You’re looking at a wall in your home, wishing there was a window there to gaze out of at a pastoral scene or just your front or backyard. Why not add even a few windows to make a difference in your home? You can enjoy the light and openness while looking out at your world. So, how do you add a window to an existing wall? Here are some things to consider with making your window dreams come true.
Design And Energy Efficiency
Before you decide to put in new windows, you want to determine your budget and find stylish and affordable options. You also want a way to add value to your home, which includes energy efficiency. There’s a lot to consider with new windows. Here is some of the reasoning behind it all.
Reasons To Add Walls
1. Let there be light – Any home can use more natural light to create openness, additional space, energy efficiency and an airy feeling in a room. A window or windows can do all that no matter what room you choose to add a window to. New windows add more than light as they also save energy. You can douse the lights during the day and use the heat that a new window allows in your home, plus you’ll boost your mood with the benefits of natural sunlight.
2. A new view on things – Looking at a plain wall can get monotonous. Looking out a window is a lot more enjoyable, as you’re looking at the outdoors or a busy street. When you add more windows to your home, you get a better view of everything right from your home.
3. Increase your home’s value – Though you may put off buying a new window, it’s still a good deal for you and the ultimate value of your home. If you decide to sell your home, you can ask more because of a new window or windows. Windows that are energy efficient can be an even bigger money-saving plus for you and for anyone who buys your house.
Preliminaries To Adding A Window
1. Research, research, research – Before you go all out with adding a window or windows in your home, it’s best to determine what your county or city requires with building requirements are for adding a new window. Second, figure out the type of window and where you can place it. Finally, determine where the wiring, ductwork and plumbing are before you rip out walls.
2. Buy the right materials – When you do the work yourself, you want to make sure that you buy the right materials. You’ll probably need both inside and outside window casing, shims, and drip-cap flashing (L-shaped flashing that goes over the windows once they’re installed). Consult with roofing companies in Delaware about the right materials to buy, particularly if you’re doing the work yourself.
3. Rent or buy the right tools – If you do the work yourself, you’ll have to either rent or buy the right tools for the job. You’ll need a tape measure, level, hammer, staple, stud finder, saw, carpenter’s square, razor knife, caulking gun and a drill that has a screwdriver bit.
How To Add A Window To An Existing Wall
1. Measure the area – When it comes to putting a hole in a wall for a window, you want to measure the area correctly. Measure the wall area twice to make sure the measurement is right.
2. Make your opening – Your next step is to cut out the hole in the wall. Cut the opening larger than your original rough cut. You want the hole to be larger to make room for the supporting frame and header. You want to cut carefully to allow for the added window parts. This process may take most of the day to make the opening and remove the drywall and frame in the window.
3. Frame the window – You want the window to be secure without sagging, which means following the right methods for framing. To support the windowsill, but the special-purpose wall studs (wall stud cripples) in beneath the window opening. They allow any moisture to drain as the windowsill installation is at a small slope of 1-inch.
4. Complete the wall opening – With the framing in place, you can finish the wall opening. Drill pilot holes (pre-drilled holes) from the interior at each corner to detect the window opening from the outside of your home. Use a 12-inch drill bit which should be sufficient. Next, use a straightedge to make a line that connects the drill holes. This will be the area you cut out.
5. Install the window – Now, you’re ready to put the window in place. Use a mounting flange (nailing fin) to affix the vinyl or metal window to the house. This helps to protect the house from the intrusion of moisture.
Costs Of New Windows
Cost always seems to be a factor when you want to create a window out of an existing wall. It’s important to know the costs before you begin a project so you can budget accordingly. With no project being identical, costs can be difficult to determine, as prices for window installation usually vary. You’re potentially paying for any siding or stucco repair, demo work, drywall installation, electrical rerouting, trim costs, framing, and the finished work, so the overall window installation costs can run between $1,000 and $5,000 per window.
Adding a window to an existing wall can be a tedious procedure, especially if you’re unsure of the process. If that’s the case, you may want the advice of experts or hire a knowledgeable team to put the window or windows in place. RGB Construction has both the knowledge, expertise and skill to do the demo, cutouts and window framing for you. As a veteran-owned and operated business, they’re more than qualified to do the work for you. Call them at 856-264-9093. They’ll help you bring lightness out of a dreary wall.
