Window Sizes in new construction

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I am going to be building a house and I am deciding on windows for the basement and main floor. I am on a tight budget and I think I will prefer quality over quantity.

I am thinking two 30 x 48 will be plenty for each bedroom and make a 24 x 30 in each bathroom, a 48 x 48 in the living area and a 30 x 40 above the kitchen sink.

Are these sizes modest? Is there any reason going bigger would be more beneficial? I realize there would be more natural light but I would pay out the rear in heating and cooling costs. I see each window as an added expense to my monthly energy bill for the rest of my home's life.

The basement is a walkout, and I plan on having one egress for the Twp bedrooms down there. On the walkout side, I would have one utility door (for security instead of patio door) and maybe one window on each side similar to the bedrooms.

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Comments (4)

millworkman
11 years ago
30"x 48" will no meet egress in any type windows but what type are you planning on using?
toddsimmpns
11 years ago
30x48 will make egress (5.7) pretty easily with a casement with egress hinges.You may only need to meet 5.0 Sf if the window is considered to be "on Grade".Is the living room window operate? I would make the windows the sizes you want and use one with good U-values to offset heat loss. One egress for two bedrooms or one egress in each bedroom? Patio doors can be quit secure depending on hardware and brand and are very secure with a rod in the track.
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ksc36
11 years ago
A 30 x 48 will meet the code in some states if it's a double hung. We need a 20 x 24 clear opening minimum. If you are allowed this opening make sure you double check, most manufacturers will have this listed in their specs..
ctsnicholas
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sorry for lack of details.

the basement will be casement egress. Main floor bedrooms will have two windows....either casement or double hung.

My main concern is losing efficiency with big windows. I won't be buying top tier windows due to affordability, thus I want modest size without being too small.

The living room 4' x 4' will probably be two double hung or two casement side by side. I though about going taller and/or wider to get a good view out the front of the house.