There are quite a few charming little pieces in the money pit that we’d like to keep.
While it’s a down-to-the-studs renovation, there’s still some nods to the past we want to utilize with that charm and flavor you just can’t find anywhere else. Like the little handle on the front door. It’s a crazy looking chunky brass handle that I’m absolutely obsessed with. It would probably sell for $25o {at a store that starts with A and ends in Ologie} if you were to find it in a modern-day perusing session. In other news, I totally made up that price because it sounded legit. Or, the back door that needs to be sanded down and re-painted, and even though it’s old, it’s delightful. {Same handle.} The bathroom light in the boys’ bath is going right back up, to fall in line seamlessly with the new design – a little bit of that ‘old school, polished chrome’ look to pull it all together. It’s true what they say… they just don’t make ’em like they used to.
Then, there are the windows. I kind of wanted them to stay. They have this great, classic, crusted-over, painted look with little brass handles that they just don’t make anymore. The only problem? They’re old. And they’re single-paned. With metal storm windows over them which were kind of a deal breaker. While my first inclination was to keep them, because budgets are oh so fun, we did a little research, and our minds were quickly changed.
Because sometimes the new things are better… and for good reason.
We had a little meeting with the wonderful people at Window World on replacing said windows. We were quickly educated, alongside a little research of our own, on why it’s good to replace your windows in an older house. And how Window World makes it totally doable.
• Energy Efficiency
By the time our home is re-finished with new insulation, wiring, and windows… our home will be high functioning and one hundred percent energy efficient. It’s a short-term, early investment that will have a huge payoff down the line when it comes to all things adulting and energy bills. Wheeeee!
In short, this is how it works: Energy efficient windows help keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. And, older windows just can’t do that.
Window World’s energy-efficient windows come with a Warm-Edge Spacer System and Low-E Glass. And they’re filled with Argon. From their site {Because they say it way better than we can}:
“The Warm-Edge Spacer is designed to block the path of escaping heat far more effectively, reducing condensation on winter glass. Non-conducive edges eliminate any glass-to-metal contact and contribute to a reduction of edge-of-glass temperatures. Featuring a unique U-channel design, these spacers are far more effective than their dated predecessors.
SolarZone Low-E Glass is created by applying a microscopic, undetectable metallic coating to the second surface of an insulating glass unit. Its intelligent design blocks heat gain from the sun’s reflected rays in the summer, but allows warmth from shorter solar rays into the house during cold, winter months.
The space between the glass lites, historically just dead air, is filled with Argon gas. This colorless, odorless, non-reactive gas is the third most prevalent gas in our atmosphere. Its extremely low thermal conductivity and high density (Argon is 38% denser than air at 1.784 grams / liter at STP) makes it an ideal insulating agent.”
What that basically says to us? We just might be able to send our kids to college, with what we’re saving in the long run. Maybe.
Hold me.
• Safety
These are written in no particular order, but this was the most important to me, personally. We had to bang around generously on each window repeatedly, just to get it open, and then beyond that, getting the storm window off. Ever since our incident with a garden stool, I’m a little high-alert on paying extra careful attention to all the elements in our home. This was first on my list. From lead paint to asbestos to windows not opening when you need them to… aka a fire or some form of emergency in which our children would need a quick exit… wasn’t working for me. So we were thrilled to make this one of the first changes on our list. It’s important and easy to leave that off our list of considerations.
• Curb Appeal
New windows are pretty and can add a lot to your house. Bottom line. While our house, the way it looks now, is sufficient, until we can get around to all things siding and fresh paint and roofing, it’s a game of give and take with budgets and living life. Curb appeal is important to reflect what’s going on with the inside, when we eventually get to that part. So the metal storm windows on the outside are KILLIN ME, SMALLS. Window World has many attractive options; you can’t help but be drawn to them. We were thrilled to pick a classic selection true to the tone of the house, but it gives off a whole new vibe. Which is kind of what we’re doing with this rehab in making it our own.
