Windows are a crucial component of any home, influencing energy efficiency, comfort, and overall aesthetics. As a house flipper, you need to be able to assess the condition of existing windows to determine if they are an asset or a liability.
Older, inefficient windows can drive up energy costs and detract from a home's appeal. During your inspection, you'll be looking for signs of damage, wear and tear, and any indicators that the windows are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Ensure the windows meet safety and building code requirements.
Egress Windows: In bedrooms and basement living spaces, windows must meet specific size requirements for emergency escape. Verify that these windows are operational and meet egress codes.
Safety Glass: In areas where there's a risk of impact (e.g., near doors, showers, or low to the ground), safety glass (tempered or laminated) may be required.
Consider the aesthetic impact of the windows.
Style and Design: Evaluate the style and design of the windows in relation to the architectural style of the house and current trends. Are modern, energy-efficient windows with clean lines popular, or are more traditional styles preferred?
Curb Appeal: Do the windows contribute to the home's curb appeal? Are they well-maintained and visually appealing?
Neighborhood Standards: Compare the quality and style of the windows to those on comparable properties. Are other flippers upgrading to high-performance windows with features like low-E coatings or argon gas fills?
Carefully evaluate the condition of each window.
Window Type: Identify the type of window (wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass). Older, single-pane windows are the least energy-efficient.
Frame Condition: Inspect window frames for signs of rot, decay, cracks, or water damage. Pay close attention to the sills and areas exposed to the elements.
Condensation: Check for condensation or fogging between the panes of double- or triple-paned windows. This indicates a failed seal and reduced insulation.
Operation: Open and close each window to ensure smooth operation. Do they stick, bind, or have broken hardware?
When inspecting windows, pay close attention to the south-facing side of the house, as these windows receive the most sun exposure and may show more wear and tear. Also, check for drafts or air leaks around the window frames, which can indicate a need for improved weatherstripping or sealing.
While precise measurements are essential when ordering replacement windows, it's usually not necessary to meticulously measure each window during your initial property inspection. Focus on getting a count of the windows that need replacing.
For a quick budget estimate, you can use an average cost per window and multiply that by the total number of windows. For example, if you estimate an average cost of $400 per window and the property has 10 windows that need replacement, your budget estimate would be $4,000.
Important: Once you have the property under contract and are ready to order windows, you'll need to obtain accurate measurements of each window opening (including the rough opening, width, and height) to ensure a proper fit.
For detailed information about window types, costs, and measurement techniques, check out the Windows section in our Rehab Cost Guide.