ROI: Windows
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Replacing the windows in a home or business is one of the most common remodeling jobs an owner will have done. It can also be one of the most expensive. The owner of a typical two-story home can expect to replace between 15 and 20 windows total. Each window will usually cost between $500 and $700 installed. (Please note that this price is an estimate : prices will vary depending on region, manufacturer, type of window installed, and type of window being replaced). That puts the average total cost of replacing windows for a two-story home at more than $10,000 in most cases. However, if the replacement windows installed are upgraded (such as with low-e glass, triple-pane windows, and argon gas) for appearance and energy efficiency, the total can easily approach $20,000.
Calculating Payback: Windows
In order to approach replacement windows from a ROI perspective, you must first know what “return” you are analyzing. The obvious answer for windows is the energy savings that the replacement windows provide. According to Energy Star, an energy-efficient products program of the U.S. government, the savings can be significant depending on your part of the country. For example, replacing single-pane windows with new Energy Star-rated windows in the New England region can provide an annual energy savings of up to $501. If replacing double-pane, clear glass windows with new Energy Star-rated window,s an annual energy savings of up to $208 can be expected. (That annual energy savings is reduced to $146 in California when replacing single-pane windows and $71.00 when replacing double-pane, clear glass windows due to the region’s climate.) This savings appears to be significant. However, remember the average installation cost of $10,000 mentioned above? In examining the ROI of replacement windows in terms of payback, we see that a region such as New England should expect around 20 years, while California could be more than 60 years when replacing single-pane windows (around 50 years and 140 years respectively if replacing double-pane, clear glass windows).
ROI: Windows is an exert from ROI Driven Products: Windows and Toilets by Michael Tolson
Buildipedia Staff
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