Window Replacement Process

Simple steps from start to finish. Know what to expect so your project stays on track.

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What Happens, Start to Finish

A clear process means less stress. When you know what's coming next, you can plan around it. Here are the steps that take you from first conversation to finished windows.

What you'll see in this guide:

Free in-home consultation – We look at your windows, talk about what you want, and show you options that fit your home and budget.

Custom plan and price – You get a detailed proposal the same day. No waiting, no surprises.

Professional measurement – Precise measurements mean windows that fit right and install without delays.

Order and schedule – Once you approve, we order your custom-made vinyl windows and lock in your install date.

Install day (clean and quick) – Crews protect your floors, replace windows one at a time, and keep you updated. Most whole-home projects finish in 1-2 days.

Final walk-through and ongoing support – We show you how everything works, answer questions, and hand over warranty paperwork before we leave.

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How Does Window Replacement Start?

We start with an in-home consultation. Someone comes to your house, measures your windows, and talks about why you're replacing them. Maybe they fog up between the panes. Maybe you feel drafts even when they're closed. Maybe you just want something that looks better from the street.

During this visit, you'll see samples of different window styles. Double-hung windows that tilt in for cleaning. Casement windows that crank open. Bay windows if you want more light and space.

We'll also talk about glass options. Basic clear glass works fine for most rooms. Low-E glass has a coating that reflects heat—keeps warmth in during winter, blocks it during summer. Triple-pane glass adds an extra layer for better insulation and noise reduction.

Timeline comes up here too. How soon can we start? How long will it take? We'll give you a realistic estimate based on your project size and our current schedule.

You don't need to move furniture yet. We're just looking and planning. The main thing is having access to your windows so we can measure and check the frames for rot, water damage, or other issues that need fixing before new windows go in.

If you have HOA rules about window styles or colors, bring those along. We'll make sure everything checks out before writing up your proposal.

What Does a Window Replacement Estimate Include?

You'll get a detailed proposal the same day as your consultation. It breaks down everything: which windows we're replacing, what style and glass type you picked, and what the total cost covers.

The proposal shows:

Number of windows and their locations (front bedroom, kitchen, upstairs bath)

Window style (double-hung, casement, picture, etc.)

Glass type (single-pane, double-pane, Low-E coating)

Frame material (vinyl is standard for most residential projects)

Installation timeline

Total cost, including labor and materials

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No hidden fees. If we find rotted wood or other problems during installation, we'll talk to you before doing extra work. You'll know what it costs and why it's needed.

We also go over [financing options](/financing/windows/) during this meeting. Monthly payment plans are available if you'd rather spread the cost out. Most approvals happen within 24 hours.

Use the [window cost calculator](/windows/calculator/) beforehand if you want a rough idea of what your project might run. It's not exact—every house is different—but it gives you a starting point.

Why Is Professional Measurement Important?

Windows get custom-made based on measurements. If measurements are off by even half an inch, windows won't fit. That means delays while new ones get made, or gaps that let in drafts and water.

We measure twice. Once during the consultation for the proposal. Then again after you approve the project, right before ordering windows. This double-check catches any mistakes and confirms nothing changed since the first visit.

What we measure:

Width at three points (top, middle, bottom) because frames aren't always square

Height at three points (left, center, right) for the same reason

Depth of the window opening to make sure new windows sit flush with the wall

Condition of the frame and surrounding wall

We take the smallest width and smallest height measurements. That ensures windows fit even if the opening isn't perfectly square. Small gaps get filled during installation with insulation and trim pieces that let the window sit level.

This step usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on how many windows you're replacing. You don't need to be home for it if that's easier, but most people like to be around in case we have questions.

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How Do I Prepare for Window Installation?

Once you approve the project, we order your windows and confirm your installation date. Your windows get custom-made for each opening, down to the 1/8 of an inch. That precision takes time—4-6 weeks to manufacture and deliver.

About a week before we arrive, we'll call with a prep checklist. Here's what helps the day go smoothly:

Inside your home:

Remove blinds, curtains, and shades from windows being replaced

Take down window alarms or sensors (write down which window they go with)

Move furniture at least 3-4 feet away from windows

Take pictures and wall decorations off nearby walls (vibration can shake them loose)

Cover nearby furniture with sheets if you're worried about dust

Outside your home:

Trim bushes or branches blocking windows

Move patio furniture, grills, or planters away from the house

Clear walkways so crews can bring windows and tools to the work area

Let neighbors know we'll be working (helpful if our truck blocks part of the street)

Day-of logistics:

Plan to be home, or arrange for someone to let the crew in

Keep pets in a room away from the work area (doors opening and closing all day can stress them out)

If you work from home, set up in a room on the opposite side of the house—installation gets loud

Don't worry about cleaning windows before we arrive. We're taking them out anyway.

