Building your dream home is a large undertaking. Understanding the process step by step will help you keep track of the schedule as your project progresses and plan ahead. Here we explain how the house building process looks like and what you should expect at each stage of the build. We will also help you to decide on the best windows and doors for new home construction.
Knowing and understanding the house construction process step by step is important when taking on a self build. It does not matter whether it’s you in charge of the project or a professional building manager you hired, the knowledge will give you the confidence you need to execute it smoothly and in a timely manner.
Building technology and house design
Before any groundworks can start, you have to decide on the building technology and a house design. The term “building technology” refers to the technical processes and methods used in the construction process. Although the process has remained relatively unchanged since the Middle Ages, building technology has changed significantly, and now it is more diversified than ever. As a result, you can build a house using traditional technology or opt for a modern energy-efficient passive home.
Passive home is a construction with very little energy demands. Relying on the movement of the sun and innovative design, passive homes have smartly designed insulation and ventilation to maintain their temperature levels with little need for heating and cooling. The technology is based on carefully selected materials with high thermal properties. That also refers to choosing doors and windows.
Although passive homes are gaining popularity, a vast number of investors still choose the traditional technology, which is significantly cheaper and relatively faster. Some choose it for a wider selection of home designs, which is a common misconception. A passive house can have any design the owner wishes, but the more complicated the design, the more time and money is needed to complete it.
When building your dream home, the choice of windows and doors is not just an aesthetic decision but a crucial component of your home’s functionality and energy efficiency. The right windows and doors, whether in a traditional or a passive house, not only complement the architectural style but also contribute significantly to thermal performance, enhancing comfort and reducing energy costs.
Site preparation
When both technology and design have been chosen, you can start preparing the site. This not only includes clearing it of debris and vegetation, but also ensuring you have the necessary facilities and services set up for your tradespeople. At this point, the pre-build stage may start.
Once the preparations are finished, you can start on your foundations. The cost of constructing foundations is considered one of the biggest variables in a self-build project. If you want to keep control of your budget and schedule, you need to work out the most appropriate foundation system to use as early as possible. That will most probably require a geotechnical study.
Up to a weathertight stage
The construction process of building a new house is broken down into two distinct elements:
- pre weathertight stage
- post weathertight stage
A house is considered to be “weathertight” when the walls are up, the roof is on, the windows and doors are in and it’s fully lockable. At this point, from the outside, it resembles a finished house, although the external façade is still missing. Getting up to a weathertight stage is very exciting, but it is also the most exhilarating part of the process. It is when all the heavy work is done, and real progress can be seen almost every day.
Once you reach the weathertight stage, work can start inside. It is still a long way before you will be able to start decorating the interiors, and some may find it tempting to accelerate the interior fitting tasks in order to get to that point quicker, but there are no shortcuts. Owing to the complexities of houses, there is a convoluted schedule that needs to be followed, and speeding up will bring no good.
Before delving into the specifics of the best windows for new home construction, it’s essential to understand the key factors influencing this choice. Home builders should aim for a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. Options like double or triple glazing offer improved energy efficiency and noise reduction, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
The best windows for a new home construction
You shouldn’t wait with a selection of windows and doors for the construction to reach the pre weathertight stage. Windows for new houses ought to be chosen much earlier and the decision well-thought-out, since it matters for:
- the overall appearances of your home,
- security,
- energy efficiency,
- weather protection,
- your everyday comfort.
The lifespan you expect from your new windows and doors may also be essential to the choice, especially if you expect the glazing to last as many years and possible. Here we will explain the differences between various types of windows for new houses. We will also list the features the best windows for a passive house should have.
Choosing supplier of doors and windows for your new house construction
Importing windows is the best choice in terms of quality, price and selection of product types. Windows from Poland offer better quality than those manufactured elsewhere in the world. What is more, they are available at a much more convenient price. The offer is very wide and diverse. It includes a vast variety of products that meet the requirements for both traditional and passive buildings.
If you consider buying windows and doors from Poland, feel free to contact Fenbro. Selecting the right windows and doors early in the house construction process is a key. This decision has a lasting impact on your home’s overall appearance, security, and energy efficiency. Properly chosen windows and doors do not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also play a vital role in weather protection and maintaining everyday comfort. We offer windows and doors with full warranty and installation service all over Ireland. You can always count on our knowledge and experience. Our team will help you choose the best solutions for your new home.
Windows for a passive house
Since we have already discussed the subject of the best windows for a passive house, we won’t go into too much detail. The most important in terms of selecting passive house windows and roof windows as well as balcony doors is thermal efficiency. For this reason, while looking for the best products, you should take into consideration:
- the number of panes (for passive homes, triple-glazing units are highly recommended),
- the type of gas filling the space between the individual panes,
- the type of glass used in the units,
- materials used for the window/door frames (they should be low thermal conductivity materials),
- airtightness
- the use of warm edge spencers,
- high solar energy transmittance.
Window and door frame materials: How to choose the best?
Modern window materials, such as aluminium, uPVC and timber, come in a range of products to suit your project and glazing requirements. While choosing the best one for your new home, you may want to consider various factors, such as:
- anticipated window maintenance,
- energy efficiency,
- slim or standard styling,
- the price.
Aluminium
Aluminium offers slimmer doors, larger panel sizes and more opening and styling options than other materials. That makes the material the most flexible in terms of design and highly appreciated by investors, looking for comfort and a modern look that will give their houses curb appeal.
uPVC
uPVC is probably the cheapest option for windows and doors for a self build, but the low price does not come with a low quality, quite contrary. uPVC offers very good quality and many styling options. If you are looking for a solution that will help your project meet its budget while offering a comfortable and stylish look, uPVC doors and windows will do the job.
Timber
Timber is a natural material with an unquestionable charm. Timber windows and doors meet the highest expectations in terms of appearance, energy efficiency and lifespan. The lifespan of timber windows is estimated to be up to 60 years. Some may argue that wood is high maintenance and thus, wood windows and doors will require much attention and work. Although it was true in the old days, now the technology applied to the woods, paints, hardware and components is cutting-edge and gives you arguably the longest-lasting window available. What is more, timber is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly options.
What should I know about choosing windows and doors for my new house?
Building a house undoubtedly is a large and demanding undertaking. There are many things to consider and a lot of processes to manage. If you want to be sure, you chose the best windows for your home, don’t put the decision off until the last minute. Instead, check the options you have as soon as you decide on the technology and house design. At this point, you will know everything you need to make the right decision and make sure the windows and doors will be delivered to the site just in time to be installed.
In conclusion, choosing windows and doors is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including energy efficiency, design aesthetics, and environmental impact. Materials like uPVC, timber, and aluminium each offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Timely decision-making in this area ensures that your windows and doors will not only meet your functional requirements, but also align with the overall design vision of your new home. While choosing your supplier, don’t be afraid to consider some non-obvious options, such as importing windows and doors from Poland.
