Are you in the market for new windows? If so, it is indeed a confusing and expensive process.
I was talking to another designer the other day and we both agreed that about 30% of our time on a project with windows is spent on windows. That also translates to the amount of time that your contractor will take ordering and installing your windows. Which ultimately translates into the percentage of your budget that you will spend on windows. Yes, windows are a big deal!
It’s not quite as easy as, “you get what you pay for” because each manufacturer from Marvin and Integrity, Andersen, Pella, and Harvey have something different to offer with their specifications; comparing apples to apples is just about impossible. The only solution is to get a lot of help from your designer, the sales rep and your builder to come up with the perfect window for you within your budget.
Here are the key specifications that you need to decide on prior to purchasing a window:
_ Exterior Finish & Color: White, Black, Green and so many more are available.
_ Interior Finish: White, Wood or custom are available. (note: wood can be painted)
_ Grilles or Lites : Pattern and Installation
_ Sash type / Cleaning Style: White or are you looking for a different look.
_ Type of Glass: Low E or Argon
_ Finish on Hardware: Each manufacturer has standard or upgrade options
_ How the Double Hung is Divided: 50/50 or 40/60
_ Full Screen or Half Screen – Split or full screen and upgrade quality or not.
It is your designer’s job to determine the size and layout within these specifications. Each manufacturer has different RO (rough openings) and it is a LOT of work to put the window schedule together. A lot of work on my end translates to design fees so this is something that you want to be very sure about prior to specifying windows.
At the end of the day, windows are a huge part of a home. They will create spaces that are beautiful and elegant and fill a space with light and breeze. It is well worth the time and energy to choose the perfect window just for you. Plenty of choices are out there, and you just have to choose the right one.
(special note: if you want help choosing windows let me know. If you want me to write another blog with additional window information, let me know that too.)