How Long Does Window Replacement Actually Take?

"How long is this going to take?" It is the first question most homeowners ask once they decide to replace their windows, and the answer is more nuanced than a single number. The actual installation is surprisingly fast. The full project timeline? That takes a bit longer to explain.

Here is the honest, phase-by-phase breakdown so you can plan your calendar with confidence.

The Short Answer

If you just want the numbers:

• One window: 30-60 minutes of installation time
• Full home (10-15 windows): 1-3 days of installation
• Total project timeline: 6-12 weeks from first phone call to completion

That 6-12 week range surprises most people because they picture weeks of construction. The reality is that most of that time is the manufacturing phase — your custom windows being built to your exact specifications. The actual disruption to your home is measured in days, not weeks.

For a complete walkthrough of every phase, see our full installation process guide.

Phase-by-Phase Timeline Breakdown

Consultation and Quotes: 1-2 Weeks

Getting your first consultation scheduled usually takes 3-7 days depending on the contractor's availability. The consultation itself runs about 1-2 hours. If you are getting multiple quotes (and you should — at least two or three), allow 1-2 weeks for this research phase.

Some homeowners stretch this phase to several weeks or even months while they compare options and think it over. There is no rush. But once you make your decision, the clock starts moving relatively quickly.

Measurement and Order: 1-2 Weeks

After you sign your agreement, the contractor schedules a measurement appointment — usually within a week. The technician takes precision measurements of every opening (30-60 minutes), then submits the order to the manufacturer. Processing the order typically takes 2-3 business days.

Manufacturing: 4-8 Weeks

This is the long stretch. Every replacement window is custom-built to your exact opening dimensions. There is no "pulling from stock" — each unit is manufactured specifically for your home.

Typical manufacturing timelines:

Window Type	Lead Time
Standard vinyl, common colors	4-5 weeks
Standard vinyl, custom colors	5-6 weeks
Fiberglass frames	5-7 weeks
Custom shapes (arches, rounds)	6-8 weeks
Triple-pane glass packages	6-8 weeks
Peak season (April-July orders)	Add 1-2 weeks

If your project mixes standard and specialty windows, ask your contractor whether they can do a split shipment — installing the standard windows first while the specialty ones finish production. This can get most of your project completed sooner.

Installation: 1-3 Days

Here is where the visible transformation happens. A crew of 2-3 experienced installers works through your windows one at a time, typically completing 5-10 per day.

Per-window breakdown:

• Remove old window: 5-10 minutes
• Inspect and prep opening: 5-10 minutes
• Install new window: 10-20 minutes
• Insulate and seal: 5-10 minutes
• Install trim and test: 5-10 minutes

Total per window: 30-60 minutes

For a 12-window home, that works out to 6-12 hours of installation work — comfortably within a single day for a skilled crew, or spread across two days for a more relaxed pace. A 20-window project typically takes 2-3 days.

Walkthrough and Cleanup: 30-60 Minutes

The final step happens immediately after the last window is installed. You walk through the home with the crew lead, inspect every window, test operation and locks, and confirm everything meets your expectations. Any issues are noted for immediate correction.

What Affects Installation Speed

Not all windows install at the same pace. Several factors influence how quickly (or slowly) installation day goes:

Window Type and Size

Standard double-hung and single-hung windows are the fastest to install — they are the most common replacement and installers have the process down to a science. Casement and awning windows take slightly longer due to the crank hardware. Picture windows and large fixed units are quick since there is no operating hardware, but their size means more sealant and more careful handling.

Bay and bow windows are the most time-intensive, often requiring 2-3 hours per unit due to structural support, multiple panels, and complex trim work.

Installation Method

Pocket (insert) installation is significantly faster than full-frame installation. Pocket installs slide the new window into the existing frame, avoiding the need to remove trim, siding, or drywall. Full-frame installs strip everything back to the rough opening, adding 20-40 minutes per window.

Most Utah replacement projects use the pocket method. Full-frame is reserved for situations where the existing frame is damaged, rotted, or when changing window sizes.

