Custom Window Options For Your New Replacement Windows

Taking on a replacement window project is a fantastic way to add value and curb appeal to your home.   According to Remodeling Magazine, the return on investment with replacement windows for 2013 is 92% -95%.* That means that replacing your windows not only increases the value of your home by up to 95% of the actual cost of the windows, but also saves you money every month in energy costs.  

There are many options and upgrades you can choose to personalize your windows, not the least of which are style and color. These choices are what will give your home its' own character and charm, and are widely available (with some variation) among manufacturers.  

The experts at Windows on Washington have compiled a list of the most popular options and upgrades for your consideration:

Hardware

For most vinyl replacement windows, the standard hardware is white. Some premium manufacturers offer a variety of reasonably priced hardware upgrades that are attractive and fashionable, such as: brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze and antique brass. For a relatively low per unit price increase, hardware customization will add a high-end look and feel to your home. 

Obscure Glass

Obscure glass – also known as privacy glass – is frosted or ground. This type of glass transmits light yet does not allow a view of objects on the other side. This option is relatively affordable and often used in bathrooms where privacy is paramount. If installed in a conventionally small space, you may not want or need to cover these windows with curtains or blinds. While there is an upgrade cost associated with privacy glass, the additional expense is often deferred by the absence of additional window treatments.

Color

The majority of vinyl windows are available in white, which is widely appreciated for its clean look and the way it “pops” against a variety of home exterior materials and siding. However, custom exterior colors are available in some replacement window types.  Color can increase curb appeal and make a home look unique and custom. However, please keep in mind that custom exterior color will add the cost of the window itself and often takes longer to produce because of the extra steps during manufacturing.  At times, Homeowner Association (HOA) requirements and historical designations dictate a specific color for the exterior of the window, making colored exteriors a necessary expense. There are many different exterior and interior color options available for homeowners including solid colors, stains and wood grain finishes.

Note: Depending on the window manufacturer, it is recommended that all colored windows be fitted with full screens. This is done to ensure that no white is visible, as the tracks are sometimes not colored. Be sure to clarify this prior to purchase.

Oriel or Cottage Style

An oriel or cottage window is a double hung window where the top portion is larger than the bottom portion, or vice versa. Most manufacturers offer this in a 40/60% or 60/40% configuration. This relatively reasonably priced upgrade will add a distinctive look to your home, increase curb appeal and is sometimes required by a HOA guidelines. 

Simulated Divided Lights

Simulated divided lights (SDLs) give an authentic divided glass look without the added complication and expense of many smaller, individually cut pieces of glass. SDL bars are permanently adhered to the outside surface of the glass with a spacer bar between the panes of glass. This application does make cleaning more difficult, but is considered a desirable upgrade to grid bars located in between the panes of glass. SDLs are paintable or stainable as well, helping homeowners achieve a custom look. SDLs are often required in historical applications and they come at a significantly higher investment. When considering this option, be sure to ask your window professional if the SDLs are mounted on the portion of the window facing the inside of the home, the outside of the home or both.

Grids

Grids are a great way to get the look of a divided glass window or SDL without the hefty price increase. An additional benefit of internal grids is that they are easier to clean, as the grid is between the panes of glass which creates a smooth glass surface. Most manufacturers offer both flat and contoured internal grids to mimic the pattern of SDLs for a fraction of the cost. It is not uncommon for a HOA to require a specific grid type or pattern, so double check all regulations and requirements to be sure your window selection conforms.

Full Screens

Typically for a small investment, homeowners have the option to upgrade from the standard half screen to a full screen. The benefit of a full screen lies mainly with better ventilation by raising the lower sash and lowering the upper sash without losing protection from insects. Some homeowners also prefer the “finished” look of a full screen. 

Have questions about which options and upgrades are right for your home improvement project?  Contact the experts at Windows on Washington today and we will be happy to walk you through all of the different choices of custom features available for replacement windows. It is always our goal to make your home more beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient!

*Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2013.