Hey you over there with the period property! Did you know that in the previous few years, your humble abode has become rather coveted? No, not yours specifically – that would be creepy – but rather, period properties as a whole.
A 2018 survey found that 82% of buyers would rather invest in a period property than a new build, with respondents citing authentic features like original windows, real wooden floors, feature fireplaces and original tiles as reasons why a heritage house was still preferable to a modern property.
Though we certainly agree that these features bring a certain charm to a property, we were perhaps surprised by the window bit. Original windows in a period property are notorious for allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter, harming a home’s energy efficiency and raising the household bills significantly in the process.
But if these reasons have got you thinking about replacing your gorgeous period windows with something new and modern, perhaps you should reconsider. If you’re not easily swayed by the peer pressure of those 82% of people, perhaps you’ll listen to our advice instead?
Keep those original windows but improve their efficiency with these 4 reasons to choose window restoration over replacement for your period property.
COMMAND A HIGHER SELL ON VALUE
Picture this; a couple of young buyers go to view their dream period house. At face value, they adore everything about the place, however, on closer inspection they see that the property no longer has its gorgeous original windows. Digging deeper, they’re dismayed to discover that this iconic period feature has been replaced by some modern looking UPVC windows…
Nothing threatens to ruin the look of a period property more comprehensively than unsightly secondary glazing or UPVC windows that stick out like a saw thumb against the rest of the building.
These materials, whilst good enough for modern properties and representing a cost-effective option, can completely ruin the character and authenticity of a period structure. If you are looking to sell your period property in the future and it’s had its original windows replaced, the sell-on value of your period property may be significantly harmed.
Indeed, as window product development manager Mark Farmer-Wright tells Grand Designs magazine, ‘’There has been increasing demand for windows with period appeal’’, with the experts at Property Wire encouraging period property owners to prioritise a maintaining of original features in order to enter any house sale negotiations from a position of strength. Considering windows in particular, they recommend that you ‘’try repairing them before you replace them. This is more cost effective, and helps retain the quality of the building without the disruption of any major work’’
Buyers of period properties are a fickle bunch, and tend to favour aesthetics over functionality. Ensuring the retention of your property’s original personality and character can be a deal breaker when negotiating on price.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT CAN BE COSTLY
Not only are your original windows fantastic for retaining value, but window replacement can also be quite a bit more expensive than window restoration. This thing’s a no brainer, hey?
In fact, even the cost of a relatively modest period property window replacement project can reach into the tens of thousands, with the experts at Real Homes estimating that you could be paying upwards of £3’000 per m2 in some cases.
For a significantly lower price, you can simply have your windows restored, and the process will often come complete with a high-quality draught-proofing service as well. Indeed, the guys at Metwin, who specialise in metal window refurbishment, suggest that this tasteful modernising of windows ought to come as standard, saying ‘’Where possible a modern weather seal can also be incorporated to improve draught-proofing and insulation.’’
Such a restoration project, it seems, brings the best of both worlds.
A WINDOW INTO HISTORY
Most period properties are fitted with sash or casement windows and it is true that they require fairly regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure that they’re as energy efficient as possible and not susceptible to the rot that they so often suffer from. However, despite their problems, these windows are part of the property’s soul and character, and even the country’s history, too.
Restoring your property’s windows to their original former glory will help preserve history, and depending on how old your building is, may well keep you on the right side of the law, too. Indeed, replacing windows involves more red tape than you might think, and the process requires you to tick boxes, jump through hoops and generally adhere to a whole host of complex building regulations before you can move forward.
Upgrading your sash windows by double glazing and draught proofing them, on the other hand, won’t generally require planning permission or cause legal issues, and will be respectful of all that fascinating history that the property holds.
REPAIRS COST LESS
As we’ve already mentioned, restoring your property’s windows rather than replacing them will almost certainly save you a pretty penny.
According to construction bloggers Pat, “A complete replacement programme in a modest ten window home will now set you back a whopping £20,000. By contrast, a sash window restoration program of restoration and decoration might only be £5000 and that will include a quality draught proofing system as well.”
They go on to add that “quality draught proofing system will reduce your household bills by as much as £25 per window on average. What with a draught proofing system lasting in the region of 15 years you’ll actually get all your money back as well as a working window”.
By improving the energy efficiency of your windows without going the full hog and replacing them for something which might ultimately detract from your home’s value, you’re making the most financially smart move available to you. Good on you!
THE BOTTOM LINE
As the old saying goes, eyes are the window to a person’s soul. Come to think of it, they also say that windows are the eyes of the home. Though there might not be much connection between these old sayings, they do serve to highlight one thing; windows play an integral role in the aesthetics of a property.
A period property’s charm lies in its original features, and some of Britain’s most beloved architectural eras are defined domestically by their windows. If you own a period property and are thinking of replacing your windows, think again; you’ll be destroying not only a part of history, but also the aesthetic integrity or your property. Instead, consider window restoration as a viable alternative, and enjoy a fresh view through those eyes of the home for many years to come.
If you’ve still got your heart set on a restoration project, then instead consider these 7 ways to modernise your period property for some inspiration!