In our last issue, we gave you a few quick tips on increasing the value of your home in order to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Now we’re really going to start getting down to the nitty-gritty of it. Like we said, there’s a lot of competition out there, and if you want to keep up with the Joneses, so to speak, you better make sure your home has what buyers are looking for.

Increasing the value of your home just takes a little common sense. Ask yourself: What do homebuyers want? Well, they want the most bang for their buck. They want a home that not only looks good, they want one that won’t break the bank, either. They want a home that’s easy to maintain and one that keeps them warm and cozy in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer.

So what can you do to (a.) make your house look better and (b.) make it more cost-efficient and comfortable? I’ve got two words for you: windows and doors. (Okay, maybe that’s three words. But you get my drift.)

New windows and doors can make a huge impact on the re-sell value of your home. Not only will they improve the look of your home, but they can also improve your home’s energy efficiency, which, in today’s world of high energy costs, is a big plus for homebuyers.

On top of that, new windows and/or doors can be a cost-effective way for you to increase your home’s value and one that won’t be a major inconvenience on your lifestyle. Of course, you could always invest in a total kitchen remodel or redo an outdated bathroom (both great options, by the way). But unless you’re prepared to dive into a huge renovation project that will take time and make your home look like a construction zone, you might want to look into changing your windows and doors instead.

"Windows are one of the most important features of any home. They’re one of the first aspects of your home that a potential buyer will see"

Windows are one of the most important features of any home. They’re one of the first aspects of your home that a potential buyer will see, and they go a long way in determining your home’s overall energy efficiency. So they definitely deserve some serious consideration. If your windows are old, damaged, or out-dated, you should absolutely look into replacing them. Modern replacement windows come in all shapes and sizes, are available in various materials, and are much more energy efficient.

Today’s replacement windows are better than they’ve ever been, and they can really give your home a fresh look. These types of windows are usually double-paned for added insulation and noise reduction. They also come with tilt-in panes for easy cleaning—a great feature for second- and third-story windows. Most replacement windows today also come with low-E glass, that is, glass that’s coated with thin layers of metallic oxide, which prevents heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through it. The result is a window that keeps the heat out in the summer and in during the winter, which in turn lowers your heating and cooling costs.

And of course, who wouldn’t want a window that’s low maintenance? Both fiberglass and vinyl never needs to be painted like wood, which can be damaged by sunlight and weather (not to mention termites) and needs to be repainted every other year or so. And with the tilt-in functionality, regular glass cleaning is a synch.

Of course, make sure that you choose windows that match your home's style and design. Most companies offer a variety of colors from white to brown to tan. The key is to pick something that will make your windows stand out in a good way.

Photos courtesy of Metropolitan Windows

Today, more than ever, fiberglass is quickly becoming the most popular option for replacement windows.“Research shows that fiberglass is one of the most energy-efficient window framing materials you choose for your home,” says John B. Schmotzer, president of Metropolitan Window Company. “Today’s premium window is fiberglass.”

Schmotzer says the reason why fiberglass windows are so effective is because fiberglass doesn’t expand and contract like wood and even vinyl windows. “Fiberglass maintains its dimensional integrity and shape,” says Schmotzer. “It won’t bow and sag like wood and vinyl. When you choose fiberglass, you can be confident that your windows will perform consistently for years to come.”

Schmotzer says that fiberglass is a strong material that can be made with narrower frames, which, therefore, enables you to increase your glass size. Fiberglass windows come in a variety of different colors and insulated glass units, with low-E coatings and argon gas between the panes.

“In essence,” he says, “fiberglass will give the homeowner a window that will provide longevity, durability, and consistency in the performance of the product, and, therefore, increase your home’s overall value and energy efficiency.”

Metropolitan Window Company is the exclusive dealer of the Infinity fiberglass custom replacement window manufactured by Marvin—one of the leading window and door manufacturers in the country, which has been in business since 1933. To learn more about fiberglass windows and how they can increase your home’s value and efficiency, visit Metropolitan at one of their two locations: their main showroom in the South Hills, at 4672 Clairton Blvd; or their North Hills location, at 4590 McKnight Road. You can also visit them online at www.metropolitanwindows.com.

On the inside of your house, you can dress up your windows—literally—by adding the proper window treatment. Curtains come in dozens of styles, colors, and designs nowadays and are relatively inexpensive at your local home interiors store. You may also want to add blinds or shutters to provide a little more privacy.

When it comes time to install your new replacement windows, if you’re the do-it-yourself type, this can be a simple project. You can find tutorials out on the Internet, and you can even consult your local home improvement store, which may even offer a free class on replacement window installation. On the other hand, if you’re not so handy, you may want to hire an experienced contractor who can do the job correctly and in less time.

Okay, now that you’ve addressed your windows, it’s time to take a look at the focal point of your home: the front door. Your front door should be the keystone of your home’s outer appearance. It should say something about your unique personality and serve as a welcoming entryway for potential buyers. Of course, just don’t overdo it. You can still make a statement while being subtle and classy.

Take a look at your current front door. What kind of shape is it in? Is it weathered or damaged? Or maybe it’s just unremarkable and boring. Either way, you may want to consider replacing it with a new, eye-catching entry door. Newer entry doors are made of steel, fiberglass or solid wood and come in dozens of stunning styles. Many styles even incorporate attractive sidelites and transoms, which look great from the outside and invite extra natural light on the inside. You can browse all the available options online or at your local home improvement store.

If you want to give your home’s exterior a little splash of color, the front door is a great place to start. Fiberglass and steel entry doors are available both in traditional wood styles as well as an array of attractive colors. Choose a dark green door to give your home an earthy feel. Or, choose an apple red door to really make a statement. It’s up to you. Just be sure to choose a door that fits well with your home’s architectural style.

"Nothing is as warm and inviting as a well-built, natural-looking solid wood door." Metropolitan Window Company 4672 Clairton Blvd., Rte. 51 South Hills 4590 McKnight Rd., North Hills 1-800-655-8411 www.metropolitanwindows.com

There are several types of entry doors available to consumers today. Steel construction doors are relatively inexpensive, look great, and provide good insulation. They also offer a high level of fire resistance. If you have a little more room in your budget, fiberglass construction doors are a great option. Fiberglass provides the look of real wood without worrying about rust or regular maintenance. Although they are a little more expensive than the steel option, fiberglass doors make up for it by having a higher level of insulation, which can save you—or your home’s potential buyer—more money in the long run. Of course, solid wood construction doors continue to be the best and most popular option among homeowners. Nothing is as warm and inviting as a well-built, natural-looking solid wood door. Although this is by far the most expensive option for your entryway, it’s also one of the best investments you can make in your home. Not only will it give your home a remarkable focal point, it will also give you the chance to make a big first impression on potential buyers. If a new entry door just isn’t in your budget right now, or if you think your current door just needs a little T.L.C., you may also want to consider adding a high-quality wooden storm door. For a small investment, a quality storm door can give your entryway a fresh new look and improve your home’s energy efficiency—both plusses when it comes to improving your home’s appeal.

Again, if you’re not the do-it-yourself type and you’re worried about installation costs, most companies today are willing to provide free estimates. Just be sure to get a couple different estimates before you commit to an installer.

So there you have it...a quick run-down of your many options for windows and doors and how they can add to your home’s resale value. These are two simple yet powerful renovations whose return on investment is one that you can feel confident about. Just make sure to pay attention to quality of product and professionalism of installation. If you do, you’ll improve your home’s curb appeal and help it make the best possible first impression on potential buyers.

Next up, Landscaping,
Hardscaping, Outside Maintenance. Stay tuned…