Worth paying for new windows?

[Barbarachicken]

I'd really appreciate some advice as DH and I going round in circles on this one.

We are likely to sell in the next 2-4 years, but have some damp problems and need to replace at least 2, but ideally 5, rotting wooden windows on our money pit Edwardian house.

As it's not our forever home & we can't really afford windows (well, we can but it would mean not replacing ancient car or going on a holiday), I wonder whether we will make a return on the investment if we were to get them replaced, when we sell, or whether we just pass this cost on to the buyer, leave windows as is and take a hit when the house is inevitably sold for less?

Thank you if you can help me decide!

You might be able to get them refurbished for less than new windows?
I think you won't get the cost of new windows back but it might make it easier to sell.

Are you sure that the damp problems are caused by the windows? Damp problems can put off a lot of buyers or lead to a reduced offer following survey. If the windows are causing it then by replacing them you are resolving two issues for the price of one, so could be a good move.

Against that, if you were to replace the windows with cheap alternatives that are not in keeping with the period of the house, that could put off some buyers.

But if you are selling in 2-4 years' time, it may be that property prices will have increased by then, and houses are easier to sell than in the current market, in which case you would be more likely to get your money back.

Personally I would focus on diagnosing the damp first.

FInd a good joiner and ask them first if they can refurb. But if they are single glazed it's likely a new owner would want to replace them all with double glazed (££££s) and so I'd leave them to it to be honest. Get the damp sorted it that is what is causing the rotting windows.

Windows and doors are not that expensive, or cost you a holiday and/or new car.

I paid for x5 casement double glazed windows little under 2k, so definetlly not going to break the bank.

Maybe you didn`t look in right place, best prices and quality where you can get the windows and doors with 5 year guarantee included here: https://www.justvaluedoors.co.uk/upvc-window

I used Window Fitters Ltd in London for fitting. If you live same or surrounding areas, best quote for installation services I got it here:
https://windowfitters.uk/

I would say to replace your windows if you have problems, and will add value to your house sale when time comes.

Getting wooden windows refurbished is not a lot cheaper than replacing them in my experience (got quotes from 2 companies and they were both extortionate though OP could try).

Equally, getting cheap UPVC windows on an Edwardian house could have a negative impact on how it looks & thus desirability when it goes to market.

Sorry, I can understand how it’s a dilemma. I would start with some quotes and then decide. But don’t ruin the look of your house with cheap UPVC especially if you live in an expensive area where buyers will be fussy.

I wouldn't bother having them refurbished. We opted for this in our 1890s cottage which also suffered from the odd damp patch and it was a total waste of money. I wanted to keep the character of the timber windows but honestly I don't think it would have made a huge difference, and all the other homes in our terrace had modern windows fitted and looked fine imo. Our house also took ages to sell - not because of the damp, which was fairly minor, but I think because of a few jobs like windows/carpets/bathroom which put people off. I'd do it now. 4 years is a long time to live with dodgy windows. But I also second PP saying to resolve the damp fully as much as possible, if it's caused by something else.

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice! I think we are going to go for upvc sash - neighbours have these and you really can't tell the difference! And yes, we'll get the damp looked at to see whether it's a separate issue. Hopefully we will sell in around 2 years so will have had a couple of years with some new windows, and damp problems all sorted (fingers crossed) so as not to put off buyers.

In our street the original Edwardian sashes are a selling point even in poorer condition (but preferably repaired) and the uPVC versions devalue the property, even though the often elderly owners arent aware of this. They often don't look the same due to the size of the glazing bars ...original glazing bars made of pitch pine were thinner I think. Often rotted bits can be repaired without replacing the entire sash.

Even if you don't replace them I don't think original scraggy windows will devalue the house...so its really if you can cope with living with them a while longer and "patch" them up until you sell.
Your neighbours may not be replacing them to add value but just because they wanted double glazed, low maintenance. The person who buys your house may have different criteria and want original features.

It's like taking an original fireplace out...and yes we did this when installing a new kitchen....in the end you always regret that particular compromise....

I don't think I made it clear in my original post - the current windows aren't original, they are around 20 years old, and already double glazed. They look exactly the same as our neighbours ones, who installed the upvc equivalent at the same time as the previous owners of our house.

Our house is also not a pretty Edwardian house sadly, so wood in this instance would be like polishing a turd ... pebble dash render, anyone?

But, yes, overall I agree that period features should remain intact wherever possible.

@sonab1985 So did you order the windows one place and then get the fitters to fit them? Did you have to measure up yourself or did the fitters come & do that for you? It looks like it's a much more affordable way to do it than quotes we got previously, but I would need someone to measure up for me.

Hi
My hubby take the measures for us, but definitely recommend to have the measurements taken by someone in the field as window fitters have experience and can give you helpful insights so that you can make right choices.
I would say to contact Window Fitters and book a visit shouldn`t be expensive and is better for your piece of mind.