SAVE VS. SPLURGE

Save vs. Splurge

Above all: make certain that you do your homework.

When it comes to home improvement, there’s no doubt that homeowners will be pickier with their pocketbooks in 2011.
In fact, according to leading sources such as Meredith Publishing, homeowners with limited discretionary funds are weighing their priorities this year, picking and choosing among home improvement projects that will make the cut.
But not all home improvements are created equal when it comes to the best investment choices. Take windows and doors. With hundreds of styles, options and performance combinations, the decisions can be daunting. Here are some insider tips on where you should look to save and what features might be worth the extra splurge.
WHERE TO SAVE
Materials make a difference
When it comes to windows and doors, experts say materials do make a difference. In general, for windows, vinyl will typically cost less compared to wood. Although if you need to replace old wood windows, we offer replacement wood window sash kits that can be installed in existing wood frames and can be very cost-effective.
Good taste can come standard
Custom trim, style and hardware options will typically cost more. It’s always worth asking first whether there might be a standard design option in an alternative material so a particular look can be achieved without sacrificing style. For example, we offer more than 100 panel designs as part of our interior doors, many that mimic classic and traditional solid wood styles, but cost far less.
Maintenance requirements can be the “X” factor
Save by looking for primed or finished options that can help reduce costs over the long run and protect the initial investment. Choices such as vinyl windows or fiberglass doors mean minimal maintenance requirements year after year.
Efficiency is in the bank
For long-term savings, insist on windows and doors that come standard with energy efficient, Low-E glass. We offer highly efficient products that don’t cost extra and energy saving products that may decrease utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy says that homeowners can save an average of $125 to $450 a year on energy costs by replacing worn-out windows with more efficient models.
WHERE TO SPLURGE
Don’t scrimp on style
You don’t have to pay big bucks to achieve a great look, but experts agree that if you don’t love the style or if it doesn’t fit with the character or architectural design of the house, it’s not worth the investment no matter the price.
Windows and doors make a huge difference in terms of the overall look of a home—considering there is at least one of each in every single room of the home. Today there are so many choices that can reflect personal style and theme. Windows and doors provide you a major opportunity to get creative and make a décor impact throughout your home, often at a fraction of the cost of other home improvement projects that focus only on certain areas.
Go for major impact
Don’t sacrifice on main focal points. If you have a limited budget, you may want to put the majority of your dollars into areas that are going to make the biggest impact such as the entry door, garage doors and the rooms you spend the most time in. And don’t forget about resale value: respondents in a JELD-WEN nationwide survey of real estate agents estimated that a typical 2,500-square-foot home with updated entry and garage doors is worth, on average, an additional $16,000.
Consider performance features as well. For example, spending a few extra dollars on a quiet door solution will reduce sound between the laundry room and the rest of the house, which may be worth the peace and quiet.
Little extras well worth it
It makes sense to invest wisely in areas that’ll provide a strong payback. Cladding, which is essentially a prefinished metal layer for the exterior of wood windows and patio doors, provides great weather protection and never needs to be painted. As a result, we find that nearly 90 percent of homeowners choose the clad-wood option, recognizing the long-term value and payoff, even though it costs slightly more than primed wood.
Above all, do your homework
There are literally thousands of choices when it comes to windows and doors. Compare features, benefits, warranties, style flexibility and choose products that will stand up over time. It's worth spending the effort in order to get the maximum return out of your investment. In today's market especially, that's essential no matter what your budget or your priorities.
Quick Tips
To decide whether to spend or splurge, experts say it's important to consider these five key factors:

• Will this project/product contribute to resale value?
• Does it add to the appearance, performance and/or comfort of my home?
• Can I still meet my goals if I spend less?
• Initial dollar investment aside, will I be happy with my choice over the long run?
• What are some options that could lower the expense of this project?

COURTESY OF JELD-WEN.COM