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How to Save on Windows Without Compromising Your Custom Home Design
Austin Custom Home Building Guide
Windows are one of the most expensive line items in any custom home build—especially in Austin. But did you know there are ways to preserve your design and protect your budget? At Rivendale, we’ve helped many homeowners cut window costs intelligently—without cutting corners. Here’s how.
When building a custom home in Austin, it’s easy for window costs to get out of hand—especially when the architectural plans call for fully custom window sizes. While architects offer incredible vision and design, they don’t always consider the real-world pricing that comes with those unique specs.
A great first step is to review the window schedule closely with your builder or window vendor. In many cases, standard-size windows can be substituted for custom-sized ones without compromising on the design or natural light. The result? Significant savings without sacrificing the look.
Another cost-saving strategy is using on-site mulled windows. These are multiple standard-size windows joined together during installation to mimic the appearance of a large, single-pane unit. You still get that expansive, custom look—but with standard materials and lower price tags.
Ceiling height and dramatic windows can bring major “wow” factor to a custom home—but they can also bring serious costs. At Rivendale, we always respect a client’s vision. If you want floor-to-ceiling windows, we’ll make it happen. But we’ve found that small changes in placement can make a big difference in cost—without sacrificing the look or feel.
By simply raising a window six inches off the floor or lowering it slightly from the ceiling line, homeowners can unlock savings not just on window costs, but also on HVAC. Why? Because ceiling height and window placement impact energy calculations, and more efficient sizing often leads to a more budget-friendly HVAC design.
The key is asking the right questions early and understanding what really matters to the homeowner. Those small design tweaks often free up budget for other details that matter even more.
Homeowners often come in with a vision—whether it’s a magazine photo, Pinterest board, or something they’ve seen in another home. Our job isn’t to say “no” to those ideas—it’s to translate them into smart, buildable solutions.
Often, we’ll see a request for oversized or complex window groupings. Instead of defaulting to high-cost solutions, our team looks for creative, budget-conscious alternatives that still deliver the same visual impact. This might mean breaking a large window into standard units mulled together on site, or adjusting heights and proportions just enough to avoid custom sizing.
We believe what sets us apart is how seriously we take the budget, without ever losing sight of what the homeowner wants. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about cutting cost where it doesn’t matter, so we can spend where it does.
Not all windows need to be tempered—but you’d be surprised how many builders default to it anyway. Tempered glass is required by building code in certain situations, such as:
But here’s the catch: Tempered glass is significantly more expensive. And when builders don’t understand the code—or just play it safe without reviewing the requirements—they end up ordering tempered glass for nearly every window. That extra cost? It’s passed directly to the homeowner.
At Rivendale, we take a different approach. We know the code, and we follow it. We also make sure you don’t pay for tempered glass unless it’s required. This attention to detail protects both your investment and your vision.
Are you confident your window design is beautiful and budget-smart—or are you leaving savings on the table? At Rivendale, we partner with homeowners to bring their vision to life without unnecessary costs. From code-compliant window planning to creative layout alternatives, we make sure every dollar is working toward what matters most to you. Let’s build something great—together.
