A straightforward window replacement takes 30 to 90 minutes per window, and a typical whole-house project of 10 to 15 windows wraps up in one to three days on site. The long pole in the schedule isn't installation at all — it's the 3 to 8 weeks of manufacturing lead time, because replacement windows are built to your exact openings, not pulled off a shelf.
The Full Timeline, Order to Cleanup
- Free in-home measure (about an hour). We measure every opening three ways and check square, because 40-year-old openings are rarely rectangles.
- Manufacturing (3–8 weeks). Andersen, Marvin, and Milgard build each unit to the eighth of an inch. Standard vinyl runs shorter; wood-clad and custom shapes run longer.
- Installation (1–3 days). Our crew removes one window, sets, shims, insulates, and seals its replacement, then moves to the next. Your home is never opened up wholesale.
- Finish and cleanup (same visit). Interior trim or stops, exterior sealant, haul-away of the old units, and a walkthrough with you.
What Stretches the Per-Window Time
Second-story openings, stucco or brick exteriors, rotted framing that needs repair, and full-frame tear-outs (versus insert replacements) all push a window toward the 90-minute end — or beyond it. Bay and bow windows and patio doors are half-day items on their own. An experienced crew makes the difference here: our installers are Wood Windows Inc employees, never subcontractors, and most have done thousands of openings across the Treasure Valley over our 46 years.
The practical takeaway: the disruption you're bracing for lasts a day or two. The wait you should plan around is the factory. Call (208) 376-2200 for a free in-home measure and a real date for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during window installation?
For most of it, no. We need someone to walk the crew through the house at the start and sign off at the end, but plenty of Treasure Valley customers go to work while our installers handle the day.
Will my house be open to the weather during the job?
No. We remove and install one window at a time, so each opening is exposed for well under an hour and the rest of the house stays sealed. Your home is never left open overnight.
Can windows be installed in winter?
Yes — our crews install year-round in the Treasure Valley, including January. One opening at a time keeps heat loss minimal, and cold-weather sealants are made for it. Winter is often the fastest time to get on the schedule.
Sources & Testing Data
Last reviewed 2026-07-05 by Wood Windows Inc — (208) 376-2200