Homeowners devote their spending to home remodeling projects in 2021

Home renovations have skyrocketed over the past year, but some projects are more worthwhile than others. Local homeowners are wasting money on the wrong projects that won’t pay off in the end!
That’s why local home repair experts with Window World, America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, created the Top 7 Remodeling Don’ts Guide to help homeowners move on from the wrong remodeling projects… and focus on the right ones.
“Homeowners are redirecting their spending habits to make major changes to their homes, as opposed to spending money on their daily commute or on a family vacation,” says Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth. “However, just because a project makes sense now doesn’t mean it will pay off down the road. We created Window World’s Top 7 Remodeling Don’ts Guide to help homeowners determine the best projects with the best investment.”
Window World’s Top 7 Remodeling Don’ts Guide
Setting an unrealistic budget – It pays to set aside extra money for your remodeling projects. Surprises pop up, and you don’t want to revisit projects later because of sub-par work now. Plan on spending an extra 15 percent to 20 percent of the total project cost — just in case.
Being too trendy – You may want what’s “new and now” in your home but think about resale value. What’s trendy today won’t necessarily be in style five years down the road. Consider classic designs and styles and get advice from a designer.
Only focusing on the inside – Don’t forget about curb appeal! The outside of your home is the first thing buyers will notice. Spruce up your yard, power wash your house, and replace your siding to boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Consider installing vinyl siding, which is energy efficient, deters termites, and resists cracking and surface scratches.
Forgetting about the garage – According to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report, replacing your garage door is one of the best home repair projects when it comes to resale value, with an average of 95 percent of the cost recouped. When it comes to color, white is the most popular and will offer the best resale.
Skimping on problems you can’t see – Now is the time to fix air leaks, update insulation, and check structural issues. According to ENERGY STAR®, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can provide up to a 10 percent savings on your energy bills. Projects that cut energy costs help your wallet, and low energy bills are also attractive to homebuyers.
Waiving window quality – Energy-efficient windows regulate the temperature inside your home all year long, lowering utility bills. Install new replacement windows to increase your home’s resale value. A local home repair expert can come to your home for a free assessment to help determine the best options.
DIY all the time – While you may want to tackle a DIY project, many remodeling projects should be left to the professionals. Safety and structural issues often come up when homeowners try to tackle in-depth projects themselves. Interview several contractors, reach out to their former clients, and get advice from friends. Never settle on a contractor based solely on cost; get a feel for their work.
About Window World®
Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors and other exterior products, with over 19 million windows sold to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $11.75 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports veterans and the military through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World’s commitment to honor and serve America’s veterans, active military, and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach, and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $2.5 million in flights and donations to the organization. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, décor ideas and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Twitter.