Budgeting for home improvements can be tricky sometimes. There are a lot of factors to consider, and if you’re not much of a DIYer, or not used to dealing with home improvements, you may find it a little intimidating.

If you’re trying to determine the cost of new windows, make sure you start by taking accurate measurements so that you can provide them to your window supplier.

Here are some tips to help you supply the correct measurements so you can get a window estimate. 

Window Terminology

First of all, you’ll need to know the basic parts of a window so you can properly communicate with your window supplier and get the ball rolling on a window quote.

• Frame  – A window frame is the framework that surrounds and supports the entire window system. It is comprised of the head, jamb and sill.
• Jamb – Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame
• Sill – A sill is the main horizontal part forming the bottom of the frame of a window. 
• Head – The head is the main horizontal part forming the top of the window frame.

How to Measure

Before measuring for a window quote, make sure you have the following items:

• Tape measure
• Pen & paper
• A safe “step up” to safely reach the window (if necessary)
• Camera (optional but very helpful)

From the inside, take a width measurement from interior jamb to interior jamb. Make sure you do this at the bottom, the middle and the top and then provide the largest measurement to your window supplier. Sometimes jambs can be slightly bowed, so make sure you’re providing the widest point.

Then do the same with the height. Measure vertically from the head jamb to the window sill, and take three measurements – one on the left, middle and right. Then provide your window supplier with the largest number. If your windows are particularly tall, enlist a helper to hold the measuring tape. You want to make sure you’re getting as accurate a measurement as possible, and if you try to do it yourself you may find it hard to both hold the tape in place and see the number on it.

While this should be enough information to get the ball rolling on an estimate, I would suggest also taking a couple of pictures and sending them as well.

With this information you should have enough to get an estimate. For a final quote, an installer or Sales Rep will take steps to get the outside brick to brick measurements and add the thickness of the jambs on the interior side.

Still not sure you’re doing it right? Check out this video from Pollard Windows and Doors that demonstrates the process of measuring both windows and doors for accurate quotes.

For more information about choosing and ordering windows, please visit Pollard Windows and Doors.