Building With Style: Choosing Windows Wisely

Windows are one of the most expensive elements in a house: A good clad window, installed, costs over $30 per square foot. All the sadder, then, that very few houses have windows that are located and sized to maximum advantage. The overall building design generally determines the basic size and location of windows and doors relative to sunlight, interior lighting, and view. In this column, I will outline some of the details you should consider when choosing the exact size and specs for your windows. Choosing a Window Type I like to solve practical problems first, then work with any visual problems caused by the practical solutions. Here are some points to consider: • Today, it is easier and cheaper to make windows