Timing and stages of window replacement work

Window replacement is a predictable and manageable process if you understand its stages. It takes 3-8 weeks from your request to the fully installed windows. The exact timeframe depends on the type of windows, the season, and the complexity of the project. Most delays are not our fault, but rather due to the client’s lack of preparation: permits not obtained, the premises not ready, or the client not home on installation day. Understanding the process and completing simple steps promptly will ensure a smooth and timely project. We’ll explain what happens at each stage and what you need to ensure a successful outcome.

General Structure

Full Cycle: 3-8 Weeks

STAGE 1: MEASUREMENTS AND APPROVAL
Duration: 1-3 days
Your Actions: Attend the measurement, sign the contract

↓

STAGE 2: OBTAINING PERMITS (if required)
Duration: 1-6 weeks
Your Actions: Submit an application to the comunidad/city hall

↓ (parallel)

STAGE 3: WINDOW MANUFACTURING
Duration: 2-5 weeks
Your Actions: Waiting, maintaining communication

↓

STAGE 4: PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION
Duration: 1-2 days
Your Actions: Clear the area, protect furniture

↓

STAGE 5: INSTALLATION
Duration: 1-3 days
Your Actions: presence, control, acceptance

Factors Affecting Timelines

Quick Scenario (2-3 weeks):

• Standard PVC windows (white)
• Small volume (1-5 windows)
• Low season (November-March)
• No permits required
• Standard glazing

Standard Scenario (3-4 weeks):

• PVC or aluminum
• Medium volume (6-10 windows)
• Any season
• Standard materials in stock

Long Scenario (4-8 weeks):

• Colored/laminated windows
• Wooden windows
• Large volume (15+ windows)
• High season (May-September)
• Permits from the community/city hall required
• Special glass (triplex, tinted)
• Non-standard shape (arch, round)

STAGE 1: Measurements and Coordination

Timeline: 1-3 Days

What happens

Our specialist will visit you to inspect your windows, take precise measurements of the openings, and discuss your requirements. After the visit, you will receive a detailed commercial proposal.

Visit duration: 1-1.5 hours

What we need from you

Preparing for the visit:

• Determine basic requirements (material, color)
• Ensure access to all windows
• Clear window sills

During the visit:

• Be present in person – this is critical for accurate measurements
• Show us all the windows you plan to replace
• Discuss any problems (drafts, sweating, noise)
• Discuss additional features (mosquito nets, roller shutters, slopes)
• Clarify important details:
• Radiators under windows (affects window sill width)
• Access to windows from the outside (floor height)
• Community restrictions

After the visit:

• Review the offer
• Ask questions if anything is unclear
• Sign the contract
• Pay a 50% deposit

Let us know if you live in a community building or in the historic center. We’ll advise you on whether permits are required, but obtaining them is your responsibility.

STEP 2: Obtaining permits (if required)

Duration: 1-6 weeks

This step is optional – not everyone needs it.

When are permits needed?

From the community:

• Windows change the appearance of the façade (color, material)
• You change the size of the opening
• Special community rules

From the City Hall:

• Building with architectural protection (BIC)
• Historic building
• Historic zone of the city

Processing time

Community: 1-6 weeks (depending on the approval process)

City Hall: 1-3 months (an architect’s plan may be required)

What is needed from you

1. Find out the requirements — in the community charter or in the City Hall’s Urbanismo
2. Prepare the documents — we will provide technical specifications for the windows
3. Submit the application — to the community or the City Hall
4. Receive written permission
5. Submit a copy to us

⚠️ Start the process immediately after Contract signing

Permits can be obtained simultaneously with window manufacturing. If you wait until the windows are ready, the project will be delayed by 1-6 weeks.

Fines for working without a permit:

• From the community: €600-€3,000 + demolition requirement
• From the city hall: €1,000-€6,000 + forced demolition

STAGE 3: Window Manufacturing

Duration: 2-5 weeks

This is the longest stage of the project—the windows are custom-made at the factory.

