How to Prepare for Window Installation
Whether you’re installing new windows in your home or commercial property, there are a few steps you can take to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible for both you and your contractor. Continue reading to learn how you can properly prepare for the big day.
Checklist for Preparing for Your Window Installation
Once you’ve acknowledged the signs that you need to replace your windows, it’s time to prepare for installation day. We discuss each tip for how to prepare for window installation below.
Choose the Right Windows for Your Application
Before you can install windows, you need to purchase windows. There are a few popular window materials you can choose from. Aluminum, wood, and vinyl are three of them. Wood window frames are energy efficient, but also have the potential to rot. Aluminum windows are great for rainy and humid climates, even though they do not offer the best insulative value. Vinyl windows are budget-friendly but also highly energy efficient.
Between these three most popular options, you’ll probably be able to find a window frame material that best suits your home and budget.
Find a Reputable Window Installer
Unless you’ve had previous professional building experience, window installation isn’t a good DIY project. You’ll want to find a contractor or company that’s trusted in your area, and who can ensure all parts of the process are done with quality workmanship.
If you don’t already have an installer in mind, there are a few great places to start your search. The first is to ask for a referral from your lumber and building materials supplier, from whom you likely purchased your windows. Another good idea to to ask your local home builders association for recommendations.
Confirm Installation With Your Contractors 3 Days Prior
The next step to preparing for window installation is to check in with your contractor three days before installation day. You’ll want to confirm important details about your project, clear up any misunderstandings, and eliminate any potential stressors.
Here are a few things you’ll want to ask your contractor:
- How many days do they expect the installation of your windows to take?
- Does their team plan on installing the windows from the inside or outside of the residence? This will help you determine which areas of the home to prepare.
- Do you both have the correct date written down? While this might seem obvious, this could clear up any potential miscommunications or confusion.
With a little extra communication, you will be on the same page as your contractor, which will also help things go more smoothly for them and their team.
Remove Your Window Treatments and Window Alarms
The most time-consuming part of having your windows installed often involves preventable delays like removing your window treatments and window alarms.
Window treatments, whether you have simple blinds or more elaborate systems like valances and drapery, can be more time-consuming to remove than you would think. Window treatments can be expensive, and you want to give yourself enough time so you can carefully remove them. If you are rushed for time, you could potentially damage your window treatments when trying to remove them. This also means that you can be organized when you do so, so you won’t lose track of any hardware and important screws.
The same goes for window alarms. These also need to be treated with care and kept organized. Oftentimes for window alarms, you might actually have to get your security company involved, which could take extra time to make the request and have them come out. You wouldn’t want to accidentally void your warranty by having to take care of your window alarms yourself last minute. Also, this means your alarms won’t potentially go off while the installers are working, which would create a headache for everyone.
The earlier ahead you think about this and the more prepared you are, the less frantic and rushed you will feel leading up to the project. You want to set yourself up for success.
Clear the Areas Surrounding Your Windows (Both Inside and Outside!)
After you’ve removed your window treatments and window alarms, it’s time to clear the areas surrounding your windows. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you clear at least 5 feet of space surrounding your windows both inside and outside your home. This means moving indoor and outdoor furniture, potted plants, hoses, and more. It’s also the perfect reminder to prune any shrubs or bushes that have become unruly and would make it difficult to access your windows.
The less moving around on the day of your installation, the fewer delays your crew will have in getting their job done. The more furniture that’s in their way, the more time they will have to take to move it, which will slow them down.
This also includes covering the furniture that has to remain in the room because it can’t be moved. It’s easier to take the extra step of using drop cloths or old sheets to cover larger pieces of furniture than it would be to painstakingly clean them off later. Like with the previous step, you want to set yourself up for success and make things as easy on yourself as possible.
Doing this ahead of time also means that you can take care when moving items that are fragile, antique, or valuable. You won’t have to rush and accidentally damage something, or if you need extra help in moving larger items you’ll have time to ask for it.
Mentally Prepare for the Noise and Mess
Now that you’ve prepared your house physically for your window installation, it’s time to handle your own mental preparation. Know ahead of time that this is going to be a messy, invasive, and noisy process. On the other side of it will be your new windows that are energy efficient, noise filtering, and beautiful for your home, but to get there you have to endure a short amount of discomfort.
Beyond preparing yourself, you’ll also want to prepare residents of all ages and species (including dogs and cats!) for the impending construction process. If you have to take an anxious or unfriendly pet to daycare or a friend’s house to make it easier on everyone, think ahead and coordinate that. If you have kids in the home who will be disrupted by the stressful environment, consider sending them off somewhere for the day. If you work from home and the noise will impede your virtual meetings, consider how you can shift your schedule around or warn your meeting participants ahead of time.
If removing pets and children from the home during the installation process is not possible, give them an area of the home that is separate from what’s going on, so they know they have a safe, clean space where they can exist outside of the noise and mess. This will help everyone in your household have an easier installation process.
The more consideration and time you give yourself to prepare for this process, the more smoothly it will go for your contractor, you, and your family.
Window Brands Available at Standard Supply & Lumber
Whether you’re looking for modern or traditional styles, Standard Supply & Lumber has a wide selection of window materials, styles, and brands to choose from. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality products from leading window manufacturers, meaning you can trust the performance of the windows you choose.
The window brands we proudly carry include Anderson® Windows & Doors, Jeld-Wen® Windows and Doors, North Star, and more. Contact our experts today to learn more about which windows would be best for your home.
Choose Your Windows at Standard Supply & Lumber
When your windows need replacing, we’re here to help. At Standard Supply & Lumber, we proudly carry the industry’s leading window brands, so you can be confident in the quality of the products we offer. No matter your application, we have a wide selection of windows to service your needs.
