Does Your Flip Need New Windows? Calculating Necessity and ROI
Run the Numbers: Does Your Flip Need New Windows? .
Every house-flipping project is unique. Flippers carefully calculate the right upgrades to achieve the most increase in property value. In some cases, this requires a few cans of paint, modern fixtures, and some light repairs. In others, replacing significant sections of the house can transform an outdated and decaying house into a beautiful in-demand home again. One of those important upgrades that some flips require is new windows.
Window installation doesn't have to break the bank. One to six new windows are often well within your renovation budget. The question is: Does your flip need new windows and, if so, what kind of profit will you get from a window upgrade?
We can help you answer your questions and plan a profitable flip.
Why a Flip Might Need New Windows
First, consider how you can tell if a house needs new windows. Many really good flips have a few older features that need to be upgraded, and windows often fall into this category. Older window frames can take serious damage over time, and the materials used were not always the most insulating or secure. There are four good reasons to replace the windows on your flip.
Broken Glass:
- A cracked window must be replaced before reselling the house. Broken windows always bring down your property value and pose a safety risk to new residents.
Water Leaks:
- Water leaks pose a serious risk of water damage and must be repaired or the entire window replaced.
Decayed Window Frames:
- Warped, rotted, or badly rusted window frames will reduce your property value and qualify for immediate window replacements. That can't be fixed with caulk.
Comfort and Energy Efficiency:
- If energy efficiency is a selling point, inefficient windows that leak heat and cold can be a liability. Consider the ROI of Energy Star window replacements.
Get an Inspection
Make sure to get an inspection before you buy the house. Have water leaks, warped window frames, locks that can't be latched, and other window failures flagged and use this to get a better price on the house. If you're going to invest in window upgrades, be sure you're not paying for average-quality windows before the project begins.
Repair or Replace Rattling Windows?
If the window panes on your flip property are rattling, you might not need a replacement. Check the frames. If they are unwarped and the quality is still good, you can often repair windows with fresh caulk and weather stripping. Caulk the fixed panes back into place to seal them in. This will stop leaks and wind and stop the rattling.
Use weather stripping around window panes that open so they seal firmly shut when closed. This can also stop rattling and make the home more energy efficient.
- Reminder: Don't forget to replace old, loose, or broken window latches.
Calculate the Cost of New Windows
How much does it cost to replace windows when flipping a house? Vinyl windows are the most affordable and modern material. They are practical, durable, and can be well-insulated. They even come in colors other than white these days.
One single-pane double-hung vinyl window costs between $800 and $1,400, depending on the model and supplier. That means replacing four to six windows gives you a renovation cost of $3,200 to $8,400, which is not an overwhelming price for most flip projects.
Get a Few Estimates
You can get a quote on window pricing and total installation cost from any construction contractor in your area. Collect several estimates from different contractors, comparing window quality and total cost. Don't forget to check for itemized transparency and hidden fees.
Determine the Window ROI for a Flip
Will new windows ROI when your flip is complete? It depends on the upgrade. First, calculate the property value increase that you will achieve by installing new windows. This margin will be greater if the windows were broken, warped, rattling, or leaking when you bought the house. Major quality upgrades are always more profitable.
However, appearance upgrades are also very important. If the home looked shabby due to old and warped window frames before, the new look of fresh window frames will provide the curb appeal and interior photo boost you need to list at a higher price.
Replace One, Some, or All the Windows?
Should you replace one window, some of the windows, or all the windows in your flip? It depends. If one window is broken, replacing just one can be a practical choice if the other windows are still in good condition. But you may need to invest in a matching frame or the one new window will stand out.
It's more common and budget-friendly to replace windows in batches. For example, replacing all the windows that face the street, or all the windows on one floor of the house.
Ideally, you can replace all the windows and market the home as having a recent an energy-efficiency upgrade with "all new windows". But that is often only a practical budget decision for very small homes with 4-6 windows total.
Building Your Flip Strategy
For every home you plan to flip, you will build a unique strategy. If your current project requires one or more new windows, calculate the potential cost, ROI, and how you can benefit most from your choice of new windows. For more tips on how to maximize your flip quality and profits, contact us today.
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