Should You Replace Doors and Windows at the Same Time?

Replacing doors and windows is a small but mighty home improvement that can change the entire profile of a home. From improving curb appeal to increasing your home’s function to making your home more energy-efficient, this project sees high rates of both homeowner satisfaction and returns on investment. But is replacing doors and windows at the same time a good idea? The answer is an emphatic “yes.” 

Both doors and windows protect your home from outside elements and unwanted guests while simultaneously keeping airflow inside. 

That’s why it’s important to make sure that when it’s time to replace windows and doors together, you’re not missing any steps. Here’s what you need to know. 

When Is It Time For a Window and Door Replacement?

Aside from just feeling like giving your home’s exterior a refresh, there are additional signs and symptoms that suggest it’s time for window and door replacements. 

Doors and windows are built to withstand extreme elements over the years, not limited to rain, snow, and sun. Long-term exposure can result in warping, cracking or not being able to shut your doors or windows properly. 

Signs it is time to consider replacing doors and windows include: 

• Rust, dents, or large scratches 
• Signs of rot 
• Flaking paint
• Softening wood
• Cracks along the edges
• Worn out weather strip
• Air and extra light coming in from around the door frame
• Sun stains/fading/peeling 
• Moisture stuck inside the panes
• Air or a draft coming from the window’s edges
• Handles not working properly
• Frame deterioration
• Broken or cracked panes 

All of these symptoms are examples of a door or window losing its integrity. Additionally, air coming through the frames means your doors or windows are costing you in your monthly utility bill by not being better insulated. 

There’s also the issue of home security. Older doors and windows are often less secure according to USA Today because they tend to be thinner and may not have modern locks. 

New doors and windows will not only deliver peace of mind, but will deliver a high ROI at the time of resale. This is especially true since it is reported that curb appeal can increase a home’s value by as much as 12%. What’s more, door and window replacements are among the top return on investment percentages regarding home upgrades. 

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What Are the Benefits of Replacing Doors and Windows Together?

Pulling double duty on your home’s replacements is a smart move because of its efficiency. 

1. As long as you’re not altering your home’s structure — for example, by widening a door or window frame — neither project will require a permit.
2. Next, just like when you replace siding and windows concurrently, replacing windows and doors together gives homeowners a better opportunity to increase their home’s energy efficiency.
3. Both windows and doors can drastically affect a home’s energy profile. It won’t make sense to replace your home’s windows with energy-efficient Low-E glass windows if you are not buying an equally energy-efficient door with proper insulation.
4. Replacing windows and doors together better allow for you and your contractor to focus efforts on a whole-home initiative rather than piece by piece.

As previously noted by Modernize, preparing your home for better energy efficiency can mean a lot of changes happening at once — but the savings on your energy bills can make up for that over time. Modernize recommends consulting with a professional energy auditor to best evaluate how to boost your home’s performance.

What’s more, planning a dual project like replacing windows and doors together may seem daunting because of the higher cost upfront, but contractors may be more amenable to negotiating a bundle deal for coupling the two projects. Check with Modernize’s price calculator for a better idea of expenses. 

The ROI of New Windows and Doors

Ultimately, replacing windows and doors together can be a basic project that reaps large rewards. 

Both are regarded as home improvement projects with high ROIs:

• The average door replacement costs under $1,000 but is considered one of the top ROI home upgrades by percentage.
• Mid-range window replacements can have an ROI as high as 78%. 

If the installation process seems intimidating, Modernize can help set you up with a contractor who can help make your vision a reality.