Living Small – Window Shopping

Windows are a big deal in a tiny house, they can add visual space, light, ventilation, lose heat AND add weight…lots of weight…not to mention price!

The last month has been weekends and weekdays full of visiting various second hand salvage yards to try and find quality used aluminium windows. In Christchurch we have a good number around all aided by the spike in demolition homes as a result of earth quakes in 2011. Nevertheless this hasn’t made the process any easier as you have to sift through hundreds of used windows to try and find something that will suit your ideal sizes and glazed options…colour if necessary.

I have opted to go for double glazing as I want my home to be warm and efficient without the frustration of condensation on cold mornings. Double glazing does add considerable weight to the table however and so it is worth keeping a check on how much each window weighs so you can factor this is in.

 

My good mate Andrew posing with a trailer load of second hand windows we sourced from local salvage yards.

My good mate Andrew posing with a trailer load of second hand windows we sourced from local salvage yards.

This stand alone window was found is excellent condition. I have found a further 5 windows in the same colour however I will likely recolour them a dark charcoal grey to match the roofing.

This stand alone window was found is excellent condition. I have found a further 5 windows in the same colour however I will likely recolour them a dark charcoal grey to match the roofing.

The key with window shopping if you want to go the recycled route is be flexible…don’t get fixated on one option but be open to changing your design to suit the windows you find. Go along to the salvage yards with a drawing and approximate dimensions as this will help you weed out the many over-sized/undersized windows you will need to sift through. If you are shopping online be wary that the photos can hide a lot of damage. The aluminium trims are very fragile so can be bent, scratched and UV damaged without necessarily showing it in the pictures.

I have so far purchased six out of nine windows (large windows and in great condition) all for $700.00. However I want long narrow (400mm high x 1500mm wide) opening windows for above the kitchen and loft…these are difficult to find so I may have to go with new windows and accept the price tag.

Patience is key so always shop around and keep returning to ensure you find the new stock first! There will be more images to come showing the window layout and potential recolour of the aluminium trim. Be sure to check-in as the build progresses.

For any further information or general questions don’t be afraid to get in touch.