Replacing Windows in Your Flip? 2 Styles to Know

Not only do windows open up interior spaces to natural light and air, they are focal points to frame views to the outdoors. There are many different styles of windows, and a vast majority of the time they jive with the architectural style of a home, or at least they should.

While windows are aesthetically pleasing on both the exterior and interior of your flip, they’re also an important consideration for potential buyers when it comes to energy efficiency. Heat gain and heat loss through windows account for between 25 percent and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

No homeowner wants to have their hard-earned dollars escape through windows that aren’t energy efficient. Potential buyers can spot old, drafty windows in an otherwise newly-renovated home.

If you plan to replace windows in your flip, here are two styles to know.

Picture Windows 

Picture windows are like picture frames because they provide clear views to the outdoors without the obstruction of grids (also referred to as grilles, glazing bars, or muntins). These large windows flood rooms with light, and they don’t open.

Bay Windows

These large windows can bring lots of light into your flip. They typically have three window panels: a center panel that projects out parallel to the house, and does not open, and one window panel on either side of the center—each of which does open. The two side window panels project away from the house and angle toward the center window panel, sometimes by as much as 90 degrees.

Depending on your home design, if you allow the wall beneath your bay window to project outward in conjunction with the window panels you can create space for a window seat where a potential homebuyer can read a book, people watch, or simply take in the view.