With a new Help to Build scheme recently introduced by the UK government, taking on your own self-build project is set to become something that’s more accessible to even more people. Windows and doors make up a huge part of any building’s character, whether you are undertaking a self-build project or otherwise. Windows and doors add to the aesthetic of a building as well as provide practical benefits, such as insulation.
When embarking on a self-build project, many people do not think about doors and windows until the last minute, which can often leave them restricted for choice or to delays in the project when waiting for them to arrive.
When building your dream home, it’s important to choose the windows and doors early on in the self-build process so that you can get everything in place on time. This article will guide you through choosing the best windows and doors for your self-build project.
Click the links below to jump to the relevant section:
Find out more about the factors you should consider when choosing the right windows for your self-build project.
Learn more about the door styles and systems available when specifying your self-build project, including bi-fold doors and sliding doors.
Find out more about the materials available for windows and doors including the benefits of each.
Find out more about the differences between the glazing available for windows and doors.
Learn more about choosing doors and windows that help to improve or maintain the energy efficiency of your home.
Learn more about how to choose the right supplier for your self-build windows and doors.
Choosing window styles
Choosing the best window style for your new build is not as simple as it may seem. Different windows and styles will provide their own unique benefits and will be more suited to some buildings than others. Here are the main points to take into consideration when choosing self-build windows.
You want to save space
Planning permission could affect the choice you have over window styles for your self-build. Planning permission is required before you even begin building your self-build project and factors such as the materials and styles you use will be considered. If you’re located in a conservation area or an area in which there are listed buildings, the design of your home and the styles used will be carefully considered.
Usually, if you’re improving an existing property, planning permission is not needed for the installation of new windows or door. However, planning permission may be required if you are building in a designated area. It is advised that you check with your local planning authority before deciding on the windows for your new home.
Performance of windows
The thermal efficiency of your windows will have a huge impact on the building’s thermal performance and insulation. Therefore, the windows that you choose must be taken into account when calculating any energy loss figures. It is usually recommended that you choose windows with the lowest possible energy loss (usually measured in U-Values).
Origin’s range of windows are available with both double glazing and triple glazing, so they can be made and supplied to suit the needs of your new build. A triple glazed window will offer better thermal performance due to the added pane of glass in comparison to a double glazed window. Different glass types will also offer different thermal performance.
How will the windows open and close?
Every homeowner will have a preference as to how the windows will open and close and it is important to consider this before settling on a particular window style. Think about how many you want to open, the function, the style and what type of window.
How will the windows be used?
If you want windows that do not open, for example a large window to allow more light in, you will be able to opt for larger, more aesthetic window styles. However, if your building will rely on good airflow, you will need to choose windows that can be opened and closed regularly with ease.
Origin has a variety of great windows available to fit the needs of a range of self-build projects. If you are looking for a traditional design, aluminium casement windows could be the best option. This style uses advanced design and offers premium grade aluminium for high-level security and great energy efficiency.
Fixed frame windows are the perfect way to introduce huge amounts of natural light into a room, whereas Bay Windows can offer character to a property. Another popular variety is the Gable Window, which can be customised to your sizing, opening and colour scheme.
Choosing door styles/systems
Just like windows, there are many different door styles and systems that you can choose from during the design stage of your self-build project.
French doors
French Doors are two identical doors that open outwards and are traditionally used at the back of the house. French doors are popular with self-builders who want to fill their homes with natural light and maximise the feel of space in their home.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors consist of large panels that elegantly slide open and closed. The main benefit of sliding doors is that they are very energy efficient.
During installation, gaskets are fitted to offer optimal thermal insulation. Aluminium sliding doors offer extremely slim sightlines, allowing you to maximise the amount of light that floods into your new home.
Origin’s range of sliding doors is available in our OS-20 Artisan Slider which provides ultra-slim sightlines of 20mm. In addition, you can choose from our Patio Sliders which are available with sightlines of 29mm, 44mm and 77mm.
Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors can be used to completely open up a wall or corner of your home. Bi-fold doors are low maintenance and provide a very practical style that will help you to connect the inside and outside of your home seamlessly. In the summer, you can take full advantage of opening them up fully.
Origin Bi-fold Doors are available in our OB-49 range which offers sightlines of 110mm and our OB-72 range with sightlines of 154mm.
Front doors
The front door of your home is the first thing you’ll see when you arrive home and it will help to keep your home secure. Our range of front doors at Origin are fully customisable, so that you can choose the style and colour you want to fit in with the rest of your new home
Considering the best materials
The materials you choose for your windows and doors will affect how durable and efficient they are. The most common materials used in self-build projects are aluminium, wood, uPVC and composite.
Aluminium
The main advantage of aluminium is that it is long-lasting. Aluminium windows and doors are highly durable and can last for decades. Origin aluminium windows and doors are fitted with a thermal break which means that heat will not be able to penetrate in warmer weather or escape in colder weather conditions. This means the energy efficiency of your self-build will be maintained.
Wood
When made to a high standard, wooden windows are also a long-lasting solution but can be susceptible to maintenance or repair requirements. A wooden or timber window frame is a fantastic insulator. However, it not properly maintained, wooden windows can become easily damaged by the outside environment and are a more expensive option.
uPVC
uPVC is highly durable and windows and doors require little maintenance, just occasional cleaning. However, uPVC windows do not last as long as wooden or aluminium windows and can be discoloured with sun exposure easily. It’s not as strong as well, so sightlines can often be wider.
Composite
Composite windows and doors are made from a variety of materials that are combined together. Composite doors offer high security and value for money but can be more expensive than other material options and often are bulky in sightlines and frames.
What type of glazing should you use?
The glazing used for your self-build can have a substantial impact on your total costs. Double glazed windows have two panes of glass, whereas triple glazed windows have three.
Triple glazing often prevents energy from being wasted through windows or doors. However, this is only helpful if all other areas of your home are energy efficient too. There is little point in investing in triple glazing if the rest of your home is the cause of energy loss, however, this shouldn’t be a problem with a new build.
Consider energy efficiency
Choosing the most energy-efficient doors and windows for your self-build can help you to save money in the long run. Energy-efficient doors and windows have good insulating properties, which means that they don’t let the heat from your home escape into the atmosphere.
This means that the cost of heating your home will be reduced as any heating that you do use will remain in the building for longer. Investing in energy-efficient doors and windows could also increase the value of the build if you were to put it on the market in the future
Choosing the right supplier
A good supplier will offer high-quality products as well as great service and installation. Choosing the right supplier could be the difference between a quick and easy process and a far more complicated one. With so many suppliers out there to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right one. To make sure that the supplier you pick is best for you and your project, there are a few things to look out for:
- Do they offer high-quality products?
- Do they have fast lead times? (this is the time it will take to complete the process and deliver the products to you)
- Does the supplier offer installation?
- Does the supplier sell bespoke products?
- Are there advisers on hand to answer your questions and give you support?
- What are their past reviews like?
- Have they been offered training on installation from the manufacturer?
- What are their warranties on installation?
Origin’s products combine high-quality aluminium with precision engineering to create durable, elegant products that are made to last. We help to transform self-build projects by making the most of your space whilst maintaining a beautiful aesthetic.
When completing a self-build project, lead times are of the utmost importance to ensure that the project continues to run smoothly. At Origin, our business is founded on the promise that we will never let our customers miss an install date. As a result, we work closely with your local installer to ensure that they have everything they need to install your doors and windows on time, without any delays.
In addition, Origin is able to provide a whole house solution so you only need to use one installer and supplier which helps to ease the strain of managing and coordinating multiple installers at once.
