A Contractor’s Guide to Choosing Custom Windows and Doors

Here at Ashby Lumber, we have an extensive line of custom windows and doors from various top-quality brands, and two Bay Area showrooms for your convenience. Let’s delve into each aspect of selecting custom doors and windows to ensure your next project becomes a visual and functional masterpiece. When working with homeowners, they rely on your expertise to guide them in this important selection. 

Price Point Ponderings: Navigating the Cost Spectrum of Custom Windows and Doors

• Custom Comes at a Cost: Be upfront with clients about the premium associated with custom options. While offering unique solutions, they naturally involve increased design, manufacturing, and installation costs compared to standard products.
• Material Magic: Wood tends to be the priciest, followed by fiberglass and then vinyl. However, durability and aesthetic value might justify the higher cost for certain projects. Discuss material options with clients, outlining the trade-offs between price and desired characteristics.
• Balancing Beauty and Budget: Explore ways to optimize value within the custom realm. Consider fixed vs. operable windows, combining standard sizes with a few custom accents, or using composite materials for a balance of aesthetics and affordability.

Durability: Building for the Long Haul with Custom Doors and Windows

• Weather the Elements: Ensure chosen materials can withstand the local climate. Opt for energy-efficient glass and proper weatherstripping to minimize heat transfer and potential moisture issues.
• Security Matters: Discuss security features with clients. Consider impact-resistant glass, multi-point locking systems, and reinforced frames for doors, especially in high-risk areas.
• Warranty Woes: Choose manufacturers with robust warranties covering both materials and workmanship. This provides peace of mind for you and your clients, ensuring long-term performance and value.

Aesthetic Appeal: Matching Vision with Reality

• Embrace Architectural Identity: Consider the building’s style – traditional, contemporary, or something in between. Custom windows and doors allow you to tailor the design to seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic. Think arched windows for a Victorian home, sleek sliding doors for a modern masterpiece, or intricate details to match historical restorations.
• Let Light Flow (and Frame the View): Explore unique window shapes and sizes to capture natural light in specific ways. Highlight breathtaking views with expansive picture windows or add character with strategically placed transoms. Don’t forget the power of custom door configurations – a double French door opening onto a patio sets a whole different mood than a standard entry door.
• Material Matters: Wood exudes classic warmth, fiberglass offers modern resilience, and vinyl provides cost-effectiveness. Each material has its own aesthetic appeal, so factor that into your design decisions. Consider finishes and hardware options to further personalize the look.

By understanding these key considerations, you can guide your clients confidently through the exciting world of custom windows and doors. Remember, it’s about creating homes that not only function well but also tell a unique story – and the right custom touch can make all the difference.

Find the Windows and Doors You Are Looking for at Ashby Lumber

Here at Ashby Lumber, we are not only your best Bay Area lumber yard, but we have an extensive supply of custom doors and custom windows from trusted brands in the industry, including:

• Marvin
• Milgard
• Andersen 
• Simonton
• Trustile
• Therma-Tru
• Simpson 
• La Cantina
• AG Millworks

Whether you are building a modern farmhouse, designing a new build or remodeling a fixer-upper with good bones, your custom window and door needs are covered with Ashby Lumber. Partner with our expert staff to fine-tune your vision for your project into a beautiful reality. They are happy to answer questions and provide guidance on the latest innovations and trends in doors and windows – to meet the needs of even the pickiest client. Make an appointment to stop by one of our showrooms in Concord or Berkeley today to get started.