If you are planning to build a custom home or remodel your existing home, windows are very customizable. The choices (size, type, colors, accessories) can be designed to support your individual aesthetic and functional needs. We love to help our clients, in collaboration with our window suppliers, to pick the right option for their home.
Factors to Consider:
Window Material
- Budget and location will drive the material selection (fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum clad, or wood) for most projects. Wood is typically the most expensive but also offers the most options for customizing. Want different shaped windows - arches, triangle, circle, etc? Wood will offer these specialty options. Wood can also be ordered unfinished so you can choose the exact stain color you want.
- For vinyl and fiberglass windows, you will have a smaller number of color choices to choose from. Black and white are still the top choices we see our clients choose.
- Another option is whether to choose the same color window on the exterior as within the interior. For most projects, a consistent color from outside to in will suffice. In some situations, it might make more sense to choose one color for the exterior and then another on the interior - typically in the case where we need a certain color to match with the casing style and overall color scheme.
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Grille Patterns
- You have the option to do integrated grilles (where the grilles are permanently placed between the glass panes) providing easier cleaning or fully-divided grilles which are a more traditional look and some are permanently applied to the surface of the glass and others can be removed for cleaning.
- Grille patterns are where you can really make a statement with your design and we recommend them whenever possible on the front side of your home for extra curb appeal. On the back side of your home, we favor larger picture windows with no grille pattern that might obscure your beautiful views to your backyard, landscaping, outdoor kitchen, pool, etc.
Hardware
- Most window locks, cranks, and controls will come standard in the color of your chosen window. For example, black windows will come with black hardware and upgrading to a different finish (oil-rubbed bronze, nickel, chrome, brass) may be an added cost. Stick with the standard options if upgrading isn't within your budget and instead focus your attention on the finish of your entry doors where the impact is greater.
Shades
- Some windows offer the option for integrated shades for privacy and sun control. These options are nice on patio or exterior doors where a window treatment may appear to bulky or get in the way of the door's operable hardware or bang when the door swings. On all other windows, window treatments (blinds, shades, drapes) added after construction can achieve the same need for privacy and sun control.
Energy Efficiency
- Look for the Energy Star rating. Replacing windows with energy-efficient ones can save you money on your utility bill meaning less heat escapes or enters your home.
- Check here for the most recent federal tax credits for applicable windows and locations: https://academized.com/blog/federal-tax-credits-for-energy-efficiency
Our favorite new window technology
- Pella's Impervia casement window features an Easy Slide Operator control for a more seamless look and eliminates the problems with hand-cranking. https://www.pella.com/ideas/windows/features-options/hardware/fiberglass/
- Marvin's Skycove is a fully-enclosed glass structure that protrudes out into your yard delivering the best uninterrupted views from your home. https://www.marvin.com/products/spaces/skycove
