Long-Term Homeownership Plans
Your plans will have a significant impact on what approach works for you:
If you want to stay long-term, then a whole-house window replacement might be best
If you want to sell the home, then you can afford to just replace the faulty windows
For home rentals, focus on the most durable, low-maintenance materials
Get Multiple Contractor Quotes
It’s always a good idea to compare estimates from different reputable contractors. Ask them for prices for both strategies, so you know what option works best for you.
Factor In Seasonal Timing and Climate
Installation conditions can also affect comfort and price. In the most extreme cases, a phased replacement can be beneficial since it reduces indoor disruption. For mild weather, you can do things quicker with a whole-house window replacement.
Look Out For Customization Options
Today, building products are different in their own right. If you’re looking to get a window replacement, we’re sure you’d have specific features and specifications that you’d like to incorporate into the home.
As such, you want to work with a manufacturer that can accommodate these custom needs. This is one area where DERCHI Windows & Doors can be of great help.
With DERCHI, you can get the best casement windows in the industry and have an opportunity to combine both high-quality products and replacement services. However, what sets DERCCHI apart is the company’s ability to offer premium customization options across the board.
Whether you’d like aluminum windows or vinyl windows, rest assured that DERCHI has you covered. The company can be your partner for staged window replacement processes, and they’re also versatile enough to give you adequate support for a whole-house window replacement. All you have to do is reach out to them, and let them know how they can come in.
FAQs
Should you mix window styles?
Generally, mixing window styles can work. However, we recommend only doing this if you can maintain some level of consistency even with the different styles.
How long do new windows last?
There are several factors that can affect the longevity of new windows - including the material, ambient weather, and even the efficiency of the installation process. We recommend getting an estimate from your contractor - although with DERCHI’s windows, you can rest assured of several years of uninterrupted use.
Is financing a window repair worth it?
We would only recommend this if you know you have the financial wherewithal to handle it. If you’re comfortable enough to pay down the window replacement cost and additional charges, then feel free to go ahead.
From the labor cost to remove and replace windows to logistics expenses and more, being aware of these will help you determine whether to move ahead with financing.
Conclusion
Replacing your windows is a thorough process that shouldn’t be engaged in lightly. Whether you want to go for a complete replacement or a staged process, be sure to get your windows from DERCHI Windows & Doors.
Contact us today and let us know what you need and how we can be of service.
