How to Prepare for Window Installation Day

Preparing for window installation mostly comes down to giving the crew room and removing anything that slows them down. Clear furniture away from each window, take down blinds and curtains, deal with alarm sensors, and plan where kids and pets will be. Do those four things and install day runs a lot smoother.

Andersen’s installation checklist says blinds, curtains and alarms cause the biggest delays, according to contractors. Getting them handled the day before can save hours.

At TurnKey Window we install windows in homes across the New Orleans area, and a prepared house makes for a faster, cleaner job. If you have questions about your own install, reach out to us or call (504) 226-6201.

Key takeaways

Andersen recommends about 5 feet of clear space around windows, and Pella recommends moving furniture and valuables at least three feet away.
Take down blinds, curtains and shades before the crew arrives, since they’re among the biggest causes of delays.
Window alarm sensors need to come off before new windows go in, and your security company may need to help.
Cover beds and furniture with drop cloths or old sheets, because installation generates dust.
If windows go in from outside, trim shrubs and move lawn furniture to give a few feet of clearance.
Keep NFRC and ENERGY STAR labels and product paperwork after the job, as Pella suggests.

A few days before install day

Good prep starts before the week of the install. Andersen’s installation day checklist suggests contacting your contractor a few days ahead to confirm the date and go over the details.

Confirm the date, start time and how many days the job will take.
Ask whether the windows go in from inside, outside or both, since that decides what you need to clear.
Ask where the crew will park and stage materials.
Confirm which windows are being replaced. Pella’s guide suggests marking any windows that aren’t, so there’s no confusion.
If you’re in the City of New Orleans, check that the permit has been issued. The city’s building permit brochure says the permit must be posted where it can be seen from the street.

Know how long it will take

Pella’s guide to what to expect during window installation says a pocket, or insert, replacement often takes about one hour per window. A full-frame replacement takes about four to six hours per window, depending on the condition of the wall and trim.

The same guide says a two-person crew can often install about 8 to 10 pocket replacement windows in a single day. Knowing that helps you plan work-from-home days, school pickups and pet care.

Clear the space inside

Installers need room to work safely around each opening. Andersen suggests allowing about 5 feet of clear space around your windows, while Pella recommends moving furniture, decorations and valuables at least three feet away. When in doubt, give them the bigger space.

Move furniture away from each window. Andersen notes that pianos and antiques take more care, so move those ahead of time or ask for help.
Take down blinds, curtains and shades. Andersen says blinds can take hours to remove if the crew has to do it.
Remove wall hangings near the windows. Andersen recommends taking pictures off the walls in work areas.
Clear windowsills. Plants, photos and decor all need a new home for the day.
Cover what can’t move. Andersen suggests covering beds, couches and other furnishings with a drop cloth or old sheet, since installation generates dust.
Open a clear path. Crews carry windows and old frames through the house, so clear hallways and doorways between the entry and each room.

plants and watering can on a window sill

Alarm sensors and smart devices

Andersen’s checklist says window alarms need to be removed before new windows are installed, and that it’s sometimes best to get your security company to help with disconnecting them. Call them a week or so ahead so you aren’t waiting on an appointment.

Also think about any cameras, smart blinds or sensors mounted on or near window frames. Take them down and set them aside with their hardware.

Room-by-room tips

Kitchen. Clear the counter and sink area under the window, and move small appliances out of the way.
Bathrooms. Take toiletries off the sill and tub ledge, and move bath mats and towels.
Bedrooms. Pull the bed away from the window if you can, and cover the mattress and closet contents near the work area.
Living areas. Move TVs and electronics well clear, since they’re heavy to shift in a hurry and easy to scratch.
Upstairs rooms. Make sure stairways are clear, because crews will carry glass units up and old frames down.

Prepare the outside

If your windows are being installed from outside, the crew needs room under and around each one. Andersen suggests trimming shrubs and removing lawn furniture or decor to provide a few feet of clearance around the windows.

Trim back shrubs, vines and low branches near each window.
Move potted plants, grills, patio furniture and garden decor.
Clear the driveway or curb space so the crew can park close.
Open or leave keys for any side gates the crew will need to use.
Let neighbors know if trucks or equipment will be near a shared driveway.

