Windows and Doors for New Construction: When and How to Plan Them

When building a new home, window and door choices are often postponed until later – yet early planning saves time, money, and prevents problems that only surface during construction.

When building a new home, the choice of windows and doors is often postponed to a later stage – "we'll get to it once the walls are up". Yet early planning can save time and money, and prevent problems that only appear once construction is underway.

Why plan windows and doors during the design stage?

If window and door specifications are not discussed in time, you may end up with a building structure that no longer fits the desired solution technically or visually.

Impact on building energy efficiency

Window choice directly affects the building's energy certificate and overall thermal insulation. If this is not considered during the design stage, the planned and actual energy class may not match.

Structural requirements

Large glass areas or non-standard window shapes (such as triangular or curved) may require specific structural coordination with the architectural plans, rather than being adapted after the fact.

Delivery times must match the construction schedule

Standard manufacturing lead times are 4–6 weeks for PVC windows and 6–8 weeks for aluminium windows. If ordering is not planned early, it can delay the entire schedule once the building is ready for installation.

When is the right time to start the conversation about windows?

Ideally, during the sketch or preliminary design stage, when:

The overall building design and style are being defined
The energy efficiency target is being set
Facade materials and structural solutions are being selected

This avoids a situation where the building structure is already fixed, but the desired window solution no longer fits technically or visually.

What does collaboration look like in a new-build project?

Systematic collaboration from concept to handover ensures that windows and doors arrive on site at exactly the right time and meet all requirements.

Initial consultation – discussing the project, evaluating design and technical possibilities
Specification alignment with the architect – material, glazing, construction
Proposal and schedule coordination – delivery dates are planned according to the overall construction timeline
Manufacturing parallel to construction – so windows are ready exactly when the building reaches the right stage
Installation and handover – coordinated with the other construction works

What does this mean for a private home builder?

Even if you are building a single private home rather than a large project, early collaboration means fewer surprises later – you know the costs, timelines, and technical details when other important decisions about the house are being made.

How window choice affects a building's energy certificate

Window ordering guide

When design matters as much as function

Planning a new build and want to align your window and door solution early?

Get in touch – we will evaluate your project and propose a solution that fits both the design and the schedule.

Planning a new build?

Contact us during the design stage – we will help you choose a window and door solution that fits both the design and the construction schedule.

Get in touch