You’ve chosen your new windows, signed the contract, and the installation date is on the calendar. Now what?
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your window replacement day smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide for homeowners in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to get ready.
Before Installation Day
Clear the Area Around Each Window, Inside
Your installation team needs clear access to every window being replaced. For each window in the project
– Move furniture at least 3-4 feet away from the window
– Remove curtains, blinds, and window treatments (take down the hardware too if possible)
– Clear windowsills of plants, photos, decorations, and electronics
– Remove any wall-mounted items near the window that could be disturbed by vibration
This step alone can save significant time on installation day. The faster your team can access each window, the faster the job gets done.
Protect Your Floors and Belongings
Professional installers will typically lay down drop cloths, but it’s smart to take your own precautions:
– Roll up area rugs near windows being replaced
– Cover nearby furniture with sheets or plastic
– Move fragile items and electronics out of the room entirely
Window removal can produce dust, old caulk debris, and small material fragments. Better to protect your belongings in advance than clean up afterward.
Clear Exterior Access
Your installation team needs to reach the outside of each window as well. Walk around your home and:
– Trim back bushes or tree branches that block window access
– Move patio furniture, grills, and potted plants away from exterior walls
– Ensure gates are unlocked so the crew can access all sides of the home
– Note any sprinkler heads near the foundation that could be stepped on
If you have pets that use the yard, plan to keep them inside or in a separate area during installation.
Talk to Your Neighbors
If your home is close to neighboring properties, common in many Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas neighborhoods, give your neighbors a heads-up. Installation involves some noise from removing old windows and securing new ones. A quick conversation avoids any surprise.
Make Arrangements for Children and Pets
Window replacement involves open window openings, tools, and materials that create safety concerns for kids and pets. Plan to:
– Keep small children in a room away from active work areas
– Confine pets to a secure room or arrange for them to be elsewhere for the day
– Designate a “safe zone” in the home away from installation activity
On Installation Day
Expect Some Temperature Changes
When a window is removed and before the new one is installed, you’ll have an open hole in your wall. In Oklahoma’s summer heat or a Kansas winter, that means temporary temperature swings in the room. Your HVAC system will compensate, but:
– Close doors to rooms being worked on to limit the impact on the rest of the house
– Dress for the weather, you may feel outside temperatures briefly
– In extreme cold, the team may work room by room to minimize exposure
Be Available for Questions
Your installation team may have questions during the process, especially about hardware preferences, lock positions, or how you want tilt-in sashes oriented. Being available (or reachable by phone) ensures decisions get made quickly and correctly.
You don’t need to supervise every minute, but staying accessible helps.
Plan for the Day to Take Time
A full-home window replacement typically takes a full day, sometimes two depending on the number of windows. Don’t schedule tight commitments around installation day. Plan meals that don’t require a pristine kitchen (or order delivery).
Walk Through Each Window at Completion
As each window is finished, take a moment to:
– Open and close it to verify smooth operation
– Test the locking mechanism
– Check the tilt-in feature (for hung windows)
– Look at the interior and exterior trim and caulking
– Note anything that doesn’t look or feel right
It’s much easier to address concerns while the team is on-site than to call back later.
After Installation Day
Clean Up
Your installation team should handle the major cleanup, removing old windows, packaging, and debris. After they leave:
– Wipe down new window frames and glass (use manufacturer-recommended cleaners)
– Vacuum the area around each window for any remaining dust or debris
– Inspect caulk lines and trim once everything has settled
Test Everything Again
After a day or two, go through the house and operate every new window again. Sometimes fresh caulk needs to cure and frames need to settle into their final position. If anything feels off, a stiff lock, a sash that doesn’t tilt smoothly, contact your installer promptly.
Update Your Thermostat
With new high-performance windows installed, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard. You may find that you can adjust your thermostat settings and maintain the same comfort level. This is where those energy savings, up to 40% on heating and cooling costs, start showing up on your monthly bills.
Ready to Get Started?
Progressive Windows & Doors handles the entire process from custom manufacturing to professional installation, serving homeowners across Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas for over 25 years. Every window is built to your exact specifications and backed by a 20-year comprehensive warranty.
Contact Progressive Windows & Doors at (877) 227-9915 to schedule your window replacement and get a free consultation.