Windows are one of the most important features of any home, and when it comes to homes in Florida, those windows need to stand up to weather hazards such as thunderstorms, tornados, hail, and flooding. If you are selling your St. Petersburg home soon, you have to think about your home’s windows as a selling feature for your home. Buyers will want to know that your home is ready to brave the elements and will ask when your windows were last replaced and if they have an extra level of protection for storms. While it is possible to sell a home as is, if you want to get the best price for your home, it’s wise to address window issues before you put your home on the market.
Know your windows’ history
The first feature to know about your windows, is to understand what kind of windows you have and how old they are. If you have storm windows, chances are you are dealing with windows with aluminium frames that have a resistant coating, they may also have screens and sliding glass panels to protect from bugs as well as storms. Windows that are properly installed and that have stood up well to seasons of use could last up to 40 years, according to experts, and that’s why replacing windows can be one of the biggest expenses of selling your home. However, like with any part of your home, repairs can come up with faulty materials or extreme weather situations. Even if your windows are relatively new, a home inspection can reveal what needs to be replaced or repaired before selling.
Assess what needs to be fixed
To be sure that you are getting a well-rounded picture of what needs to be fixed in your home, ask a contractor to come out and give you a general assessment of your windows. Having a baseline will be helpful to assess if you need to hire a professional window expert, or can hire a contractor to make some repairs on the windows that have issues to be addressed. Your realtor may be your best source to find someone for this initial assessment.
Ask for referrals
If it seems that you need to bring in the experts — such as if you are dealing with water damage, multiple windows that need to be repaired, or a complete window overhaul — then it’s time to get more serious with your referrals. Your realtor can again be helpful, as can a general contractor who you trust. If multiple windows need to be replaced it’s worth the time to hire a window expert.
Get your questions ready
When it comes time to interview your potential window experts — and working with three can be an ideal starting point — you’ll want to show that you’ve done your homework, asking about a timeline for getting the work done, what they recommend for your home, and if they have insurance and are licensed.
A home can be a sanctuary during a storm, and ensuring you have sound windows will be at the top of the list for any home buyer.
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