Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
These tricks of the trade will achieve the high-end look you're looking for, without the high-end price tag
The right windows can make a mediocre room amazing, so it can be tempting to spare no expense on this important aspect of a renovation. The good news is that you can still use windows to your advantage without spending up big. These strategies on where to spend and where to save could be just what you need to cut the cost of your windows and still achieve the effect you’re hoping for.
2. Mix custom-made windows with off-the-shelf
Select a standard-size window for the main portion of the facade, and then complement it with customised highlights to reduce the overall price.
Select a standard-size window for the main portion of the facade, and then complement it with customised highlights to reduce the overall price.
3. Achieve a bespoke look with ready-made windows
Whilst these windows give the impression of customised full-height windows, you could achieve something similar with a standard-height window. Arrange the window head to sit in line with the square cornice by lifting it off the ground. Then use an infill panel at the bottom of the window. The eye will be drawn to the beautiful view, not the skirting.
Keen to capture your views? Find an architect near you on Houzz, browse images of their projects and read reviews from previous clients
Whilst these windows give the impression of customised full-height windows, you could achieve something similar with a standard-height window. Arrange the window head to sit in line with the square cornice by lifting it off the ground. Then use an infill panel at the bottom of the window. The eye will be drawn to the beautiful view, not the skirting.
Keen to capture your views? Find an architect near you on Houzz, browse images of their projects and read reviews from previous clients
4. Install aluminium windows for an affordable option
Aluminium windows are a great alternative if you are wanting to save money. You can easily customise your look by breaking up the panels without a huge financial penalty.
Aluminium windows are a great alternative if you are wanting to save money. You can easily customise your look by breaking up the panels without a huge financial penalty.
5. Choose timber window frames wisely
Timber frames are elegant and give warmth to a room, however they can be very expensive. Victorian ash timber windows can be an economical alternative and you can get them pre-primed, which reduces the cost of painting.
Browse more beautiful window seats for inspiration
Timber frames are elegant and give warmth to a room, however they can be very expensive. Victorian ash timber windows can be an economical alternative and you can get them pre-primed, which reduces the cost of painting.
Browse more beautiful window seats for inspiration
This stunning window is also framed in Victorian ash. Auhaus Architecture has stained these frames, which gives them the warmth and depth of costly Blackbutt or Messmate frames, without the expense.
Take a tour of this beautiful Melbourne house
Take a tour of this beautiful Melbourne house
6. Double glazing window benefits are worth the cost
Most of the cold and heat enters through windows, so double glazing has been installed in these aluminium-framed windows. They look smart, contemporary and the double glazing and does not compromise the frame structure, which is lighter than a timber frame.
Double glazing should be considered for all projects; you may be shocked by how economical it can be and it provides a very comfortable environment. You’ll also recoup the extra spend in reduced heating and cooling bills.
Most of the cold and heat enters through windows, so double glazing has been installed in these aluminium-framed windows. They look smart, contemporary and the double glazing and does not compromise the frame structure, which is lighter than a timber frame.
Double glazing should be considered for all projects; you may be shocked by how economical it can be and it provides a very comfortable environment. You’ll also recoup the extra spend in reduced heating and cooling bills.
7. Consider long-term maintenance costs
Compared with other framing materials, uPVC windows are relatively new in Australia and New Zealand, however they are incredibly durable, low maintenance and can resist wind, rain, corrosion, peeling and chipping. Something to consider for ongoing costs of your renovation.
Your turn
How have you reduced your renovation budget and what have you invested in? Share your experience in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Read this before you renovate to help keep your budget in check: Building to a Budget: How Tiles, Flooring and Paint Can Add Up
Compared with other framing materials, uPVC windows are relatively new in Australia and New Zealand, however they are incredibly durable, low maintenance and can resist wind, rain, corrosion, peeling and chipping. Something to consider for ongoing costs of your renovation.
Your turn
How have you reduced your renovation budget and what have you invested in? Share your experience in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Read this before you renovate to help keep your budget in check: Building to a Budget: How Tiles, Flooring and Paint Can Add Up
Even though the lintel breaks up full-height windows with a horizontal line, this still achieves the design brief of capturing breathtaking views without having to have windows engineered.