Saving money up front with white vinyl windows means buying again in a few years. You can use vinyl siding and gravel drive with a small concrete apron in front of a single garage opening for more savings. Choosing a local with lower land cost would lower costs.

Are you saying that black windows would last longer?

Fiberglass windows will be buy once. Black vinyl should be the same price as white. Or close enough. Inexpensive vinyl in black or white will have a limited life. I've found buying low quality makes the good quality product cost that much more in the long run.

What brand of windows are you thinking and what material as you do not mention it?

I actually had not decided the material. I just assumed that black windows, no matter the material, would be a premium.

They are but garbage windows in any color is still garbage windows. I would use a better white window than crap black windows. Saving money on windows can be a misnomer as poor windows will need more maintenance and or replacement much sooner than quality in any material.

Simple shape and roofline and not using stone will reduce costs. There are some pictures of very attractive simple houses with same style “feel” that show up here on a fairly regular basis.

If I eliminate the stone and do all composite siding, any suggestions on color schemes for a nice modern look?

Perhaps there is a way to make it not look like a garage with a small house behind it.

You're talking about saving nickels. Do you need to save nickels?

Black aluminum clad wood windows by Marvin would be a good choice. Very long life with virtually no maintenance. We replaced our old windows with white Marvins but have seen many in black and they look modern and sharp. I don’t think white windows would look best on your house.

Why do you like this proposed elevation where the garage is the first thing you see?

@jj no I need to save dollars. Thought this might make an impact. @cpartist. I like simple houses plus I love the floor plan. I am turning the garage opening to the side.

"I am turning the garage opening to the side."

Which door?

@millworkman Converting to 2 car side entry.

So what will the front look like once you turn it to the side?

Yeah, converting and changing the opening on the garage will also change the desired "modern" look.

@millworkman You think so? I admit I can't fully visualize it but I think it might work.

Ask your architect for a drawing showing what this would look like.

Not a pro, but I don’t think white will look good.

A painted exterior on a vinyl window will be significantly more costly than white. That said, I agree with the sentiments that the white exterior wouldn't look great with the existing design. If you are using wood or fiberglass windows where the exterior is already painted anyway, the black color charge is much less of a premium if not the same price... Either way, be sure to choose a quality window. There are plenty of terrible vinyl windows on the market but also some very good ones, and the same goes for wood and composites including fiberglass.

A lot of comments on window quality...what characteristics make a quality window?

A manufacturers history of quality product, quality control, consistent high quality fit and finish, a history of stable and consistent quality customer service. Durability over the long term is a major point as well.

Just looked for "modern exterior with white windows" on Houzz photos and they aren't easy to find! But I did find a few. I think I see a pattern and none of these houses will be at the affordable end of the budget.

Houston Residence · More Info

Bucktown Modern · More Info

West Coast Modern · More Info

Ramchandani Residence · More Info

GATINEAU HILLS · More Info

96 Golden Beach · More Info

@millworkman A few more questions about windows if you don't mind. I'm not clear on how to check quality history or durability. I can google this but who is to say if it's fact. Specifically, how would you investigate/compare? Thanks.

I'm planning for the garage to look like picture when turned to the side.

Post your questions here. Start a new thread if you wish in the windows section only. There are pros there (including myself) who will be glad to offer help and advice. There will be people whose opinion you may not want to listen to but that is fine just ignore the advice you do not like. There are a good bunch of people there who will happily steer you in a good direction. Realistically unfortunately the best way to compare is by getting advice from people who sell and use the products on a regular basis. Everyone has a website that looks good these days and unfortunately many websites are better than their products. You can also email me direct as my email address is in my profile.

And how will you cover those huge windows in the garage? Or will people be able to look into your garage daily?

I will treat them like all the other windows on the house.