Our The double glazing in our three bedroom semi-detached house needs to be replaced due to its age.
We received two quotes for PVC windows and were offered the anthracite gray option.
In both quotes, gray is around 15 percent more expensive.
However, I have noticed in our local area that many people seem to have turned gray in recent years, rather than the typical white.
Going Grey: A This is Money reader wants to know about the pros and cons of gray windows
I wonder if there are any benefits to having gray hair, other than not seeing as much dirt.
Would it add extra value to our house when we sell it? Or is it simply an aesthetic choice?
Jane Denton responds: In recent years it is difficult to ignore the “grayification” of the interiors of houses, cars and, now, windows.
Newly built houses with gray windows can be found throughout Britain.
Additionally, buyers purchasing homes that need a fair amount of work are opting, in increasing numbers, for gray windows. Some people see gray as stylish and contemporary.
As you suggest, your decision will come down to personal choice and key factors such as price, durability and aesthetics.
While gray can hide dirt better than white, it can sometimes look a bit boring.
It’s also perhaps worth considering that gray is just a fad and will look dated in a decade or so, although that won’t bother you if you’ve moved house in that time.
Gray windows are still not the norm, which means they are generally more expensive than white ones.
The same goes for, for example, black or sage green windows.
The exact costs involved will vary depending on the supplier used, the material you choose, the size of window required and whether the windows are double or triple glazed.
Depending on what you choose, you could expect to pay between 10 and 20 percent more for gray windows than for conventional white PVC ones.
Wood and aluminum options can be more expensive.
In most cases you will not need planning permission to change the windows in the way you suggest.
Permitted development rights are likely to apply. However, for a listed building, planning permission would be required.
In terms of what it means for the price of the property and whether it is worth the investment overall, I turned to a property expert.
Alex Harvey, Managing Director of Alex Harvey Estate Agents, said: I’ve seen several window trends come and go, however, the ones that have always stood out from the crowd are the varieties of colors and textures.
They seem to add an extra dimension to the appearance of a property. PVC windows of any color can be a good low-maintenance option.
Gray windows can also be very practical. They do not show as much dirt and attract more attention than conventional white windows.
It’s not just the windows you should consider.
Estate agency boss Alex Harvey believes gray windows can add value to a property
It is essential to have the right furniture and handles to complement the age and style of the property.
An example of this is when people have chosen black wrought iron monkey tail handles, rather than the usual chrome or even white plastic ones in an older style property.
In newer style homes, anthracite works great to frame the windows and tie them into the structure of the house, while chrome handles are used to help the rest of the frame stand out.
Nowadays, windows are not only a way to bring natural light into a home, but are an opportunity to frame the view from inside the property by having a textured and colored frame.
However, errors can occur, the main one being that there are too many accounts in the window, which can reduce visibility.
We tell clients who are considering going to the market the importance of having their windows free of flying glass or any broken elements.
Buyers notice these things when they look out the windows to understand the views and surroundings of the property.
In terms of whether gray windows add value to a property, it all depends on the quality of the windows and doors and the warranty offered.
We have had clients who have invested more in windows and doors that have had longer warranties both for peace of mind and as a selling feature for future owners.
Newly installed windows and doors will undoubtedly improve the Energy Performance Certificate rating and therefore appeal to a wider range of buyers.
It is not easy to assign an additional value on what it would cost to install the windows.
However, I can say with certainty that for properties that urgently require replacement of new windows and doors, buyers often understand the investment required and may be put off purchasing a property that requires this level of improvement.
My gut feeling would be about a 10 percent improvement if the windows and doors had a good balance of the above, depending on the initial investment for the installation.
