The new year brings with it new opportunities. If you’ve already made a resolution and managed to stick to it – well done! We believe in you. But if you’ve broken your New Year’s resolution (we won’t judge) or haven’t made one yet, then upgrading your home could be the perfect solution.
Make 2024 the year you commit to upgrading your house with Abbey Windows. As your trusted local installers, we’ve got almost 40 years of experience in home improvements, helping customers across Reading, Berkshire and all over the Thames Valley to achieve their home’s full potential – enjoying improved security, style and thermal efficiency.
In this guide, we’ve put together some of the best house upgrades for 2024 to help you get the most out of your home. From replacing your windows and doors to expanding your horizons with a bespoke conservatory or extension, the possibilities are endless. When you’ve found your inspiration, or if you’re ready right now, request your free online quote to upgrade your house with us today.
Window Upgrades
As we’ve begun the year with an energy cap price hike, it’s once again the time to start thinking about your heating bills and how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Upgrading your home’s windows is a great way to achieve this.
There are many reasons to upgrade your windows and many different ways, too. Firstly, you’ll want to consider the renewed style you can achieve. Aesthetically, windows make a huge difference to your property, so replacing them with a new style is a clear upgrade for yourself and any passers-by, boosting its curb appeal. Additionally, you’ll enjoy improved levels of security with tested windows that are tougher to break through and fitted with high-security locking mechanisms. And then there are the thermal benefits to consider, with new windows keeping the heat in much more effectively, making you less reliant on your central heating and therefore bringing down your energy bills.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your house’s existing style or taking the opportunity to refresh with something completely unique, we can help. Explore our wide range of window options, including styles such as classic casement windows, continental French windows, functionality tilt & turn windows and many more, available in a range of high-performance materials such as uPVC, aluminium or timber – all sourced from market-leading manufacturers, expertly installed by Abbey Windows.
Upgrade to Double Glazing
Double glazing is a clear upgrade for your house over your existing single glazed windows. Your new windows will boast impressively low U-Values, which relates to the amount of heat transference that they allow – the lower, the better. This means you’ll keep the heat in your home for longer, and the cold air from outside will have a much tougher job forcing its way in. With energy prices soaring, you want to save energy and money every way you can. Double glazing will do the job exceptionally well.
Alongside the energy efficiency of your house’s window upgrades, you’ll benefit from improved soundproofing and noise reduction. If you live on a busy road, near a motorway or even under a flight path, you’ll know all too well how difficult it can be to relax at home and get a good night’s sleep with all the noise pollution. Double glazing will reduce that significantly. What’s more, with advanced locking mechanisms, your new double glazed windows will be outfitted to stop potential intruders in their tracks, giving you peace of mind and keeping your loved ones safe and sound.
Even if you already have double glazing, it could be time to upgrade. Double glazed windows should last around 15 – 20 years on average if well maintained, though if you’ve recently moved into a new property, for example, you’ll likely want to put your own stamp on things and make sure you have the very best. With new upgrades to double glazed windows themselves hitting the market regularly, it’s never too early to see what’s out there and upgrade your home in line with these new improvements.
Talk to our team to find out what’s available and how we can upgrade your home this year.
Upgrade to Triple Glazing
You may have already considered (or invested in) double glazing, but what about triple glazing? As the name suggests, this type of window includes three glazed panels rather than two. This works wonders to reduce heat and sound transfer even further, so you can relax at home in total comfort.
Triple glazing is an excellent choice for those who are particularly energy conscious or live in a noisy area. If you have a lot of noise pollution from cars, aeroplanes overhead or even just raucous passers-by, then you want to reduce how that impacts your time relaxing at home. With an extra layer of glazing between you and the noise source, you won’t have to worry about what’s going on outside and can truly enjoy your time inside.
If you want to understand if double or triple glazing is the right choice for your house upgrade, then talk to our team today. Triple glazed windows could be exactly what you need to reduce noise pollution and save even more money on your energy bills, making it an excellent investment. Alternatively, perhaps double glazed windows will do the job just as well, depending on your location. The best way is to start your house upgrade process.
