We recently talked about the importance of quality framing in your custom home. Another aspect of the custom home building process that you need to give careful attention to is your window selection.
While you likely are taking cost into consideration, you certainly don't want to skimp on the quality of windows that you are installing in your home. While we're fortunate to experience fairly mild winters in DeLand, we also can run into some brutally hot summers. The windows that you choose for your home can play a critical role in maintaining a comfortable temperate and make your home more energy efficient.
When choosing windows for your DeLand custom home, you will quickly learn that there are many different designs and sizes to consider. In addition, there are many differences in the available opening mechanisms, structure, and glass.
To help make the process of choosing windows for your DeLand custom home less overwhelming, let's touch on some window basic in regards to types and styles:
Window Materials
You'll find that windows come in a variety of materials.
Windows have traditionally been made of wood, and it's a popular material choice because wood is very versatile and durable. The have the option to be painted or use a natural finish.
An increasingly popular window material choice is vinyl, which requires little maintenance and offers excellent heat and sound insulation.
Another material that is used to make windows is aluminum. This type of window is ideal where maximum light is required. The strength of the aluminum frame is able to support a large expanse of glass. Aluminum windows, too, are easy to maintain and very durable.
Types of Windows
There are 8 basic types of windows to consider during the custom home building process, and we'll outline them for you below:
Window Grades
When going through the custom home building process, talk to your building contractor about the grade of windows used. In the construction industry, there is a hierarchy for materials, with builder grade being the lowest quality:
Be cognizant of window grades as it can impact the overall quality of your custom home. To learn more about choosing windows for your custom home, please contact us at Empire Custom Builders. We have more than 4 decades of experience in the Central Florida custom home building industry and can help you to make a quality choice for your home.
To help make the process of choosing windows for your DeLand custom home less overwhelming, let's touch on some window basic in regards to types and styles:
Window Materials
You'll find that windows come in a variety of materials.
Windows have traditionally been made of wood, and it's a popular material choice because wood is very versatile and durable. The have the option to be painted or use a natural finish.
An increasingly popular window material choice is vinyl, which requires little maintenance and offers excellent heat and sound insulation.
Another material that is used to make windows is aluminum. This type of window is ideal where maximum light is required. The strength of the aluminum frame is able to support a large expanse of glass. Aluminum windows, too, are easy to maintain and very durable.
Types of Windows
There are 8 basic types of windows to consider during the custom home building process, and we'll outline them for you below:
- Double Hung Windows: This type of window opens on both the top and bottom.
- Casement Windows: This type of window opens outward with the turn of a crank.
- Awning Windows: These windows are hinged at the top and can be opened outwards to let in air from the left or right and the bottom.
- Picture Windows: These are stationary windows that maximize the view to the outdoors.
- Transform Windows: These narrow windows are either operational or stationary and are typically located above a door or window to maximize light flow.
- Slider Windows: These windows slide along a track to give at least one operational window.
- Stationary Windows: These windows do not open, but are highly customizable to nearly any design.
- Bay Windows: These windows protrude out from the exterior of the home and typically are a combination of stationary and operational windows.
Window Grades
When going through the custom home building process, talk to your building contractor about the grade of windows used. In the construction industry, there is a hierarchy for materials, with builder grade being the lowest quality:
- Ultimate Custom Grade
- Custom Grade
- Quality Grade
- Builder Grade
Be cognizant of window grades as it can impact the overall quality of your custom home. To learn more about choosing windows for your custom home, please contact us at Empire Custom Builders. We have more than 4 decades of experience in the Central Florida custom home building industry and can help you to make a quality choice for your home.
