Get ready for your next renovation with these planning tips. 

So, you’ve just pulled the trigger on some next-level adulting by signing the contract for new windows or doors for your home. Congratulations!!! That’s a seriously big step to take in life. But now that you’ve conquered the hard part (signing the check), what’s next?

Whether you’re awaiting your installation date or just starting to think about replacing your windows or doors, the guide below will show you how to prepare your home for the big day as well as what you can expect from the installation when the time comes.

Access to windows and doors

Installation technicians will need approximately two feet in front of each window or door requiring work inside your home. Using this area, technicians will place drop cloths and tools necessary to perform the removal and installation of your new products. When your old windows are removed, and before their replacements are installed, wind may periodically gust throughout different parts of your home. With this in mind, it’s advisable to gather or relocate important papers and other small items that can be disturbed by the wind. Computers and other electronic equipment should be covered or relocated temporarily as well. And please move aside any furnishings that may hinder the installation.

Window coverings 

To gain access to the interior of the windows, all mini blinds, vertical blinds, roll-up shades, shutters, drapes, and any other window coverings need to be removed before installation. If you think it might get in the way on installation day, it’s probably best to move it to a safe place.

Plants and bushes 

Occasionally, technicians need to work in planters and other landscaped areas that are adjacent to the job site. Please survey your yard prior to their arrival and look for potential problems. Some trees and overgrown bushes need to be pruned to allow access to windows. Delicate plants and shrubs located in areas immediately below a window should be temporarily relocated if they cannot survive potentially being stepped on. Technicians strive to be careful when working around vegetation, but the priorities are to focus on safety and the proper installation of your new products. So, if you’re worried about those day lilies, it might be worth it to move them, or at least be prepared to lose a few.

Arrival and departure times 

Work generally begins between 8:00-9:00 in the morning, depending on distance traveled and traffic. Installation technicians usually stay until the job is completed unless multiple days are required to do so. If this is not convenient for you and you would like the technicians to leave at a specific time, please advise the scheduler when setting up your appointment. If you’ve scheduled a day off from work and you feel that inclement weather may be in the forecast, call and let us know if you would prefer to go to work and reschedule for a better day.

The workstation 

Generally, your driveway is the best location for the workstation. If using the driveway will block a needed car, please be ready to pull it out upon the technician’s arrival.

Alarm systems

No one wants to disturb the neighbors. If you have an alarm system, the alarm company should be notified and advised of your job. They’ll be responsible for the reconnection of your system when everything’s finished.

Where to start 

Upon arrival, installation technicians will survey the job and determine where to start. If you have a preference, feel free to advise the head technician. Once they begin, work generally progresses in stages instead of one product at a time. During this progression, each operation is carried out on all products simultaneously. Not only does this save time; it produces a quality job as well.

If the job takes more than a day, will there be any openings in my house?

No. Windows and doors are only removed if they can be reinstalled in the same day. Although there may be an incomplete window in place at the end of a multi-day job, rest assured that it’ll be weathertight and secure overnight.

Pets 

Everyone loves their pets, but you should supervise them closely during installation. Technicians will not always be able to close gates and doors behind them when working, so it’s recommended that you keep any pets in a safe place during the job. For the technicians’ sake, please also secure any dogs that have an aggressive bark toward strangers.

Expect some dust, noise, and general disruption of your living space

Construction work is messy. It’s an unfortunate reality of remodeling. Once the final cleanup has taken place and your carpets have been vacuumed, we recommend surveying the area for anything that may have gotten overlooked during the final cleaning. This is especially important if you have small children or pets.

Damage to plaster walls

Be advised that all water-damaged plaster will most likely fall out for those of you who have old aluminum or steel windows and are replacing them due to sweating or damaged walls. In addition, all the plaster patching you’ve done over the years will likely fall out. Even though it’s a bummer, this is normal, and it’s recommended that the repair work surrounding plaster walls be left to the experts.

Relax and enjoy the show 

After the installation crew has been introduced to your home, feel free to run errands, take a walk, or simply relax. If a question should arise, you’re encouraged to ask the crew leader for clarification. Finally, try to be present once the job is complete. The crew leader will want you to inspect the finished job to ensure your total satisfaction.

If you’re still shopping around and would like more information about our products or process, explore our blog. If you’re ready to talk to someone today, call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW or schedule a free in-home or virtual demonstration with just a few clicks. We’re ready when you are.

Editor’s Note: This post was updated in September 2020.