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The Windows On Washington Way of Doing Business

  
  
  

 


At Windows on Washington, our mission is to provide our customers with quality products and expert workmanship to improve the comfort, beauty and energy efficiency of their homes. And we do it with unparalleled service. Our work is not complete without your total satisfaction.

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When you trust Windows on Washington with your home improvement project, you’re taking the first step toward making your home improvement dreams a reality.  The primary focus of our business is customer service and building lasting relationships. We offer our customers detailed, written proposals with descriptions of the product, materials, work scope, specifations and cost so that there are no surprises.  With Windows on Washington, you know that you are receiving best in class products with expert installations.

Windows on Washington listens to your specific needs and home improvement challenges, then provides solutions that include the most suitable products for your project, whether it is replacement windows, exterior doors, siding, roofing or insulation.  We believe that there is no “best” product that meets the needs of every homeowner.  We represent a number of different manufacturers, thus allowing us to provide varied solutions for your home improvement challenges and budget.  

Windows on Washington is dedicated to providing solutions to your toughest home improvement challenges, at a fair and honest price. Our experts are skilled in windows, doors, siding, roofing and insulation, so we take a comprehensive approach to improving the comfort, appearance, and energy efficiency of your home.  Click on the link below to talk to one of our experts about your project today. 

Which Home Improvement Projects Offer the Highest ROI for 2013?

  
  
  

 


home_improvement_expertsIt’s a great time for home improvement, especially if you live in the Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Suburban Maryland area.  Remodeling Magazine has released their Cost vs Value report for 2013.  This report describes many different home improvement projects as well as the projected return on investment (ROI) if and when you sell the house.  Just remember - while these numbers are very strong, they do not take into account the immediate energy savings you will gain, so the actual ROI can be above what is listed.

As of 2013, the average ROI for home improvement projects increased by 2.9% nationwide and saw increases in each measured category.  The Metro DC area had some of the largest growth in ROI as compared to other cities, and was above the national average in every category.  In addition, the highest gains on ROI were from replacement projects rather than renovating or addition projects at almost 8% growth.  

We’ve highlighted a few examples of replacement projects that net the highest ROI for the year.

Custom Window Replacement
Last year, custom window replacement carried a ROI of up to 74.3% for the Southern Atlantic Region.  In 2013, there was a slight increase to as much as 74.7%.  However, the bigger news for the Metro DC area is that the ROI is well above the national average at 95.1%.   That means that homeowners in the Metro DC area are not only apt to get almost every dollar spent on replacement windows back when their home is sold, they will reap immediate and continuous cost savings through lower energy bills while they live in the home.  Couple this with the increased comfort and improved curb appeal that new windows bring, and it’s a win-win.

Entry Door Replacement
A new door can make a great impression on a guest or potential buyer, dramatically impacts curb appeal and increases the value of your home.  Once again, our immediate area saw a major increase on the  ROI when it comes to steel doors with a ROI of 106.2%.  Fiberglass entry doors are also netting up to an 85% ROI.  Many entry doors are also Energy Star Qualified, so utility dollars literally stop going out the front door while giving an fresh, updated look to the front of your home.

Roof Replacement
When a home is being sold, the number one item that a home inspector will assess is the roof. Buyers want to ensure that they are not going to have a large outlay of cash for a new roof after they move in.  With that being said, putting a new roof on your home will not only net you a ROI of up to 70.4% but it’s a feature that will make a lasting impression on potential buyers and can differentiate your home.  So, maybe it’s time to replace your roof to enjoy a few years of increased curb appeal before you sell your home.

Siding Replacement
Last year siding ranked as one of the highest ROI of all home improvement projects - and this year is no different.  Last year, the projected ROI was 89% and this year it increased up to 96%.  There are several types of siding available - vinyl siding, foam back siding and cement fiber siding - all can give a major boost to curb appeal.  In addition, carefully selected siding can improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in increased comfort and energy savings which drive your ROI even higher.

Garage Door Replacement
Not many people think of replacing garage doors to add value to a home.  However, when a homeowner invests in new garage doors, guests and potential buyers have the impression that the home is well cared for.  This impression gives potential buyers confidence that the same care was taken throughout the home.  In 2013, garage doors can net up to 96.9% ROI for our local area.  

