Windows Yield High Returns in Remodeling

During many design projects, one of the best opportunities to make a high impact on the design with the best return is often by moving or adding windows.  The typical aversion includes cost, but is usually associated with a paradigm about the way things are or the impact that they will have. 

 Of course, installing windows where they do not exist has associated costs other than just the window.  In our market, a 36 inch wide by 54 inch high window typically costs between $500 and $1,000, depending on the quality and energy efficiency.  There is carpentry to frame it, plaster to repair, as well as painting inside, and usually some painting outside with some patching of the siding.  So if the cost to add a window would be an additional $1,500-$2,000 and you are doing a significant renovation, the new window(s) may actually be the star of the show.