Have you ever felt stressed out before? Then we’ve got great news for you: Installing new windows and doors is the opposite of stressful. It’s a downright stroll through the park, in fact, because the window and door replacement is painless and predictable.
Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink. Here’s what to expect when you’re expecting windows and doors.
Measurements
Exterior Pro wouldn’t have made it very far if we didn’t measure windows and doors before replacing them. The “measurement process” takes around 3 minutes per window/door. We perform it every time we provide a free estimate on windows and doors in Central Minnesota.
Procurement
Once we have your measurements, we will order your new custom windows and doors. The time required for procurement depends on several factors, including your replacements’ size, style and manufacturer. We’ll begin work as soon as the replacements arrive, or shortly thereafter.
Preparation
As the homeowner, there’s a lot you can do to make window and door installation go smoothly.
- Make room. Your exterior contractor may deliver your new windows and doors before it installs them. If this is the case, make space for them in your garage. You don’t want those valuable building materials exposed to rain (or crooks).
- Specify dumpster location. If your renovation project is large enough to warrant an on-site dumpster, let the supervisor know where you would prefer its placement. Worried about damaging your driveway? Request to have boards placed under the dumpster
- Make way. Do you know what installation technicians love more than anything else? Showing up at a home where all the furniture, grills, boats, kids’ toys, and other household items have been moved clear of the project site. Make sure to clear a path so technicians can safely carry your windows and doors, too!
- Relocate valuables. We do everything in our power to avoid property damage. We ask for your help on this noble endeavor. Before the installation technicians’ arrival, remove anything fragile and/or valuable from the surrounding area, including items on shelving and picture hangers.
- Put dog away. We’re sure your dog is a lovely dog who has lots of love to give. Even so, we have to be careful. The U.S. Postal Service reported over 5,800 dog attacks in 2023, and they’re not even going inside people’s houses. Unless your dog is specifically trained to assist with window and door installation, we graciously ask that they be kept away from the project site.
Installation
Now that the materials and the technicians are both on-site, the magic can happen.
As a general rule, two installers work on one door or window at the same time. A single basic window replacement typically takes 30 to 60 minutes; exterior door installation requires around 2 to 4 hours. Larger projects of either type may take days, but no worries: Your contractor will have given you a time estimate well before installation begins.
Inclement and extreme weather may postpone or delay work. Whether or not we have to alter your exterior depends on which type of window we are installing. If they’re inserts, we can complete most of the work indoors. If they are full replacements, then we may have to replace the window trim inside and out (or at the very least disassemble and reassemble it).
Inspection
We’re proud of our work, and welcome you to inspect it for quality as soon as we’ve finished. If we installed your exterior door, make certain it swings freely, closes securely, and doesn’t leave any air gaps while closed. If we installed your window, make sure it opens and closes freely and with little effort. You aren’t obligated to follow ADA standards in your home, although you may agree that no more than 5 pounds of force should be required to operate windows.
Choose Exterior Pro for Window and Door Installation
If you live or own commercial property in the greater St Cloud, Little Falls, Alexandria or Brainerd, MN area, then Exterior Pro is standing by to install your new windows and exterior doors. Contact us today for your free estimate by an exterior remodeling pro!