Windows and doors in Nottingham, Derby & Leicester

5 Window and Door Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Money (and Regret)

Let’s be honest, new windows and doors are a major investment. But I’ve seen the same costly mistakes repeated time and time again on those home renovation shows. Bad choices lead to draughty rooms, sky-high energy bills, and a whole lot of regret. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you! Here are the top five window and door blunders to avoid:

 

1. Skimping on Quality

Look, I get it. New windows and doors are expensive. But trust me, trying to save a few quid with cheap options is the ultimate false economy. Those flimsy frames will warp, seals will break, and suddenly you’re the proud owner of a draughty icebox. Invest in well-made, energy-efficient windows – your heating bills (and your sanity) will thank you.

 

2. Ignoring the Sun

Windows aren’t just for looking out of. Consider how sunlight moves around your house. South-facing rooms? Fabulous opportunity for solar gain in the winter! But without proper shading, they’ll turn into ovens in the summer. North-facing? Plan for smaller windows to minimize heat loss. Seems simple, but you’d be surprised how many folks overlook this.

 

3. Forgetting about Maintenance

Lovely new wooden frames on that storybook cottage? That’s charming, but don’t forget they need regular TLC. Painting, treating, resealing – there’s a reason uPVC caught on. Factor in upkeep costs from the start, or be prepared for faded, rotting frames and more money down the drain.

 

4. Trendy Over Practical

I know, those crittal-style doors are stunning on Instagram. But if they don’t actually, you know, keep your home secure and weathertight, what’s the point? Don’t let trends trump function. Your home needs to actually work for your life, not just look pretty from the street.

 

5. DIY Gone Wrong

Unless you’re a pro, fitting your own windows and doors is a recipe for a headache. I’ve seen more botched jobs than you’d believe – wonky frames, dangerous gaps, leaks galore. Pay for a qualified fitter – it’ll save you both money and tears in the long run.

 

Prevention is the Cure

Bit of a serious topic, isn’t it? But making wise choices upfront saves serious cash and heartache down the line. Want to really nerd out on energy-saving windows and doors? There’s a wealth of helpful resources online. A bit of research now pays dividends for years to come.