At Windows on Washington, we provide solutions to all your exterior home improvement challenges.  Our experts are well trained in custom replacement windows, steel and fiberglass exterior doors, siding, roofing and garage doors.  Contact us today to see how Windows on Washington can make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient.

 

Replacement Window and Insulation Energy Tax Credit Extended For 2013

  
  
  

 


tax_creditNow is the time to take advantage of the savings that you can achieve from making your home more energy efficient.  During the colder months of the year, the energy inefficiencies throughout your home are more noticeable.  Whether it is a draft by the window in the family room, the cold in the bedroom over the garage or the breeze that seems to be coming into your home from under the front door, now is the time to get these items fixed so that you can enjoy a more comfortable home and stop throwing your utility dollars out the door.   Why not replace those drafty windows and doors or improve the comfort level of your home with air sealing and added insulation?


There is an even bigger reason to get going on these energy saving home improvements.  Due to the last-minute deal to avert the "fiscal cliff," the $500 tax credit has been extend by Congress to make these improvements a little more affordable.  The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 passed by Congress on January 3, 2013, provides extensions of energy tax credit provisions that benefit homeowners seeking energy-efficiency improvements. Under section 25C, homeowners can claim a $500 maximum tax credit to cover material costs of energy-efficient upgrades to existing homes for all taxable years. The credit is only redeemable if the upgrades are in place by the end of 2013.  


This $500 tax credit is only available to taxpayers that have not previously used it in prior years.  Here is a list of projects that Windows on Washington offers that are currently eligible for the tax credit:

  • Insulation - Additional insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of your home that meet standards set in 2009 IECC.

  • Air Sealing - Sealing cracks around your home and ducts to reduce infiltration and heat loss in a manner consistent with the 2009 IECC.

  • Replacement Windows and Exterior Doors - 10% of material cost, up to $200 for replacement windows and exterior doors that meet Energy Star requirements.  The replacement windows must have performance values equal to or below a 0.30 U factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30. 

  • Skylights - 10% of material cost up to $200 and must meet Energy Star requirements.


The IRS requires homeowners to obtain paperwork from the manufacturer that certifies that the products used in the home improvement meet or exceed the standards outlined in the Taxpayer Relief Act.  You will not have to submit this certification to the IRS when you file but you will need to keep it in case the IRS has any questions about your project. Click here to access IRS guidance on qualifying energy-efficient property.

Windows on Washington has helped thousands of homeowners in the Virginia, Maryland, and Metro DC area make their home more comfortable, beautiful and energy efficient with best replacement windows, Exterior doors, air sealing and insulation.  To see how Windows on Washington can make your home improvement dreams a reality while helping your acquire the tax credit, give us a call today.  We are happy to schedule a free in-home consultation to provide the answers you need to make the right decision for you home.

 

Learn About Windows, Roofing, Siding & More During The Home and Remodeling Show

  
  
  

 


Windows on Washington will be attending the Dulles Home and Remodeling Show Friday-Sunday, January 18-20, 2013.  We will be showcasing our best in class replacement windows, doors, roofing, siding and gutters.  Stop by our booth, number 126, to talk to one of our professionals about your home improvement project. home_show

Special Events Schedule for the Home and Remodeling Show

Friday 
1:00pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - Master the Flipping Craft
2:30pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
4:00pm - Heloise - Hints to Remodel, Refurbish, and Redo
5:30pm - HandyMOM 101 Workshop
6:30pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - 5 Steps Towards Flipping Homes

Saturday Special Events
11:00am - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - The 7 Real Estate Myths
12:30pm - Heloise - Hints toRemodel, Refurbish, and Redo
2:00pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
3:00pm - Mike Baird of Spike TV's Flip Men - Master the Flipping Craft
4:30pm - Josh Flagg of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Put a Dollar In and Get Two Back
6:00pm - Heloise - Hints toRemodel, Refurbish, and Redo
7:30pm - Color Trends for 2013

Sunday Special Events
11:00am - Zero Energy Homes: Say Goodbye to Electric Bills and Never Loose Power Again
12:00pm - HandyMOM 101 Workshop
1:00pm - Christen Bensten - "How to Restore with Chalk Paint"
2:00pm - Luxury Kitchens and Baths
3:00pm - Floors 101
4:00pm - How to Work with an Architect: A Case Study in Home Remodeling

Here are all of the details you will need to enjoy the event!

