Window Install Delays.. What Causes Them?
/In our last blog post we reviewed what activities happen between the time you sign your window contract and when your install takes place. At the time we sign the contract we provide our best estimate for install dates. However, there are a variety of reasons why installs can run late or behind.
What are they? Keep reading!
Bad weather days. Excessive rain or wind. Temps below ten degrees. These are days when the weather will actually get in the way of an install. We try and watch for predicted rain so we can change the order of an install if possible. This means we will hold inside work, or work that will take place under the cover of an overhang, awning or porch for those rainy days. This lets us keep moving forward
Yes – we still install in the winter. We just tend to go a little more slowly. For example, we’ll remove just a few windows at a time instead of all at once. Yes, it will be cold in your house during the install which is why we try and limit the exposure.
Sometimes we notice an error on the order after it is unloaded. Maybe we are missing a window, or the color of the order is wrong. When this happens we need to re-order right away, but it could delay your install.
Sometimes we notice damage on a window. Maybe a broken nailing fin or a scrape or gouge in the window frame. When the damage means that window or door can’t be installed, we re-order it.
Sometimes they just send us the wrong item. People. We are all people. Mistakes can happen.
Scheduling. It can be tricky. We like to install in the same order that jobs were sold in however it’s a balance between sizes of jobs. If a job needs a full 5 days to install, for example, it might need to move ahead of several other jobs so it can get completed before the weekend. On the same thought, a small job may be delayed while we wait to pair it with another small job in the same city. Today, for example, we were able to install 2 different front entry doors both in Bloomington. Had one of them been across town there wouldn’t have been enough time in the day to do them both.
Multiple products. When your window and door install also includes siding and roofing we coordinate the crews to follow each other. There is an order to things, and nailing down (pun intended) a start date for each crew involved can sometimes feel like a full time job.
Skill of the installers. Everyone is good at different things. And if I have a crew that isn’t awesome at installing front doors, for example, I won’t schedule them to do that. But if we suddenly sell a pile of front doors they can be delayed while we wait for the right team to open up
Job site surprises. The old “guess what… the windows we are pulling out were actually GLUED IN so the removal is taking considerably longer and we’ll need 3 more days on the job to get it finished” example. It happens. Just like rot happens. And unexpected areas of mold or soggy sheetrock can show up when you least suspect it.
Last but not least, Murphy’s Law. Steve the Window Guy is half Murphy. (For real. His grandparents are Murphys). So if something ridiculous is going to go wrong, it probably will.
The whole idea is to get everything as right as we can get it before we get to your house and never EVER do we feel it is normal or acceptable if things go wrong. Please believe us when we say we are more frustrated by the delay than you are.
The one thing we know though… it’s worth it. Every time. And you’re gonna be so glad you did this.
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We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catupulted to the 11th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughtout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2018.
