Self build is increasing in popularity, with a over 13,000 self build projects were completed in 2022 with the main reasons being cited as wanting a home designed to specific needs, improved energy efficiency and better build quality than large developers.
Windows and doors play a big part in the look and performance of a building – whether you are taking on a self build or renovation project, your choice shouldn’t wait until the last minute.
It’s important to carefully consider in the design stage the location and dimensions of your windows, and they will contribute to the natural light in the property – your doors should also be carefully considered too, to whether you want to open up your home with bi-fold doors, or go for a space saving solution with sliding doors.
Choosing Windows
Selecting the window style and material for your new construction is a task requiring careful consideration. The aesthetic outcome of your home is significantly influenced by the choice of window materials and styles. Additionally, factors such as planning permissions become pivotal, particularly if your property falls within a conservation area or among listed buildings, where architectural design is subject to meticulous scrutiny.
The thermal efficiency of your chosen windows plays a crucial role in the overall energy performance and insulation of the building. It’s imperative to factor in the windows when calculating energy loss figures, with a recommendation to opt for windows featuring the lowest possible U-Values.
Casement Windows
Opting for casement windows in a self-build project offers a multitude of advantages. Casement windows are renowned for their timeless aesthetic appeal, seamlessly blending with various architectural styles. Their versatility ensures compatibility with both modern and traditional designs, providing a classic look that stands the test of time. Beyond aesthetics, casement windows offer excellent ventilation control, allowing for optimal airflow and freshening up interiors. Plus, their design is easy to clean and maintain, enhancing practicality for homeowners.
Flush Casement Windows
For those seeking a timber-look, the Flush Sash combines heritage aesthetics with modern advantages. These windows offer a sleek, contemporary appearance, which can be foiled with a woodgrain look as a traditional timber replica, or a smooth grey to replicate aluminium – both adding a touch of modern sophistication to your home’s design. Their flush design ensures a smooth, seamless finish, contributing to a clean and uncluttered exterior. Beyond aesthetics, flush casement windows offer exceptional thermal performance, helping to create an energy-efficient home. With a flush surface that aligns with the frame, these windows are easy to clean and maintain. Their versatility allows for seamless integration into various architectural styles, making them an ideal choice for a stylish and efficient self-build project.
Tilt & Turn Windows
Choosing tilt & turn windows for a self-build project offers a blend of versatility, functionality, and contemporary design. These windows provide a unique dual functionality, allowing for both inward tilting and fully opening, offering unmatched ventilation control and easy cleaning from the inside. The tilt position ensures a gentle breeze while maintaining security, ideal for controlled ventilation. Turning the window fully open provides ample airflow and emergency egress. Tilt & turn windows are known for their sleek, modern appearance, complementing various architectural styles. Their multi-functional design, coupled with energy-efficient features, makes them a practical and stylish choice for any self-build.
Bay and Bow Windows
Opting for bay and bow windows in a self-build project brings a touch of architectural elegance and functional benefits. These windows enhance both the interior and exterior aesthetics, creating a distinctive and eye-catching focal point for your home. Bay windows typically provide panoramic views and amplify natural light, making spaces feel more expansive and inviting. Additionally, the extended sill area can serve as a functional space for seating or decor. Bow windows, with their graceful curve, add a sense of charm and character. Both styles allow for versatile design options, seamlessly blending with diverse architectural themes, while maximising daylight and creating a unique, visually appealing ambiance.
Sliding Sash Windows
Choosing sliding sash windows for a self-build project pairs classic elegance with practical functionality. These windows exude timeless charm, replicating the aesthetic appeal of traditional Georgian homes. The vertical sliding mechanism allows for easy operation and enhances ventilation control, making them ideal for homes with a reliance on good airflow. Sliding sash windows also contribute to a sense of architectural authenticity, adding character to the overall design. Their ability to maintain a historical look while incorporating modern materials ensures a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary convenience, making sliding sash windows an appealing choice for those aiming to achieve a sophisticated and enduring aesthetic in their self-build project.
Choosing Your Doors
Just like windows, there are several different door styles that you can choose from for your self-build project.