When: January 18-20, 2013

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Where: The South Hall of the Dulles Expo Center 

Hours:

Friday 10:00am - 9:00pm 
Saturday  10:00am - 9:00pm 
Sunday  10:00am - 6:00pm 

Admission:  

$10.00 - Adults 
$7.00 - Adults Online
$3.00 - Kids 6-12 
Free for kids 5 and under 

At Windows on Washington, we field a great deal of questions from homeowners that are dreaming of a home improvement project.  We are committed to supplying our customers with all the facts, and believe the beauty, performance and warranty of the products we install speak for themselves.  If you are considering a home improvement project, stop by our booth at the Capital Home Show and talk to one of our experts or contact us by clicking on the link below.




New Year's Resolution In Home Improvement and Replacement Windows

  
  
  

 


Everybody does it.  We make a New Year’s resolution’s on January 1st to ensure the new year is more successful than the last, but for some reason we let it all fade away through the year.  Why? Maybe it’s because we set unrealistic goals or we make a resolution that takes daily time and energy and then we lose interest.  Whatever the reason, it’s time to set ourselves up for success with New Year’s resolutions this year.  Choose a resolution that matters to not just ourselves, but those around us.  Choose one that has goals set throughout the year that are attainable and where we can see immediate and future benefits from this resolution.
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One such New Year’s resolution is to make your home more energy efficient.  Making this a priority in the new year can not only improve your curb appeal but also the comfort level in your home.  This goal is broad enough to cover many different price ranges depending on your financial position and gives you an immediate return on investment.  Feeling this reward immediately will help keep you on track to continue to make those improvements that matter.

Here are 5 projects to accomplish this New Year’s resolution of increased home energy efficiency in ascending order of the magnitude of energy savings.

1 - Lighting and Electrical
There are several small practices that you can do today to make your home more energy efficient and start saving money immediately.  

  • Changing your light bulbs to Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs will save utility dollars, as these bulbs utilize about ⅓ of the electricity of a traditional light bulb.  
  • Unplugging electrical appliances when not in use will also cut down your electric bill.  According to the DOE, anywhere from 5% to 10% of residential electricity is used by devices that are plugged in 24 hours a day (TV, coffee maker, DVR, electrical gadgets like iPods, etc.)  Unplugging these devices, or if you use a powerstrip - switching it to the off position when not in use, will eliminate this expense.  
  • Whenever old appliances are in need of replacement, choose an Energy Star rated new appliance to reap additional energy savings.

 2 - Energy Audit

An Energy Audit provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall efficiency of your home, as well as pinpoints the exact areas where energy loss occurs.  The auditor will create a customized, professional air sealing and insulation strategy to increase your home’s efficiency, decrease heating and cooling costs, and maximize your return on investment.  Some DIY measures, such as caulking or weather stripping, will also keep energy dollars from flying out the windows.  In addition, because it is a relatively inexpensive home improvement, the ROI is high since utility bills are often immediately and significantly reduced.  

3 - Air Sealing and Insulation
Once the energy audit is complete, you can prioritize those areas that will have the highest impact from professional air sealing and insulation.  Investing in air sealing and insulation will be a little more costly than a bit of weather stripping, but according to the EPA, this improvement reduces annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 20 percent.  Tackling this project will save you money year round by reducing the heat demand in the winter and decreasing air conditioning expenses in the summer.  These energy and cost savings will keep your New Year’s resolution right on track.