Home Age and Construction

Older Utah homes — particularly those built before 1990 — can present challenges that slow installation. Common issues include:

• Out-of-square openings from settling, requiring extra shimming and adjustment
• Stucco exteriors that need careful cutting to avoid cracking
• Lead paint on pre-1978 homes, requiring EPA-mandated safe handling procedures
• Unexpected rot or water damage discovered when the old window comes out

For homeowners with 1990s-era homes, our guide to the best windows for 90s homes addresses common issues specific to that construction era.

Accessibility

Second-story windows take longer than first-floor windows because installers need ladders or scaffolding for exterior access. Windows above rooflines, behind large bushes, or with limited interior access (heavy furniture, built-in window seats) also add time.

Trimming shrubs and moving furniture before installation day — as outlined in our preparation guide — directly translates to faster installation.

Single Window vs Full Home: Time Comparison

Here is a side-by-side comparison of two common project scopes:

Phase	Single Window	Full Home (12 windows)
Consultation	1 hour	1-2 hours
Measurement	15 minutes	45-60 minutes
Manufacturing	4-6 weeks	4-8 weeks
Installation	30-60 minutes	1-2 days
Walkthrough	10 minutes	30-60 minutes
Total project	5-7 weeks	6-12 weeks

The total project timeline does not increase proportionally with window count. Manufacturing takes roughly the same time whether you order 1 or 20 windows. The main variable is the number of installation days.

Seasonal Factors in Utah

Utah's seasons have a meaningful impact on your project timeline — not just the installation itself, but how quickly you can get scheduled.

Spring and summer (March-August) are peak season for window replacement. Contractors are booked out further, consultations may take longer to schedule, and manufacturing queues are deeper. Expect the total timeline to run toward the longer end of the 6-12 week range.

Fall (September-November) is a sweet spot. Demand starts to taper off, scheduling is easier, and weather is still favorable for installation. Many homeowners who noticed problems during the previous winter are finally ready to act.

Winter (December-February) offers the fastest scheduling. Contractors have more availability, and you can often move from consultation to installation 2-3 weeks faster than during peak season. Many Utah companies offer 5-15% off-season discounts as well. The trade-off is brief cold-air exposure during installation, but experienced crews manage this by working one window at a time and completing each swap quickly.

For more on the ideal timing for your project, including how Utah weather affects sealant curing and workmanship, see the seasonal section in our complete installation guide.

What Can Cause Delays

Even well-planned projects can hit snags. Here are the most common causes of delays and how to prevent them:

Manufacturing backlogs. Ordering during peak season or choosing specialty options extends lead times. If timeline is a priority, stick with standard configurations and order during the off-season.

Structural issues. Discovering rot, water damage, or structural problems when the old window comes out can add hours or even a day to the project. A good contractor includes a contingency plan in their quote for this possibility.

Weather. Heavy rain, high winds, or extreme cold can delay installation. Contractors will not compromise quality or safety for schedule. Build a buffer of a few days into your expectations.

HOA approval. If your neighborhood has architectural review requirements, factor in 2-6 weeks for approval before ordering. Start this process immediately after choosing your windows.

Incorrect measurements. Rare with experienced contractors, but if a window arrives and does not fit, it must be reordered — adding another 4-6 weeks. This is why the measurement appointment is so meticulous and why you should confirm the order details before manufacturing begins.

How to Keep Your Project on Track

A few proactive steps can help your project stay on schedule:

1. Get quotes early. Start your research 2-3 months before you want the project completed. This gives you time to compare options without feeling rushed.
2. Book during off-peak months. November through February offers faster scheduling and often lower prices.
3. Choose standard options when possible. Standard colors, sizes, and glass packages ship faster than custom configurations.
4. Prepare your home early. Do not wait until the night before installation. Moving furniture, removing window treatments, and trimming shrubs a few days ahead reduces stress and prevents delays on installation day.
5. Communicate proactively. If your schedule changes, let your contractor know immediately. And if you have not heard a manufacturing update in 3+ weeks, call and ask.
6. Be available. Make sure someone is home for the measurement appointment and installation days. Last-minute rescheduling can push your project back by days or weeks.

Understanding what your window quote includes and what warranties cover upfront also prevents slowdowns from misunderstandings or contract revisions mid-project.

The bottom line: window replacement feels like a big project in the planning phase, but the actual disruption to your life is remarkably short. A few days of preparation, one to three days of installation, and decades of improved comfort, efficiency, and home value.