Your window appointment is booked—but what happens next? Knowing the timeline, what the crew will do, and how to prepare your home saves time, money, and headaches. Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Pre-Appointment Preparation (1–2 Days Before)
Clear the areas around your windows. Move furniture, plants, and decorations at least 2–3 feet away from interior walls and window sills. This gives installers room to work and protects your belongings from dust and debris.
Close off pets and children from work zones if possible. Window installation involves noise, vibrations, and brief temperature changes as old windows come out. A quiet space keeps everyone safe and lets your crew focus.
Remove window coverings—curtains, blinds, and shades—so installers can access frames easily. Some companies will do this for you, but confirming ahead saves 10–15 minutes of appointment time.
What Happens When They Arrive
Expect the crew to arrive within a 2–4 hour window (appointment times are rarely pinpoint accurate). Most jobs require 2–4 installers depending on your project size. A typical single-window replacement takes 45 minutes to 2 hours; whole-home projects can run 4–8 hours across one or two days.
The team will conduct a final walkthrough, confirming measurements and window specifications match your contract. This is your chance to ask clarifying questions before work begins.
They'll lay down drop cloths and protective plastic sheeting to contain debris. Interior floors and any remaining furniture get protected. Exterior scaffolding or ladders may be set up if you're on an upper story.
The Removal Phase
Old windows come out first. For single-hung or double-hung windows, this typically takes 10–20 minutes per window. The crew removes interior trim, exterior caulk, and fasteners, then carefully extracts the frame.
Expect dust—significant dust. Even with plastic barriers, fine particles escape. You'll want to keep windows closed in adjacent rooms and plan activities away from the work area.
Once frames are removed, the opening gets cleaned and inspected. This is where installers spot rot, water damage, or structural issues. Repairs to the surrounding frame (common on older homes) add $200–$600 per window and may require extra time.
Installation of New Windows
New frames slide into the opening and get shimmed (small wooden wedges inserted to square the window). This is critical for smooth operation and weather-tight seals. The process looks quick but demands precision.
Installers fasten frames using galvanized nails or screws, then seal gaps with expanding foam insulation. This foam is trimmed flush with the frame edge.
Exterior work includes caulking around the perimeter with paintable silicone or acrylic latex. Interior trim is reinstalled (or new trim is added, depending on your job scope). Total per-window time for installation: 30–60 minutes.
Post-Installation and Final Steps
The crew cleans up, removing protective coverings and hauling debris. Quality installers spend 20–30 minutes on this; it's a sign of professionalism.
Check each window before the team leaves:
- Sashes open and close smoothly without binding
- Locks engage fully and hold firmly
- No visible gaps or foam around frames
- Caulk lines look clean and level
- Hardware is straight and aligned
Ask the installer to demonstrate proper operation, especially if your new windows have features you've never used before (tilt-in sashes, multi-position locks, etc.). Many warranty claims stem from operator error, not installation mistakes.
Get a final invoice, warranty documentation, and the installer's contact info. Reputable companies provide written guarantees covering workmanship for 5–10 years and manufacturing defects for 10–20+ years.
Timeline and Budget Reality
Straightforward replacements cost $300–$900 per window installed, depending on frame material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass), size, and your region. A typical three-window job runs $2,000–$4,000 total.
Entire-home projects (15–20 windows) typically take 2–4 working days and range from $8,000–$20,000+. If structural repairs are needed, add another day and $1,000–$3,000.
If you're comparing quotes from multiple installers, Mercoly makes it easy to review reviews, timelines, and pricing from trusted window companies in your area—all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I have windows installed in winter or rain? A: Yes, professionals install windows year-round, though extreme cold or heavy rain may delay work. Installers use temporary coverings and caulk that sets in cold temperatures; scheduling on dry days simply makes their job easier.
Q: What if the installer finds rot or damage I wasn't told about? A: This happens in 20–30% of replacement jobs. Discuss pricing upfront—most contracts include a small allowance ($200–$400) for minor repairs, with additional costs quoted before work continues.
Q: When can I paint new trim or caulk? A: Wait 24–48 hours for caulk to fully cure before painting. Your installer will advise on the specific product used; rushing this step causes peeling and water infiltration.
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