skip to main content

Windows Renovating Design Dilemma

Replace bow window with bay window

2 years ago

The property I live in had its bay window replaced at some point. Almost every other house in the street has a bay window (my house is in the middle):

Older iterations of Google Street View show what look like foundations of the original bay (which have since been paved over):

I would like to replace my window with a bay window similar to that of my neighbours'. The problem is I haven't the first clue how to go about it and how much it would cost.

Should I be contacting stonemasons / builders / architects? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

Jonathan

2 years ago

I agree with the advice to speak to an architect. Your plan will mean demonstrating you own the land where in theory a bay once was, you will also have to dig foundations and this will be complex as you will have to take up some of the public footpath which means more permissions. It is complex and costly but given enough determination everything is possible.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

Isla Cherry
2 years ago
I love that idea. The original windows are much bigger and more intricate. I would contact an architect in the first instance. You could also see if there is a heritage window company in or close to your area and see if they could send a surveyor to have a look. I would speak to a few builders too as you will definitely need one to replace the window. He will need to reinstate the tiled roof above. This is going to be costly, no question about it. Be prepared for a lot of disruption if you decide to go ahead.
HU-162847296 thanked Isla Cherry
Daisy England
2 years ago
You need a joiner. Contact a joinery company. They will deal with all of it for you.
HU-162847296 thanked Daisy England
Related Discussions
Please help me to update my old antique pine kitchen
Q
Comments (9)
I agree, I think the kitchen units are quite charming. The tiles date it, the top of the dresser and the piece over the window. Agree, would paint the ceiling a soft chalky white. I know they're becoming a little overdone but metro tiles would suit but handmade ones in a soft white unless you just remove the tiles altogether and have a splashback by the oven. Can you afford to update the floor? The dresser offers good storage space, have you considered either just removing the top half or updating the top so changing the architrave and glass panes? The fire itself looks lovely, do you need the heater in front? I also like the brick but the recesses are dating it. I definitely wouldn't paint the brick, if you were to do anything I think it would need plastering over to cover the niches unless you are able to match the brick. Do you have a better pic of the firep? If you are set on painting the kitchen units, I would look at the really dark greys and inky Blues for the base units, as I think they'd suit the style well, with brass cup handles with a very pale grey for ŵall units. Or if you want the same colour units, look at a mid tone grey.
...See More
window colour advice, bay windows, wet pebble dash
Q
Comments (11)
This might sound a bit like being on the fence given the advice you've had already... How about a mid to dark grey ( less contrast than black), RAL 7022 is a favourite of mine (warmer grey), or look at a green grey, as something that will have the colour of the olive, with a good amount of contrast against the white render, (you won't have the warm rich colours of the brickwork as in the photos above (which the olive looks good against)). If you are painting the timber windows you would do well to look at microporous opaque stains to reduce your on-going maintenance. A benefit of aluclad composite windows is colour outside can be factory supplied different to the interior finish. Hope this might help. Regards, Nick
...See More
Need help picking paint color for new wall unit
Q
Comments (0)
I’ve been struggling to pick a color for weeks and I need to make a decision soon so hoping you can advise! I’m getting a new full wall tv unit built into my sitting room to replace an old ikea tv unit there presently, it will have presses at the bottom, space in the middle for wall mounting a tv, and shelves all around. It will come up to the ceiling and will have spotlights at the top. (sketch attached) I need to pick a color from the Farrow and Ball catalog. I’m trying to find a color that works well with what I have already. There is no other furniture in the room yet other than a couch as this is a new house and we only just moved in a couple of months ago, so I’m trying to match it to the walls, floors and the couch! I’ve attached some pictures. Our walls are supposedly Elephant Breath (but the builders used a cheaper alternative I believe). I have some purple in the room (sofa cushions and a rug). There is a large bay window on one side of the room and opposite to it a glass double door into the kitchen area. All doors, skirting boards, and coving are white. I really don’t want to pick white and would like a bit of contrast, but not sure if I should go lighter or darker than the wall. Any help really appreciated! Thanks in advance!
...See More
Is putting in Bay window a big/expensive job?
Q
Comments (0)
I would love a window seat so we are considering replacing our current window with a square bay window to allow for a window seat. Is this a big job? Would it be expensive? Or would anyone have another suggestion? Thanks
...See More
HU-162847296
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks everyone for their insights. I appreciate it will be costly. Do you have a sense of how much it could be, e.g. are we talking more than 10k?

If the costs were too prohibitive, is there anything I could do with my current window opening to make it more sympathetic to the original design (e.g. three wooden sashes? I'm struggling to find examples online)?
Angie
2 years ago
If you’re in the south east, The Sash Window Workshop is worth a look. They’ve done several jobs for us as we gradually return our windows to wooden sashes and are very good. Can recommend.
Isla Cherry
2 years ago
The Sash Window Workshop are fantastic. I used them in Winchester on an Edwardian house sash window replacement and everyone commented how good the replacements were. They were very professional too.
kazzh
2 years ago
I love the idea to return the original window, however if that idea doesn’t come to fruition then taking out some brick rows from below and improving the height and style of window would go a long way to improving your frontage.
tim_baker921
2 years ago
I like it as it is. Reducing the height of the window will make the room less private and reduce options for furniture. Don't be too precious about originality. I doubt the render is original, the doors and solar aren't and it's unlikely that any rebuilt copy will be an exact match to your neighbours.
HU-162847296
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks all. One thing I've considered is replacing the existing uPVC window with something like the below, which would hopefully be cheaper than building a bay...
tim_baker921
2 years ago
Bespoke wooden joinery to follow the curve of the brickwork? Timeless class.

More Discussions

Redesign Opinion Needed

0

Living Room/Kitchen open plan ideas.

1

sitting room make-over advice.

1

Kitchen remodel/alteration - where to go? HELP!

0

Moving Hot Water Tank and Sun Tunnel

0