Lead times depend on type

Standard PVC (white): 2-3 weeks Colored/laminated PVC: 3-4 weeks Aluminum: 3-4 weeks Wood: 4-5 weeks Custom shapes: +1 week Special glass: +3-7 days

Seasonal influence

Low season (November-March): Standard lead times or faster

High season (May-September): +1-2 weeks due to queues

What happens at the factory

Production includes many stages:

• Cutting and welding of profiles
• Installation of reinforcement and fittings
• Manufacturing and installation of double-glazed windows
• Quality control
• Assembly and packaging

What we need from you

Minimum actions:

• Keep in touch with us
• Answer calls/messages if Any questions?

We recommend:

• Check the status in 2 weeks
• Agree on the installation date a week before it’s ready
• Begin preparing the room

Checklist:

• Keeping in touch with the company
• Checked the status in 2 weeks
• Agreed on the installation date
• Preparing for installation

STAGE 4: Preparing for installation

Duration: 1-2 days

Start 2-3 days before the agreed installation date.

What needs to be done

Clear the work area:

• Move furniture at least 1.5 meters away from windows
• Remove curtains, curtain rods, and blinds
• Clear windowsills
• Remove mosquito nets

Protect the room:

• Cover furniture with plastic (there will be dust)
• Cover the floor near the windows
• Protect the parquet and expensive furniture tiles

Ensure access:

• Clear the path from the door to the windows
• Check for a working electrical outlet

Warn others:

• Neighbors - about noise (dismantling can be loud)
• Community - if access is required for equipment

Put safety first:

• Plan where pets and children will be
• Open openings are dangerous

Critical Points

⚠️ Presence on installation day is mandatory

An adult with decision-making authority must be present at home during the entire workday (usually 8 AM - 5 PM). If no one is present, the crew will leave, and the installation will be postponed.

⚠️ External Access

If the building is higher than the 3rd floor and external access is required, a tower or lift may be required – discuss this with us in advance.

Checklist:

• Window area cleared (1.5 m)
• Furniture and floor protected
• Curtains removed, windowsills cleared
• Passage clear, electrical outlet available
• Neighbors notified
• Pet/Child plan ready
• Will be home for the entire installation day
• Documents and payment ready

STAGE 5: Installation

Duration: 1-3 days

Duration depends on the number of windows:

• 1-3 windows: 1 day
• 4-7 windows: 1-2 days
• 8-15 windows: 2-3 days

Installation Process

Removing old windows: Removing sashes, frames, sills, and drip caps. Cleaning and preparing the openings. Leveling any unevenness if necessary.

New Window Installation: Includes the following critical steps:

• Frame installation and alignment
• Anchoring
• Foam sealing. If a three-layer seal was ordered, it is applied (vapor barrier + foam + waterproofing).
• Install window sills and drip caps (if ordered)
• Hang the sashes
• Adjust the hardware

Slopes (if included in the contract):

• PVC slopes: same day or the next day
• Plaster: +3-4 days (drying between layers)

What we need from you

During installation:

• Be home and available
• Check the progress of the work periodically

Acceptance of work:

Check each window before signing the certificate:

• Appearance (no scratches, chips)
• Functionality (opens smoothly, handle turns easily)
• Tightness (no drafts - check around the perimeter with your hand)
• Window sill is level and does not sag (if installed)
• Slopes are neat (if (Were done)

If any defects are found:

• Minor (scratches, drops of foam) — we record them in the report and fix them within a week
• Serious (drafts, sticking) — we sign the report “with comments” and specify a deadline for fixing them
• Critical (incorrect size, serious defect) — we do not sign the report and demand a replacement

After acceptance:

• Sign the acceptance report
• Pay the remaining balance (50%)
• Receive documents: invoice, warranty, instructions

Critical installation points

⚠️ Window inspection before installation

When the windows are delivered, check with the foreman:

• The dimensions are correct
• The color matches the order
• The glass unit is intact
• There are no scratches on the profile

If there is a defect, do not allow installation!

⚠️ If a three-layer seal was ordered

The installation joint must be protected on both sides:

1. Vapor barrier on the inside (before foaming)
2. Foam (filling)
3. Waterproofing on the outside (after the foam expands)

Without protective layers, the foam will deteriorate under ultraviolet light in 2-5 years. If you see that only foam is used, demand the correct technology.

⚠️ Anchoring

The frame must be secured to the wall with anchor bolts (6-10 points), not just foam. Using foam alone will cause the window to loosen within 1-3 years.

