"How long will this take?" is one of the first questions homeowners ask. The full project has several phases, and only one of them happens at your house for more than a day or two.
The typical timeline
- Measure and quote: a visit to measure each opening and a written quote, often within 48 hours.
- Contract and ordering: once you approve, the windows are ordered to your exact sizes.
- Manufacturing: made-to-order products take time. Lead times vary by manufacturer and season.
- Permit: your contractor prepares and files the permit package. Processing time depends on the city or county.
- Installation: usually one to a few days of on-site work for a typical home.
- Inspection and closeout: the building department inspects and closes the permit.
What affects the schedule
- Number and size of openings.
- Hurricane-season demand. See best time to install.
- Permit backlog in your city.
- HOA or condo approvals. See condo window projects.
- Custom colors or specialty glass.
On installation day
The crew removes the old windows, installs and seals the new ones, and cleans up. Read the details in how impact windows are installed and prepare using our prep checklist.
Ask us for a schedule with your quote: window installation in Miami.
A sample schedule
Every project is different, but here is a typical flow for a single-family home:
- Week 0: site visit and measuring; written quote shortly after.
- Week 1: contract signed, product selected and ordered; permit package prepared.
- Weeks 2 to several: manufacturing and permit review run in parallel. Lead times vary by manufacturer and season.
- Install week: a crew installs over one to a few days, depending on how many openings.
- Following days: final inspection is scheduled with the building department.
What happens on each install day
- The crew protects floors and removes window treatments if needed.
- Old windows are removed one opening at a time.
- Openings are prepared, flashed and the new window set and anchored.
- Sealant is applied and trim finished.
- Debris is hauled away and the area cleaned.
How to keep the schedule on track
- Approve the quote and product choices quickly.
- Get HOA or condo approvals started as early as possible.
- Clear access to every opening before the crew arrives.
- Answer questions from your contractor promptly.
What can slow things down
Special colors or glass, permit backlogs, weather, and manufacturing delays can all add time. Ask your contractor which of these could affect you and how updates will be communicated.
After installation
The job is not complete until the permit passes final inspection. Keep the paperwork for insurance and resale. See wind mitigation inspections.
Tips for faster projects
- Choose standard colors and glass packages when possible.
- Make decisions quickly after the measure.
- Start HOA or condo approvals right away.
- Clear access before installation day.
What to ask about timing
- What is the current lead time for my product?
- How long will the crew be on site each day?
- When is the final inspection typically scheduled?
- What happens if there is a delay?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the actual installation take?
Most homes take one to a few days of on-site work once the windows arrive, depending on the number and size of openings.
Why does the whole project take weeks?
Impact windows are made to order, and permits and inspections add time. The install is the shortest part.
Will I have open holes in my walls overnight?
A professional crew works opening by opening and secures each one before leaving for the day.
Can the job be done in one day?
Small projects can sometimes be done in a day. Whole-house installs usually take longer.
Ready to talk about your project? Get a free written quote (usually within 48 hours) or call 786-343-4729. EZ Glazing Corp is licensed and insured (License #SCC131153391) and handles the permit and inspection.