In addition to creating a unique look, bay windows can help increase your home’s resale value. They’re also highly energy efficient.
Throughout Western Michigan, you’ll find both traditional homes that reflect conventional aesthetics and modern buildings that showcase forward-thinking style. Bay windows complement both and bring out the authenticity of historical houses, too.
1. Versatility
Whether you live in an urban neighborhood near Grand Rapids or a suburban home outside Kalamazoo, bay windows can make any room more inviting. Unlike traditional double-hung or casement windows, these windows offer a unique aesthetic that accentuates natural light.
Adding window seating to your bay window transforms the space into a cozy reading nook. You can also use the space for storage by incorporating shelves and a small bookcase.
Bay windows are available in both full-frame and pocket installations. Your local window installation company will be able to tell you which option is best for your home. They’ll also help you choose the right bay window to complement your style and enhance your home’s resale value.
2. Natural Light
Bay windows provide a lot of natural light to your home. They are a great option for living rooms as they give you extra space that can be used for window seating. They also offer panoramic views that add to the curb appeal of your home.
Whether you live in a cozy farmhouse near Grand Rapids or a modern home in Kalamazoo, bay windows will help bring out the authenticity of your unique architectural style. Get started by finding a local window contractor on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Macomb MI window contractors and compare photos of work they’ve completed.
3. Energy Efficiency
Bay windows offer a great opportunity to increase your home’s energy efficiency by adding triple-layered glass with Low-E coatings and argon gas. These features will increase the window’s initial cost, but they’ll save you money in the long run on your monthly energy bills.
Because of their size and specialized configurations, bay windows aren’t something you can easily install yourself. They require re-working load bearing walls and carpentry services, making them a project best left to professional contractors.
Window companies like Pella and Andersen provide a variety of different series and frame materials, including vinyl ($-$$), aluminum clad wood ($$-$$$), and several species of wood with wood-clad or vinyl exteriors ($$-$$$$). These options range in price from basic to high end.
4. Increased Resale Value
Bay windows are a stunning focal point from both the inside and outside of your home. They provide more natural light and create a unique visual effect in rooms such as kitchens and family areas.
They also offer more square footage, which increases resale value and adds an architectural element that is timeless. When installed correctly, they can make any room feel larger and more inviting.
It is important to hire window professionals for bay window installation because it involves more construction and remodeling than single- or double-hung windows. It can also require insulation, drywall and carpentry skills that most homeowners don’t have.
5. Privacy
Bay windows, which are typically made from three windows (the center window cannot open) with a recessed space in the middle for seating or something else, can make a room feel spacious and open. They also provide excellent panoramic views.
These wide windows create a unique look that can make your house stand out and add value to it. However, their angled design can limit privacy. This is why you should use window treatments on them.
A local window installation company can help you choose the right type of bay or bow windows for your home. They can also perform full-frame and pocket installations, depending on your needs and budget.
6. Increased Value
Bay windows add value to your home because they are unique architectural elements that create interest in the house. They also provide larger views of the natural surroundings and increase ventilation.
A bay window is a combination of three windows—typically a picture window with double- or casement windows installed on either side. The center window can be fixed or operable, allowing you to open it and let in the fresh air.
New bay windows require more structural work than standard flat windows, which can significantly drive up the installation costs. Contractors may need to move studs and load-bearing walls, and the structure will likely need roofing that matches the existing roofline.