Should I Replace All My Windows at Once?

Having replacement windows installed is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to tackle the project a few windows at a time. This strategy can be a good one, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, in many cases, it makes more financial sense to replace all of your windows at once, even if the up-front cost is higher. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between a whole-house window replacement and a partial project so that you can decide which is right for your needs.

What Is a Whole-House Window Replacement?

As the name suggests, a whole-house window replacement involves replacing every window in your home. This carries a higher up-front cost than having just one or two replacement windows installed, but contractors tend to offer better deals for larger projects, so you will likely save money in the long run by going this route.

When to Choose a Whole-House Window Replacement

If your windows are nearing the end of their lifespan (around 20 years for most windows) a whole-house window replacement is probably the best choice. Windows aren’t designed to last forever, and even if you’re only experiencing issues with a few windows right now, problems are inevitably going to crop up in the rest of them soon. Because of this, it makes more sense to take care of the entire project at once rather than deal with—and pay for—individual issues as they arise.

A whole-house window replacement is also the best way to go if aesthetics are especially important to you. This is because, when you have all of your windows replaced at once, your contractor will order the replacement windows from the same manufacturer, ensuring a cohesive appearance. If you choose to replace just a few windows, you’ll run the risk of the color or style you choose being discontinued by the time you’re ready to replace the rest of your windows. Having all of your windows replaced at once also ensures that they will age at the same rate. When you have just one or two replacement windows installed, the brand-new models tend to look out of place next to the rest of your windows.

What Is a Partial Project?

When only a few of the windows in a home are replaced, contractors refer to the job as a partial project.

When to Choose a Partial Project

If your windows are still relatively new but one or two of them is giving you trouble, a partial project is probably the right choice. This option is also a smart choice if your windows are in good shape, but you want to switch some of their configurations. So, for example, if you want to have a garden window put in where you currently have a double-hung window, you don’t need to replace all of your windows to do so.

If you know you need to replace all of your windows soon, but you’re concerned about the cost, you might want to schedule the project in phases. This way, you can have any problematic windows replaced first and then schedule the rest of the replacement windows to be installed several months down the line, allowing you to spread out the cost. Oftentimes, homeowners will either group their windows into sections and replace all of the windows on one floor or one side of their home at a time, or go by style, having all standard windows replaced first and then replacing specialty windows at a later date. In this case, you may be able to work out a deal with your contractor, since they’ll be completing more than one job at your home.

Consult an Expert

Durante Home Exteriors has been installing replacement windows for decades and would be happy to help you decide whether a whole-house window replacement or partial project is right for you. We can evaluate your windows, let you know how much longer they’ll last, and help you decide whether it’s worth it to replace them all at once. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.