Home Windows & Exterior Remodeling

If you’ve owned a home for several years, you might consider remodeling for several reasons.

Maybe you’re thinking about selling and realize that renovated homes attract better offers. Or maybe you’re looking to decrease electricity costs with better insulation.

Whether your home needs a simple paint job or serious repairs for something like termite damage, updating your home’s exterior doesn’t just help its value. It also gives it a serious boost in curb appeal.

Regardless of your motivation, there are some important (but oftentimes overlooked) questions to ask before you start working on your Denver home windows and exterior remodel. Knowing the answers before you begin makes it easier to do the job right the first time around. Ignoring these questions could lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars in additional costs for materials and labor!

Endeavor Exteriors has served homeowners in the Denver area for years. We know exactly how much to budget for your Denver home window and exterior remodeling projects and we’re familiar with Denver’s permitting regulations.

We’ve compiled some of the lessons we’ve learned about exterior renovation here. For answers to the 5 most overlooked questions you didn’t realize needed asking, read on!

Question 1: How Much Do Denver Home Windows And Exterior Remodels Really Cost?

It’s hard to come up with a proper budget if you don’t know the prices of everything you need.

The list below provides average price ranges for a range of home window and exterior remodeling projects. Use it to get a more accurate estimate of how much money you’ll need for your home windows and exterior remodeling.

Windows

In the Denver area, windows cost about $650 on average according to 5estimates.com. However, they can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to upwards of $1,000 per window.

Roofing

Roofing prices depend on the size of the property. Smaller projects can run as little as $4,000, while larger projects can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Denver’s average ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 for a complete roof installation.

Siding

Siding installation in the Denver area ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with an average national cost of $11.88 per square foot.

Painting

Painters usually charge a fixed fee that varies depending on the size of the job. The average national price to paint a house is about $3,000.

Gutters

Gutter installation is typically billed per foot. According to HomeBlue, prices range from $4.60 - $7.70 per twelve inches of gutter.

The list above includes general pricing for the most common projects in relation to Denver home windows and exterior remodel. You can use it to estimate your budget based on the size of the job and what it requires.

To get a general idea of how much you’ll need, first go through the list and take note of the services you need. Then, combine their values. This is a great starting point for any project.

Have you tried Endeavor’s 3D Home App yet? This incredible tool automatically creates an accurate 3D rendering of your home with just a few photos. You can choose from different siding, roofing, and window products with plenty of style and color options. Then, the app magically transforms your home so you can see what it looks like with all the options you choose. Plus, you can request FREE SAMPLES before you purchase any materials!

Question 2: Does Exterior Remodeling In Denver Require Permitting?

Permitting seems like a hassle, but it protects your property and your health from possible damage later on. If you’re concerned about the requirements for the permitting process, you’ll be relieved to learn that the process is simple.

The City of Denver grants several permits online. The Denver Development Services website has roofing, siding, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits available via the Quick Permits page.

After applying for a permit, a licensed contractor will review your permit application and request to review plans if necessary.

Homeowners often see the permitting process as cumbersome and unnecessary. But ensuring that every structure on your property is built to code provides better safety for your family and better protection for your home.

Question 3: What Is The Best Time Of Year To Replace Windows?

Every year, at least one person asks us to replace or reseal windows in the dead of winter. Denver is notoriously cold, so we understand why they want those drafty windows replaced now. Most providers will install windows all year round, but you may wish to hold off on winter installations for several reasons. Preference varies case by case.

Keep Drafts Outside

When you replace a window, it needs to be removed completely. In winter, that means having an open space in the wall until it's replaced. This makes it difficult to regulate indoor temperatures throughout the installation process.

In most cases, professionals can remove and replace a single window within an hour. Plus, they do so in a way that minimizes the amount of cold air entering your home. But depending on the size and number of windows to replace, it may be worth noting how long the installation will take.

If your windows are already extremely drafty, then it’s probably still worth replacing them during winter. This way, you won’t need to worry about dealing with drafts while the weather is cold.

Reduce Heating Costs

In the winter, below-freezing temperatures in Denver can absurdly increase electric and gas bills. Even if you can replace every window in your home within a few hours, the need to maintain a stable temperature indoors will lead to higher heating costs.

This point allows eco-conscious homeowners to plan accordingly if they wish to avoid excess use of their central heating systems.

Once again, if your windows are already drafty, then you’ll probably save more money on heating by replacing them now rather than later.

Prevent Damage To Materials

If you avoid getting new windows during the coldest times of the year, you reduce the likelihood of damaging new installations. This is especially true for anyone who installs windows on their own.

Professionals have specialized tools that help them install windows in cold weather, such as caulk bags. These ensure that adhesives and other materials maintain the perfect temperature throughout the installation process.

However, windows installed during the winter are still more prone to developing bad seals. When adhesives set in freezing temperatures, they may begin to crack during warmer months.

These considerations might not matter if you plan to live in your home for years to come, but if you plan to sell, they could make an immediate difference during inspection.

If an inspector finds damage on newly installed windows, the homeowner may be required to replace them again before closing the deal.

Ultimately, you can install windows year-round under most circumstances. Still, if you can avoid projects like installing new windows and exterior remodeling in the winter, you mitigate the risk of damage to your new installations.

Question 4: How Do I Know My Windows Need Replacement?

Windows should be replaced every 11-15 years. To determine whether or not your home needs new windows and exterior remodeling, be on the lookout for the following signs. Each one indicates that your windows may need replacement soon.

Broken Window Panes

If you see cracks or serious scratches on any part of a window’s glass, it’s time for a new one. Broken glass lacks the integrity needed to stand up against smaller impacts. Instead, it’s much more prone to breakage.

Water Condensation Inside Of Glass

This happens when the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is too great. Typically, the only way to resolve the issue is to overhaul your home’s ventilation system, which is much more expensive and time-consuming than simply installing a higher quality window.

Rotting Window Frames

If a window’s frame is clearly falling apart, it’s likely due to rotting wood. When this occurs, it tends to be more noticeable from outside the window than inside. This is a certain indication that your window is due for replacement.

Keeping an eye out for damaged windows will help prevent other structural issues before they occur. Plus, fixing them provides the opportunity to save on heating costs and give you a more comfortable living space.

Question 5: Do Contractors Need To Enter The Home During Window Replacement Or Exterior Remodel Projects?

Some homeowners are understandably concerned about allowing a stranger onto their property, and especially about letting a stranger into their home. This usually isn’t necessary for most home exterior remodel projects.

However, compared with other renovation projects, contractors are more likely to request entry into your home when installing windows. They often must do so in order to perform their jobs correctly.

If the idea of a stranger in your home is disconcerting, consider inviting a close friend or family member to spend time with you during the installation process. This way, you get peace of mind knowing that you aren’t alone with a stranger. However, most licensed contractors are trusted to conduct themselves professionally, so for most this isn’t a concern.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal With New Windows & Exterior Remodeling

If you know you want to upgrade your home’s exterior but don’t know where to start, the questions above are a great starting point. Still have questions about the home renovation process? Contact the team at Endeavor Exteriors today. Our team of experts has all of the information you need to start upgrading your home.