Things to Consider When Choosing Windows for Your Home

Whether you're building a new home or upgrading your old, worn out windows, choosing windows for your home can be daunting. Depending on how many windows you're installing, it could also be a significant investment. So, knowing how to choose windows that will look great and stand the test of time is very important. Here's what you need to know to make the right choices.

Things to Consider when Choosing Windows for Your Home

The good news is that the "rules" for choosing windows for your home are the same. So no matter whether you need the best windows for home renovation, or for a brand new build, you have the same decisions to make.

1. Consider Your Home's Architecture

There are certain styles of windows that match certain types of architecture. Windows that will work with a modern, contemporary home or even a mid century modern style won't work for a colonial or a craftsman, and vice versa. If you have any doubt about what kind of windows will work, you can refer to these books* for more information:

*We keep these books in our office and highly recommend them. These links take you to Amazon but they are not affiliate links and we do not profit from any sales.

2. Will Your New Replacement Windows Pass a Permit Inspection?

The next thing you need to consider when you are choosing windows for your home is what local bylaws and regulations say about windows.

There are several regulations that govern the size, shape and number of windows you need in a particular space, such as:

Whether the room needs egress windows, and if so, how big they must be, and what height they should be installed at
Whether the windows need to have special safety features like tempered glass
What kind of energy efficiency standards the windows need to meet
How much light you are required to have in the room, and what size window you need to achieve that

If you are looking for the best windows for home renovation, remember that simply matching the size and style of your current windows with updated ones might not work. Sometimes, older windows are "grandfathered in" even though they don't meet current codes, simply because they were there before the codes were written or updated.

However, if you make changes to things like windows after new codes come into force, you might find that local authorities require you to meet the current codes and standards. This might require major changes to your home or structure, and it could be quite costly. So be sure to find out before you make changes, so you can budget accordingly.

3. What Material Are Your Windows Made From?

Another big consideration when choosing windows for your home is what kind of material they are made from, and how that will impact durability, insulation and maintenance requirements.

Some materials like wood look good, but they do require regular maintenance. Vinyl and aluminum are much lower maintenance but they each have their own drawbacks regarding customizability, cost, and energy efficiency.

Learn more: Pros and Cons of Each Window Material

If you're not sure which windows are best for your home, consider getting quotes on several options, and then weight the cost, warranty and other factors.

5. Consider the Installation Phase

Buying new windows for your home is not the end of the replacement process. You still have to get your old windows removed and your new windows installed.

Some window suppliers have installation services too, and others might have a list of approved window installation contractors that they recommend. These are better options, because you can be sure that the company installing the windows is familiar with the product.

If you do have to hire a window installer on your own, look for an established company that has a good reputation, and don't simply choose the cheapest quote. Often, in the construction and renovation world, you really do get what you pay for.

6. Who Makes the Best Windows

If you're concerned about choosing the right windows for your home, the best thing you can do is be patient and shop around. Different companies specialize in different kinds of windows, and there are pros and cons to each. So don't rush into any decisions before you're sure you've found the right solution for your home.

To get you started, we've compiled a list of some of the best window manufacturers here:

If you want wooden windows, your best options are Jeld-Wen, Marvin or Sierra Pacific
Top of the line wood clad windows come from Marvin, Andersen, Kolbe, Sierra Pacific and Pella
If you want vinyl windows, some of the best brands are Alside, Pella, Jeld-Wen and NT Windows
For aluminum windows, choose Don Young, Marvin, Jeld-Wen and NT Windows
Finally, for fiberglass, start your search with Pella, Marvin and Gillkey

Good windows will be an important part of your home for many years to come. They look great, insulate well, and are weather proof. So if you're choosing windows for your home, take the time to get it right. You will be very glad that you did!