The Benefits and Drawbacks of Adding a Bay Window
Lounge in the sun
Bay windows can increase property value by adding more livable spaces, natural light, and ventilation.
Bay windows have an average return of 70% to 80%.
On average, a new bay window costs $2,500 with professional installation.
The cost for bay windows is affected by window type and size, window treatment, installation difficulty, and additional design elements.
Bay windows are more than just an addition. It’s a whole lifestyle. A properly constructed bay window increases your property value by adding livable square footage, improving aesthetics, and allowing more natural light and ventilation.
Average Value of a Bay Window
A bay window can easily add 10 extra feet to any room. Depending on the type and style, some may add even more square footage. Bay windows have an average return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 80%, which is higher than regular window replacement.
There are three types of bay windows: angled, box, and garden. Angled bay windows are the most common type, featuring a wide, center window and two flanks at 30, 45, or 60 degrees. Box bay windows, also known as square bay windows, extend a rectangular window perpendicularly out of the walls. Garden bay windows are box bay windows with a glass roof that functions as a mini greenhouse.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Angled Bay Window | Most common. Wide center with angled side flanks. |
| Box Bay Window (Square Bay Window) | Project a rectangular window straight out of the wall at 90 degrees. |
| Garden Bay Window (Greenhouse Bay Window) | Box bay window with a glass roof, often used in kitchens as a mini greenhouse. |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Adding a Bay Window
Adding a bay window comes with many benefits, but also certain drawbacks. Generally, bay windows add a considerable amount of extra living or functional space, increase natural light, and can bring an elevated aesthetic to your home. Like all new windows, adding a bay window can provide quite a boost to your property’s value.
However, the high initial cost of adding a bay window could be intimidating for some. Also, bay windows can increase solar heat gain, adding more burden to your cooling system. Therefore, if you live somewhere with hot summers and direct sunlight, consider using an energy-efficient window to offset the solar gain.
Bay windows are also highly demanding when it comes to installation, and poor craftsmanship can lead to major problems and safety hazards. Therefore, be sure to hire a professional window installation company if you want to add a bay window to your home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More natural light | Increased solar heat gain |
| Additional space | Some types might be difficult to find hardware for installation and repair |
| Increased ventilation | Poor installation can be devastating |
| Added property value | High installation cost |
Cost to Build a Bay Window
Adding a bay window to your home costs an average of $2,500 but could easily reach $5,000 depending on the size, type, material, and placement of the bay window, as well as the kind of glass you use. Additional design factors can also affect your cost. For example, a garden bay window tends to cost more due to the glass room and its greenhouse functionality.
Window treatment cost is another key factor impacting the final cost of your bay window. Window glazing would cost extra. If you want to add blinds, shades, or more stylish options like plantation shutters, the price can vary from an extra few hundred to a few thousand.
Finally, different companies may charge different rates based on their experience and service area.
Is a Bay Window Worth It?
A bay window can increase your home’s property value. However, don’t just add a bay window as an investment before selling your home. Bay windows are pleasant to the eye and unlock many new lifestyle options. Imagine adding a window seat for your cat to the window so you can read in the sun with your fur baby, or start a mini vegetable garden in your kitchen. The true value of a bay window is the joy, possibility, and freedom it brings with additional space and natural light.
Ways to Build a Bay Window
Assess the wall to make sure it’s strong enough to hold the bay window before getting to the construction portion and obtain any necessary permits from your local municipality. Since adding a bay window is highly technical, you should hire a pro for the job.
Most companies construct the bay window separately and then replace your existing window with the completed product. This allows them to remove the existing window and expand the opening in your wall when the new window is ready to go in. It also lets the company modify the existing opening and build the bay window simultaneously, significantly reducing the project’s time consumption.
How Angi Gets Its ROI Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners maximize the value of their investments, we gather ROI data from reputable sources, including industry reports, real estate studies, and interviews with market experts. We calculate the average resale value for projects by multiplying the ROI against the project’s average cost according to our cost data, which is sourced from thousands of real Angi customers.
Want to help us improve our data? Send us a recent project quote or home appraisal value to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are adding a new bay window to the front of your house, you usually need a building permit. However, adding a bay window to the side or back of your house typically doesn’t require any permits. Replacing an existing bay window also doesn’t require a permit. If you’re not sure, ask your pro to guide you through the process.
If the bay window extends beyond your existing roofline, you must add a roof or a small “skirt” to divert storm water and prevent water damage. The window roof can match your existing house roof, or be finished with copper or other decorative materials. Most bay windows have a roof with complete flashing regardless of their placement to prevent leaks into the home.
The maximum protruding distance allowed for a bay window is determined by its flank angles. 30-degree flanks can extend about 13 to 14 inches. If the angle is 45 degrees or larger, then the bay window can stick out about 19 inches. If the window extends too far out, it would cause structural instability and safety concerns.
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