Five Questions | Marvin Design Gallery by Laurence Smith

You're Building More Than A Beautiful Home

Your windows are one of the most important, and often most overlooked, decisions you'll make when building a new home.

Windows influence the architecture of your home, the natural light, comfort, views, energy performance, maintenance and how you'll experience your home every day.

Yet many homeowners spend more time selecting a kitchen faucet than understanding the windows that will be installed throughout their home.

Before your windows are ordered, take a few minutes to understand what you're buying.

Five Questions Worth Asking

What are my windows actually made of?

Not all window materials are the same.

Wood, fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl and composites have different characteristics when it comes to strength, stability, appearance, maintenance and longevity.

Look beyond the finish.

Do I get to choose the window package?

Builders often have products they are familiar with and prefer to use. There's nothing wrong with that. But this is your home.

Just like you participate in selecting your cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances, you should understand your windows and door options too.

Ask what is being proposed and what other choices are available.

How will the windows perform over time?

Energy efficiency is important, but there is much more to window performance than energy rating.

Frame stability, hardware, glass, weatherstripping, exterior and interior finishes, and overall construction all contribute to how a window looks, operates and performs over its time.

Think beyond move-in day.

How will they be installed?

Even an exceptional window needs to be installed properly.

Ask how the windows will be integrated into the home's water-management system, how the openings will be prepared, and who will be responsible for the installation.

Both the product and the installation should be considered together.

Who will stand behind the windows after the home is finished?

Windows and doors are the operating products. Over the years, they may occasionally need adjustment, maintenance, replacement parts or service.

Ask: Who do I call five or ten years from now?

The answer can be just as important as the product you choose.

We've Learned A Few Things About Windows

Nearly 90 years in the window and door business.
50 years partnering with Marvin.
Thousands of Michigan homes.

Marvin Design Gallery by Laurence Smith works with homeowners, builders, architects and designers throughout Michigan to help make window and door decisions that complement the architecture, budget and expectations for each home.

We're not here to tell you what you have to buy.

We're here to help you understand what you're buying.

Before You Build Yours, We'd Be Happy To Share What We've Learned.

Already have house plans?

Bring them in.

Our team can sit down with you, review your plans and help you understand the window and door options available for your home...before those decisions have been made for you.

ASK QUESTIONS. EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS. MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

Visit one of our showrooms or schedule a consultation.

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