We’ve learned it’s important to celebrate all the steps of progress in any home project, even (and perhaps especially) when that project feels never-ending. We’re 5 (6?) weeks into our bathroom renovation and big time celebrating the recent addition of new windows being put in. It feels amazing to have natural light for the first time streaming into our once, always dark and stuffy bathroom. Since being cut into the side of our home a week ago (I shared it all in real time on Instagram Stories) and installed, we get asked so many questions on the daily about the windows, so we wanted to answer a few of those, show you what we did and why, and give you some things to think about before adding windows to your own bathroom project. Show Remember when this looked like this just 2 weeks ago?! “Aren’t you afraid people will be able to see you in the bathroom through the windows?” First, I’ll preface this by pointing out the two main types of privacy windows – obscured, and frosted. A frosted window is smooth glass that has a coating applied to it, which blurs visibility. An obscured window is actually textured glass that distorts shapes. We opted for obscured windows, with the highest obscurity available. After reviewing multiple privacy glass options before the project, and visiting with our contractors, and testing the windows out at all times of the day (and night) after they have been in place, we’ve come to a very comfortable, happy conclusion – we just need to be aware of our lighting. During the day, it’s not a problem. With obscured windows, you still get some light and color that pass through, but only from the more lit side to the darker side. Meaning, if you’re on the darker side of the window, you can see what’s on the other side better than the other side can see what’s on your side (does that make sense?). The potential issue would be night time, when it’s dark outside and the lights are on inside. At night, we’ve found no problems with walking around in the bathroom with the lights on. All you see from outside is subtle movement. But as you get closer to the windows, shapes and colors become more recognizable. So the only problem would be showering at night or early in the mornings, and for that we added lights in the shower itself and put them on a dimmer switch. We’ve found that dimming the lights slightly (nothing crazy – still plenty of light to see) reduces visibility from the outside to almost nothing and provides plenty of privacy. We recognize this isn’t a solution everyone would be comfortable with. No matter how much we explain it and reassure people, we still get hear, “Oh, I don’t know.” And that’s fine. If it makes you uncomfortable, definitely don’t add a window in your shower. But we’re happy with the amount of privacy we’re seeing from the window, and over-the-moon with how much natural light we’ve gained in a previously dark and closed-off space. As far as the water closet is concerned (that’s the small room where our toilet resides), the window is up high enough that privacy while… “doing ones business,” we’ll say… isn’t an issue. “How do you keep the window from leaking or being
damaged from the shower water?” For leaking, we recommend using a window that doesn’t open, and treat it the same as any other part of the shower to make it water-tight. Frame out the windowsill with concrete board and paint over the entire shower area with RedGard (right up to where the concrete board meets the window). RedGard is a liquid material that essentially turns to plastic after it dries. Painting it on evenly over the entire surface of the concrete board seals the gaps and creates a water-tight underlayment for your tile. You’ll then use tile for your windowsill instead of trim boards, grout it all, and add silicone where the tile meets the window. “How do you ensure your roof is still structurally sound after adding a window?” “When you add a window do you take into account what it will look like from the outside, in relation to other windows on the home?” “You guys have added so many windows, but it just seems like such a major
thing! Why does it feel so impossible to the rest of us?” “How much did it cost?” We’ve added 6 windows to our home and the average cost of the window PLUS installation is $400-$500 (some have been more, some have been less). We purchase our own windows ahead of time to save money–we generally order Pella windows through Lowe’s. Obviously our home is siding on the back which is a lot easier too cut through than brick, which would be a completely different ballgame, I’d imagine. But call around to get a quote–maybe you’ll be surprised! Did we miss anything? Let me know if you have more questions about adding windows in the comments below and we’ll be happy to answer! Or! If you have a window-adding experience, we’d love to hear that, too. How much would it cost to add a window to a bathroom?Adding a window into an existing wall requires a combination of siding, framing, and finishing work, so the price range will usually run between $1,000 and $5,000 per window. The factors that will affect a new window installation into an existing wall include: Framing typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500.
What is the code for a window in a bathroom?Ventilation and Electrical Code
Your bathroom must have a window that's at least 3 square feet in area to provide adequate ventilation. You can also install a bathroom fan capable of pulling out at least 50 cubic feet of air per minute. Light bulbs over bathtubs and showers must be vapor- and waterproof.
What do you do if your bathroom doesn't have a window?7 Top Tips for Bathrooms Without a Window. Install an extractor fan. Having an extractor fan will help clear any build-up of moisture in the room. ... . Keep the bathroom clean and clutter free. ... . Reflective surfaces. ... . Wipe away water droplets. ... . Use glass bathroom fittings. ... . Add bathroom plants. ... . Choose a light colour scheme.. Is it OK to have a window in a shower?Windows are built to withstand the elements, especially moisture. But that's just on the outside. Window interiors are not meant to be water-resistant. If you have a window in the shower, unchecked moisture can lead to serious, costly damage.
|