Do it yourself

Kati, I've never heard of any window having a load bearing quality. Have you picked out the window yet? If you have their should be specs regarding the requirements for the window. If you haven't picked out the window yet on of the cheapest ways for a new window is to buy a standard size patio door insulated unit. It would be fixed glass, so you couldn't raise the window. I've seen people use them a lot in sunrooms and in a large den. You could install it vertically instead of horizontal. Be sure to use rubber glass stops around the glass, caulk around between the wood & glass then trim it in wood. They come in 3 standard sizes. If memory serves me right it's 28 x 76, 34 x 76, can't remember the other one which is larger. You can get them in clear, bronze and Low E. Hope this helps. You probably can do a search on the web to find out more about the spec for windows. From experience it is better to go with a good brand window, Anderson or something along that line. I've seen windows that were on the cheaper end that if the glass gets broken out it is almost impossible to replace the glass. Some manufactories build the window around the glass and glue the glass in. If the window is made of wood, you have to cut the wood to get the glass out, which is a pain plus requires you having to putty the wood and repainting the window. Make sure the window has window stops that can be removed in the event you ever have to replace the glass. The glass stops should be on the inside, if they are on the outside of your home it's easy for someone to take them off & break into your house. I've seen that done also. They even put the glass back into the window and stop back on. It's surprising what some people do. Lisa