Should I replace foggy windows before selling?

Usually you replace the fogged glass, not the window. A new sealed unit clears the view and answers the inspection note. Whole windows make sense only if the frames are failing. Ask for a written quote you can show the buyer. See foggy window repair.

Does an unregistered basement unit affect a sale?

It can. Buyers may ask whether a basement unit is registered with the City. We can't advise on your sale; talk to your agent or lawyer, and check the City's registry map. If egress windows are part of the issue, see basement windows.

Can glass repairs be done before a closing date?

Often, if you start early. Sealed units are made to order, so measuring and fitting are separate visits. Give your closing date and ask the pro to confirm the timeline in writing. Rollers, cranks and screens are usually quicker than glass.

How much value does an egress window add to a home?

There isn't a reliable figure, and we won't guess. Value depends on the house, the market and whether the window supports a registered unit or a usable bedroom. An appraiser or your agent is the right person to ask about your home.

Where can a buyer confirm that a second unit is registered?

The City's additional residential units page links a map of registered units. A buyer can also ask the seller for registration documents or check with the City. Our basement-unit window guide explains terms such as second unit and legal basement.

Sellers & agents · Brampton

For realtors and home sellers

Most Brampton homes went up after 1980, and the early 2000s were the busiest building years. Many original sealed units are now old enough to fail, so glass that's foggy between the panes is a common inspection note. We are a free referral service for sellers and agents: we pass your list to an independent local glass pro and follow up, so small items get quoted early.

Glass-only fixes where they're enough
Quotes built around your dates
Calm help with basement windows

Get a free quote 905-216-6105

Buyers slide the patio door and try the locks. Check both before showings.

Inspection notes

The glass items inspectors flag most

Foggy sealed units

Haze between the panes means a failed seal. The sealed unit can usually be replaced alone; see foggy window repair.

Cracks and chips

A crack from a corner or a chip at the edge. The glass is replaced; the frame stays.

Hardware

Cranks that spin, sliders that won't lock, patio doors on worn rollers. Usually parts.

Screens

Torn mesh or missing screens. See window screen repair.

Four window problems side by side: fog between the panes, worn window hardware, a torn screen and a damaged sill corner — Small items a buyer's inspector may write up.

Fix or replace

Quick pre-listing fixes vs full replacement

Before listing, the aim is clear, working windows, not new ones. A sealed unit, crank, roller or screen fixes what an inspector would note. Whole new windows rarely make sense just to sell, unless frames are failing or many units have gone at once.

Basement units

Basement units: registered or not, and why egress windows matter

Buyers often ask whether a basement unit is a legal basement, which the City calls a registered second unit. Second and third units must be registered, and the City publishes a registry map on its additional residential units page. Registration drawings show the egress and exit windows.

Whether a unit qualifies is for the City to say. If a bedroom window needs enlarging, see our basement window page and the basement-unit window guide.

Listing checklist for a two-unit house

Open each basement bedroom window fully: it should move freely, with the well clear and the screen in place. Slide and lock the patio door. Note any foggy units.

Quotes

What goes into a pre-listing quote

The quote depends on:

How many sealed units, and their sizes
Parts needed: cranks, rollers, locks, screens
Your listing or closing date

Ask for a written, itemized quote. It's easy to share with a buyer or their agent.

Send the inspection items

Free quotes from independent local pros.

After an offer

Fixing items after a conditional offer

Send the inspection page or photos. A pro quotes each item, and you decide which to fix, credit or leave. Keep the invoice for the buyer. Selling a tenanted two-unit house? Our landlord page covers access and notice.

Timing

Working to a closing date

Sealed units are made to order, so there is a wait between measuring and fitting. Put your closing date in the request.

Questions

Seller and agent questions

Explore your options

Local pros handle pre-listing glass work across the city, including Springdale, Castlemore, Professor's Lake and Mount Pleasant.

Share the inspection items and your dates

Send the list, the address and your listing or closing date. We'll pass it to a local glass pro.