All About Your Window Size and More

As many of your know there are many variances among home window sizes. However, it has been said many times by some of the larger home builders that the average home window size is between 24" to 30" wide and 60" to 72" tall. These averages are usually found around the same areas of homes - bedrooms, front, and sides of the home. The more custom the home, the more "common" or "average" windows are less common and will vary in size depending on what part of the home you are focusing on. Bathroom windows, for example are typically the smallest windows in the average home but are many times some of the larger windows in custom home. There are many window manufacturers worldwide so calling any window a "standard" size is not so common any longer. Regarding window screens, the actual window size really doesn't matter since there are so many custom window screen manufacturers like Window Screen Pros throughout the United States.

The Traditional Window Sizing Method:

In most common style homes, if you are looking at the front of the house, the top of the windows line up with the front door height which is standard at 6 feet, 8 inches unless custom made. Again, depending on the room, the bottom of the windows is usually set at 3 feet above the floor. However, over the last 25 years or so, raised, vaulted, and pitched ceilings have taken over with a lot of the more popular builders which has raised the common 3 feet from the floor rule. This has made the windows taller than normal now in many cases and has increasingly become more and more popular. In most building codes, at least 10 inches must remain between the ceiling and the top of a window to allow space for door headers, trims, moldings, and other decorative request within the home. Some builders can work around this regulation but additional steps and cost become a factor in doing so. Even certain safety glass is required if you work outside of code which can raise your expenses considerably.

The Importance of Proper Window Sizing:

The windows on your home carries a significant impact to the overall design, style, and visual acceptance of your visitors. Most home owners put a lot of emphasis on the type of window, with or without window screens, and the type of shutters and even possible awnings above each window to dress them up. A miscalculation in size, a wrong measurement in actual location or a screw-up in the type of window can crush or, at least, diminish the outward appearance of the home. Also, you have to be aware of the number of windows you are wanting on each side of your home. Having too many can effect the interior comfort year round or not having enough can impact interior lighting, your power bills, and overall feel of the home. Many home-owners have made the mistake of going overboard on their over-sized windows that end up not providing enough privacy or an easy break-in entry for burglars.

Window size will vary depending on which room they are placed. Garage and basement windows, which are at the smallest end of the spectrum, are usually between 18 and 24 inches wide and 12 and 18 inches high. Bathroom windows are similarly small, typically 18 to 24 inches wide and 2 to 3 feet high. Bedroom widows fall between 2 and 4 feet wide and 3 and 5 feet tall. Dining rooms and living rooms usually have the most and the largest windows. The windows in these rooms are most commonly between 3 to 6 feet wide and 4 to 6 feet tall.

Custom vs. Stock Sized Windows:

Many big box do-it-yourself stores offer relatively inexpensive, stock windows for nonprofessional installation with great instructions and online tutorials or installation videos on YouTube. These windows generally fall within the range of standard sized window openings we cover above. However, there are some additional costs you may incur if you decide to purchase stock windows. For example, stock windows may require additional expenses towards hiring a contractors due to drywall or masonry alterations these type window installations may cause. More importantly, some of these expenses are not known until you are half-way into the install!

Most professional installers will offer to measure your existing windows or openings free of charge so make sure you ask for free quotes before committing. Also, ask for a copy of their insurance and bond. The windows will be special ordered, and initially more expensive, but they are guaranteed to fit. Tightly sealed, correctly sized windows are energy efficient and will last a lifetime if installed correctly. Finish them off with a custom window screen, and your home will look the best on the block!

For more information about windows for your home, browse Window Screen Pros blog for more information.