7 Tips For A Smooth Replacement Window Installation

Once you have decided to replace your existing windows and chosen the replacement window type, style and options, precise measurements will be taken and a pre-inspection of your windows will take place. You have found your professional installer, selected the windows and agreed upon a price and schedule. Take a breath. The hard part is over!

That being said, you may be anxious as to what will happen next with your new windows.  That's why WoW has provided this quick checklist of how you can help ensure your installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are 7 tips to help your replacement window installation run smoothly:

1. Confirm Details

The day before your replacement window installers arrive, it is a good idea to touch base with the salesperson or scheduler and confirm your installation date and time.

2. Clear Area Around Windows

Your team of expert window installers will need easy access to all areas around your windows, so it is a good idea to remove all wall hangings and clear away belongings. Make sure your blinds and draperies are removed from the windows and all furniture has been moved at least 3 feet away, giving your installer ample work space.

3. Secure and Supervise Kids and Pets

Any pets you have should be secured or left with family or friends for the day. With installers coming in and out of your home removing windows and bringing in supplies, your pet could get outside. Likewise, make sure any children will be continuously supervised and out of the way. Any large home improvement project offers the opportunity for children to come into contact with materials that could pose a danger.

4. Conduct a Brief Walk-Thru

On the day of your installation; touch base with your job foreman or installation leader. This is a good time to do a short walk through to highlight any areas of concern. This is a good opportunity to discuss how the project will flow, confirm that the replacement windows are exactly as you ordered and how to handle any out of scope repairs. 

5. Let the Installation Proceed, But Stay Available For Questions

Some mess is to be expected during a window replacement project. However, your window installers should take reasonable precautions to avoid damage to your flooring and furnishings, such as having drop cloths inside your home under the windows. As the installers begin the process of removing your old windows, stay available in case they have questions or run into out-of-scope issues. Most installers will move the old windows to the outside of your home, so expect to see them stack up. Most professional window replacement contractors will include disposal and clean up as part of your project.

6. If the Project Requires More Than One Day...

Depending upon the size of the project and the number of installers required to perform the work, a window replacement will typically take one to two days. If your project is large enough to require an additional day, ask your contractor to make sure that each window space is covered.

7. Conduct a Final Inspection

When the replacement windows have been set in place, the team will likely begin installing the exterior trim or cladding on your windows. After completion, your team of professional replacement window installers should clean up after themselves, removing any debris, tools and materials. At this point, do a thorough inspection of each window and request a demonstration on how to operate and clean the new units. 

We hope that list helps fill in the gaps for you of how to make your installation run as smooth as possible.  Windows on Washington is always happy to help our customers with any questions they may have throughout the window buying process.  Feel free to use the link below if you have any questions or simply click on our Window Buyer's Guide for even more information.