4 - Replacement Windows, Entry Doors and/or Garage Doors
It’s now time to get serious with your New Year’s resolution with replacement windows and doors.  As much as 10 to 25 percent of your central heat is can be lost through old, leaky windows and doors.  There are several measures you can take to help prevent this energy loss.  Caulking around the leaking areas is a best practice that can save you money in the very long term, but the results may not be enough to see a dramatic change in your energy bill and the comfort level of your home.   Replacing the old windows and doors with Energy Star rated replacements will not only save money immediately on energy bills, but according to the  Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report,the ROI for replacement windows and doors is between 71% and 78% at resale.

5 - New Siding
New siding gives curb appeal a big boost by making a fresh first impression. In addition, carefully selected siding can improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in a more beautiful, comfortable and cost effective household.  Advancements in technology and manufacturing have given homeowners several types of siding from which to choose.  Vinyl and foam backed siding should net up to 77.2% ROI, while the ROI of fiber cement siding could be as high as 89.7%.  HGTV ranks siding replacement as the #1 project to add value to a home.   

These 5 energy efficient home improvements will make your home more beautiful, efficient and comfortable - all while saving you money on energy bills.  Prioritizing based on project costs and ROI will keep this New Year’s resolution realistic.  To discuss which project makes the most sense for your home, contact the experts at Windows on Washington  today.  We offer an array of services that include: custom replacement windows, siding, roofing, entry and garage door replacement, energy audits, air sealing and insulation.  

 

Learn To Winterize Your Home The Windows on Washington Way: Top-Bottom

  
  
  

 


Saving money on your energy bills this winter can easily be accomplished by simply preparing all areas of your home for winter. Here are some quick tips to prepare your home for the cold weather.

Winterize Your Roof

roofingInspect your roof and gutters to avoid potential problems throughout the winter.  (If you have a 2-story roof or it has a steep slope you may want to call a professional. Falling off a roof can be lethal even in 1-story applications. Do not take a chance with your safety, leave the roof walking to the professionals!)

  • Check for loose and missing shingles to protect the wood of the roof from water damage and to prevent water, snow, and ice infiltration into the attic.

  • Check the flashing around the chimneys and vents to make sure snowmelt and rain do not leak into your home.

  • Clean your gutters to allow for proper water drainage and prevent ice from forming in the gutters.

  • Has your home formed ice dams in the past?  If so, you should have the attic and roof looked at ASAP before you let heavy snows create potentially disastrous and expensive leaks.  Ice dams are often thought of as a roof issue; however, that is not the case.  Ice dams are the result of poor insulation, unchecked heat loss and improper ventilation. Contact Windows on Washington for an inspection.

Winterize Your Fireplace

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Using a fireplace can send valuable heat up the chimney.  Use the following tips to decrease the loss of heat while still enjoying the ambiance of a fire.

  • Have the chimney cleaned and inspected.

  • Burn only fully dried hardwoods to produce the most heat output.

  • To prevent the drafting of conditioned air out of the room, provide an outside air source to fuel the fire.

  • Keep your fireplace damper closed in the winter when not in use.

  • Install a chimney balloon or spring loaded fireplace damper to prevent cold air from entering the living space.

  • Use grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cooler room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.

    Winterize You Windows

    To improve the comfort level of your home and save on utility dollars, the experts at Windows on Washington suggest that you follow these tips to winterize your windows for the cold weather:

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  • Remove your window screens and place them in storage.

  • Re-install storm windows or install new Low-e insulated storm windows.

  • 
Inspect the caulking around your windows to make sure they are sealed. Re-caulk any areas that are in need.

  • Inspect the weather stripping around your windows to make sure there is a tight seal, and replace if necessary.


  • Inspect all locking mechanisms to make sure they are in working order and lock the windows.  Windows in the locked position create a stronger airtight seal for increased energy efficiency.


  • Inspect windows for any loose panes and reseal, if necessary.

  • Install insulated shades over the windows to help keep the heat in and the cold weather out.

Winterize Your Heater

It is a good idea to have this system serviced annually and to have your ducts cleaned out by a professional.  There are also a few things that you can do yourself to improve the energy efficiency of this system.

  • Change the filters every 30-90 days depending on your system and the type of filters you are using.  Clogged filters can disrupt the airflow and increase the amount of energy used to heat your home.

