If you are thinking of home improvement projects to help increase your home's value and comfort level, replacing your windows is an excellent option. Of course, this project comes with a big investment, so it's important to do your research to ensure you get a good deal and the right windows for your home. There are few things to consider before making that final choice. Our REALTORS® share some tips on what you should take into consideration when deciding on new windows.

1. The Architecture and Design of Your Home
   Whether you plan on listing your Richmond home for sale or you're staying in your home for many years to come, it's important to make sure your new windows aesthetically pleasing in addition to being functional. If you're thinking of replacing drafty old wood-frame windows in a beautiful Victorian home, you don't want to replace them with white vinyl windows that won't match the architecture. 
2. Materials Matter
   Speaking of window materials, each has its pros and cons. Vinyl frame windows are the most affordable energy-efficient option but have a thicker frame that expands and contracts and deteriorates over time. While aluminum frames are thin but strong, they're not very energy efficient. Composite frames are durable and very energy efficient but can be costly. Fiberglass frames are also energy efficient, but as expensive as well and tend to deteriorate as they age. Wood frame windows are beautiful and energy-efficient but are also the most expensive and require extra maintenance.
3. Understanding What Energy-Efficient Means
   There are hundreds of types of double-paned windows that are categorized as energy-efficient, but what does it mean, exactly? Although there's no set formula for determining a window's rating, there are a few factors that are taken into account, including: how the window keeps out heat, how much natural sunlight it lets in, how much air leaks through small openings in the window's construction, and the window's ability to repel condensation. 
4. Your Home's Exposure to Sunlight and the Elements
   Outdoor light, heat, and weather all affect the temperature of your home. Take a look and see how the sun hits your home at different times of the day. Does the wind blow a certain way most of the time? For example, energy-efficient windows will make the side of your home that faces the west more pleasant in the evening when it's hot outside. If you live in a climate that has extreme hot or cold temperatures, it's probably best to get energy-efficient windows all around. There are even window panes that block UV rays, to keep your carpet, floors, photos, and artwork from fading in rooms that get a lot of light.
5. Safety
   If you have little ones running around, it's important to think about how to keep them safe when the windows are open. Casement and single-hung windows are easy for children to fall out of. If you have kids, your best bet is to go for double-hung windows so you can open from the top and avoid the hazard of them falling from a second story. Old windows often have faulty locks, so replacing them can help you keep your home safe from intruders.

Want to learn more about improvements that increase the value of your home? Whether you're buying or selling a home, our experienced real estate professionals can help. Contact us to get started.