4 Min Read
There's something truly poetic about a window - it's why dreamers stare out them. Windows are more than just openings in our walls. They bring life into our homes, letting in natural light, offering views, and providing ventilation. But how many windows is too many? Our team answers this question by factoring in a few main considerations to help you balance your love of natural light with the reality of where you live. We have a quick YouTube episode and a blog to help educate you. Let’s get started!
#1 The Location of Your Home
The location of your home is a significant factor in determining the ideal number of windows. The Palace of Versailles is famous for its thousand windows, but its location also played into its notoriety.
If you build a custom home in a scenic rural area, adding plenty of windows around the house is a wonderful idea, allowing you to capture beautiful views and maximize natural light. However, a custom home in a busier urban or suburban area might want to have fewer or carefully placed windows to balance your need for privacy and security with natural light. If you have a view that you want to highlight, it's important to place the windows so that you can catch that view. If you're just looking for natural light, your builder will consider the direction your home is facing.
Natural Light Windows
There’s a reason we exclaim over house plans with lots of light. A house like this can offer breathtaking views of nature, allowing natural light to stream indoors, saturating every corner of the home, and bringing the refreshing feel of the outdoors, indoors. Imagine sipping your morning coffee, cozied up on the couch, watching the pink and gold sunrise through artfully-placed windows in your own living room.
Natural light can inspire creativity and, even better, health through the winter. Building a house with extra windows to capitalize on natural light is quite common. However, remember that you have to clean every window in your house in some way.
#2 Proximity of the neighbors
We love a good community. However, it’s important to calculate how close your neighbors are and if there’s a fence between you before adding windows all over your house. If your house is very close to neighboring properties with low windows, you might want to limit the number of windows on the sides of the house facing those properties. This can help maintain privacy and reduce noise pollution from the outside. However, with closer neighbors, you might be observed (even on accident) depending on the location of the windows. If you’re building a house with many windows and close neighbors, talk with your builder about the window placement and plan your furniture and curtains accordingly!
Can There Be Too Many Windows in a House?
While windows are beneficial, it's possible to have too many. Too many windows can lead to privacy issues, increased heating and cooling costs, and potential structural challenges. Moreover, installing too many windows can disrupt the aesthetic balance of the home's exterior. Talk to your builder about what makes sense for your house. And don't forget to use energy-efficient windows.
#3 Style of your House
The architectural style of your house should harmonize with the number and placement of windows. For example, modern designs often feature large, expansive windows that blend indoor and outdoor spaces, while traditional styles may favor smaller, more proportionate windows. Look for a builder with an extensive portfolio who can comfortably insert windows in any style of house. Are you still wondering what design style is best for you? We have 9 luxury custom home design trends for you to peruse while you make your decision.
It is important that the window style, number, and placement match your home. Your builder will be able to skillfully incorporate the right number of windows in a way that highlights the style of house you've chosen. In almost any home, a timeless kitchen design has plenty of windows to make this often-frequented room warm and inviting.
How Much Damage Do New Windows Cause?
Installing new windows can cause some disruption and damage to the surrounding walls and finishes. However, this damage is usually minimal and easily repaired with professional installation. Trust the professionals on this.
However, depending on your region and if you live in an area with extreme weather, the windows you've had carefully installed can sustain a concerning amount of damage. Consult with your local builder about what type of windows and how many you should have in your area.
How Many Windows Should Be There in a Room?
To start, if local rules and regulations say that you need X number of windows, that is the minimum number of windows a room needs. The ideal number of windows in a room depends on the type of room and its size. For example, a small bathroom might need only one small window for ventilation, while a large living room might require several to ensure adequate natural light and ventilation. The goal is to balance light, ventilation, privacy, and energy efficiency. Windows and their installation add to the budget and create a "glass house" feeling, so keep that in mind when talking with your builder.
How Many Windows Can a Bedroom Have?
Bedrooms need at least one window to officially be bedrooms, but some layouts have two or three windows for light and ventilation. However, there is no maximum number of windows a bedroom should have. It just becomes impractical to have too many windows in a room like a bedroom.
How Many Windows Does the Average House Have?
You're not building your own home because you want an average house. Instead, you are building a home so that every element of it matches your needs and tastes. If you're in Central New Jersey, GTG Builders can tell you how many windows your size of house should have, the best placement, and what not to do.
We know how to balance your needs, add creative designs, and keep prying eyes outside your home while allowing you to enjoy the sunrise. Your dream home can have natural light windows designed to make it a house and a place to grow and thrive.
Do Windows Affect Home Value?
The right windows can absolutely impact your home's value, no matter what home style. Homes with well-placed, energy-efficient windows often have higher market values due to the enhanced curb appeal, better natural lighting, and reduced energy costs. When installing high-quality, energy-efficient windows, you invest in your home and create a place potential buyers are even more interested in.
Contact GTG Builders Today
If you're considering the custom home-building process and want a builder who will focus on every detail, including the number of windows in your house, a custom home builder is for you.
Contact us today to see what we can build for you in Central New Jersey.
