Do Window Treatments Increase Home Values?
As you look into buying window treatments for your home, you may be wondering whether window treatments increase home values in Massachusetts. The short answer to this question is, it depends. Some window treatments do add value whereas others do not.
Window Treatments That Don’t Add Value
Certain window treatments will not add value to your home. For instance, inexpensive plastic window blinds that you purchase at the local hardware store won’t really add any value. This is expected since they weren’t too much to purchase to begin with. However, cost is not the only factor. Expensive window treatments may not add value if:
- They are damaged or discolored.
- They are not sized/cut correctly.
- They were not installed properly.
- The are “ugly.”
- They don’t serve any purpose.
When Window Treatments Increase Home Values
So, what window treatments increase home values? Think about quality, design, and functionality. Quality window treatments, such as plantation shutters, are often desirable to home buyers and will therefore add value. The design of window treatments should compliment the home’s existing decor and also easy adapt to a buyer’s decor. Lastly, those that provide a value-added function will also add value. For instance, motorized shades would be seen as a plus to buyers.
How Much Value Do They Add
The amount of value that window treatments add cannot always be quantified. For high-end window treatments, it’s possible that a mortgage appraiser may give it specific value if necessary to fill a gap in the price. More likely than not, an appraiser would lump that value in a category with other desirable home features, rather than as its own line item. For the most part, the added value has to do more with the desirability of your home to a potential buyer. When you have features such as window blinds with quality, design, and functionality, buyers are willing to pay more for your home. So, window treatments increase home values even though you may not be able to precisely calculate a dollar amount.