New Construction: Should we install transom windows or regular windows
Marta Watson
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
M Doshi
5 years agoMarta Watson
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Replacement Windows vs New Construction Windows
Comments (6)Rotted sills are pretty commonplace and most of the rot that people see is often times draining behind the exterior cladding of the home and therefore not rotting structure. You need to take a closer look (i.e. remove some exterior cladding and inspect structure or remove the sill and take a look at the rough opening). While the rot may look significant, a majority of what is out there is non-structural and therefore does not require a full tear out. If you go full tear out, you absolutely should use a flanged/new construction window. Having asbestos siding certainly complicates matters a bit and you would be well advised to check code requirements as it pertains to that specific ACM (Asbestos containing material). There are more stringent requirements if the material is removed professionally (i.e. by a contractor) as compared to the homeowner (not all together dissimilar than the RRP fiasco)....See MoreReplacement Windows vs. New Construction Windows
Comments (23)A new construction window does not always mean more glass. It depends on window type and size and manufacturer. When we replaced our old leaky Aluminum windows with AL clad, wood interior windows (Marvin Ultimate), we ended up losing about 6+ inches of glass. The old aluminum had skinny sash while the new ones have large wood pieces inside. The large wood pieces did not affect the views as we feared but they certainly did not yield more glass. There are several reasons to stay with replacement even when changing siding and trim. We lived through this in our previous house. When trim around the windows is expensive to replace and already matches the house trim. WHen original frame is sound and we are not changing window size. When replacement window is sufficiently better than old window. When project cost of new construction is way higher than replacement windows. WE ended up using replacement windows for our previous home. For our current house, the trim was bad and needed replacement anyway, the framing surrounding the windows had visible water damage and there is no replacement for those poor quality Aluminum windows. The end result was new construction windows....See MoreInstalling New Construction Vinyl Windows (Okna) in a Buck?
Comments (36)Hi Shannon, To get the desired look, for the look you are trying to achieve, I would recommend the following based on our twelve years as a Windsor distributor/installer: 1) Windsor Legend double-hung windows with exterior moulding factory applied. This will give you the set-back look you are desiring and still allows the Hardie planks to "dive in" to the side of the window trim. We completed numerous homes, that were a farmhouse architectural typology, in the South Carolina Low Country as well as Savannah, GA area with the Windsor Legend series . 2) Windsor Next Dimension classic series with nail fin and no brickmould attached. You will still need to have the window recessed so it is set back, then have PVC exterior trim applied so the Hardie plank "dives in" to the window trim. If you are using 2 x 4 exterior walls, the builder will have to fur-out the inside of the window wall so the drywall and interior window trim can be applied appropriately. Hope this helps! Patrick...See MoreNew Construction Window Costs Installed
Comments (79)For most vinyl windows, they are the same product, just with or without a nail fin and a different size. He could be steering you away from new construction because its more difficult and time consuming. While the price obviously reflects the extra time/labor, it doesn't reflect the profit that COULD have been made doing a second replacement job in the same time span as one new construction job. Installers generally don't love them unless they are diverse in what they do, ie: installing windows today, siding tomorrow, roofing another day, etc, but even at that, replacements are typically less headaches and an "in and out" install. The other, more sincere and helpful reason for pushing you away from new construction could simply be that you really dont need it, and you can save a bunch of money by going with replacement. Substantial rot, existing leakage, and sensitivity to any loss of glass area are the main reasons to go with new construction. You will find a lot of companies that push heavily one way or the other because that is just how they sell, but it should really depend on the individual circumstances so that you can weigh options for your situation. For you, given that you are having both the interior and exterior finishes already removed (siding and woodwork), it does simplify that new construction install so it becomes a more viable option IMO even if you didnt have any of the issues above....See MoreVirgil Carter Fine Art
5 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
5 years agoMarta Watson
5 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
5 years agoMarta Watson
5 years agohummingalong2
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoAnglophilia
5 years agoIntoodeep
5 years agoMarta Watson
5 years agocpartist
5 years agonanj
5 years agolkbum_gw
5 years agoHolly Stockley
5 years ago
Related Stories
WINDOWSContractor Tips: How to Choose and Install Windows
5 factors to consider when picking and placing windows throughout your home
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Learn what Energy Star ratings mean, what special license your contractor should have, whether permits are required and more
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESRenovation Detail: The Transom Window
Homes may no longer need them for air, but transom windows can bring in necessary light and hand-crafted style
Full StoryPETSHow to Install a Dog-Washing Station
Find out the options for pet showers and bathing tubs — plus whom to hire and what it might cost
Full StoryFENCES AND GATESHow to Install a Wood Fence
Gain privacy and separate areas with one of the most economical fencing choices: stained, painted or untreated wood
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Install a New Tile Floor
Is it time to replace your tile floor? Here’s how to get it done, which pros to call and what it will cost
Full StoryMATERIALSThe Most Popular Roofing Material is Affordable and Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles, the most widely used roof material in the U.S. are reliable and efficient, and may be right for you
Full StoryEARTH DAYHow to Install a Green Roof
Covering a roof with low-maintenance plants has benefits beyond just beauty. Get the details here
Full StoryCURB APPEALHow to Make a Window Garden Grow
Get the scoop on materials, installation, plantings and more to bring the charming look of window boxes to your home
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES8 Wonderfully Creative Window Treatments
If regular curtains and rods feel too off the rack, look to these imaginative alternatives for one-of-a-kind windows
Full Story
Mark Bischak, Architect