Door Upgrades
Your front door is often seen as one of the most important parts of your home to upgrade. This is in terms not only of energy efficiency but style too. Nothing says improved curb appeal like a brand new entrance to welcome guests in style – and as a welcome sight for you when arriving home after a long day. But what are the options for those looking to replace their front door?
uPVC Doors
Classic uPVC front doors are a great way to transform the front of any property, whether you’re looking for something modern, traditional or completely unique. These doors are a popular option due to their comparative affordability versus other options like aluminium or timber, as well as the style options they provide. With a range of design options available and customisable hardware, not to mention a wealth of colour options, there’s sure to be the perfect fit for all kinds of properties.
Alongside their look and feel, replacing your uPVC will lead to improvements in your home’s thermal performance. Just like windows, heat can easily escape through underperforming doors – especially if they have warped or rotted over time. A new uPVC door for your home will be a prime upgrade to save on energy loss and therefore energy costs. Talk to our design team about the range of uPVC doors available and start designing yours today.
Composite Doors
As an alternative, composite doors are a more modern take on front doors – though you wouldn’t necessarily know this to look at them. In fact, many composite doors are renowned for their classic stylings and timber-look, coupled with the performance of uPVC doors. Here at Abbey Windows, we work with market-leaders Endurance Doors and Solidor, who manufacture the highest quality composite doors available.
Composite doors are perhaps even more customisable than uPVC doors, with a whole wealth of styles to choose from. Whether you’re customising the door slab itself, the furniture, hardware and locking mechanisms, the sidelights and toplights or the colour options – the possibilities are inspiring and almost endless. Our online composite door builder makes it easy to start designing yours today and find the right fit for your home. Start designing your dream door today – expertly installed by Abbey Windows.
Back Doors & Patio Doors
When upgrading your home, it’s important not to neglect the back. If you’re entertaining guests in the garden or simply enjoying your rear space with your family, then you know how important it is to be able to move freely between your inside and outside living spaces.
Many homeowners are upgrading their homes by opting for bifold doors or sliding doors to replace their existing patio doors. While classic French doors remain popular, in the last few years, sliding and bifold doors – particularly in aluminium – have soared in popularity. With large glazed areas, smooth operation and sleek frames for slim sightlines, these doors are a truly modern upgrade to all kinds of properties.
It’s not just style that’s a good reason to upgrade your home’s back doors. Security is a key consideration. Just because you may have neglected your old, poor performing back doors – unfortunately, potential intruders won’t make the same mistake. Would-be burglars could easily exploit the rear entrance of your property, so don’t let it fall into disrepair. Replace your back door to upgrade your home’s security and keep your loved ones safe.
Living Space Upgrades
Another house upgrade you can consider is our conservatories. They are available in a range of customisable styles such as Victorian Conservatory or a Lean To Conservatory. A Victorian conservatory gives your home traditional aesthetics and a large floor space alongside double glazing. This results in plenty of natural light and thermal efficiency, keeping your energy bills down.. A lean to conservatory is a popular option as well. It leans on the back of your chrome, creating a seamless blend to your home.
What’s more, you can choose an Edwardian conservatory with a large floorplan, increasing your living space over the year. Choose from a square or rectangular design and double glazing that makes your home more thermally efficient, saving on energy bills.
A personalised way to upgrade your home is by choosing one of our bespoke orangeries. These living spaces come in a variety of styles and colours, so you will get one that is right for you.
Upgrade Your Home with Abbey Windows
Once you are ready to upgrade your living space, get in touch with Abbey Windows today. With nearly 40 years of experience in home upgrades, we work closely to help you get the most out of your home.
If you want to learn more, fill out our online contact form or ring us on 01189 566866. Our team will get back to you straight away to help improve your home renovation.
Or, if you want to upgrade from scratch, fill our online quoting engine out. Choose from an array of styles and colours for your windows, doors, and extensions, and we will come back with a bespoke price for your home upgrade.
