There are many benefits to installing new, energy-efficient windows in your home.

Not only will your heating and cooling expenses be less throughout the year, but your property value will go up, your home will be more secure, and the interior will be quieter and more comfortable for you and your family. Plus, new windows are beautiful to look at, both from inside and outside the home.

Now that you have found the right contractor and scheduled the appointment for your new windows to arrive, what are the next steps? Great question! There are a few things you should do in the days leading up to your new window installation, and we have outlined them in this blog to make them easy to remember.

Touch base with your contractor.

A few days prior to your scheduled appointment, reach out to your contractor to confirm all of the details. Make sure they have the correct address, and find out what time you can expect the installation team to arrive. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about the installation process.

Typically, it takes about 30 minutes to replace a single window, and most homes have between eight and 12 windows. That means your installation may take anywhere from four to six hours depending on the number, shape, and location of the windows in your home. (Keep in mind that upper-story windows make take slightly longer to install.)

Make space around your windows—inside and out.

The day before or the morning of the installation, take the time to clear the area around your windows to make it easier for the contractors to gain access.

Outside your home, trim any trees or shrubbery that may impede a clear path to your windows, and move any obstacles that may be on the ground around the base of your windows.

Inside, remove all blinds and curtains from your existing windows and disable any alarm devices. Move any furniture that may be in the way, and take down any pictures or art from nearby walls and shelves. Try to clear an area of about five square feet in front of each window for the contractors to move and work easily.

Because the installation process may generate some dust, you may want to cover your furniture or other items you want to protect with an old sheet or a spare dropcloth.

Have a plan for kids and pets.

The window installation process can be very noisy, and contractors will use a lot of tools and equipment that may pose a safety hazard. If you have young children or pets, set aside a safe space for them to be during the installation process, and plan activities to keep them occupied as your new windows are being installed. If possible, schedule a play date outside of the home, or ask a friend or neighbor to watch them for the day.

And after your windows are installed, be sure to follow these simple tips to keep them looking like new for as long as possible.

More questions? Contact XO Windows today.

If you still have questions about your upcoming window installation, the dedicated team at XO Windows is happy to answer them. Or if you haven’t yet made an appointment for your new windows and are still searching for the right contractor, we’d love to give you a free estimate. Just fill out our online form and a member of our team will contact you shortly!