Building a new home is an exciting journey with plenty of benefits, but it requires careful planning, as well as patience. Here’s what you need to know about new construction homes, how to find the right windows, and why MI Windows and Doors are a great example of quality, energy efficiency, and style.
Advantages of New Build Homes
A new build means you can choose everything from floor plans to finishes. It’s a unique chance to create your dream space. Here’s a look at the top advantages.
Customization
When you build a new home, you have complete control over the design. Choose the layout, materials, and features that fit your lifestyle and preferences and make your home a perfect reflection of your personal taste and needs.
Modern Technology
New construction homes will be able to have all of the latest technology and modern features. From smart home systems to energy-efficient appliances, you'll enjoy the convenience and cost savings that come with state-of-the-art innovations.
Quality Control
Overseeing home construction means you can select reputable new home builders and suppliers, ensuring that materials and workmanship meet high standards. This attention to detail can lead to a more durable and reliable home.
Less Maintenance
New construction homes require less maintenance because everything is brand new. Plus, modern construction materials and techniques mean fewer repairs. That means you can enjoy your home without worrying about upkeep costs.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance premiums for new build homes are often lower because they’re made with better construction standards and modern safety features. That means they’re less likely to suffer from structural problems, outdated electrical systems, and other issues that can result in claims and drive up insurance rates.
New Home Windows: What You Need to Know
Windows are one area of a new build that can increase its value and become a great long-term investment. Here’s what to know to make sure you choose windows for new construction that meet your needs now and in the future.
Budget
Budget is often the most important overall factor for new construction homes. For windows, establish a clear budget that includes the cost of the windows, installation, and any additional features you might want, such as custom finishes or energy-efficient options. Keep in mind that higher-end windows might have a larger upfront cost but can offer long-term savings through improved energy efficiency and durability.
Architectural Style
Different styles of windows complement various architectural styles. For instance, double hung windows are ideal for traditional homes, while casement windows might suit a modern or contemporary design. Consider the materials, shapes, and sizes that best match your home's style.
Operating Style
It isn’t all about architectural style: The operating style of your windows affects ventilation, natural light, and maintenance needs. For example, sliding windows can cover large areas, offer excellent ventilation, and look modern, while picture windows don’t open at all. Consider how each style operates and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient windows help reduce heating and cooling costs, improve your comfort, and reduce your environmental footprint. Look for windows with features such as double or triple glazing, low-E coatings, and insulated frames. High-quality, energy-efficient windows not only save you money on utility bills, but can also be attractive to future buyers.
Grove Homes Trusts New Home Windows from MI
When you step into Grove Homes’ new construction home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you may have a hard time believing you’re not in the scenic French countryside. Nestled on the south side of Blue Mountain, a covered entryway sets the stage for the 4,388-square-foot French country farmhouse featuring a mountain stone façade and wisteria-draped pergola.
The centerpiece of the home’s open floor plan is the family room, where a two-story stone fireplace joins seamlessly with the wooded exterior through a stunning wall of windows. With 75 windows throughout the home, natural sunlight and breathtaking views are never in short supply.
Bill Grove, President of Grove Homes, personally selected many of the building materials that went into the project, including the windows, which were manufactured by MI Windows and Doors.
“MI Windows and Doors makes quality products with lots of options, and options are definitely necessary when you’re building a custom home,” stated Grove. “Nobody wants a custom home that looks like every other home on the street.”
Improving Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
This home features an assortment of MI’s 9000 Series windows for new construction, including 9555 double-hung and picture windows, 9770 casement windows, and 9660 awning windows.
All the MI windows used for this new construction home feature argon-enhanced, Low-E glass and the Duralite® warm-edge spacer system. This insulated glass package provides outstanding thermal performance that helps lower the home’s energy costs by reducing solar heat gain and stabilizing interior glass temperatures.
The 9555 double-hung windows used throughout most of the home’s living spaces feature a U-value of 0.31, R-value of 3.23, and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.26. The 9770 casement windows, used floor-to-ceiling in the home’s gathering room provide even better thermal ratings — 0.24 U-value, 4.17 R-value, and 0.23 SHGC — making it an ENERGY STAR®-qualified window in all regions of the country.
“Energy efficiency was an important factor in selecting the materials for this home,” said Grove. “Today’s homeowners expect their windows to be energy efficient, and MI Windows and Doors’ products fit the bill.”
Every window in this new home also features 5/8-inch flat grids between the glass, a unique feature that adds style to the home without compromising usability and functionality. Grids between the glass won’t break the budget and are easier to clean compared to other window grid options.
Easy Intallation for New Home Builders
Grove subcontracted the window installation work to Deer Ridge Construction, a local specialty new home builder from Millerstown, PA. According to Amos Esh, owner of Deer Ridge Construction, “MI windows are easy to install and they operate smoothly. My crews enjoy installing MI‘s products for those reasons.”
MI’s 9000 Series windows offer a number of advantages to installers. The standard integral mounting fin on the 9555 double-hung window features pre-punched holes that make it quick and easy to install, while the casement and awning windows come standard with an integral J-channel, easing the installation of a home’s exterior siding.
The Final Product: A Stylish New Construction Home
Grove broke ground on this unique new build in February 2014 and completed home construction only four months later, just in time to be featured in the 2014 Street of Dreams Builder Showcase (formally known as the Harrisburg Home-A-Rama). It was one of only seven pre-built homes on display in the desirable Estates at Autumn Oaks community, consisting of 95 premier, 1+ acre wooded home sites.
“Being a part of the 2014 Street of Dreams in the Estates at Autumn Oaks was an honor,” said Groves. “We tried our best to create a home that blended with the wooded surroundings, and I think we succeeded. The stone façade and custom landscaping make it look like it’s been here for years, and the MI windows were a perfect accent to the interior and exterior style of the home.”
Find the Best Windows for New Construction Homes
Finding the perfect windows for new construction is an important part of any project — and we’re here to make it easy for you. We’ve been in the business of windows for decades, so you can trust that our products are the highest quality. Plus, we back them up with an industry-leading warranty. If you know what you want, get a quote online today. Still getting inspired? Find a dealer in your area to talk over ideas and visit their showroom.
