We need to replace our PVC double glazing. Should we choose gray?
Us Due to its age, double glazing in our three bedroom semi-detached house needs to be replaced.
We have had two quotes for PVC windows and were offered the gray anthracite option.
Gray is approximately 15 percent more expensive on both quotes.
However, I have noticed in our area that many people seem to have turned gray in recent years, instead of the typical white.
Going gray: A This is Money reader wants to know more about the pros and cons of gray windows
I wonder if there is any benefit to going gray other than less dirt being visible?
Will it add extra value to our home if we sell it? Or is it just an aesthetic choice?
Jane Denton replies: The ‘aging’ of home interiors, cars and now also windows has become unmissable in recent years.
New-build homes with gray windows can be found all over Britain.
In addition, buyers who purchase homes that require significant work are opting for gray windows in increasing numbers. Some people consider gray to be chic and contemporary.
As you suggest, your decision will come down to personal choice and key factors such as price, durability and aesthetics.
Although gray can hide dirt better than white, gray can sometimes look a bit dull.
It might also be worth considering that gray is just a passing fad and will look dated in about ten years – although that won’t bother you if you’ve moved out by then.
Gray windows are still not the norm, which means they are generally more expensive than white ones.
The same applies, for example, to black or sage green windows.
The exact cost varies depending on the supplier used, the material you choose, the window size required and whether the windows are double or triple glazed.
Depending on what you choose, you can expect to pay about 10 to 20 percent more for gray windows than for conventional white PVC windows.
Wood and aluminum options can be more expensive.
In most cases you will not need planning permission to alter the windows in the way you propose.
Permitted development rights are likely to apply. However, a building permit is required for a monumental building.
As for what it means for property prices and whether they are worth the investment overall, I turned to a real estate expert.
Alex Harvey, director of Alex Harvey Estate Agents, said: I’ve seen various trends in windows come and go, but the ones that have always stood out from the crowd are the colored and textured varieties.
They seem to add an extra dimension to the look and feel of a property. PVC windows in any color can be a good, low-maintenance choice.
Gray windows can also be very practical. They do not show dirt as well and make more of an impression than conventional white windows.
It’s not just the windows themselves that you need to take into account.
Estate agent boss Alex Harvey believes gray windows can add value to a property
It is essential to have the right furniture and handles to suit the age and style of the property.
An example of this is that people have opted for black wrought iron at sign handles, rather than the usual chrome or even white plastic found in an older style property.
In newer style homes, charcoal works very well to frame the windows and tie them to the structure of the house, while chrome handles are used to make the rest of the framing stand out.
Windows today are not only a way to bring natural light into a home, they also provide the opportunity to frame the view from the property through a textured and colored surround.
However, errors can occur. The main one is that there are too many beads in the window itself, which can obscure the view.
We tell customers who are considering entering the market how important it is that their windows are free of broken panes or broken elements.
Buyers notice these things when they look out windows to understand the view and environment of the property.
Whether gray windows add value to a home all depends on the quality of the windows and doors and the warranty offered.
We have had customers who have invested more in windows and doors and have had longer warranties, both for peace of mind and as a sales feature for future owners.
Undoubtedly, newly installed windows and doors will improve the Energy Performance Certificate rating and therefore appeal to a wider range of buyers.
It is not easy to assign an increase value to the cost of installing the windows.
However, I can certainly say that buyers of properties that urgently need new windows and doors replaced often understand the investment required and can be put off purchasing a property that requires this level of improvement.
My gut feeling would be about a 10 percent increase if the windows and doors have a good balance of the above, based on the initial investment of the installation.
