Maybe a room is too dark, or you want a view where there is only blank wall. Adding a new window to an existing wall is often possible, but it is more involved than swapping an existing one. Here is what the job actually entails, what drives the cost, and where care is needed.
The Short Answer
Yes, in most homes you can add a window where there was none. The wall has to be opened, framed and finished to take the new unit, and the details depend on how the wall is built and whether it carries load. It is very doable, but it is a building project, not a quick change.
What the Job Involves
In broad terms, the opening is marked and cut, a frame is built around it with a header across the top to carry the load above, and the new window is set, sealed and flashed against water. The inside and outside are then finished, siding or brick outside and drywall and trim inside. Getting the flashing and sealing right matters, since a new opening is a new place for water to get in, which is a common cause of leaks when done poorly.
Load-Bearing Walls and Permits
This is the part to take seriously. If the wall carries weight from the roof or floors above, the new opening needs a correctly sized header so the structure stays sound. That is a job for someone who knows what they are doing, and it usually requires a building permit and inspection. Rules vary by municipality, so confirm the permit and structural requirements with your local building authority before any cutting starts.
What Affects the Cost
A few things move the price: whether the wall is load-bearing, the wall’s construction (wood-framed is simpler than solid masonry), the size and style of window you choose, and how much siding, brick or interior finishing has to be redone. A small window in a wood-framed wall is far simpler than a large one in a brick wall. Choosing the right glass and style up front avoids rework.
Choosing the Window
Since you are starting fresh, you can pick the size, shape and style that suit the room, from a standard casement or double-hung to a fixed picture window, or one of a range of shapes. Think about ventilation, egress rules if it is a bedroom, and how the window will look from outside. Sealed, energy-saving glass is worth specifying from the start.
Thinking about adding a window and want to know if it is feasible? Our residential window team can advise on the opening, the glass and the finish.
FAQs
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Considering a new window opening? Request a free quote, or call 310-GLAS (4527).