For many, home improvement projects will be a reality over the course of their homeownership. According to a 2014 Real Estate Rebound report compiled by Ebiquity for American Express (http://about.americanexpress.com/news/sst/report/2014-03_Spend-and-Save-Tracker.pdf), 35 percent of homeowners state that the desire to reflect their unique personal style is the main reason for making home improvements, while 30 percent cite the increase of property value as the primary motivation for remodeling. In that respect, home improvements run the gamut of small do-it-yourself efforts like repainting a room to larger jobs of replacing a roof, doors or windows. With almost 75 percent of homeowners investing an average of $4,000 in their home improvement projects, however, the common concern among all is value.
Value is immediately provided to homeowners who invest in replacement impact glass doors and windows. Upon installation, hurricane glass not only protects against the elements and flying debris during storms but provides several additional benefits during fair weather. Precision weather stripping and low thermal emissivity (Low-E) materials of impact glass doors and windows create a strong energy and money-saving combination. Despite the pain of hauling around a heftier wallet, the comfort of a home that is cool in summer and warm in winter without constant use of air conditioning (and electricity) is priceless. Noise reduction of the air conditioning notwithstanding, also worth note is the elimination of noise originating from outside the home, making a peaceful environment to enjoy inside. Vulnerability to outside threat is also significantly decreased by installing impact resistant doors and windows that burglars cannot break and enter through while still maintaining the appearance of a home free of metal security screening or bars. Insurers also look favorably upon homes featuring impact glass doors and windows, granting lower rates because the property is protected at all times. Finally, unlimited combinations of materials, designs and colors make impact doors and windows one of the most effective ways to tailor a home’s appearance to every individual style.
As compiled in the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), the cost of installing impact doors and windows renders an undeniable return on investment. In the mid-range project arena that a large portion of homeowners find themselves, the entire job cost of installing a replacement steel or fiberglass door is $1,137 and $2,790, respectively, while the recouped investment from the benefits that both doors provide equals 153 percent and 115 percent. Similarly, installing 10, 3’x5’ double-hung windows with either vinyl or wood replacement impact windows costs $9,623 and 10,487, respectively, while the recaptured investment amounts equal 91 percent and 108 percent. Remarkably, in each instance, the replacement doors and windows cost a fraction in comparison with the savings they provide or save more money than their cost altogether; that’s value!
Value is peace of mind that an investment in a home remodeling improvement makes good financial sense over time; in short, that it is a sound decision based on quality. The Window and Door Replacement Company (WDRC) is dedicated to enhancing value by providing customized quality service throughout the lifetime of your impact doors and windows. In-house Project Managers, Design Consultants and a Service team available to manage performance and warranty challenges bring you quality of the highest degree because, as Gerry Penrose, Design Consultant at WDRC, sums up, “Homeowners are only concerned about cost one time but worry about quality over a lifetime.”
©2014 Hanley Wood LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.”
by Kate Donovan
