Window replacement project timelines often take longer than homeowners expect. The work itself doesn’t take that long, but ordering custom windows requires factoring in manufacturing timelines.
So how far in advance should you schedule the work before you start enjoying your new windows? Here’s a look at the timelines and projections we normally provide our customers with.
The Window Ordering Process
First, you need to understand the process you’ll go through for replacement windows in your home. Here’s an overview of the traditional steps and timelines for residential window replacements.
- Homeowner explores designs and preferences. You don’t have to have a complete view of what you want. The representative from 2FL can help you explore your options during your free in-home estimate. But having some concept of frame material, glass type and energy efficiency preferences is wise.
- Exploring contractors and getting quotes. You should get several quotes for your window replacement project. During this process, you’ll also meet with a variety of contractors and get a feel for the breadth of their services and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Signing with a contractor and placing the window order. Once you sign with a contractor, they will place your window order based on the measurements they took during your estimate. This is where the waiting takes place. Depending on how busy the manufacturer is, the order timeline is typically 4-8 weeks, though it can be as long as 12 weeks during the summer months, which tend to be busier for work on homes.
- Installation is when the contractor removes your old windows and expertly installs your new windows. This process can take 1-3 days depending on the number of windows in your home and what they find when removing the old windows.
The Season and Its Weather May Impact Your Window Replacement Project
While 2FL can replace your windows at any time of year, each season has its advantages and disadvantages due to weather factors. In Washington, here’s what you can expect for disruptions to your window replacement project in the various season.
Spring Window Installation Timeline Factors in Washington State
- Advantages: During this season, there are mild temperatures and demand is lower before summer begins. This is a natural time to meet with a contractor to discuss drafts you felt in the home during the winter months or your concerns with your winter energy bills.
- Disadvantages: With frequent rain and pop-up storms, your project might have brief delays. However, the earlier in spring that you book your project, the more priority your project will have.
- Recommended lead time: Book your project 8-10 weeks in advance of when you want your windows due to high demand and unpredictable weather.
Summer Window Installation Timeline Factors in Washington State
- Advantages: As the driest months of the year and with the greatest amount of daylight each day, summer is the ideal time to replace your windows based on the weather.
- Disadvantages: Other homeowners will also view this as an ideal timeline, meaning the window manufacturers can get backlogged and you’ll experience a larger lead time on your project. If you schedule by mid-spring or early summer, that will mitigate manufacturing delays on your project.
- Recommended lead time: Because this is peak season for exterior home projects, book your project 10-12 weeks in advance to secure the contractor you want within the timeframe you’re planning on.
Fall Window Installation Timeline Factors in Washington State
- Advantages: Contractor demand tends to slowly decline throughout the fall months, making it easier to get your project on the calendar. Plus, the weather is a little cooler, and you’ll get your windows in place before your heating bills begin for the winter.
- Disadvantages: Summer overflow will still impact installation timelines. You’ll still want to book early to make a fall install a possibility. The safest bet is to begin the process 2-3 months before you want your windows installed.
- Recommended lead time: Since many contractors are still busy wrapping up summer projects, you should book no later than 6-9 weeks in advance, but perhaps plan to follow the summer timeline with the most reputable and in demand contractors in your area.
Winter Window Installation Timeline Factors in Washington State
- Advantages: This is when business is the slowest for most contractors. Homeowners will experience greater scheduling flexibility. In some cases, you might get a small discount for booking during the off-season.
- Disadvantages: With cooler temps and less daylight, the installation timeline might be slower. Heavy rain or even snowstorms could disrupt your scheduled timeline.
- Recommended lead time: While winter is the off-season for window installation and other home exterior work, rainy weather will make it challenging to get your project on the calendar. You should still expect your project to take 6-12 weeks from signing the contractor to completion.
Allow the Professionals to Do It
Preparing for Each Stage of Your Window Project
For the most part, once you sign with your contractor, your main work is done and you begin the waiting process. But here’s a broad overview of your role in the various phases of the window replacement project.
Initial planning phase:
- Explore window styles and features, such as low-E glass, fiberglass or vinyl.
- You’ll book estimates with various contractors to get to know them, their policies and their pricing.
Order and scheduling:
- Finalize your window order and be responsive to your contractor should they have questions or need to schedule a final walkthrough to measure your windows.
- Coordinate your window installation timelines based on your availability and the weather.
Installation:
- Leading up to installation day, you’ll need to move furniture, take off blinds, remove alarms and ensure the contractor has easy access to your windows.
- Plan for where children and pets will be during installation if loud noises tend to bother them.
The Most In-Demand Contractors Might Have Larger Lead Times, But Are Worth It
There’s a reason why certain contractors are in high demand in your area. They complete the work with expert precision to make your windows last for years and leave your property the same way it was before your project began meaning you won’t have to do tons of clean up and touchups to the home.
Busy contractors are sometimes a deterrent to homeowners. But they are worth the wait. The same is true for busy manufacturers. So long as you don’t have serious leaking or issues with your windows that could harm your home’s structure, waiting for the right windows from the right installation team will be worth it in the long-term.
Changing window manufacturers to get your window project completed faster is generally not advisable since you’ll be living with these windows for the next few decades. You should get the windows you really want and that will provide the greatest energy efficiency in your home based on your budget.
Start Your Window Replacement Project with 2FL Today
Regardless of the season, the sooner you start your window replacement project, the sooner you’ll get your new windows. Book your free in-home estimate with 2FL today to experience our top-notch customer service, installation warranty, and quality window manufacturers.
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