How to Choose the Perfect Windows and Doors When Building Your Own Home
When you’re building your own home, you really want to make sure that you get it right the first time. Mistakes cost time and money.
One key area to carefully consider is your choice of doors and windows. The shape, size, colour, material, and practicality of these needs to be spot on to avoid expensive replacements down the line.
How do you choose the best doors and windows with so many options available? We have a short checklist that you can run through when you’re making these important decisions.
Function
No, doors and windows aren’t the most exciting of factors to consider; not nearly as much fun as choosing bathroom fixtures or wall colours. However, you must consider the function of the room before you decide on the best choice of doors and windows.
For example, sturdy palace doors are the perfect choice for homes with a beautiful sea view, allowing the natural light to flood in while showcasing the outdoors. A formal lounge or a bedroom my benefit from less exposure and allow for a muted, comforting space.
Before you buy, your questions should include:
- What will be the main purpose of this room?
- What ambience am I hoping to achieve?
- How much space do I want to fill with a door or a window?
- What will best suit the overall style of the house?
The answers to these questions will guide you further as you make decisions on style, size, and materials.
Practical Style
So, you’ve fallen in love with that enormous pivoting window? If the room is not big enough to accommodate it or if the positioning is less than ideal, then this “perfect solution” is going to just be a headache.
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| Courtesy of: https://architizer.com/projects/einfamilienhaus-in-uerikon/ | Courtesy of: https://www.homedit.com/pivot-windows/ |
Practicality needs to take priority over many other factors so try not to make emotional decisions here. Yes, those wooden sash windows remind you of your grandmother’s house, but now you live on the coast and they are likely to warp and become unusable within a year.
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Choosing doors and windows that suit both the internal and external style of the home, while still satisfying your individual preferences will take some time. Once you’ve chosen your style and you know that it is the most practical choice, it’s wise to ensure consistency throughout the house.
Another critical factor to consider is how much and what type of light you want in a room. The orientation of your house you’re building will dictate whether you’re going to enjoy late afternoon sunshine in your bedroom, or the bright early morning light. Choose wisely, this isn’t something that you can change.
Materials
Gone are the days of choosing between wood and steel. Today’s homeowners have a range of materials to choose from based on their budget, location, and style preference.
When you’re building a house, you will no doubt be focusing on keeping maintenance costs low, finding a durable product, and ensuring that it fits with the aesthetic of your home. Thankfully, there is more than enough information online to assist you in weighing up the pros and cons of each.
For example, wooden windows are affordable and beautiful, but they require regular maintenance and have a limited life span. Aluminium windows, on the other hand, are incredibly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures and climates with virtually no maintenance.
Resale Value
You may be choosing a home style that you prefer, but a smart homeowner will consider the impact of their choices on the resale value of the property.
When it comes to doors and windows, a robust and practical choice adds value to your home. Many buyers are willing to spend time and money making a home their own. However, the cost of replacing ageing doors and windows is a hefty one for a prospective buyer to factor in and may deter some.
Energy Efficiency
With energy prices continuing to soar, the significant savings gained from energy efficient doors and windows is a priority. The very best time to choose fenestration that will keep the elements at bay is when you’re building your own home.
The impact on heating and cooling costs is substantial and will keep your new home comfortable without the cost.
Building Your Own Home Minus Mistakes
As we’ve seen, there are many considerations that will impact the comfort and enjoyment of your home. Choosing the best product and a company that you can trust is critical.
Here at Origin Aluminium, we strive to deliver improved efficiencies, innovative designs, and motivated support teams to ensure all our products are manufactured quickly, without compromising on quality.
If you’re starting a project, request a call back from our team.
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