Impact windows are a great option for storm protection. This is especially true if you live in an area affected by hurricanes and severe weather, such as Southwest Florida. But like with anything you want to make sure you are making a good investment. And you want to make sure any investment creates value. So a common question we get a lot is “Do hurricane impact windows add value to your home in Southwest Florida?” And our opinion is a resounding yes! It is true. Impact windows are not the cheapest storm protection. But they do have many benefits. And they do help increase the value of your Southwest Florida home. In this article we give several reasons why they add value to your home.
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Table of Contents:
- Reasons Why Hurricane Impact Windows Increase Home Value in Southwest Florida
Reasons Why Hurricane Impact Windows Increase Home Value in Southwest Florida
Impact windows offer strong storm protection. But that is not all. They offer many other benefits. But do hurricane impact windows add value to your home in SWFL?
We believe the answer is yes. Below are some of the reasons why.
1. Hurricane Protection
This one is a no-brainer.
Impact windows provide a lot of value. But the most valuable thing they do is help protect your home and loved ones during hurricane season. And that is invaluable.
And yes. They are more expensive than regular windows. But regular windows do not compare.
Why?
Regular glass windows have the potential to shatter during a hurricane.
Impact windows do not. They can withstand the toughest hurricanes and storms. And that is why they are so valuable. This is especially true in Southwest Florida where the storms can be so severe.
Both the window frames and the glass are impact resistant. So they are able to withstand the strong winds and flying debris of up to a category 5 hurricane.
This means the windows will help to reduce damage to your home when a storm hits. And of course, they will help to protect your loved ones inside your home during the storm.
Also, having a home with storm protection is something that a potential home buyer will find value in.
2. Attractive (without changing your home’s appearance)
There are several options when it comes to protecting your home. Some options, like storm shutters or panels are cheaper. But they can also change the appearance of your home. And sometimes this may not be a desired.
For example, you might not like the way the hurricane shutters look. Also, potential homebuyers may prefer homes without shutters. This is especially true as not every person likes the style of every type of shutter.
This is another area where impact windows shine. They provide storm protection without changing your home’s appearance. The impact windows look the same as regular windows. And they can be custom built to match any shape or size opening.
And if you are replacing old, worn out windows then your home will get a boost of curb appeal.
Simply put, impact windows allow you to protect your home without changing the way it looks.
So if you love the way your home looks and don’t want to change it then impact windows are a great choice.
And having a well designed, beautiful home adds a lot of value! Both to you as you live there and to potential home buyers.
3. Security Protection
Don’t get us wrong. The main purpose of impact windows is to provide storm protection. But they do also provide some added security for your home.
Impact windows look like regular windows. So it is fair to say that they may not deter criminals from trying to break in. But, if they do try they will not have any luck.
This is because impact windows are very tough and time consuming to break through. And even, by some chance they have success breaking the glass they still won’t be able to get into your home.
Why?
Because impact windows have a strong interlayer in between the glass. And it is this interlayer that holds everything together.
This interlayer is also why impact windows are so effective for storm protection.
So while impact windows are not made for security protection it is still very valuable. And this is true whether you live in the home year round or part-time.
4. Increased home value and attractiveness to potential buyers
Yes. Hurricane impact windows help protect your home and family. But they are also a great selling feature when it comes time to sell your home.
You may be asking “Will impact windows increase home value?” And the answer is yes. Impact windows definitely increase the value of your home to potential buyers.
Why?
Below we explain how these windows may increase the value of your home.
i. Buyers value homes with storm protection, such as impact windows.
First, homes with storm protection, such as impact windows are attractive to buyers. This is especially true in Southwest Florida. So it is safe to assume that buyers will look for and add a premium to homes that already have storm protection.
There are three main reasons why.
One, buying a home requires a lot of money. And most buyers won’t have the funds to buy storm protection after closing. So they may prefer homes that already have these products installed.
Second, buyers will be able to get a better home insurance rate if your home has storm protection. This will make the home more appealing to buyers.
Third, most buyers don’t want to deal with installing the products themselves. So they will find value in the fact that it is already done.
Also, this provides assurance to a prospective buyer. Most buyers are worried about what could go wrong with a home after a purchase. And the impact windows will provide assurance that the home and their loved ones are protected.
These things all mean that impact windows help your home stand out from competing houses. And if your house stands out from the rest it will be more desired and more valuable. This is like upgrading your kitchen or bath with higher finishes vs competing homes. Buyers will put a premium on your house and offer more.
At the very least, these windows will put your house on an even footing with competing homes.
In turn, hurricane shutters can make your home more attractive and desired by the buyer pool. And generally a more desired home will have higher competition and better offers (more value).
ii. Prospective buyers value increased energy efficiency
New, energy efficient windows are sure to make potential buyers smile. This is because they will make the home more comfortable and energy efficient. And this means buyers should understand that the cost to keep their home comfortable will be less. That means less work by the HVAC system and lower electricity bills.
You will be sure to notice the increased energy efficiency. And this is true whether you opt for insulated impact windows or just go with standard impact windows.
ii. Buyers will feel more secure
Similarly, impact windows and doors make it very hard for burglars to break in your home. Prospective buyers will surely appreciate the peace of mind not only from storms but also from intruders.
iv. Buyers will see the pride of ownership in your home
Investing in impact windows shows pride of ownership in your home. This is because you care for your property and made the investment to protect it.
And buyer will value your home more if they know you took care to protect and maintain it.
And of course, if you stay in your home you will enjoy all of these benefits as well!
Have questions about hurricane impact windows in Southwest Florida?
Would you like more information about impact windows or have questions? We proudly install impact windows in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples FL, and throughout Southwest Florida.