How to Build a Window That Opens Inward

Choose a Style

• Decide what type of inward-opening window you want. Several types of windows open inward, including French windows, Hopper windows, sash windows and more. You can make any window open inward if you orient the hinges or other opening mechanism properly. Choose a style that fits your needs. French windows are as large as doors, while Hopper windows take up little space and usually appear in basements or commercial settings. Conduct research on windows types before making a firm decision.

Build vs. Buy

• Building a window requires installing a new window on your own or building a window from scratch. Building a window from scratch requires buying panes of glass, deciding on insulation methods and constructing a frame. Or, you can buy windows and install them yourself. Some manufacturers produce full lines of windows designed specially to open inward. Or, you can buy a window you like and install it so that it opens in by properly orienting the opening mechanism -- usually a hinge or sliding arm.

Preparation

• When you build a window, preparation includes everything from gathering all the tools and supplies you need to preparing a site in your house for the installation of windows. Preparing for window installation requires removing a portion of your wall and framing it with suitable materials. With wood-framed walls, you can use wooden beams as a support network around a gap created for a window. When working with stone, concrete, brick or other rock walls, contact a mason for assistance. Always confer with local building codes before undertaking such a project, and check the weather forecast before cutting a hole in your wall. Clean and sand the area and ensure your wall and frame can support the weight of the window.

Installation

• If you buy a window for installation, building that window requires little more than following the manufacturer instructions on window installation. Have all the materials, including screws, brackets, hinges and handles, that are required for installation but not included with the window purchase. If you build your own windows, you need to buy all of these materials yourself. When installing an inwardly opening window, install the hinges or other opening mechanism so that it opens to the inside of your home. Double-check the direction of this mechanism before installing it to avoid mistakes. Finish your job by sealing all cracks around your window with weatherproof caulk or sealant. If you are unsure of how to proceed at any point, contact a contractor or an installation expert.