Hmmmm you may be right, it says 3050sh so I assumed 30'x50' and thought maybe my builder was insane... But looking at the picture it seems like the windows are as wide as the 3ft doorway!! Thank you!!

Good luck with your build!

i'm sure your plans are probably every 1/4" = 1' or something along those lines measured to scale. so just measure with a ruler. if you have the window width measure 3/4"....then the window will be 3' wide. same goes for the height.

Bink- Thank you!! I'm beyond excited!!!

Stblgt - Now I need to find a ruler!!! ;) Thank you!!

30 X 50 usually means 3' X 5' in door or window nomenclature, with '30' meaning 3 feet, 0 inches, and '50' meaning 5 feet, 0 inches. Those windows could be 36 X 60 inches, but I've seen them measured either way.

Mush is correct, just make certain that those sizes are not in a bedroom as the sole means of egress because they will not pass code. They need to have a larger clear opening than that.

Whenever I see this question, I post the following answer:

The fact that builders sometimes use a coded number system to identify window sizes that looks a lot like the numbers used by window manufacturers for their model numbers can cause trouble on a project.

There should be a very big note on the drawings saying that these numbers are only a general guide to the sizes of the windows proposed and that they do not necessarily represent the rough openings that are to be built.

In all cases it is the responsibility of the framer to identify the actual rough openings of the windows that will be used but having a set of "approximate" sizes shown on the drawings is asking for trouble IMHO.

Here are some common examples of actual model numbers and rough openings of windows that might be used to meet the builder code number "3050". Obviously the manufacturer model number conventions are all over the map. Note that the clad wood windows will not fit in the 3-0 x 5-0 rough opening implied by a 3050 notation but that the vinyl and fiberglass windows will.

Thank you so much for posting that, Renovator! I wrote him an email today specifically requesting either 36"x60" windows or 36"x50" windows with 12" transoms just so there is absolutely no discrepancies!! When we initially started talking windows I knew Marvin were out of our price range, so I suggested Pella or Andersen Woodwright. He suggested looking at a few names I didn't recognize - only one even offers wood aluminum clad windows. I'm not really sure what to do now as far as window brand. My tastes and my budget don't line up... :P

I would see if you can save money somewhere else, and go with a good window. Although they all have similar specs when new, cheap windows go downhill much faster, so you're faced with replacing them, where a better window will usually last longer. Windows are part of the 'bones' of a good house. They may not be as much fun to show off, but will pay in the long run. We went with Marvin Integrity, and love them!

If the window frame width is 36", the frame height will need to be 57" or 58" in order to meet the emergency escape and rescue requirement at bedrooms.

A 50" frame height will definitely not meet the escape opening requirement.

A 12 inch transom frame height would probably only provide an unobstructed glass height of about 6 inches so you might want to make it a bit taller. Transom units don't come in many sizes and every manufacturer is different.

So, to design the windows you really need to choose a window.

If you can't afford the Andersen 400 series Woodwright, Andersen makes a 400 series Tilt-Wash that does not have the composite sash cladding but the PPG Flexicron epoxy paint is very tough. The wood frames and vinyl frame cladding is the same.

Not sure how these align with the budget, but we used Kolbe windows and while we are not quite in the house yet, are very happy with them so far. We got the ultra triple paned, but they have several models.

you should visit the window forum here.
and shop brands by the info on the nfrc label:

http://www.nfrc.org/windowratings/The-Nfrc-Label.html

look for brands with solar heat gain coefficients (shgc)
& ufactors of .30 or less.

best of luck

It is misleading to discuss windows by brand alone because most of them make a full range of window models from a low grade builder model to aluminum cladding on wood with many different features for sills, balances, detailing and finishes. The u-factor ratings are for the glass not the window design so that isn't much of a guide. Its difficult to get good information and now that Home Depot and Lowes carry some of the better know window you can add misinforation to the issue.

Kolbe makes the following kinds of windows: Contemporary and traditional Extruded aluminum on wood, all-wood, roll-formed aluminum on wood and all-vinyl. One stop shopping. I have never found a reason to use them over Marvin.

Andersen makes an all aluminum commercial window and residential vinyl clad wood frames but wraps the sash with different kinds of composites and even epoxy paint that they are reluctant to identify. They even make an all composite (wood sawdust & PVC) window that is sold through a separate division. They make an aluminum on wood window that is sold by another separate division. They leaked at the sash meeting rails on one job and I have never gone back.

Jeld-Wen is an amalgamation of 5 very different kinds of window companies so there is little that they do not make but there is no shared design approach. This is what happens when a window company gets big by buying other window companies.

Marvin makes extruded aluminum on wood and also fiberglass windows with more special features and custom options than you can keep track of since they are made to order and not stocked. When I have to do anything difficult with windows or my clients are picky Marvin is my only choice.

Pella makes roll-formed aluminum on wood, a concept from from yesteryear that they are more than reluctant to describe in their brochures. When a company can't learn from the past it is forced to live in it. Maybe they now make some different kinds of windows but I just walk on by their gigantic booth at the shows.

If there is anything more complicated than the design of a window design it is probably how to install them. Its a slugfest between manufacturers with no referees.