Tips to consider when buying new windows

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

The first thing to check before you even start looking at the windows themselves is whether you live in a conservation area or in a listed building. If you live in a listed building you will need to check with your local council as to what the criteria are that you need to follow for your particular property. They will advise on the type and style of windows that must be used.

For a conservation area, conservation rules must be followed that meet current Building Regulations. To find out if your property is listed or in a Conservation Area check with your solicitor who will have picked this up during the Conveyancing process when you purchased your property. Alternatively check with your Local Authority.

Wood or uPVC?

Once you have established whether or not you have any restrictions on the windows you must use, then decide whether you choose Wood, uPVC or a timber alternative?

Pros and Cons:

• Wood has a beautiful aesthetic but is costly and requires maintenance (sanding and repainting every few years).
• uPVC has a less attractive, plastic aesthetic but is much cheaper and requires little or no maintenance
• Timber alternative windows (such as Evolution Windows) offer the aesthetic of wood without the maintenance and at a lower price point.

Select a Window Style to suit your Property

When choosing a style of window there are several to choose from, including Casement, Sash and Bay as well as larger contemporary style windows.

It is generally recommended that you consider the style and age of your property and choose something in keeping with it and also the surrounding properties. E.g. if you live in a Victorian house in a street with similar properties, you choose windows in keeping with this style. If you are in a new build you have more scope to choose a more contemporary or traditional style.

The finishing touches

Once you have chosen the window style there are several finishes that can be selected, such as leaded windows, windows with Georgian bars or even stained glass windows. Again it is recommended you choose the style that suits you property and the surrounding area e.g. Georgian bars are very popular in Spa towns and leaded windows in a more Tudor style setting or for cottage windows.

Once you have settled on a style of window then you can choose the colour and the window furniture (handles and closures). There is a multitude of options available and windows can be painted to almost any colour required, although white is still the most popular choice.

For further information about the range of colours and finishes available in the Evolution range visit our window furniture and accessories and coloured windows pages.