Standard Window Sizes for New Construction

Description

• "New construction" is the description used to identify the building of whole, brand new structures. This does not include additions to an existing home or building or a remodeled or reused building. The building process on new construction begins with the placement and pouring of a new foundation. Federal tax credits encourage builders to use energy-efficient windows in new construction.

Types

• New construction can include many window types. Picture, bay and single-hung windows are a few examples. Depending upon the developer and the style of home being built, windows with shapes including circles, ovals and eyebrows, known also as ellipses, may also be used. The style of window affects how the window is opened and closed. Fixed windows, such as picture windows and most oval, circle and eyebrow shapes, do not open. Bay and bow windows may have panels that are fixed and others that open from the bottom up or open from the side and toward the home's interior. Single-hung windows open from the bottom only. Double-hung windows open from the top and the bottom.

Sizes

• The standard sizes for windows placed into new construction are referred to as "stock" window sizes. Stock windows are sized according to the manufacturing process used by the window maker and indicate a window size that is readily available or easily made in large numbers — custom sizes are available according to the requirements of the window manufacturer. In general, stock window sizes begin at 12 inches in width and height. Standard sizes for single-hung windows start at 18 inches wide by 36 inches high. Fixed windows, such as picture, casement and transom windows, have sizes starting at 12 inches wide by 18 inches high. Standard window sizes typically increase by 6 inches in either direction and are no larger than 72 to 96 inches in width or height. For instance, standard window sizes might include 24 inches by 48 inches, 30 inches by 54 inches or 36 inches by 60 inches.

Options

• Builders may choose from a variety of window materials when specifying for new construction including vinyl, wood, wood clad and aluminum. The materials used can vary upon the developer and the type of home being offered. For instance, aluminum windows are found in lower-priced, new construction because they are sturdy and last a long time. However, aluminum windows do not offer the energy efficiency that many vinyl, wood and wood-clad windows offer. Wood may be an excellent option from a design standpoint and are often placed in high-end new construction. However, wood and wood clad windows must be maintained, where vinyl windows are typically low maintenance or maintenance free.