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Selling Your Home? The Ultimate Pre-Sale Checklist for Windows & Doors
Selling Your Home? The Ultimate Pre-Sale Checklist for Windows & Doors
📌 The Seller’s Checklist
- Kerb Appeal: Buyers decide in the first 10 seconds. A modern front door and clean windows set the tone.
- The “Big Ticket” Fear: Buyers will knock £10k+ off the price if they spot old, misty windows. Fixing them beforehand protects your asking price.
- EPC Value: Energy efficiency is now a top priority. Upgrading glazing can boost your rating from D to C.
Spring is traditionally the best time to sell a home, but in a competitive market, you need every advantage you can get. Persuading home buyers to walk through your front door is only half the battle; the condition of the property’s “fabric” (windows, doors, roof) dictates the offer price.
While many sellers focus on painting walls (which is cheap for a buyer to change), they often neglect the “Big Ticket” items. If a buyer sees rot, misted glass, or draughty frames, they don’t just see a window—they see a £20,000 bill.
Table of Contents
1. The 10-Second Kerb Appeal Audit
Stand on the pavement outside your house. Be honest. What do you see?
The front door is the focal point. If the handle is pitted, the paint is peeling, or the uPVC has yellowed, buyers instantly assume the rest of the house is tired. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, improving the exterior is the single most effective way to increase saleability.
2. ROI: Which Improvements Add Value?
Not all renovations pay for themselves. When selling, you want high impact for reasonable cost. Here is how different upgrades stack up.
Pre-Sale Investment Matrix
Cost
Medium (£1.5k – £2.5k)
Impact
Very High. Defines the first impression.
Verdict
Do It. Recoups value easily.
Cost
High (£6k – £15k+)
Impact
High. Boosts EPC and security.
Verdict
Only if necessary. If old ones are rotten/single glazed, replace. Otherwise, repair.
Cost
High (£15k+)
Impact
Medium. Adds floor space.
Verdict
Too Late. Build for living, not just for selling.
3. The “Lifestyle” Sell (Bi-folds & Sliders)
Modern buyers aren’t just buying bricks; they are buying a lifestyle. The most requested feature in 2025 property searches is often “Connection to the Garden.”
Replacing an old window or standard French doors with Aluminium Bi-fold Doors transforms a kitchen or living room. It creates that desirable “open-plan flow” that features in every property magazine, potentially adding 5-10% to the perceived value of the home.
[Image of bifold door opening options]4. The “Comfort” Sell (Sound & Warmth)
When viewers walk around your home, they subconsciously notice two things: Temperature and Noise.
- The Chill Factor: If a buyer feels a draught near a window, they worry about heating bills. Replacing blown seals or adjusting hinges removes this worry.
- The Noise Factor: If you live near a busy road, upgrading to Acoustic Glass or Triple Glazing creates a “library quiet” interior. This can turn a “noisy road” objection into a “peaceful haven” selling point.
5. The Paperwork: Stopping the Sale Falling Through
Nothing kills a sale faster than missing paperwork. Solicitors are becoming increasingly strict about Building Regulations.
If you have replaced windows or doors since 2002, you must have a FENSA certificate (or equivalent). If you cannot produce this, the sale will stall, and you may have to pay for indemnity insurance.
⚠️ The Warranty Check
A transferable warranty is a huge asset. If your windows were installed by KJM, the balance of our 10-year guarantee can often be transferred to the new owner. This gives buyers massive confidence that they won’t face unexpected repair bills.
📚 Related Guides
- Fix It: Guide to Window Repairs & Misted Units
- Upgrade It: How to Choose a New Front Door
- Value It: How Efficiency Affects Mortgages
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you have replaced windows or doors (with >50% glass) since 2002, the buyer’s solicitor will ask for the FENSA certificate. If you have lost it, you can order a replacement online. If you don’t have one, you may need to pay for indemnity insurance.
If they are single-glazed, rotten, or significantly damaged, yes—it will likely increase the sale price by more than the cost of the windows. If they are just a bit dated but functional, a professional clean and service is often the smarter financial move.
Yes, typically around 5%. However, a tired, leaking conservatory can reduce value. If your conservatory roof is old and dirty, consider a deep clean or a roof refurbishment to restore its value.
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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