Should You Replace Your Home's Windows Before Siding? (3 Things To Consider)

Are you looking to completely renovate your home’s exterior? Ready to change things up?

Maybe your windows have become worn and stopped working over the years. Or maybe you’ve just grown tired of your dated siding and want to give your home an updated look. 

No matter the reason for remodeling multiple parts of your home’s exterior, you’re thinking of one thing first.

Which project should I start with? 

You don’t want to make any mistakes. You don’t want to do anything out of order. You want to know if there’s any rhyme or reason in which project you should renovate first. 

Southwest Exteriors has the answer, and we’re here to help. 

As a San Antonio exterior remodeling company since 1989, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners renovate their entire exterior, from every single window and their whole siding to a new front door with complementary new paint color for their home. 

Some homeowners prefer to have all their projects done at once as soon as possible. Others have their windows replaced first, then wait a few years to have their siding replaced as well. 

There are many different avenues you can take to renovate your entire exterior, and truthfully, it all depends on what you want to do. But there are some helpful tips we want you to know to determine which project you should start with first and what you need to know. 

This article will outline three questions to answer for yourself to know which project will be the best for you to start first. 

After reading, you’ll be equipped with the right knowledge to know what project is right for you to start first and can take the best next steps towards finding the right products and company for you. 

Which Should You Install First: Windows, Siding, or Doors?

If you’re reading this article, you’re preparing for a total remodel of your home’s exterior. 

Dozens of questions are racing through your mind, like what type of products you want, your budget, and, of course, which project to start first. 

Here are three questions to ask yourself when you’re outlining your wants, goals, and needs for your multi-project exterior renovation: 

1. First, where is the greatest need in your home?
2. Where will you see the greatest return on investment if there is no urgency?
3. Lastly, what is your budget, and where are you most comfortable?

Let’s explain each of these questions further so you can best understand how they play into your renovations and know which project you should start with. 

1. Where is the greatest need in your home?

The first question you want to answer for yourself is where the greatest need is in your home. What we mean by this is if there is any damage to your exterior or an area that is causing you problems, this should be the first project you’ll most likely want to start with. 

For example, if you notice a patch of your home siding that is falling off or there is a hole near your roofline, you’ll want to have this fixed first. Or, say, some of your windows aren’t able to close properly, creating an environmental and safety issue. You would then want to start with replacing your windows. 

If any part of your home’s exterior is damaged or causing your functionality problems, they will only get worse the longer they go unaddressed. 

A small problem now in one area of your home can turn into multiple issues across your home in the future. This is why you should prioritize a remodeling project that will fix the problem if you have any. 

2. Where will you see the greatest return on investment if there is no urgency?

The second question you want to consider is where you will see the greatest return on investment (ROI), as long as there are no areas of your home that are damaged and need replacing first. 

Maybe you haven’t really noticed any problems with your windows, but you know they are very old. They’ve never been replaced, and you don’t know how long they’ve been in your home before you lived there. 

Over time, these windows have become worn, and the window glass is not protecting your home as well as it should. Replacing your old windows first will show the greatest and quickest ROI in your home by improving its energy efficiency and insulating it. 

Maybe your old siding is made of a non-desirable material for your climate. Replacing the siding with something more durable and energy-efficient will also improve the efficiency of your home, and you’ll see it in your energy costs.

If no one area of your home has noticeable issues that need to be addressed first, then you’ll want to consider what project will provide you with the greatest ROI the fastest. 

3. Lastly, what is your budget, and where are you most comfortable?

If you’ve decided there isn’t one urgent project on your home, and you aren’t sure what will provide you with the greatest ROI first, you’ll then want to consider your budget and what you are most comfortable with right now. 

A siding replacement is more expensive than a window replacement. A door replacement is less expensive than if you were to replace 20 windows in your home. 

By considering your budget, you will have clarity on what project (or projects) you are comfortable with starting now. 

Maybe you want to start small with a door replacement and plan to replace your windows the following year. Or maybe you’re in a place where you are ready to renovate your entire exterior all at once. 

A home remodeling project is a large investment, especially if you plan on renovating multiple areas of your home. So, you want to make sure you choose the best project for you to start now, whether it’s the smallest or largest, to feel comfortable. 

Outlining your project goals to start the right project first 

Now that you know three important questions to consider if you plan on renovating multiple areas of your home, you can figure out which project is best for you to start first. 

• If one area of your exterior is damaged or has been causing your problems, you’ll want to prioritize starting this project first to fix the damage before it gets worse. 

• If no particular area of your exterior is showing damage, then think about which project you’ll see the greatest ROI the fastest. 

• If you still aren’t sure which project to start first based on the above criteria, then think about your budget. What are you most comfortable with? 

By considering each of these three things, you’ll have clarity on which project you should start first and can move forward with your projects. 

So, does it really matter which project you start with? Not really. It all depends on your goals for your home and what you are comfortable with. 

Once you’ve gotten a better idea of what project you want to start with, you will want to find the right company that will provide you with a high-quality outcome with every single project. 

Check out this article that outlines how to find the right home remodeling contractor in three simple steps. Then, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for in a contractor and can find the best one that will meet all your needs for all your projects. 

Ready to renovate your exterior with a company that cares? 

Southwest Exteriors offers high-quality window, siding, and door replacement services, as well as industrial concrete coatings and exterior painting. 

Our expert installation crews are trained to remove and install your new products with the utmost care and leave your home looking better than before. 

When you work with us, you build a lifelong relationship. We’ll be here for as long as you own your home for anything you need. 

Ready to work with a high-quality contractor? Schedule your free in-home consultation with a design consultant today and get the look you’ll love coming home to!