Planning & building
Building a New House in Kashmir: When to Order Your Windows
In short
Start planning windows when the walls are up or the slab is done, before plaster. Send opening sizes early for an estimate, agree types and finishes, and let the fabricator measure the actual openings on site before fabricating. Fit windows after the rough wet work, when the openings are ready.
If you are building a new house, the windows are one of the biggest decisions after the structure itself. They decide how warm the house is, how much light you get and how the front looks. Here is when to bring them in.
Stage by stage
| Build stage | What to do about windows |
|---|---|
| Drawings | Mark window and door types on the plan. Think about views, furniture and which rooms you heat. |
| Walls going up | Send opening sizes for a first estimate. Agree types, glass and finish. |
| Slab done | Ideal time for us to measure the actual openings on site. |
| Before plaster | Confirm reveals, sills and floor levels with your mason. |
| After rough wet work | Frames are fitted, fixed and sealed. |
| Finishing | Final checks and handover; protective film comes off. |
Decide these early
- Which rooms you heat: these need double glazing and a tight-sealing window type.
- Big glass for the view: large fixed panes need planning with the structure.
- Doors to the lawn and balconies: the threshold and floor levels must be agreed before the floor is laid.
- Finish: white or woodgrain on the outside of the house.
Why ordering late costs you
Windows are made to measure. If you contact a fabricator the week you want them fitted, you will wait for measurement and fabrication, and often for everyone else who left it late before winter. Plan in the summer and you can fit before the cold.
More: how to measure your openings and casement or sliding, room by room.
Questions people ask
Should windows go in before or after plaster?
Plans and measurements should come before plaster. Fitting usually happens once the openings are finished and the heavy wet work is done, so frames are not damaged. We agree the exact sequence with you and your mason.
What sizes should my mason leave for windows?
Tell us the sizes on your drawing and we will confirm what the opening should be for each window. Openings should be square, level and the same size top and bottom.
Can I quote the whole house now and fit later?
Yes. Many people build in stages. We can price the whole house and fit floor by floor.