  • Remove any items you have near the furnace or around you air ducts and return vents. This will allow your HVAC system to run at its peak efficiency.

  • If your heat runs on gas or propane, make sure you have filled the tank up.

  • Test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.

  • Install a programmable thermostat.

Winterize Your Plumbing

Because our area of the United States is subject to temperatures that are below freezing it is important to make sure your plumbing is ready for the colder weather.

  • Make sure any pipes that are exposed are insulated, both indoors and out.

  • Insulate your hot water heater with an insulation blanket.

  • Turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system and outside hose and faucets.

Winterizing your home will not only save you money but also improve the comfort level and energy efficiency.  The experts at Windows on Washington can provide solutions to all your home improvement challenges and help make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient. Click on the link below and our professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

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Best in Class Sliding Glass Door Installation - Project of the Week

  
  
  

 


Windows on Washington supplies best in-class products for all home improvement projects. However, without an installation rooted in best practices, the effectiveness of these products greatly diminishes. WoW has developed a proven system of installation for each of our products to maximize their performance. Our installation crews are trained and certified in the latest best practice techniques, materials, and technologies. The sliding glass door installation that is pictured below gives you an inside look at WoW's best in-class installation process.describe the image

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Sliding Glass Door Builder Grade New Okna Sliding Glass Door
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Full Clean-Up Before Installation of New Door Remeasure Opening - No Surprises
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Leveling Sub-Floor Install Flexible Sill Pan Flashing
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Insert Door Foam Around Opening For Insulation and Air Infiltration
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New Trim and Hardware Finished Door

The homeowner for this door project, chose to replace their inoperable builder grade door with a new Okna Elegante sliding glass door. We insulated the opening with foam to stop air infiltration, thus improving the energy efficiency of the home. We also installed flexible sill pan flashing to protect against water damage. This technique diverts any water that may get behind the sheathing back to the outside of the exterior siding. This will prevent any possible water damage in the future, including wood rot.

Let the experts at Windows on Washington show you how to make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient with a new patio or sliding glass door. Please click the link below and we will help make your home improvement dreams a reality.

 

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Learn The Top 4 Benefits of Exterior Home Improvement Projects

  
  
  

 


exterior_home_improvement_imageExterior home improvements are important for homeowners, regardless if they plan to put their house on the market now or sell sometime in the future.  Those who plan to sell in the distant future can also realize benefits now from exterior home improvements. In order to spend home improvement dollars wisely, homeowners must balance the cost of the project with the intrinsic value and the financial return that the project offers.  

At Windows on Washington, we see many benefits to our customer’s homes when we complete home improvement projects.  We’ve pulled together our list of the top advantages that homeowners enjoy when our work is complete.

1.  Increase in Home Value
Having an exterior home improvement project completed is the best way to increase property values. These are real ROI:
  • After having siding installed, homeowners can immediately realize an average amount of just under $12,000 for fiber-cement siding and just over $10,000 for vinyl siding.  
  • Replacing a garage door is one of the least expensive exterior home improvement projects, yet will increase the value of a home by more than $2,000. 
  • The installation of energy efficient replacement windows can realize homeowners an average gain of anywhere from $9,684 to $12,433.

2.  Easy to Maintain
For many people, not only is their home valuable, but their time is as well. Exterior home improvements can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to care for and maintain your home.
  • Siding is easier to maintain than other exterior surfaces because it never needs to be repainted. Periodic power washing to remove dirt or mold is all that’s required. Homeowners will save a great deal of money because they will not incur the cost of painting every few years, yet the home will stay looking like new. After installation, siding can be expected to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, so most people never have to worry about replacing it again.
  • A new garage door will be smoother and easier to use than an older model. It is less likely to get stuck going up and down because all of the parts are in good working order.  New garage doors also don’t require painting, so again power washing from time to time is all that’s required to keep it looking like new.
  • Replacement windows will not require a homeowner’s time for painting, staining or caulking. New window styles are also much easier to clean because the windowpanes tip inward to make it easy to reach outside panes.

