How Well-Maintained Windows and Walls Can Add Value to Your Property

When most people think about boosting their home value, they think about expensive upgrades like updating light fixtures, installing new kitchen cabinets, or adding more trees and flowers to the garden. But home upgrades don’t have to be expensive. Well-maintained windows and walls can brighten up your home and make it more attractive in the eyes of a potential buyer.

Clean windows and neatly painted walls make your home brighter, allowing more light to come in. They also give you one of the best returns on your investment in major home upgrades.

Windows

Having your windows in optimal condition before investing money in major renovations is paramount.

Dirt and grime build up quickly around window panes. When you keep them clean, you prevent major issues like cracking, degradation and glazing.

The windows are one of the first things potential buyers see when they enter your home. After all, clean windows can make a good initial impression and help to start off the negotiation process the right way.

Some real estate professionals even say that clean windows can be a deciding factor in helping you sell your home. An article published in Money magazine says that clean, well-maintained windows could lead to a 768% return on cost. It means that for every $100 spent on window cleaning, you could see a $768 increase in sales price.

Window upgrades can help increase home value

• Energy-efficient windows – While new windows are an excellent addition to your property’s value, energy-efficient windows are a major selling point.

Energy efficiency is an essential factor for many home buyers since rising energy bills can put a burden on a family budget. Energy-efficient windows improve insulation, as they trap the air inside the house and reduce energy bills. It has become one of the most popular trends, along with other smart technologies that conserve energy and minimize expenses.

• Security windows – Installing security windows is one of the surefire ways to add value to your home. Many homeowners like to keep their windows open in summer but are sometimes afraid to do so because of security concerns.

Security windows could add more curb appeal to your property and lower your monthly insurance premiums – call your insurance company to find out about the price after you install them.

• Window protection – If you live in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, bulletproof film is one of the best ways to protect your windows.

Bulletproof film protects the glass against natural elements, making it more resistant to shattering. And if a filmed window breaks, the glass doesn’t crash into many small pieces like a standard window because the window film holds it. It’s a great way to protect your property against devastating consequences and keep your family safe.

• Window treatments – curtains, smart blinds, and drapes make your home more visually appealing.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on one of the most expensive blinds or shades, but having a simple cover will make a positive impression on potential buyers. The lack of window coverings removes your privacy and makes your home less attractive. Add some shades, drapes, or blinds to your windows to increase your property’s appeal.

Can new windows increase the value of your home?

Home renovations can be an expensive but sometimes essential investment. There are numerous ways to improve your home and raise its market worth. Can new windows increase the value of your home? The quick answer is yes; however, several factors must be considered.

Estate agents, surveyors, and potential buyers will evaluate the condition of your windows based on various variables. These include the look, state of repair, and period elements like sash windows.

While the windows should match the rest of the house, security and energy efficiency will be considered during any viewing or professional assessment. Draft windows that need to be repaired or replaced will be considered in any evaluation.

Sash windows must be appropriately maintained, and there are repair specialists who can modernize and repair the windows so that they look good and are energy efficient. Some argue that a properly maintained sash window with the appropriate glass can be energy efficient, including double-glazed UPVC windows.

If you use insulating tape on windows to cut draughts, ensure it’s done correctly so that it functions but does not detract from the appearance of a window.

–Ahsan Mughal from Blowing Ideas

What are some tips for maintaining smart glass windows?

With simple maintenance, your smart glass windows, walls, and doors will offer privacy on demand for many years to come.

Smart glass is cleaned just like regular glass with alcohol or glass cleaner. Smart Film should be cleaned with a soft cloth and alcohol. The film should always be powered off during cleaning and not turned back on until it is completely dry. Metal or hard parts of the cleaning equipment should not come into contact with the film as the surface can become marked or scratched if cleaning instructions are not followed. Never clean electric privacy film with a wet cloth and bucket or other technique that drenches the surface of the film with water.

