Window Installation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A great replacement window goes a long way. It can help save you money on your energy bill and revive the look of your home — both inside and out. But all too often, homeowners overlook the importance of proper installation when purchasing replacement windows. To get the best long-term performance from your windows, it’s crucial that they be installed correctly.

In this article, we’ll discuss four options for installers, two installation types and the overall installation day process.

Finding the right replacement window installer to tackle your project is just as important as finding the right window itself. Below we’ll discuss four main options for replacement window installers:

• Pella showroom
• Independent contractor
• Home improvement store
• Do it yourself

Letting the Pella® window replacement experts do the work for you is always a great option. Our team of experienced installation professionals have been certified and trained to install Pella windows. They strive to deliver a no-mess, no-guess window replacement installation experience, always maintaining the utmost respect for your home and your project’s objectives. By choosing a replacement window installer directly from Pella, you’ll benefit from the Pella Care Guarantee which covers issues related to installation (including labor) for up to 10 years. This extra protection is available only through a Pella showroom. Later in this article, we’ll discuss more about what to expect on installation day should you choose to work with a Pella showroom.

If you’re looking for a remodeling or renovation pro you can rely on to do more than just install replacement windows, use our Pella Certified Contractor search tool to find trusted contractors in your area. This option will also give you the ability to request up to three different quotes. These local contractors have been trained and certified by Pella to quote and install windows and doors, along with completing a variety of other home projects.

When evaluating an independent contractor, ask whether they have manufacturer certifications or specialized replacement window training. You can also request references from recent homeowners and confirm what warranty coverage applies after installation is completed.

If you live near a Lowe’s home improvement store, stop in and talk with project specialists who are ready, knowledgeable and equipped to help you specifically with Pella windows. You’ll be able to schedule a free consultation with a Lowe’s team member and get a project quote that includes installation.

Depending on where you live, you might not have a Lowe’s store near you, but maybe you have a close relationship with your local home improvement store. Perhaps you’ve known the franchise owner for a long time or enjoyed working with them on past home improvement projects. Chances are, the home improvement store nearest you partners with subcontractors to help provide customers with replacement window installation services.

When considering this option, take the time to vet the contractor or subcontractor affiliated with your home improvement store of choice. Ask them how long they’ve been operating and how much business they receive from referrals. Referrals are a strong indicator that the contractor’s work is satisfactory. Also, consider asking the home improvement store if they provide any warranty options for coverage after installation day.

We respect the do-it-yourself drive of a homeowner who wants to handle the job on their own, so much so that we provide how-to guides with instructions for replacement installation. If you're debating between hiring a pro and installing yourself, understand that replacing windows can be an undertaking. Make sure you’ve researched all the steps and purchased all the necessary window installation tools and materials. Only get started if you’re confident you can handle the job on your own.

Now that you understand the four options for window installers, let’s talk about types of replacement. There are two main window replacement installation types: pocket replacement and full-frame replacement. Read about each method below to determine which is right for your project. If you’re unsure, a Pella expert at your local showroom or a Pella Certified Contractor will decide the best route to take depending on your home’s age, condition, build materials, budget and schedule.

This method replaces the window while leaving the existing frame in place. Sometimes referred to as a retrofit or insert window installation, this process can typically be completed relatively quickly — often in approximately one hour per window. With pocket replacement, your new window selection is limited by the size of the existing opening. Because the existing frame remains in place, this method may help minimize disruption to the home during installation.

This method is considered a total replacement as the existing window frame and sash are removed. It’s necessary when the existing frame is damaged or not in great shape, or when the new window will not fit the size or shape of the existing opening. The replacement window is installed in a new frame with new insulation as well as trim.

Requiring more materials, time and labor, full-frame replacement usually costs more than pocket replacement. Installation may take approximately four to six hours per window depending on the condition of the wall, trim and surrounding materials. There is work to be done both inside and outside the home, but because the opening can be changed to accommodate an entirely new style of window, this method provides greater design flexibility.

Both pocket replacement and full-frame replacement can typically be completed year-round, including during winter months, when performed by experienced professionals.

There are numerous aspects that affect the cost of window installation. Here are just a few primary factors to consider:

• Region: Installation cost varies in different markets, depending on demand and the number of skilled installers in your area.
• Number of windows: The more windows, the more time, material, labor and cost required from installers.
• Size of windows: Larger windows are typically more time- and labor-intensive to install.
• Type of windows: Specialty windows and bay and bow windows usually cost more to install.
• Location of window: Windows on the ground floor of a home are easier to replace than basement and upstairs windows.
• Age of home: Older homes sometimes have non-standard window sizes or structural problems that require more time and attention to ensure proper installation.
• Exterior of home: It’s usually easier to perform a full-frame replacement in a home with pliable siding than one with solid brick or stucco.

Learn more about factors that impact replacement window costs and pricing considerations.

Preparing your home before installation day may help the replacement process go more smoothly and safely for both your family and the installation crew.

Move furniture, decorations and valuables at least three feet away from windows being replaced to give installers adequate workspace.

Take down blinds, curtains, shades and any fragile items near the windows before the crew arrives.

If only some windows are being replaced, consider marking windows that should remain untouched to avoid confusion during installation.

Arrange for pets and children to stay safely away from work zones during installation to help prevent injuries and distractions.

After installation, save NFRC and ENERGY STAR® labels and product documentation for your records and potential future warranty or tax credit purposes.

For many homes, a two-person professional crew can often complete installation of approximately 8–10 pocket replacement windows within a single day, though timing varies depending on installation type, weather conditions and home layout.

If you’ve chosen to work with Pella professionals for the window replacement process, these experts are committed to installing your windows properly, while valuing your time and respecting your home. Here’s how to prepare for and what to expect when working with a Pella crew.

On installation day, please plan to be available at home while our team is working. You can expect unmatched professionalism. Our team will park where it’s convenient for you, review the installation plan with you before getting to work and keep the work area tidy and secure. We’ll leave your home just as we found it with one exception — the replacement windows you’ve been waiting for will be installed and ready for use.

To make certain your home and belongings stay protected during the installation process, we’ll cover any work area with drop cloths. Drop cloths catch debris and dust, safeguarding your home from unwanted installation day remnants.

Next, we’ll carefully remove your old windows and dispose of them. After we have removed your old windows, we’ll begin the replacement window installation process. Depending on your installation type (pocket or full-frame replacement), installation can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, so keep this in mind on installation day.

As we get nearer to completing your replacement window installation, we’ll finish the window with your selected interior or exterior trim and any necessary hardware.

You can trust that the team will keep you updated throughout the day as we continue to make progress, but don’t hesitate to ask any questions about the process. When we’ve completed the job to your satisfaction, we’ll thoroughly clean up. And as we haul away your old windows to our vehicles, someone from the Pella team will show you the completed project, teach you how to operate and care for your new windows and give you a chance to ask any questions.

When installation day is finished, there’s only one thing left to do. Sit back. Relax. And take in the beauty of your replacement windows.

Yes — replacement windows can typically be installed year-round, including during winter months. Professional installers generally replace one window at a time and take precautions to help minimize heat loss while openings are exposed.

In some regions, fall and winter may also provide faster appointment availability because spring is often the busiest season for replacement window projects.