3.  Energy Savings
One of the biggest benefits that drive homeowner’s decision making on where to spend their home improvement budgets has to do with realizing energy savings.  
  • Having siding installed can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%. For those who plan to remain in their homes for a long period of time, this can really add up to significant savings that begin to be realized immediately. These savings continue indefinitely, and after some time can offset the cost of the project altogether.
  • A replacement garage door is likely to provide better insulation against the heat and cold than an older door.  It will also keep out a great deal of drafts from along the bottom and sides because the seals and weather stripping will be in good repair rather than being cracked or broken thus improving the comfort levels of the rooms adjoining the garage.   
  • After installing energy efficient replacement windows, many homeowners notice their heating and cooling bills are significantly reduced.  A home’s interior will remain warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, making it more comfortable as well.  For this reason, we often hear from homeowners that this project is particularly worthwhile.

4.  Other Benefits
  • Curb Appeal - Having new siding, windows, and garage doors installed can really change the look of a home. Those who are unhappy with the design of their home can give it a drastic makeover by choosing one or more of these exterior home improvement projects. 
  • Protection - Exterior home improvements can also protect your home against moisture and termite damage, which could create a need for extensive repairs in the future. In addition, a new garage door and replacement windows can aid with security because these fixtures are easier to lock than outdated models.
  • Resale Value - Homeowners will enjoy a variety of benefits from exterior home improvement projects such as those mentioned above. These benefits can be enjoyed whether the house will soon be placed on the market or used as a permanent residence for some time to come.


At Windows on Washington, we provide our customers with quality products and expert workmanship to improve the comfort, beauty and energy efficiency of their homes.  Whether you are looking for energy efficient replacement windows, beautiful siding, gutters, a new roof, or money saving insulation and air sealing, we provide solutions to all your home improvement challenges.  We will educate you on our approach to your project, explain your options and encourage you to do additional research.  There is no obligation, pressure or hidden charges. If you are considering a home improvement project, Let us know how we can be of service today! 

 

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Selling Your Home? Top 3 Home Improvement Projects With The Best ROI

  
  
  

 


home_imageExterior home improvements are important for homeowners, regardless if they plan to put their house on the market now or sell sometime in the future.  When it comes to selling a home, properties that have had recent improvements are more likely to sell faster and at a higher price than other comparable homes in their neighborhood. Those who plan to sell in the distant future can also realize benefits from exterior home improvements. They will be able to enjoy the benefits of these renovations now as well as notice an increase in their home’s value over time; there are also a number of intangible benefits that can be enjoyed.

At Windows on Washington, we are often asked “Where can I find the greatest return on investment (ROI) for my home improvement dollars if I plan to sell my home?”  We’ve pulled together our top three picks to stretch you home improvement budget, maximize ROI by increasing curb appeal, and help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

1.  Siding
According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners in the South Atlantic states (which includes the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area) can see the greatest ROI when they add new fiber-cement siding to their home. This publication reports that consumers who do so notice an 89.7% return on investment. The number is also high for those who choose foam-backed vinyl siding, as homeowners who have this product installed can realize a 77% return on investment. Installing new siding can be beneficial because it improves a home’s aesthetics and provides energy savings, so potential buyers are more likely to be drawn to homes that have relatively new siding on them.  This isn’t surprising, considering the strong impact on increased curb appeal that new siding brings.

2.  Garage Door Replacement
For those homeowners that are considering new garage doors, it’s interesting to note that the ROI is up over last year.  Remodeling magazine reports that homeowners in the Washington, D.C. area can expect to recoup around 73.9% of the cost of this exterior home improvement. The average cost of a garage door replacement is $2,957, and increases a home’s value by $2,185. The benefits to replacing a garage door is that it enhances curb appeal while also giving potential buyers peace of mind that the doors will operate well for years to come.


3.  Custom Window Replacement
Homeowners who replace their dated windows with new vinyl or wooden replacement windows can notice high returns on their investment. When custom vinyl replacement windows are installed, the average Washington D.C. homeowner can expect to realize around a 77.2% return on investment. Those who choose wood replacement windows for this exterior home improvement project are likely to see around a 70.3% return on investment. Having windows that are in good shape helps attract potential buyers because there’s no peeling paint on exterior window sills and new windows are generally easy to care for.  Finally, new replacement windows are extremely energy efficient when compared to their outdated counterparts.  These benefit and the potential energy savings can be significant deciding factor if a buyer is having a hard time deciding between two different properties.

