Should You Replace All Windows at Once or in Stages?

Replacement windows are expensive, which leads homeowners to ask whether they should replace all windows at once or in stages. In some cases, replacing in stages can help you manage the expense without financing, which lowers the overall cost of the windows.

But at other times, waiting to replace some of your windows can be more costly due to water damage or high energy costs.

In this article, you’ll find the information you need to weigh the pros and cons of upgrading all windows at once versus completing the project in stages.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows

If you’re debating whether it’s time for new windows, consider these factors that will tell you when it’s time for a replacement.

Damage: Perhaps you’ve experienced a bad storm or an unlucky event, such as a neighbor hitting a baseball into your window. To keep your home secure, you should replace a damaged window as soon as possible.
Water leaks: If you’ve seen water coming into your home from your window, replace it as soon as possible. The longer you leave a leaking window, the greater risk you are at of ongoing damage and a larger bill to fix the problem.
Non-operable windows: When you can no longer open your windows, you should replace them for safety reasons. Plus, this allows you to let fresh air into your home when the weather is nice.
Old windows: As windows age, they become drafty and inefficient. Replacing them will improve your home’s comfort.
Cloudy glass: Aging glass can no longer be enjoyable to look through, impacting your indoor comfort and the home’s curb appeal. Replacing the windows will offer an improved outdoor view while making the home nicer to be inside of.

Reasons to Replace All Windows at Once

First, let’s look at some compelling reasons to complete a whole home window replacement project.

Consistency of comfort throughout your home
One-time disruption to daily life while contractors are on site
Clear change in energy efficiency
Ensures your windows are all the same, as there is no risk of them being discontinued throughout the project
Keeps all windows on the same timeframe for replacement the next time around
Avoids going through the financing process multiple times if you’re financing each phase of the project
Potential cost savings from a larger window order and your contractor being on site only once

Considerations for Replacing All Windows at Once

Larger downpayment and monthly payment plan requirements
Could limit your options for what windows you can afford to install

Reasons to Replace Windows in Stages

Helps manage your budget for new windows
Potentially, you could go with higher-end windows as you stretch out the expense
Upgrade the windows with the most immediate need first, and then work your way throughout the home slowly
Prepares for a staged approach next time you have to replace your windows to manage the expense

Considerations for Replacing Windows in Stages

Slower, incremental changes to energy efficiency
The project stays as a to-do item until you’ve completed all stages
Risk that your chosen window gets discontinued at some point in the upgrade process
You might choose to move and sell the home with only some windows replaced, making the home less desirable

Deciding Factors in Whether to Replace All Windows at Once or in Stages

Perhaps the pro and con list wasn’t enough for you to feel confident in the best move for whether to replace your windows at once or in stages. Here are some deciding factors in whether to replace all windows at once or complete the project in stages.

1. Curb Appeal

Having some windows replaced and others not will limit your home’s curb appeal. Upgrading your windows will work wonders for making your home more attractive and inviting.

Replacing only one window or a few windows will make your home’s outdoor appearance look mismatched as the style might be slightly different and replacement windows look different from new construction windows.

Choosing to replace all windows at once will completely transform your home’s appearance with matching windows that look great.

2. Interior Comfort and Design

Not only will the outside of your home look great if you upgrade all windows at once, but so will the inside. You’ll instantly eliminate all drafts within your home and improve its energy efficiency at staying cool in the summer.

Plus, you’ll have attractive, new, modern windows that match your style. You’ll be amazed at the transformation new windows can offer your home and its overall style while staying true to historical details or other elements.

3. Window Usefulness

When windows wear out, they sometimes become inoperable. If that has happened to you, this can become a safety hazard. Windows do more than just look great and give you a view to the outside. They also allow you to escape your home in case of emergency.

If your windows are hard to open or broken, consider replacing them to save you money. Inoperable windows can also mean you can’t open the windows when it’s temperate outside, meaning you have to run your heating or air conditioning at a time you otherwise wouldn’t.

New windows make it easier to operate from the bottom or top to match your preferences. This can be especially helpful for families with young children or pets who might be at risk if you were to open the lower sash of the window where they can reach.

Operable windows are also far easier to clean, which means you get more enjoyment from your windows as you can see out of them better.

4. Lower Energy Bills

A lower energy bill can save you a large sum of money over the 30-year lifespan of your new windows. If your existing windows allow drafts inside, leak or have some corrosion, you should replace them to enjoy the incredible benefits new windows offer.

Your home’s HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to treat your home’s air because you’ll be minimizing your air leaks to the outdoors and drafts entering your home.

Is There a Better Time of Year to Replace Windows?

The best time of year to replace your windows is when you have the budget or financing to do so. You can replace your windows year-round in the greater Seattle, Washington, area.

If you’re worried about opening your home to the elements during the replacement project, know that your window replacement contractor will do their best to limit your home’s exposure by replacing one window at a time to close your home back up as quickly as possible.

While having work done on your home can be inconvenient, 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing will work with your schedule to find a day that works best, perhaps when you need less access to your home.

Window Replacement Contractor in the Greater Seattle Area

2FL’s team has more than 20 years of experience in window replacement and can help you upgrade your home’s appearance and comfort with new windows. Schedule your free estimate now.