Garages aren’t usually known for having excellent views of the outdoors. In fact, it’s very common for a garage to have no windows at all. Adding a window to your garage can have some great benefits, however. A window allows in more natural light, which can cut down on the amount of electricity you use when you’re doing work in the garage. A window can also improve the aesthetic of the home’s exterior, increasing its curb value. And if you’re interested in converting your garage to an additional bedroom or another type of living space, a window will help the room feel much less like a garage and more like any other room of the house.
Choose a Location 
The first thing you need to do is consider where you want the window to go. You can install a window in one of the outward-facing walls, or you can add a window to your garage door. Each choice has its pros and cons.
Adding a window to the side or back wall will give the garage interior a feel that’s much more like a regular room of the house, so it may be the best choice if you’re converting the garage into a bedroom or office. On the other hand, adding a window to the wall involves cutting through the wall, which requires some skill. If you want a simpler option, adding a window to a garage door is a relatively easy DIY job, even if you’re not a skilled handyman.
Gather Materials
Make sure you have the materials that you need in order to install the window properly. If you’re installing a window in the garage door, you can buy prefabricated garage door windows that come with the screws needed to hold the windows in place. Additionally, you’ll need a jigsaw to cut through the garage door material and caulk to secure the windows in place.
If you’re installing a window in one of the garage walls, you’ll need a circular saw to cut through the wall studs, a pre-hung window, 2x4s for framing the window, and a level so that you can make sure that the window is straight as you install it. You may also need a drill, hammer, Stanley knife, and a hacksaw.
Consider Security
While adding a window to your garage has its benefits, it also has a downside – it can make your garage less secure if you’re not careful. The garage is already often used as an entry point by home burglars. A window can provide an easier entry to the garage. If you store valuable items like power tools, sporting equipment, or firearms in your garage, a window can also give thieves a preview of what’s inside, giving them more incentive to target your home.
Make sure you install locks on wall windows to prevent them from being easily opened from the outside. Use blinds, curtains, or tint to obscure the view into your garage from the outside, especially when you’re not using the garage or when you’re away from home. If you install garage door windows, consider choosing windows with frosted glass that allow light in but don’t provide an easy view into the garage.
Adding a window is one of the many different ways you can upgrade and improve your garage. For more great garage renovation ideas, get a Free design consultation and estimate.
