Replacing and Relocating Windows

I am working on a really fun project right now that will be quite a significant transformation. One of the things we will be doing is correcting the inaccurate proportions of the windows on the colonial style farmhouse. The home was designed and built in the 1970’s and the strange squat shape of the windows makes this apparent, where tall vertical windows would have been more appropriate to the home’s style. In looking at historical residences from the time period, our client recognized that they typically align with the windows below. One above the centrally located front door, then two on either side. Their house, however, has four windows above that do not align with the windows below.

To make sure I understood what she was looking for, I quickly did this sketch of her home:

The windows are enlarged downstairs, but the centers align. The current home has four windows above with two squat ones below on either side of the door.

This is a vast improvement, the next question is, “Can we do this?” Well, now, we have to look at what is happening inside as well. As I reviewed the interior layout we had developed, it looks good except for a closet upstairs- so we may want to relocate the closet for this effect. Another consideration is budget. If we are replacing windows and using the same size or a smaller window, keeping it within that header spacing, there is no problem. If we are enlarging the window or relocating it entirely, the framing itself has to change. Here are some quick sketches I did to explain this:

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