Homeowners looking to sell their property have been warned that five issues involving windows and doors could put off potential buyers, with one described as a major “red flag”. Addressing these problems may be crucial to making a home as appealing as possible.
Windows and doors shape buyer perceptions
Caroline Mills, head of brand for Safestyle, one of the UK’s biggest window and door manufacturers, said that if a homeowner has not taken care of simple things like windows and doors and kept maintenance up to date, a potential buyer may wonder what other aspects have not been taken care of, and whether there are underlying issues that might put them off.
Mills, who has more than 20 years of experience in the UK home-improvement industry, pointed to a recent study carried out by Safestyle last month, which she said highlighted how windows and doors play a leading role in shaping buyer perceptions – not only if they are a little bit dirty, but also if they are slightly lacking in terms of maintenance.
Five issues to address
Mills highlighted five issues involving windows and doors to get on top of to make a property as appealing as possible.
1. Condensation – “One of the biggest red flags is condensation between the glass panes,” she said. “So when your windows are misted or fogged up, that’s often a sign they’re deteriorating. If you’ve got cracked or damaged frames, particularly old timber windows, for example, you can sometimes see the frames themselves starting to rot and wear down. And this shows they’ve not been maintained with constant sanding down and repainting over the years.”
2. Damp and mould – Mills said damp and mould are common issues in homes across the UK, and not just unsightly. “Surprisingly, a lot of damp and mould can be caused by poor installation of window and door fittings. So water ingress can start to seep in through any gaps between the actual window and your property wall; and that can create damp and mould around your home, which obviously has negative health impacts as well.”
3. Draughts – “Another telltale sign is draughts,” she said. “Obviously, if you’ve got an area of the home where you can suddenly feel you’ve gone into a cold zone, this can be through poor installations.” Mills said draughts can typically be felt by hovering a hand over the front of the window, or if a sheer curtain is seen moving in a draught-related breeze.
4. Windows and doors that stick – Mills said testing every window and door to make sure they open, close, and lock without sticking or jamming is another important consideration. It is also a good idea to look out for handles which might not work properly, or that might be missing a key. “And the same goes for faulty locks. Another key thing buyers consider when buying a new house is changing the locks, so your front and back door.” Safety and security are absolutely paramount when moving into a new home, she added.
5. Poor maintenance and upkeep – Finally, Mills said it is wise to consider replacing windows and doors ahead of putting a home on the market. “Ultimately, it’s going to come down to the condition of the windows and doors in the first place. My top tip is maintenance should always come first. So give them a good clean. Make sure they’re in good working order. If there are signs of clear failure, things like condensation between the glass panes, or if you’ve got frames that are damaged etc. Those red flag warnings, then I probably would suggest people consider replacement to help present the property more effectively. But always start with maintenance.”