‍Privacy glass or film should be checked annually to ensure all wiring is in good working condition, framing materials are free of damage, and the transformer is operating. Areas adjoining the glass should have their structural integrity, humidity and temperature checked. Excess heat or humidity should be dealt with as soon as possible to preserve the switchable glass or film. If the edges were sealed with a silicon gel to keep moisture away, check to ensure the silicon is still in place and perform any necessary touch-ups.

– Klara Jahrig from Smart Glass Country

What is the best way to hang curtains without damaging your walls or windows?

Hanging curtains can be a hassle, especially when the hardware installments involve drilling that can damage walls or window recesses. However, there are several ways to hang curtains without having to drill holes or damage walls permanently.

Among the budget-friendly options, you have command hooks that can be attached to the wall with any strong adhesive, and then place a rod between the hooks. These can hold up heavier fabric curtains. If you have custom curtains made out of lighter fabrics like sheer curtains, you can use tension rods that can extend to the length that you want and are easy to install.

Similarly, you can use magnetic curtain rods to hang curtains where you have metal doors or window recesses. However, these cannot be used for heavier curtains. To hang heavier fabric curtains, you need to get ones with more magnetic power.

If you do not have budget restrictions, try twist-and-fit rod curtains. These are one of the most efficient damage-free ways of hanging curtains that are of medium weight.

If you’re on a tight budget, go for coat hooks. These can be easily installed with adhesive. However, it is better to use them only with curtains since it can be difficult to open or close roman shades or blinds with these. For shades, the best option is to get no drill shades that can be attached to the top of the windows.

–Soumashree from SpiffySpools.com

What is the best way to hang curtains without damaging your walls or windows?

Hanging curtains can be a hassle, especially when the hardware installments involve drilling that can damage walls or window recesses. However, there are several ways to hang curtains without having to drill holes or damage walls permanently.

Among the budget-friendly options, you have command hooks that can be attached to the wall with any strong adhesive, and then place a rod between the hooks. These can hold up heavier fabric curtains. If you have custom curtains made out of lighter fabrics like sheer curtains, you can use tension rods that can extend to the length that you want and are easy to install.

Similarly, you can use magnetic curtain rods to hang curtains where you have metal doors or window recesses. However, these cannot be used for heavier curtains. To hang heavier fabric curtains, you need to get ones with more magnetic power.

If you do not have budget restrictions, try twist-and-fit rod curtains. These are one of the most efficient damage-free ways of hanging curtains that are of medium weight.

If you’re on a tight budget, go for coat hooks. These can be easily installed with adhesive. However, it is better to use them only with curtains since it can be difficult to open or close roman shades or blinds with these. For shades, the best option is to get no drill shades that can be attached to the top of the windows.

–Soumashree from SpiffySpools.com

How can homeowners secure their windows from intruders?

Alarm systems are important once an intruder has entered your home, but window coverings are the first line of defense. Ask any police officer – the bad guys are looking in your windows for ‘the good stuff’. If your shades are drawn, and they cannot see the contents of your home, they will move on to the next house.

Window coverings are not just for privacy. They are also for light control, insulation, and home security. When you leave your home to go to work or when you go on a long vacation, you should have your shades drawn closed.

Many homes have 30, 60, or even 100 windows. It can be difficult to go around your home and close that many windows when you go to work each day. That is where Hunter Douglas Powerview Automation is the correct application. Not only are Powerview shades operated with motors by remote control, but they also are programmed on a FREE app that controls your shades on a schedule.

Scheduling your shades to open in the morning, close when you leave for work, open again when you get home, and close finally when you go to sleep is energy efficient and offers an extra layer of home security. Visit windowfashions.com for more information.

– Bruce Heyman from Metropolitan Window Fashions

Basic window inspection checklist

Before you upgrade your windows, don’t forget to inspect them to ensure they work properly. Examining your window is an excellent way to prevent issues and keep them clean from dust, pollen, and insects.

