Recently, we noticed a major national window brand claiming that a full window replacement can boost your home’s market value by a whopping 15%. On paper, that sounds like a slam-dunk upgrade. But when we tried to track down independent verification, all we found were internal surveys and anecdotal realtor quotes. Nothing you could point to and say, “Here’s the proof.”
So, we decided to do our own homework. We pulled in data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value reports and recent Journal of Light Construction figures to give San Antonio homeowners the unvarnished truth: what window ROI really looks like, and how we try to set realistic expectations.
Here’s what you need to know before you decide whether to replace your windows for resale value or just for a more comfortable home.
The Claim: “New windows increase your home’s value by at least 15%!”
The Source: An internal 2022 “Realtor survey” cited by the manufacturer, we couldn’t find any public data to verify. Source
The Reality: Independent studies show you recoup roughly 60-70% of your window investment when you sell, even though the upper range includes energy-saving benefits, not just resale value.
Source: Journal of Light Construction
Quick Math Example (2024 JLC Data)
Window Type |
Project Cost |
Resale Value Recouped (≈ 60–70%) |
Net Added Value at Sale |
Vinyl Replacement |
$21,000 |
$14,000 (≈ 67%) |
+ $14,000 |
Wood Replacement |
$25,799 |
$16,222 (≈ 63%) |
+ $16,222 |
Pro Tip: Even when you recoup 70% of your investment, that still means you’re out of pocket for the remaining 30-40% but you get to enjoy upgraded windows in the meantime.
Some companies slap huge percentages on their ads because sensational claims sell. But when homeowners call them out? Crickets.
At Southwest Exteriors, we’ve got a zero-tolerance policy for misleading marketing. We’d rather earn your trust with facts:
Even if you only recover 60-70% of your cost at sale, there are plenty of reasons to upgrade:
If you’re in San Antonio (or the surrounding area), our design consultants can walk you through:
👉 Schedule your free consultation today and get the facts on what new windows can and can’t do for your home’s value. No inflated percentages. No surprises. Just honest answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will new windows really boost my home’s value by 15%?
A: No, there’s no independent data supporting a 15% increase in your entire home value. That number stems from an internal realtor survey and isn’t verified by public studies.
Q: What ROI can I realistically expect on replacement windows?
A: Most reputable sources (Remodeling Magazine, Journal of Light Construction) report homeowners recoup about 60–70% of their window investment when selling, plus ongoing energy‐savings benefits.
Q: How is window ROI calculated?
A: ROI = (Resale Value Increase ÷ Project Cost) × 100%.
For example, a $20,000 window project that adds $13,000 to resale value yields a 65% ROI.
Q: Which factors have the biggest impact on my window ROI?
A:
Q: Beyond resale value, what other benefits do new windows deliver?
A:
Q: Does window material choice (vinyl vs. fiberglass vs. wood) affect ROI?
A: Yes. While higher-end materials cost more up front, their superior performance, durability, and longer warranties can improve long-term satisfaction and resale appeal, often making fiberglass a smart upgrade if you’re choosing a dark color.
Q: How can I finance or budget for new windows?
A: Southwest Exteriors offers flexible payment plans tailored for San Antonio homeowners, including 0% interest options and local incentives, so you can spread your investment over time without surprises.