High-quality tenants are key to a successful rental investment. They pay rent without issues, care for the property, notify of maintenance issues on time, and renew their leases.
But, how do you improve your chances of landing such a tenant for your rental property? Well, while there are plenty of other things you could do, Brentwood Square Management Company advises that ensuring your property is properly maintained can prove extremely effective.
Rental property maintenance may mean ensuring things like the electrical, plumbing, appliances, and HVAC systems are functioning properly. There are elements, however, that usually go unnoticed.
Windows, for example, are relatively easy to overlook as they usually don’t wear off as quickly as other elements. But before you know it, your old and inefficient windows could have cost you a tidy sum of money when it comes to energy usage.
If you have single-pane windows, replacing them, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, could save you anywhere between $126 and $465 a year.
In this article, we will share with you everything you need to know about replacing your rental property’s windows.
Warning Signs You Need New Windows for Your Rental Property
- Your tenant is complaining about loud neighbors and street noise.
- If the wood structures are starting to rot.
- The look and design of the windows look outdated.
- If critters are using your windows as their own private entrance to your home.
- If it is becoming increasingly difficult to open or close them.
- Your tenant is complaining that no matter how they try to clean them, they can still barely see out of them.
- If your tenant is complaining of a higher energy bill than the neighbors.
With that in mind, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions landlords often ask when considering replacing their windows.
What is the difference between double- and triple-pane windows?
A double-pane window is one that has two panes of glass set into each individual frame. They are more energy efficient than single-pane windows. They are also good at reducing outside noise.
According to Homeguide.com, a new double-pane window will cost you roughly $600 for a new installation. A replacement can cost you anywhere between $800 and $1,000.
When installed properly and properly maintained, it should last up to 20 years.
A triple-pane window, on the other hand, as the name suggests, includes three layers of glass. The additional physical barriers serve to better insulate your home.
As you can expect, triple-pane windows are more energy efficient than double-pane windows. They are also great at keeping noise out.
As for the costs, expect triple-pane windows to cost you anywhere between 10-15% more than double-pane units.
So, which one of the two should you buy? Well, your choice should depend on your area’s climate and what you can afford.
Which Window Style Should I Choose?
The style of windows is also another thing you want to consider when thinking of replacing your rental windows. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of windows types: sliding and crank windows.
Before making your decision, you need to consider three important factors. These include:
- Energy efficiency: Casement, or crank, windows are slightly more energy efficient than sliding windows. Why? Because, unlike sliding windows, they aren’t flexible by design.
- Window ventilation: Casement windows open entirely. This allows maximum air ventilation. With typical sliding windows, 50% of the window space is overlapped or closed, thereby providing less ventilation.
- Physical difference: Casement windows are good for tall, narrow window openings while sliding windows are great for openings that are wider than they are tall.
The single most important determinant of what style to choose is the opening you have for your window space.
As for the costs, the cost of installing a casement window is between $325 and $480, and $450 and $1300 for a sliding window. The costs can vary depending on things like the type of frame used, the size of the window, and where you shop.
What are the various installation types?
Broadly speaking, there are two main types of window installations available: retrofit and full-frame installation. With a retrofit installation, the window is installed right into an existing window frame.
Because of this, retrofit windows are quite inexpensive to install. If you are simply renovating or touching up on your property, this is a great option for you.
On the other hand, a full-frame installation means removing the old window entirely and replacing it with a new window. As you can expect, this is an expensive project to undertake and might not only be a great idea if your old windows are old or broken.
It’s your responsibility as a landlord to ensure your tenant lives in a safe and habitable property. And part of that responsibility may mean upgrading your windows.
Luckily for you, with this information, you will be able to make the right decisions when replacing your rental windows.