• Carefully examine window panes for any signs of moisture or other damage like mold growth or mildew.
• Check if window locks work correctly.
• Try to open and close windows to see if they work correctly.
• Check if there are any loose screws.
• Examine safety stops and check if they work well
• If your windows are painted, check them for any bubbling and discoloration – these could be signs of termites and other wood-destroying organisms.
• Check if any of the windows have signs of rot.
• Analyze if turn handles work properly
• Inspect seals, casing, and caulking
• Study screens for signs of tears and rips
• Test window breather holes

Walls

Walls might not seem like an essential aspect of a home, yet they are among the home improvements that can impact your home’s appearance.

Colors are highly personal choices, but if you use calm, neutral paint, you should be able to strike a balance. Over-personalized options sure add more character to your home, but your buyers might not appreciate them. Avoid bright colors like yellow, red, or blue; opt for pastel hues instead.

Still, you can add some personality to your interior and pair some neutral colors with other brighter tones like peach and light gray. Another way to make your walls more appealing is adding design elements like shiplap. Accent walls, in particular, are known to add value to homes, and If you are looking for more affordable options, try reclaimed wood.

Remember that less is more and that you don’t need to invest in the most expensive upgrades to get the top dollar for your home. Combine calm, neutral colors with simple design elements that are stylish yet practical.

Walls upgrades that can increase the value of your home

• No damage on your walls (pests, mold, cracks) – Ensuring that your walls are free from cracks, mildew and pests is the first step you need to take before making any cosmetic changes. Not everybody has money for upgrades. But spending time and effort to ensure that your walls are in good condition is paramount.

Additionally, cracks in the walls could be signs of more significant problems that loom beneath the surface, like shifting foundations. Walls can also hide unpleasant surprises like termite infestations or pests. If you have any issues like bubbling paint, small holes, or anything that looks unusual, it’s a good idea to conduct a WDO (wood-destroying organisms) inspection.

• Accent walls/ wall treatments: Accent walls are a simple yet tried method to add more value to your interior. Tasteful color walls in neutral shades create a nice contrast and make your home more appealing to potential buyers. You can add an accent wall to most home parts, like living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms.

• Painted walls: One of the most tried ways to boost your home’s value is to give your walls a fresh coat of paint before putting them on the market. It might seem like much, but when a potential buyer sees that your walls have been taken care of, it signals that the owner takes good care of the rest of the property.

• Plant wall: Adding some greenery is one of the safest ways to breathe some life into your home and add value to your home. While creating a plant wall (also called a vertical garden) is a more significant project than just plopping a few plants here and there, home buyers see it as a welcome addition.

Plants work great for staging, a practice that can help make a property more attractive to a potential buyer. They also have excellent design and health qualities and create a warm cozy feeling. Outdoor plants, in particular, have one of the highest returns on investment, according to the 2018 Modeling Impact Report.

What are the benefits of a living plant wall?

Living Walls are beautiful design accents, but they can also improve air quality and if indoors can dampen noise levels, lower room temps and improve creativity. Making it worth the maintenance.

–Libbie from A Life Unfolding

How to add mosaics to your walls?

When planning an interior design, you can always look to the past for inspiration. Though you may not be able to create a sweeping mosaic wall, you can create a stunning focal point. Mosaics make gorgeous wall art in any room. Framed or not, you can mount your piece directly on the wall with the appropriate tools and materials. For some, it’s as easy as spreading plaster. For large pieces, be sure to consult the right installation guide. –

-Fayez Al Hammadi from Mosaic Natural

How do I maximize the potential of a blank wall?

A blank wall is an untouched canvas brimming with possibilities. A blank wall in moody shades allows statement sofas in bold designs and colors to take center stage. But if dramatic furniture is not someone’s cup of tea, then the same blank wall can house exquisite paintings, wall hangings, mirrors, lovely clocks, or even simple yet timeless wall sconces.

Another amazing way to utilize a blank wall would be to play around with floating wall shelves and display an array of trinkets and decorative objects per one’s desire. But if a green thumb is what you own, a blank wall is the perfect spot for a vertical garden too!

–Nisha Ravi from CASAONE

Why do you recommend wall decals to upgrade a wall?

