If you’re getting ready for window replacement, you might be wondering: “Do I really need to be home the whole day?”
The short answer: No, you don’t need to babysit the crew all day.
At Southwest Exteriors, we’ve been installing windows in San Antonio homes for over 30 years. Our team has seen just about every type of house, foundation shift, and Texas weather challenge, which is why homeowners across the area trust us to get installation right the first time.
That said, there are a couple of key times we’ll want you there and a few simple prep steps that make the process smooth for everyone.
When You Do Need to Be Home
Start of the Installation → Your Project Manager will reach out to confirm all the details and answer any last minute questions you might have before the project starts. This is when we make sure we're aligned on your expectations. On the day of install, you’ll just need to be home when the crew arrives so they can get access and get started.
End of the Installation → After your project is complete we will make sure you are happy with the outcome. We can even walk the project with you to show you how to use your new windows.
That’s it. No need to block off your whole day, just be available at the start for access and at the end for the walkthrough.
How Southwest Exteriors Keeps You in the Loop
Your project manager is your single point of contact. During installation day(s), you’ll get:
- Texts or calls with progress updates.
- Photos if needed (for homeowners who can’t be onsite).
- A daily check-in so you always know what was done and what’s coming next.
Think of your PM as your “eyes and ears”, they’re there so you don’t have to hover.
How to Prepare Before Installation Day
A few quick steps will make the installation day smoother for you and the crew. Think of it as setting the stage so everything runs on time and with no surprises:
- Clear window access → Take down blinds, curtains, or window coverings. Move furniture a few feet away from windows if you can. (If something’s too heavy, don’t worry, let us know and we’ll help.)
- Remove wall decor nearby → Vibrations from installation can shake the walls. Take down any artwork, photos, or shelves close to your windows, so nothing accidentally falls.
- Secure pets → Even the friendliest dogs and cats get stressed when strangers come in and out all day. Please be sure to give them a safe spot away from the work area so they’re comfortable and the crew can work safely.
- Landscape → We do our best to care for your landscape throughout installation. If there are shrubs that touch a window that will be replaced, we will do our best to maintain them, however they may need to be trimmed back so that we can properly install the windows.
- Plan around alarm sensors → If your windows are wired to a security system, coordinate with your alarm company about disconnecting/reconnecting.
- Protect valuables → We treat your home with care, but if you’ve got fragile items near windows (plants, décor, electronics), it’s best to move them temporarily.
- Confirm communication → Decide how you’d like updates during the day: Whether you’re a text-only person, a call-me kind of person, or you want the play-by-play, your PM will keep you updated your way.
That’s it! There’s no need to deep clean or entertain the crew. Just a little prep goes a long way in making the process smooth and stress-free.
If you’re not sure about something specific, like a tricky piece of furniture or how your alarm sensors are wired, just reach out to your project manager. They’re here for you to make sure you’re 100% ready before installation day.
Respecting Your Home
We get it, having a crew in your home can feel stressful. Our installers will treat every home with respect: using drop cloths, cleaning up daily, and protecting your space as if it were their own.
So, whether you’re hanging out in the next room or out running errands, you can relax knowing the project is in good hands and that we’ll leave your home as secure as we found it.
The Bottom Line
No, you don’t have to sit at home all day during window installation. We will be communicating with you throughout the project.
At Southwest Exteriors, your project manager keeps you updated from start to finish, so you can trust the job is done right without the stress. And if you ever have questions before or during your project, they’re just a call or text away.