At Windows on Washington, we provide our customers with quality products and expert workmanship to improve the comfort, beauty and energy efficiency of their homes.  When preparing your home for sale, it’s especially important to stay on budget to maximize your ROI.

Whether you are looking for energy efficient replacement windows, beautiful siding, gutters, a new roof, or money saving insulation and air sealing, we provide solutions to all your home improvement challenges.  We will educate you on our approach to your project, explain your options and encourage you to do additional research.  There is no obligation, pressure or hidden charges.  Let us know how we can be of service today

 

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Which Home Improvement Projects Receive the Highest ROI?

  
  
  

 


Home_Improvement_ImageIn these tough economic times, homeowners are more concerned than ever with home improvement return on investment (ROI).  To spend home improvement dollars wisely, they must balance the cost of the project with the intrinsic value and the financial return that the project offers.  Every year, lists are published to guide homeowners in choosing the top projects that increase home values.  Most of these lists start off with kitchen remodels, but at Windows on Washington, we find that many other projects that can net a higher ROI with a lower initial investment.

Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine publishes a Cost vs. Value Report that describes the ROI of various projects based on the increased value of the home by geographical region.  The latest reporting shows the ROI for home improvement projects averages 57.7%, and can be as high as 89%.  We’ve listed several projects (for the Southern Atlantic Region) in which homeowners can invest that will exceed the average ROI per project and meet or exceed ROI of a kitchen remodel (62.3-75% depending on scope).

Siding Replacement

Advancements in technology and manufacturing have given homeowners several types of siding from which to choose.  Vinyl and foam backed siding should net up to 77.2% ROI, while the ROI of fiber cement siding could be as high as 89.7%.  HGTV ranks siding replacement as the #1 project to add value to a home.  New siding gives curb appeal a big boost by making a fresh first impression. In addition, carefully selected siding can improve the energy efficiency of the home, resulting in a more beautiful, comfortable and cost effective household by saving utility dollars and driving ROI even higher.

Custom Window Replacement

Custom window replacement also carries a high ROI of up to 74.3%.  In addition, replacement windows can start paying for themselves through reduced energy usage even before the home is sold (which is not calculated in the ROI figure.)  Many homeowners experience dramatic reductions in utility bills after installation, in addition to increased comfort and curb appeal.

Entry Door Replacement

The front entry door is truly the focal point of a home.  A new door can make a great impression on a guest or potential buyer, which dramatically impacts curb appeal and increases the value of your home.  Steel doors offer the highest ROI of 77.5% upon the sale of the home, but homeowners have many options from which to choose.  Many entry doors are also Energy Star Qualified, so utility dollars literally stop going out the front door.

Roof Replacement

When a home is being sold, the number one item that a home inspector will assess is the roof.  Even if the roof has some lifespan left in it, many home purchasers will negotiate for a reduction in sale price to compensate for any perceived future maintenance or replacement costs.   When you invest in a new roof, it makes a lasting impression.  When homes with recent roof replacements are sold, homeowners can expect a ROI of up to 64.8%.

Garage Door Replacement

When a homeowner invests in new garage doors, guests and potential buyers have the impression that the home is well cared for.  The spike in curb appeal suggests that the homeowner has also invested in other details throughout the home.  For this reason, garage door replacement can net up to 78.6% ROI when the home is sold.   

Windows on Washington offers an array of services that include: siding, custom replacement windows, entry and garage door replacement and roof replacement. If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of these home improvement projects, knowing that each has a solid ROI, contact our experts at Windows on Washington, your HiMark and Okna Northern Va and Maryland Dealer.

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20 Ways to Add Value to Your Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/20-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home/pictures/index.html.
Alfano, Sal. (2011, November 4). Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2011-12. Retrieved from http://www.remodeling.hw.net/remodeling-market-data/about-the-report.aspx/.
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