The changing perception of windows and doors

In decades past in the UK, when it was time to buy new windows and doors, this was often seen as merely an expense that you would rather do without. They were never an impulse buy, and often came as a result of necessity, rather than desire. The critical pinch point often came down to price, and whichever company was offering the best price at the time or any possible discounts and incentives.

However, times have changed, and the way homeowners view windows and doors, and their role within and outside the home has changed significantly. People have become more discerning, conducting extensive research into different styles, finishes and materials, before they even contact potential suppliers about their range. There is a much greater desire for a window and/or door to be so much more than just functional, and a growing understanding of just how important windows and doors are in today’s homes. Below are a few reasons behind these shifts in perception.

Economic Climate and Energy Efficiency

Now more than ever, people worldwide are more conscious of their carbon footprint and millions of people have adjusted their way of living to become more energy efficient where possible. Rising costs are also a factor. With the current, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and the effect that is having on fuel prices here, some are having to tighten the belt more than ever.

Rising costs are a large contributing factor towards this shift in the way we buy things. Purchases are more thoroughly considered now. The costs versus benefits are drawn up, either in our heads, or quite literally, before we decide to move forward. This has especially become the case with home improvements, including windows and doors. Replacing the windows and doors represents a significant investment in your home. They influence the security, warmth, appearance and efficiency of your home. With energy costs higher than ever, and an ever-changing price cap, more homeowners are spending the time to really consider the options for their home, including both timber, and timber alternative windows and doors.

While an investment in your home, and a potentially sizeable outgoing initially (depending on the scope of your project and size of the property), high-quality windows and doors make a notable difference to your day-to-day living. Rooms or hallways that were once draughty and cold, feel instantly warmer, the noise from the road outside gets a lot quieter, and previously hard to open, rattling, or even stuck windows that have been painted shut have been replaced. The difference can also be felt in your monthly outgoings. With high-quality windows and doors, you will find that your home retains the heat much better than before, allowing for you to have the heating on either at a lower temperature, or less than before. This is especially the case with engineered timber windows and doors, as timber is a naturally insulating material that can hold the heat and stop leaks.

Like-for-like not always being the best choice

At Timber Windows, we often speak about the ‘Kerb Appeal’ of a home. This term refers to its outward appearance, and how desirable a property looks at a first glance. Did you know that a prospective buyer takes on average, no longer than 8 seconds to look at a particular house to decide whether or not like they it? The windows and doors are a large contributing factor to this instinctive decision we all make. As our customer remarks, “windows are so important to a house; they are the eyes”. When the windows and doors on a house do not really suit the original look or architecture, the contrast is obvious, and can be detrimental to its overall appeal and beauty.

Many will choose to replace their windows like-for-like, as it is often the easiest choice. However, when the windows that are being replaced do not suit the property, replacing like-for-like is not recommended. Taking the time to research different styles, neighbouring properties, or homes of a similar period and architecture can help identify the most suitable, and beautiful styles of window that will give your home the biggest bump in kerb appeal. There are also numerous tools online that can help you visualise how different window styles will look on your home, in addition to AI tools like ChatGPT, or good old photoshop if you have that software package.

Homeowner’s take pride in their homes, and rightly so, and making the property look its best, with authentic windows and doors is a large contributing factor in being house proud. More are taking that extra bit of time to ensure that when they are in a position to move forward, they have a clear idea of what they are looking for, for the biggest benefit to their home. Expert advice is also crucial here, and those who work in our showrooms for example have worked in the industry for many years, working on numerous homes of various eras; allowing us to give the best, and most tailored advice for your project.

Adding value, as well as a comfort and functionality

Alongside improved performance, lower U-values and greater security, high-quality new windows and doors can also increase your home’s value. Even if you are not planning to move now, investing in your home can benefit you if you decide to sell in the future.

Buyers, as we mention, are more discerning now than ever before, and this is no different than when it comes to buying a house. Any job that needs doing, such as extensive decorating, a new kitchen, extending the property etc is often used as a negotiating tactic to offer less than the asking price. This is especially the case with windows and doors. If the windows and doors are in a poor state, and there are obvious cues such as a draughty house, or poor energy certificates, this presents a job that will need addressing shortly after purchasing. A buyer will use this in their negotiations to lower the asking price for the home.

Investing in new windows and doors helps to remove this potential objection down the road. When the most authentic windows and doors have been chosen, that boost the kerb appeal of the property, your home will appeal more in those crucial first few seconds when someone is glancing at your listing. Further down the buying process during the survey, the efficiency and performance of your home and the windows and doors will also be scrutinised. Energy efficiency in today’s climate is more important than ever, and this can really help make the difference when buying or selling.

New timber windows for your home

Now more than ever, people are taking that extra bit of time to consider all options and weigh up the pros and cons before any significant purchase. With so much uncertainty in the world, combined with higher prices at home, taking the extra time now can help to reduce costs over time. This is especially the case with new windows and doors. Researching your options thoroughly, as well as identifying what materials and styles are the most suitable for your home, will help to add value and beauty to your home, as well as increase functionality and efficiency.

Our entire range is manufactured using engineered timber, a naturally strong and insulating material, that is combined with high-performance double glazing that helps keep your house warm and efficient, as well as reduce noise from the outside. Our glass is internally beaded, preventing would be intruders from removing the glass from the outside, and we utilise multi-point locking systems to provide peace of mind that our windows and doors are also very secure. For further information about what sets our range apart, please click here.

We highly recommend visiting one of our showrooms to explore our range in person. Browse our literature, speak to a local expert and feel the difference of engineered timber first hand. Our range is also highly customisable, allowing you to tailor the style to suit your home perfectly.