In the New Orleans area, weather is part of the plan too. The National Weather Service’s climate normals show June as the wettest month on average, so if you’re installing in summer, ask how the crew protects open work from afternoon storms.

Plan for kids, pets and daily life

Your home will be a work zone for the day. Andersen describes it plainly: there will be dust and noise, so it helps to set up safe spots away from the activity.

Pick one room that won’t be worked on, or will be done last, as a home base.
Keep pets crated, in a closed room or with a sitter. Open window openings and busy doorways are an easy escape route.
Keep children away from work areas. Pella’s guide recommends arranging for pets and children to stay away from work zones to help prevent injuries and distractions.
Plan meals and calls around the noisiest parts of the day.

Be available during the job

Pella’s guide recommends planning to be home during installation, since installers may have questions or need access to different areas. If you can’t be there all day, name someone who can make decisions and open locked rooms.

Safety on install day

Window installation involves glass, sharp old frames and ladders. Leave all of that to the crew and keep your distance from openings while old units are coming out.

Don’t try to remove old sashes or broken glass yourself before the crew arrives.
Stay off ladders near the work, and keep kids from climbing furniture moved into other rooms.
Wear shoes in work areas until cleanup is done, in case small glass pieces are missed.

If your home was built before 1978, ask about lead-safe work practices. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Program requires anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 to be certified and to have trained workers, so ask your installer for their certification.

Opened white windows in front of the entrance door to the room

After the install

The job isn’t done until you’ve looked over every window. Andersen’s checklist recommends scheduling a walk-through with your contractor, and Pella’s guide says its crews demonstrate window operation and care and haul the old windows away.

Open, close and lock every window. Each sash should move smoothly and latch without force.
Check the trim and caulk. Look for gaps, smears or missed spots inside and out.
Look at the glass. Check for scratches or chips before labels come off.
Confirm cleanup. Old windows, packaging and debris should be gone.
Collect the paperwork. Pella suggests saving NFRC and ENERGY STAR labels and product documentation for future warranty needs.
Register the windows if needed. Some brands set deadlines, and SoftLite’s warranty summary requires registration within 60 days of installation.

SoftLite’s summary also says surface defects like scratches or dents must be reported within 60 days of installation. That’s one more reason to inspect closely during the walk-through.

Once the windows are in, wait until the sealant has cured before hanging blinds back up or washing the exterior. Ask your installer how long to wait for the product they used.

Your window installation prep checklist

Here’s the whole list in one place. Print it or keep it on your phone for the week of the install.

Contact the contractor a few days ahead to confirm the date and scope
Arrange for your security company to disconnect window alarms
Clear 3 to 5 feet around each window inside
Take down blinds, curtains, shades and wall hangings
Cover remaining furniture with drop cloths or old sheets
Trim shrubs and move outdoor furniture if installing from outside
Plan safe spaces for kids and pets
Be available, or name a decision-maker, for the day
Do a walk-through and keep all labels and paperwork

Frequently asked questions

How much space do window installers need?

Andersen recommends about 5 feet of clear space around each window, while Pella suggests moving furniture and valuables at least three feet away. The exact need varies by project, so ask your installer.

Do I need to take down blinds before window installation?

Yes. Andersen’s checklist says blinds, curtains and alarms cause the biggest delays according to contractors, and that blinds can take hours to remove if the crew has to do it.

Should I be home during window installation?

Pella recommends planning to be available throughout the installation, since installers may have questions or need access to different areas. If you can’t be home, name someone who can.

How long does window installation take per window?

Pella’s guide says a pocket replacement often takes about one hour per window, while a full-frame replacement takes about four to six hours per window depending on the wall and trim.

Is window installation done from inside or outside?

It can be either, and Andersen notes that windows can be installed from the inside or outside. Pella says full-frame replacement involves work on both sides of the wall.

Ready for a smooth install day

We’re happy to walk you through what to clear and what to expect before the crew shows up. Start with a free estimate for your windows.

Learn about our window installation services, read our FAQs, or contact us. You can also call (504) 226-6201.

How to Prepare Your Home for Window Installation Day