Choosing the right windows for your new home construction can be an intimidating task. After all, this is one of the largest investments you will make in your home. With a well-informed decision, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for decades. You can find everything from high-performance energy efficiency to premium architectural design. You’re sure to find the perfect fit in a window with these top manufacturers. So why do brands matter so much? The market is full of companies who make quality products. But, not everyone is the same and some just do it better than others. So, knowing which brand does what best can help you to choose the perfect window to suit your needs. To help you along the way, we’ve made a list of some of the top brands in the industry and what makes them so great. Let’s take a look!
Andersen Windows
Andersen is one of the best brands in the window industry. This brand comes with higher quality hardware than most competitors. These windows offer durability, high-quality materials, and long-lasting beauty for your home. As they should, these windows will add an unmatched curb appeal for decades to come. Another great benefit of ownership is the little to no maintenance needed. Andersen offers a wide variety of customization options. There are tons of options and features to choose from. You can customize your new windows with their glass, grille, and hardware selections.
Certainteed Windows
Certainteed is hard to beat when it comes to wood windows. Known for their durability, Certainteed windows are a top customer choice across the nation. Certainteed takes a lot of pride in offering some amazing vinyl windows. You won’t find as many material options, but the styles and designs available more than makeup for that. Certainteed understands the importance of quality workmanship at an affordable price. No matter what material you choose, you’re going to get unparalleled strength and durability.
Pella Windows
Pella is a brand that’s known for timeless beauty and superb craftsmanship. Pella stands out from the crowd with its in-demand and highly desirable wood lines. Pella offers plenty of window lines to choose from, so no matter what the budget, you can find the perfect window for your project. The Architect Series offers infinite customization options with intricate details. For something more trendy with adjustable features, the Designer Series is a great choice. If it’s a classic, simplistic look you’re after, consider Pella’s 450 Series.
Simonton Windows
Simonton stands out from the competition with its vinyl windows. You can find all the common sizes and shapes here. Simonton also offers tons of selections for glass, grilles, and hardware. You can also choose from a variety of glass treatments. These help you to keep out unwanted heat and the damaging rays from the sun. For a more budget-focused project, the Prism Series should be on the list of potentials. Simonton’s Reflections Series is great for the aesthetically driven project.
Milgard Windows
Milgard is best known for its vinyl windows. They offer 4 different lines with a variety of styles and functions to choose from. If noise is a concern, consider the “Quiet Line”. Milgard pulls out all the stops with impressive soundproofing and quality. This is a choice if you’re in a noisier location. Milgard does offer other materials for your new windows. This company also makes quality aluminum windows. These feature thin frames and a minimalistic approach to styling with a modern appeal. If a more upscale look is what you’re looking for, Milgard offers a wood-clad fiberglass option worth considering. The WoodClad line offers you the rich, upscale look of wood without maintenance.
Finding new windows for your home can be a bit nerve-wracking. With the tons of options, upgrades, and features available, its easy to get lost in the details. Understanding the difference in the types of windows can help make your choice easier. Let’s take a look at the different types of windows, and the cost of windows for new construction.
Types of New Construction Windows
There are three different types of new construction windows.
- Fixed
- Operational
- Bay, Bow, and Garden
Fixed windows don’t open and can brighten a darker room. These windows are great for areas like foyers, pathways, basements, and decks.
Operational windows include styles like single and double-hung, awning, casement, and more. These windows open and close making them perfect for any room in your home.
Bay, Bow, and Garden windows create a dramatic look by combining several windows together.
Cost of Windows for New Construction
| Window Types | Per Window Installed |
|---|---|
| Fixed Windows | $90 – $290 |
| Operational Windows | $125 – $350 |
| Bay, Bow, and Garden Windows | $575 – $1,000 |
*Please keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate depending on a wide variety of factors, so be sure to get local estimates. This can give you a more accurate idea of what your Cost of Windows for New Construction should be.
Installation for New construction vs. Existing home
New construction windows are a bit different than replacement windows. These windows include a full-frame, including sashes, hardware, and glass. This is what most people picture as an entire window. Compare this to replacement windows, that only come with glass, hardware, and sashes.
What this means for you is: new construction windows will generally cost more. This is because there is more material required during production compared to replacement windows.
This is where it can get a bit confusing. Here are some important tips to remember:
- New construction windows will cost less to install in a new home
- New construction windows will cost more to install in an existing home
To give you a better idea of the cost difference, let’s compare the numbers. Here are the estimated costs of installing new construction windows in an existing home.
Cost of New Construction Windows for Existing Homes
| Window Type | Per Window Installed |
|---|---|
| Fixed Windows | $130 – $385 |
| Operational Windows | $160 – $420 |
| Bay, Bow, and Garden Windows | $670 – $1,475 |
There is a good reason for this. In new construction homes, contractors customize the openings to accommodate the new windows. This means easier installation with less labor. But, when installing new construction windows in an existing home, the windows have to be made for the opening and are more difficult to install.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to consider all your options when it comes to windows. For the best performance, it’s important to make a well-informed decision. There are a lot of factors that go into the Cost of Windows for New Construction. These cost-affecting influences can include:
- Window size and type
- Added features and/or upgrades
- Size of the installation project
- Regional location
- Current pricing trends
You should always get estimates from a few local contractors. This can help you to get a more accurate idea of what your cost of windows for new construction will be
