Windows can can brighten up a home. It allows natural light to come in and offers good ventilation for any room.
A wealth of possibilities
In choosing the right ones, you have a lot of things to consider such as whether or not they are meant for new homes or are just replacement windows, the types, casings, or accessories.
With those considerations in mind, you will also have a plethora of choices that can simply overwhelm you. With the assortment of designs and styles in the market, you will certainly need a helping hand in deciding which windows will suit your home best.
Here are some simple tips that can help to enlighten you towards making your window decisions:
1. Identify your needs.
Is it a new construction window (meaning you are building a new structure and need windows with it) or are you merely replacing your existing windows?
You need to identify first what kind of assembly you need to be able to progress to the next stage. If it’s a new construction, then that will mean you will have more leeway in terms of design and style. On the other hand, for existing ones, you will probably need to adapt the design of your replacement window to the size and shape of the provided space.
Next, you will also need to ask yourself what you want your windows to do. Is it mainly for protection from the elements? Is it for aesthetic purposes? Where will it be used? Listing down these criteria will narrow down the choices and make choosing easier for you.
2. Do some research.
Read up on the types of windows as well as the various features available in your market. Do you need energy-efficient windows? Will you need retractable ones?
Familiarize yourself with the terms of window construction as well as warranty. This will arm yourself with the appropriate knowledge so you will know how to weed out unnecessary features that will only cost you.
3. Talk to a competent contractor.
It is best to discuss your project with a professional windows supplier. You can definitely benefit from their expertise and experience.
For example, they can help you decide what grid pattern works best with your type of home design or what windows can help you save energy.
Shop around so you will know who has the best offer and understand your needs and requirements. Do not only base your decision on the price (whether of the choice of windows or window installer) because if you pay peanuts, you’ll get monkeys. In short, you get what you pay for, so better choose wisely.
4. Decide on the design and materials
After evaluating your house, your contractor should be able to make their recommendations. Based on their suggestions, you can then be able to pick which designs you like best with the material that is best for your requirements.
Here are some of the basic types of windows to choose from:
- Casement windows: These open like doors and offer an unobstructed view.
- Double-hung windows: These slide up and down and have a more traditional look.
- Sliding windows: These can be less expensive but won’t provide much ventilation since only half of the window will open.
- Bay windows: These windows help create a bigger and spacious look for your room.
You will also need to choose which type of casing material you prefer. Would you like it in wood, aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass? Wood is among the most common types, while fiberglass can be more on the expensive side.
There are also several choices for the glass to be used. Depending on your location, you can see if a single, double, or triple-pane glass will best suit the weather conditions best. Usually, for cold climates, triple-paned windows are prefered as they can slash about 2% to 3% from your heating bill, but will cost a little bit more compared to the single or double-pane ones.
You can also consider windows with the R-values which indicate the energy efficiency of materials in insulation and windows. On the other hand, U-factor ratings determine the rate at which non-solar heat flows through windows, glass doors, or skylights. Choose according to whether you need to heat up or help cool down your area.
Open up
With several breakthrough technologies that window manufacturers have developed, you will have an array of choices as to how to construct or replace your windows. It is best to keep in mind that with the help of an experienced professional, your decision will influence a lot of factors, such as the investment you will need to put in as well as the look and feel of your new space.
AUTHOR BIO
Carmen Velilla is an experienced Brand Manager currently overseeing the strategic development of multiple brands as part of the Epwin Group. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (ACIM), specializing in Corporate Communication and Digital Marketing.
