Windows have a substantial effect on a new home’s design and are popular replacements in home renovations. Choosing the right windows allows you to maximize natural light and enjoy the surrounding views. Today’s windows can significantly reduce heat loss and give the exterior of your home more curb appeal. There are several things to consider when selecting windows.

Glazing bars option

Some feel that windows without glazing bars can make a house appear hollow; glazing bars give the exterior a human scale and higher level of detail. While some find that they do add appeal to the exterior of a house, others feel that they can interrupt the view from the inside. Glazing bars are available in different styles, so you should be able to find windows that match your home’s style and scale—heritage, bungalow, rancher or modern, just to name a few.

Casings/trim

Ensure that you have a drip cap at the header and a proper sill as part of your casement, with proper slope to allow water drainage. Avoid wrapping trim around the window without a sill. You can add detail to the exterior of the home with trim around the windows, and there are options to suit every style. For example, you can use a different width of trim around each window, using a standard width on the sides, a wider trim on the header and slightly narrower trim on the sill. Or, you could use the same width on all four sides of the window, but extend the header trim pieces one or two inches beyond each side.

Replacement

If you are replacing the windows with larger ones in the existing positions, the most inexpensive option is to drop the sill height. The structure above the window transfers the loads from above to the posts, or built-up framing beside the jams of the window. It’s a lot of extra work to move the header higher or the sides/jams out to create more width, but it’s relatively simple to drop the sill framing. The sill carries only the load of the window itself and nothing more, so you can increase your window size without making any structural changes. This can make a room seem larger and allows more natural light into your home.

Plan carefully

An investment of time and thoughtful consideration during the planning stages of your building or renovation project will ensure you are thrilled with the overall beauty and functional efficiency of your new home. Talk to the designers at New Dawn Developments. Our specialty is leading our clients through the entire home design process, resulting in a home you will be proud to share with your family and friends. Building a home should be an affordable and thoroughly enjoyable process, plus, a great livable investment.