Insights > Category > Posted: 2025-May-08, Updated: 2025-May-09

Choosing Windows - What are Custom Windows?

Smiling homeowner standing beside newly installed custom window in Ottawa home, showcasing professional window replacement resul

In Ottawa, homes reflect a rich tapestry of architectural styles, from early 1900s builds to sleek modern infills, each shaped by different builders and techniques. This diversity means that standard windows often miss the mark when it comes to fitting your home's unique character.

Replacing your windows is more than just an upgrade, it’s an opportunity to choose custom solutions that perfectly complement your home’s style and withstand the challenges of our harsh climate.

Quick navigation:

What are custom windows? Why do they matter?
Opportunities
Customization
Wrong fit, costly fix
Why settle for standard? Custom just makes sense
Our process: From quote to installation
Buying tips for ottawa homeowners
Request a quote

What are custom windows? Why do they matter?

perfect custom awning window fit in stone wall

Custom windows are made-to-order units designed to fit the dimensions of your home’s existing window openings. Unlike standard, off-the-shelf windows, they are tailored specifically for your space, ensuring a precise fit that supports proper installation techniques, like shimming, levelling, and sealing. This accuracy minimises air leaks, boosts energy efficiency, and contributes to long-term comfort and cost savings.

Because the windows are built to suit your home, installation is quicker and cleaner, with no need for major structural adjustments. The result is a polished, professional finish that looks great and performs at its best.

No drywall damage or oversized framing
No filler panels or inefficient gaps
No energy loss from a poor fitting
No adaptive fitting
Engineered to fit your Ottawa home, where construction methods vary and sizes are inconsistent.

Opportunities

Whether you're looking to match or elevate your home's appearance, incorporate cutting-edge energy-efficient features, or add functional and stylish options that fit your lifestyle, custom windows give you the flexibility to design the perfect solution. With custom windows, you get full control over your home’s performance, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

Match or upgrade your home’s appearance
Choose advanced energy-efficient features
Add practical and aesthetic options to suit your lifestyle
Maximise natural light and optimise interior views
Improve ventilation and airflow with custom-operating styles
Reduce outdoor noise with enhanced acoustic insulation
Increase home value with premium materials and unique designs
Tailor security features for added peace of mind
Address unique architectural challenges (e.g. non-standard sizes or shapes)

Customization

Custom doesn’t stop at sizing. Bayview Windows offers a wide range of top Canadian-made window brands, along with a plethora of options and upgrades to help you create the perfect match to your home and lifestyle:

Choosing the right material for custom windows

Vinyl – Cost-effective, energy-efficient, and virtually maintenance-free
Aluminium-Clad Wood – Traditional wood interior with weather-resistant exterior, perfect for older or character homes
Fibreglass – Strong, durable, and ideal for Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles
Hybrid Frames – Combine the best features of two or more materials for optimised performance and style

Energy efficient glass

Double or triple glazing
Argon or krypton gas fills
Low-E coatings for UV and heat control

Grille styles & patterns

Colonial, prairie, ladder, or custom layouts
Internal or external grilles in various materials and colours

Interior & exterior colours

Interior and exterior colour-matching
Faux wood finishes or bold contemporary tones

Hardware & locks

Smooth-turn cranks, easy-lift handles
Double-point locking vs single
Enhanced security options and finishes

Additional features

Integrated blinds
Tinted or privacy glass
Noise-reduction technology

Product brands

North Star Windows – Known for energy efficiency and durability, these windows are a popular choice among homeowners.
Del Windows – Offers versatile designs that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Lepage Millwork – Provides high-end, customizable wood and hybrid windows for a distinctive look.
Strassburger Windows & Doors – Recognised for precision engineering and energy efficiency.
Martin Windows – Features elegant designs with a focus on craftsmanship.
Dayside Windows – Delivers reliable performance with a variety of style options.

About our brands

We’ll help you navigate all your options, so you can confidently choose what matters most — whether it’s energy performance, low maintenance, curb appeal, or comfort.

Wrong fit, costly fix

standard sized-window that has been showing adaptive fitting

Choosing off-the-shelf windows for a home with custom-sized openings can lead to a range of complications during installation. Because the windows aren’t designed to match the existing space, installers often need to make adjustments that can affect performance, aesthetics, and even the structure of the home. These workarounds may seem minor, but they can result in long-term issues that impact energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.

Common compromises required to make standard windows fit:

1. Build out or shrink the opening

Framing must be added or removed to force the window to fit, often compromising the structural integrity and insulation of the wall.

2. Use filler panels

Unsightly filler pieces may be used around the window to close gaps, reducing the professional appearance and weakening the thermal seal.

3. Apply excessive shimming and caulking

Installers may rely heavily on shims and sealants to close gaps, which can deteriorate over time and lead to air or water infiltration.

4. Trim the interior or exterior excessively

Additional trim or capping may be added to cover imperfections, which can look bulky and detract from curb appeal.

5. Risk drywall or siding damage

Modifying openings can lead to cracked drywall or damaged exterior finishes, especially in older homes with unpredictable framing.

6. Reduce window glass area

A smaller standard window means less glass, which can reduce natural light and alter the original design of the room.

Professional vs DIY

Why settle for standard? Custom just makes sense

In a climate like Ottawa’s, where winters are harsh, summers are humid, and homes are never one-size-fits-all, custom windows provide long-term performance, comfort, and peace of mind.

And when you choose Bayview Windows, you’re not just getting a product. You’re getting a start-to-finish solution: custom advice, precision measurements, quality manufacturing, and expert installation, backed by bonded professionals and real warranties.

Our process: From quote to installation

At Bayview Windows, we take pride in making the window replacement experience as smooth and professional as possible.

Step 1: In-Home Consultation & Quote

We start by taking precise measurements and discussing your priorities, whether that’s improving insulation, updating your home’s look, or solving issues like moisture or drafts. From there, we walk you through your options, including sash and frame materials, grille designs, glass upgrades like Low-E coatings and gas fills, hardware finishes, and custom shapes.

If available, we'll bring samples so you can see the quality firsthand, or you can visit our showroom in Richmond. We always provide a clear, no-pressure quote so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Step 2: Custom Manufacturing

Once approved, your windows are manufactured by one of our brand partners to your exact specifications. That means no compromises, no shortcuts, and no stock-size force fits.

Step 3: Professional Installation

Our bonded and insured installers are trained to handle both retrofit and full-frame (brick-to-brick) installations. We ensure everything is sealed, insulated, and finished correctly, so your new windows perform as well as they look. And we provide a lifetime labour and materials warranty that covers flawed installation.

Buying tips for ottawa homeowners

A few practical tips to help you shop smart:

Don’t choose your windows based on price alone. A lower quote may mean builders-grade windows, standard sizes, and corners cut on installation. Always compare apples to apples.
Ask about performance ratings. Choose ENERGY STAR® certified windows made for Canada’s single climate zone.
Clarify what’s included - windows, installation, finishing work, cleanup, and warranties.
Prioritise installation. Even the highest-rated window can underperform if it’s not installed properly. Look for installers that are bonded, insured, and experienced in Ottawa conditions.
An installer should guide you through the pros and cons of each window in the context of your home, budget, and preferences. Find the right installer - Check out our installer checklist below.

Choosing an installer

Request a quote

Ready to get windows that are made just for your home, installed with expert care? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. No pressure. No surprises. Just a better window experience.

Request information | 613-838-2211 | Request a quote