Acceptance Checklist:

• Inspected windows before installation (no defects)
• Monitored sealing
• Ensured anchors were secure
• Checked all windows according to the checklist
• Signed the acceptance certificate
• Paid the remaining balance
• Received all documents

STAGE 6: Observation

Duration: 1-3 months

This is the passive stage – you use the windows and observe their operation.

First Days

First 48 Hours:

• The mounting foam continues to expand and harden
• Do not load the window sills with heavy objects
• Ventilate (slight odor from new materials)

First Week:

• Remove protective films from the profile (if any)
• The longer they are exposed to sunlight, the more difficult they are to remove.

First Month

Windows “fit” in the opening:

• The mounting foam has fully stabilized
• The hardware has settled in
• The house “breathes” (especially new buildings)

Mild adjustments are possible:

• The sash may sag slightly (1-2 mm) – this is normal
• If the sash touches the frame, call us for adjustments
• The first adjustment within a year is free (warranty)

If you find any problems:

• Take a photo
• Contact us immediately
• We will come to inspect and fix the problem Under warranty

Break-in checklist:

• Removed protective films during the first week
• Break-in the fittings (opened and closed regularly)
• Called for adjustments if necessary
• Tested in rain and wind
• Tested in winter for drafts and freezing
• Contacted under warranty if problems were detected

Typical delays and how to avoid them

Incorrect window sizes

Reason: Not present during measurements, changing the openings after measurements

Delay: +2-4 weeks (window modification)

How ​​to avoid:

• Be present during measurements
• Do not change the openings after measurements without approval

Lack of permits

Reason: Not received from the community/city hall on time

Delay: +1-12 weeks

How Avoid:

• Start the process immediately after signing the contract
• Obtain permits in parallel with construction

Bad weather on installation day

Reason: Heavy rain, wind

Delay: +1-3 days

How ​​to avoid:

• Plan according to the season
• Have extra days in your schedule

Problems with openings

Reason: Discovered during dismantling (unevenness, cracks)

Delay: +1-3 days

How ​​to avoid:

• Discuss the condition of the openings during measurements
• Clarify whether repairs are included in the price

Client not home

Reason: No one is home on installation day

Delay: Reschedule to another date (+3-7 days)

How ​​to avoid:

• Confirm your presence the day before installation
• Ensure someone is home all day

How to speed things up Project

Want to complete in 3-4 weeks?

1. Choose standard windows — white PVC, standard glazing
2. Order in winter — production runs faster during the off-peak season
3. Obtain permits simultaneously — don’t wait for the windows to be ready
4. Prepare the space in advance — so installation can begin immediately
5. Be flexible with dates — we can offer an earlier date if another client cancels
6. Make decisions quickly — delays in deliberation delay the start of production

Project Milestones

Use these milestones to track progress:

| Stage | Deadline | What to check | |------|---------------| | Contract signed | Day 0 | Advance payment made, production has begun | | Permits (if needed) | 1-6 weeks | Written approval received | | Mid-production | 2-3 weeks | Call to check status | | Windows ready | 2-5 weeks | Installation date agreed upon | | Room ready | 2 days before installation | Preparation checklist completed | | Installation complete | +1-3 days | Certificate signed, documents received | | First month | +30 days | Adjustments if necessary | | First winter | 2-6 months | Check for drafts and condensation |

Conclusions

Key takeaways on lead times:

1. Realistic lead time: 3-8 weeks is a normal lead time for high-quality window replacement.

2. Critical path: Manufacturing (2-5 weeks) is the longest stage.

3. Can be expedited: Up to 3-4 weeks for standard windows during the low season.

4. Your role is important: 70% of delays are due to the client (no permits, unprepared premises, not present at measurements).

5. Installation is critical: It takes only 1-3 days, but determines 80% of the project’s success.

6. First winter test: If there are no problems during the winter, the windows will last 30-40 years.

Main advice: Be involved in the process – be present during measurements, obtain permits on time, prepare the premises in advance, and oversee critical installation steps. Your involvement and timely action will ensure the project runs smoothly and on time.

Windows are installed to last for decades—invest a few hours in proper preparation and oversight to achieve results you’ll be happy with for 30-40 years.