We’re going for 4 over 1 {see: bottom level windows on this house} for a clean, classic vibe. While our home is split level, we want it to have a softer cottage feel to it, too. So we kept it simple with the feel throughout the house, while staying true to the original aesthetic.
• Adds Value
New windows add value to your home. If you ever plan to resell {you never know where life can take you} it’s one less thing new owners have to consider when it comes to updating a house. There are a ton of things to consider when purchasing an older home, and windows can be a big chunk of a new homeowner’s budget. Thankfully, Window World makes it affordable, but it’s still an investment. And a wise one for your home.
• Low Maintenance
It’s just one less thing to worry about. New windows are going to hold up better. They’re easier to clean; they do their job, and they’re one of those things that go in your house that you don’t even really have to think about once they’re in. I don’t know about you guys, but we have other things to worry about – life is too complicated to be freaking out over my windows!
What do I love the most? That if one is broken, Window World’s windows come with a lifetime warranty. Simply call them and they’re back to fix or replace it. In our last house, one of our windows went bad, and we were on our own with that game… trying to match them up to the rest of the house, and finding a source. No one to help out with a faulty window. Not with Window World. You’re paying for a relationship! And it’s a nice, trustworthy investment. From a family’s perspective, this is kind of amazing.
• Safety and Security
It doesn’t take much for older windows to shatter, and new replacements are a plus in that arena. They’re sturdier and make it one more obstacle for the bad guys. We can all use a little more peace of mind in that category, and I don’t think it’s something we think about when it comes to new windows. Bonus, for sure.
• Protects the Inside
The inside of your house is the place where most of your sentimental belongings and investment pieces are found. UV protective coating on new windows is a definite yes, and it helps to know that carpets and furnishings and late Aunt Myrtle’s gorgeous china cabinet won’t be affected by the sun’s harsh rays. Again, one less thing you have to think about.
• Reduced Sound Transmission
Taking all the insulation out of this older home has been an eye opener for us when we’re on the inside. We really don’t want to hear every single car that comes down our street. Or every single person/family out for a walk. And likewise, our neighbors don’t want to hear every conversation inside our home. I’m sure that would be totally obnoxious. New windows are a game changer when it comes to a little extra on the sound transmission front. And a definite pro.
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These are just a few of our favorite benefits when it comes to new windows in the home. A big eye opener for this reformed doubter, for sure… and we can’t wait to get our house up to par with the 21st century. An investment up front that I know we’ll be so grateful for, paying off in the long run.
Stay tuned… the installation process begins soon, and we can’t wait to show you the difference if anyone is on the fence as we were.
Have you guys ever taken on a rehab, or replaced older windows in your home? What were some of the drastic differences you noticed in the new vs. the old ?
What about Window World? We know a lot of you guys have worked with them. We love that they’re such a great, trustworthy company looking for long term relationships in their clients.
We’d love to hear!
:: This post was brought to you in partnership with Window World. All opinions are 100% ours. Please read our full disclosure pertaining to partnerships here ::
Renee says
I recently replaced the windows on my 60 yo house. Due to budget, I did the front half first, and a year later the back half. It is so nice. The old windows were steel framed and were starting to have mildew and the glass had hard water spots that wouldn’t come off. My house looks so much newer and prettier. I had Window World come out and give me a quote, but we wound up going with a local company and getting Jeld Wen brand. The best part is how quiet my house is now….I have very noisy neighbors and it’s a game changer.
Amy says
This is a great list! We have just purchased a fixer upper of our own and were contemplating the new Windows thing. Thank you as always for being so thorough. Some of these things have never considered!
kathy says
what are you thoughts on double hung vs sliding windows vs casement? Is it a style thing or is there more to the decision?
Leah says
I prefer my old windows. If there’s a problem, it’s easier to fix. I removed them, had them dipped, painted and stained (did that part myself), and purchased wood storms for the exterior. There is nothing like the old wavy glass.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Uh, I think it’s a given that if you replace your wavy glass, something is wrong with you. ;} If we had wavy glass, we wouldn’t have touched it. Obviously feeling the need to clarify here – otherwise the benefits above stand true. Ours had to go. ;}