What Happens on Window Installation Day?

Our crews arrive on time, usually early morning. They'll introduce themselves, confirm which windows we're replacing, and start setting up. Drop cloths go down to protect your floors. Tools and materials get staged near the work area.

We work on one window at a time. That keeps your home secure and limits how long any single opening is exposed.

Here's the basic sequence:

Remove the old window – Interior trim comes off first. Then the moving parts. Then the frame if we're doing a full replacement. Old windows go straight into a truck or dumpster.

Prep the opening – We check for rot, water damage, or gaps in the wall. If everything looks good, we clean the opening. Protective tape goes around the edges to keep water out.

Install the new window – The window goes in and gets leveled. We secure it in place. We don't over-tighten—vinyl needs room to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Insulate and seal – Foam or fiberglass insulation fills gaps between the window and the wall. Exterior caulk seals the outside edges. Interior trim gets installed if that's part of your project.

Test operation – We open and close the window, lock it, check the screen. If it's a double-hung window, we tilt it in to make sure everything works.

Then we move to the next window. Our installers can finish 8-10 standard windows in a day. Larger homes with lots of windows might take two days. Custom shapes, bay windows, or windows on upper floors take longer.

You'll see updates throughout the day. If we find a problem—rotted wood, a frame that needs rebuilding—we'll show you and explain what it'll take to fix it before moving forward.

Cleanup happens as we go. Drop cloths catch most of the debris. At the end of each day, we vacuum, wipe down window sills, and haul away trash.

Over 10,000 customers have been through this process with us. The crews know what they're doing. Your home stays secure, the work gets done cleanly, and you're not left wondering what's happening.

What Is the Final Walk-Through?

Before we leave, we walk through your home together and check every window. You'll test each one—open it, close it, lock it, tilt it if it tilts. We show you how everything works and answer questions about operation and care.

What we cover during the walk-through:

How to open, close, and lock each window style

How to remove and reinstall screens for cleaning

How to tilt double-hung windows in (if applicable)

What to clean them with (mild soap and water; no harsh chemicals)

How often to check caulk and weatherstripping

We also confirm trim work looks clean, caulk is smooth, and there are no gaps or drafts. If something doesn't look right, we fix it before leaving. Small adjustments happen on the spot. Bigger issues get scheduled right away.

You'll receive warranty documentation that covers both the windows and our installation work. Your windows come with a manufacturer warranty. We add our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and Gold Standard Protection Plan on top of that. If installation-related problems show up later, we come back and fix them at no cost.

This is your chance to ask anything. How do I clean between the panes? What if a seal fails? What if I need a new screen? We'd rather answer questions now than have you wonder about it later.

What Support Do I Get After Installation?

Your windows are in. Paperwork is handed over. But we don't disappear.

Basic maintenance keeps windows working well:

Rinse glass and frames once or twice a year with a hose or mild soap and water

Wipe down tracks and sills to keep dirt from building up

Check weatherstripping and caulk once a year; call us if you see gaps or cracks

Lubricate moving parts (hinges, cranks, locks) with silicone spray if they start sticking

Warranty coverage protects your investment:

Manufacturer warranty covers the window itself—glass, frame, hardware

Our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and Gold Standard Protection Plan cover installation issues for as long as you own your home

If a window won't lock, won't tilt, or if caulk pulls away, we come back and make it right

Ongoing availability means you're not on your own:

Questions about operation? Call us.

Need a replacement screen? We'll order one.

Thinking about replacing more windows down the line? We already have your info and know your home.

We respond to questions within 24-48 hours. Most issues are small—adjusting a lock, replacing weatherstripping—and get handled quickly. Bigger problems are rare when installation is done right, but if they happen, our warranty covers them.

Leading exterior home remodeling experts serving Ohio and Michigan with quality craftsmanship since [Year].Leading exterior home remodeling experts serving Ohio and Michigan with quality craftsmanship since [Year].

Toledo

2852 South Ave Toledo, OH 43609

(419) 495-8598

Farmington Hills

23941 Research Dr Farmington Hills, MI 48335

(248) 290-6843