Custom windows, or bespoke windows, are fixtures that are made specifically to fit an individual aperture or opening in a building or other construction. Windows are generally made in a series of set widths and heights to suit standardized window openings. During do-it-yourself (DIY) building projects or when renovating an older property, a different window sizing may be required to those available off the shelf from DIY stores. In this situation, a bespoke window manufacturer will need to be employed to construct a window to the correct size to fit the available opening.
There can be several reasons for requiring bespoke windows to be manufactured. Some of these reasons can include a self-build project where window sizes are not constructed to standard dimensions, a renovation of a property that was built before standardized window dimensions were introduced, or a conversion project. In the case of conversion projects and older property renovations, bespoke windows may be required to replace existing, fixed windows with opening windows. It may also be necessary in these situations to replace a single-pane window with either a double- or triple-glazed unit.
It is in regard to their adaptability that the benefits of bespoke windows can be particularly noted. A window can be constructed to any size and utilize any frame material, such as timber, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), or aluminum. Different opening variations can be specified so that the window can be opened from the top, bottom, or either side. The type of glazing can also be adapted to meet the requirements of the end user with features such as double- or triple-glazed units, stained glass finishes or inlays, reflective finishes, and mottling effects among many others. As the window will be custom-manufactured, there is always the option of combining any number of these features into a single, multiple-pane window arrangement.
One of the downsides in regard to the use of bespoke windows is that, in general, they are considerably more expensive to purchase than standardized, off-the-shelf window styles and sizes. As the windows will need to be manufactured individually, delays can be experienced in production. There is also an increased labor cost involved in the manufacture of the windows with some designs and details being more labor intensive than others. Should a different material be required for the frame construction to that commonly produced by a manufacturer, subsequent delays in normal production will again increase the costs associated with the construction of bespoke windows.