Wall decals are easy to use and a great way to add personality to a blank wall. You don’t need special skills to apply or remove them. My 10-year-old granddaughter can apply wall decals in a matter of minutes. The variety of decals available is just one reason I recommend them to update your walls. The selection of patterns, sayings, textures, and even photos or murals, is endless. Choose a cute animal scene for a nursery room or a fancy floral design for the dining room. It’s easy to find a decal that fits your personality and style. The best thing about wall decals is they are not permanent, meaning they are easy to remove and will not mar your walls. When you get tired of a decal or your décor style changes, just peel it off and replace it. Perfect!

–Kathy Owen from Petticoat JUNKtion

Why do you recommend painting walls with furniture paint?

There are a lot of choices of paint when it comes to painting walls. When looking for a unique finish for your walls, we suggest trying furniture paint on your walls. It provides a beautiful, velvety matte finish and comes in various deep, rich colors. MudPaint is an eco-friendly clay-based paint with low VOCs, making it a great choice for indoor environments where a low VOC option is desirable.

–Kara VanderLeest from MudPaint

What do you consider crucial to know before you knock down a wall?

The most crucial factor a homeowner needs to know before knocking down a wall to open a room is to determine if it is load-bearing. The average homeowner can only undertake it if it supports the roof above or the second story. In this case, you’ll need to implement reinforcement, which calls for a professional such as an engineer.

The other thing to consider would be plumbing or electrical lines that run within the walls, and again you’ll want to consult with the pros to help determine where things are at.

Having done this myself 20 years ago, I know you’ll want to find competent individuals to help you navigate your options. Plus, you may need permits before proceeding to ensure safety and follow city regulations.

–Jody Costello from Contractors from Hell

What do I need to know about non-toxic paints?

When paint companies label their products as “non-toxic,” it is often unclear what exactly they mean by this. This non-toxic label encompasses an array of different paints made of a number of varying ingredients.

There is no fixed definition or fixed materials that make up non-toxic paints. However, simply put, paint products free of dangerous and toxic chemicals to both people and the environment are non-toxic paints. Non-toxic paints can be classified into Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOC.

Natural paints tend to be made of water, plant oils, resins, plant dyes, essential oils, clay, chalk, talcum, milk casein, natural latex, beeswax, earth, and mineral dyes. These tend to be the safest paints to use. According to the EPA Reference Test Method 24, any paint with VOCs in the range of 5 grams/liter or less can be referred to as “Zero VOC.” However, these paints may still include VOC-containing colorants, biocides, and fungicides.

Finally, water serves as the carrier in low-VOC paints rather than petroleum-based solvents. As a result, the levels of hazardous emissions are lower. These certified coatings also don’t or only have very little formaldehyde and heavy metals in them. Paints and stains must not contain more than 200 grams of VOCs per liter in order to comply with EPA guidelines.

–Pranav from Be Zen

Basic wall inspection checklist

Walls are prone to many issues like mold or animal infestations. Walls also could hide signs of poor insulation or problems with the foundation. Here’s an essential wall inspection checklist.

• Check walls for discoloration, such as yellow or black, furry formations that typically show mold and mildew.

• Pay attention to peeling paint – Uneven wall surfaces like peeling or bubbling paint often indicate moisture problems.

• Check how the wall feels – A water-damaged wall can feel soft and sometimes even spongy. A knife poked across the surface can reveal the damaged wood.

• See if there are any cracks – While cracked walls are not always signs of issues, they can be signs of shifting foundations. If you see cracks in your home’s walls, it’s essential to understand what caused them.

• Examine your walls for termites – Some signs of termites are pinholes in the wood, faint lines on the drywall, and a hollow sound when you tap on the wall.

Walls and windows are essential elements of your home. Some homeowners mistakenly think walls and windows don’t add much to their home value, but that’s not true. Well-maintained, clean windows and freshly painted walls are one of your home’s most significant assets. Potential home buyers immediately notice when they are in good condition. A home inspector can help you determine the condition of your walls and windows.