French Doors
French doors consist of two identical doors that open outward, traditionally positioned at the rear of a property. They are a favoured choice among self-builders seeking to flood their homes with natural light and optimise the sense of spaciousness within their living spaces.
French doors are a timeless and functional design, with two identical doors opening outward, these doors seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They are a favoured choice among self-builders seeking to flood their homes with natural light and optimise the sense of spaciousness within their living spaces.
Ideal for those prioritising traditional classic charm, these doors are a perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality, making them a preferred choice in self-built homes dedicated to timeless beauty and a bright, open atmosphere.
Sliding Doors
Selecting sliding patio doors for a self-build project offers a space saving solution, as the panes slide effortlessly into one another, meaning you don’t need the space to fold them back like with bi-fold doors. Their sleek and space-efficient design enhances the modern aesthetic of a home while promoting an open and seamless connection to the outdoors.
Aluminium sliding doors have super slim sightlines, which maximise natural light, creating bright and inviting interiors. The smooth sliding mechanism allows for easy operation and efficient use of space, ideal for various architectural layouts. Additionally, sliding patio doors provide unobstructed views of the surroundings, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness. Their energy-efficient features contribute to a well-insulated home, balancing comfort with contemporary design, making them a practical and stylish choice for self-built residences.
Bi-fold Doors
Bi-Fold doors can completely open up a wall or corner of your home. Needing a little more space than sliding doors, they seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces – perfect for the summer months. Plus, with low maintenance
Opting for bifold doors in a self-build project offers a number of benefits. Their expansive glazing creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, flooding interiors with natural light. The foldable design allows you to completely open up a wall or corner of your home, maximising ventilation and enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Bifold doors are versatile, adapting to various architectural styles and floor plans. With their sleek and modern aesthetic, they add a touch of contemporary elegance to any self-built home. Additionally, these doors promote energy efficiency, providing a well-insulated barrier while allowing homeowners to enjoy unobstructed views.
Front Doors
Selecting the perfect front door for a self-build is an important decision, impacting both aesthetics and functionality, and can change the look and character of your home.
Composite doors combine the best of both worlds, blending the natural appearance of timber with the strength of materials like PVCu and GRP. They offer high security, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance. Composite doors are available in a range of styles and colours, allowing self-builders to tailor their front entry to specific preferences.
Timber doors are a classic choice, renowned for their natural beauty and warmth. Often customisable, they can be manufactured to complement various architectural styles, adding a touch of traditional elegance. Timber doors also offer excellent insulation, contributing to energy efficiency.
For a sleek, modern appearance and durability, aluminium doors are an enticing option. Their slim frames allow for expansive glass panels, maximising natural light. Aluminium is resistant to corrosion, ensuring longevity and low maintenance. This material is versatile, suitable for various design preferences, making it a popular choice for contemporary self-built homes.
Considering the Material
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, PVCu and Timber.
Aluminium
The main advantage of aluminium is that it is long-lasting. Aluminium windows and doors are highly durable and can last for decades. The Ultimate Collection aluminium windows feature exceptional thermal conductivity for superb energy efficiency, preventing heat loss and reducing energy bills. Its versatility in design allows for sleek, modern aesthetics, enhancing the overall appearance of buildings. Aluminium is also eco-friendly, as it is highly recyclable, promoting sustainability in construction.
Timber
When made to a high standard, Timber 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.
PVCu
PVCu is a durable and low-maintenance material, ensuring long-lasting performance without the need for extensive upkeep. These windows provide excellent thermal efficiency, contributing to energy savings and a comfortable living environment. PVCu windows are versatile, available in various styles and colours, allowing self-builders to customise their home’s aesthetic. PVCu is also cost-effective, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to maximise value without compromising on quality.
Considering Energy Efficiency
Choosing the most energy-efficient windows and doors for your self-build can help you to save money in the long run. Energy-efficient windows and doors that have good insulating properties, 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
The Ultimate Collection offers a full range of stylish, energy efficient products meaning your only need one supplier for your project, which helps to ease the strain of managing and coordinating multiple installers at once.
We also pride ourselves on combining high-quality materials with precision manufacturing, to help transform your self-build project – let us help with your project, contact us today.