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Windows and doors for builders, architects and designers

Settle window and door details before framing. This page shows what builders, architects and designers should send and decide for new builds, remodels and commercial work.

Builders and architects get the best result when window and door details are settled before framing. Send a window and door schedule, elevations and rough openings. Then agree on sightlines, thresholds, structural openings, glass performance and lead times with the manufacturer. Honey Rock works with builders on new builds, remodels and commercial projects.

Project types
Residential new build, residential remodel and commercial.
Builder referrals
Honey Rock's contact form includes "Builder Referral" as a source.
Three manufacturers
Jada steel, Bertrand European systems and Sun Windows.
Early planning
Send plans before framing starts.

How can Honey Rock help builders, architects and designers?

Honey Rock Window and Door works on three kinds of projects: residential new build, residential remodel and commercial. Its contact form also lists “Builder Referral” as a way people find it. This page covers what to send, what to settle early and how to coordinate on site.

Honey Rock works with three manufacturers: Jada for thermally broken steel, Bertrand for European systems, and Sun Windows for clad-wood and vinyl products. Start with the planning guide if you are early in design.

What should you send with your plans?

Send the documents a supplier needs to quote and check fit. A short, complete package saves back and forth.

Item Why it matters
Window and door schedule Lists each opening by type, size and operation
Floor plans and elevations Show where units sit and how they line up
Rough opening sizes Confirm the frame fits the structure
Wall sections Show wall depth, sill and head conditions
Project type and target date Set the schedule and sequence
Budget range Narrows brand and material choices
Material and brand preferences Steel, aluminum, wood or vinyl

The rough opening is the framed hole, and it is larger than the unit. See rough opening vs frame size before you finalize dimensions. You can send this package through the contact form. The form includes fields for project type, preferred date, budget and a message.

What should you settle early?

Settle the items that change framing, structure or the look of the wall. Each one is cheaper to fix on paper than on site.

  1. Sightlines. A sightline is the visible width of the frame. Agree on frame and mullion widths for each family. Read the slim profile windows guide.
  2. Thresholds. Check the floor-to-door transition, drainage and finish floor height at each door. A flush threshold needs planning in the slab or subfloor.
  3. Structural openings. Large glass walls, pocketing doors and corner openings may need beams, headers or steel. Confirm with the structural engineer before framing.
  4. Door type. Pivot, sliding and lift-slide and folding doors each have different weight, track and swing needs.
  5. Frame material. Compare in the steel windows and doors pillar and the clad wood vs steel vs aluminum guide.
  6. Glass. Pick glass for heat, light and noise. See glass options.

Which questions should you ask the manufacturer about lead time?

Ask the manufacturer for dates and conditions, not a general estimate. Lead time varies by brand, product and where the product ships from, and it can change. Honey Rock does not publish lead times, so get them in writing for your order.

Ask these questions:

  • What is the full schedule from order to delivery in Dallas?
  • Is the product built to order or taken from stock?
  • Where does it ship from, and how long does shipping take?
  • What drawings or approvals must you sign off before production?
  • What happens to the schedule if you change a size after ordering?
  • Who receives the delivery on site, and who inspects it?

Bertrand says it ships from Poland and has no US subsidiary, and Sun says its products are built to order. Both facts affect your schedule. Read the Bertrand and Sun Windows pages.

How do you check glass performance for code?

Match the NFRC label numbers to the energy requirement for your city or town, then confirm with the building department. Energy codes use U-factor for heat loss and SHGC for solar heat. The label shows both.

Read how to read an NFRC label, then see SHGC and U-factor for Texas and the energy-efficient windows pillar. Local rules differ, so check the area pages for Dallas, Park Cities, Fort Worth and Southlake. Rules change, and the city has the final say.

How do you coordinate on site?

Keep one person responsible for window and door questions, and agree on the sequence before delivery. Honey Rock describes its work as running “From the initial design process to the final installation”, so ask what that covers on your project.

General points to settle:

  • Delivery and storage. Where does product go on arrival, and who protects it?
  • Sequence. Which trades finish before the units go in, and which follow?
  • Field measurements. Who verifies openings before final orders?
  • Flashing and weather barrier. Who installs flashing, and who inspects it? See flashing.
  • Punch list. How do you report and close out issues?

Next step

Send your schedule, elevations and target date through the contact form, or call (214) 484-9982. For product detail, start with the partners page or see the window and door categories.

Questions people ask

What should I send Honey Rock with my plans?

Send your window and door schedule, floor plans, elevations and any rough opening sizes. Add the project type, the target date and your budget. Mention preferred materials or brands, and flag any unusual openings.

When should I involve a window and door supplier?

Involve the supplier before framing. Frame sizes, sightlines, thresholds and structural openings affect the framing and the structure. Late changes can mean reframing, so settle them during design.

Does Honey Rock take builder referrals?

Honey Rock's contact form includes "Builder Referral" as a source and lists residential new build, residential remodel and commercial as project types. Send your plans through the contact form or call (214) 484-9982.

Do windows need to meet energy code?

Yes. Energy codes set performance targets for glass, and your city or town may add its own rules. Check the local requirement and match the NFRC label on the product to it. Confirm with the building department.

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Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass.

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