How long does it take to get new windows in 2022?

This is the question we get in our office more than any other. Almost everyone we talk to wonders how long does it take to get new windows. We see folks posting on the site here with similar questions as well. That means it sounds like a pretty good topic for a post so lets get into it.

We’ll also look at what you should do if you’re upset about how long a current window order is taking. Fun stuff!

The world is an unpredictable place, especially lately.

So how long does it take to get new windows?

The timing for a window order in 2022 is really going to depend on what you order. If the timing is critical for you ask the salesperson about different options and the expected timing.

Sometimes an option that may sound simple can add considerable time to your order. For example, right now we’re seeing orders for custom sized patio doors taking 5 weeks longer than a standard size patio door.

For most people that’s not the end of the world, but sometimes it can matter a lot. If that was critical for you the company may be able to do some trim work to make a standard size door work. If you don’t talk about it you won’t know the options.

I would expect normal orders for common products to take 10-16 weeks right now. That’s including timing for measuring, ordering, manufacturing and installation. The manufacturing time alone will probably be 5+ weeks for most companies. Some orders come in faster but some are slower too.

One word of advice is to know that estimates of timing are just estimates.

I recently saw an order with a black exterior on the vinyl windows and a custom sized patio door. The manufacturing lead-time alone looks like it’ll be something like 6 months. Things are weird lately.

What should you do if your order takes longer than expected?

We deal with thousands of customers at my company and we hear from even more through this site. I can tell you from experience that some people choose much better strategies than others when dealing with an unexpected delay.

The first thing you should not do is throw a tantrum. Yelling and being a jerk really won’t help anything. Playing good cop bad cop with your significant other is also not particularity helpful. I promise you’re not the first one to come up with that idea.

I know you’re upset but being mad won’t help anything. The window company wants to get your order installed just as badly as you want to get it installed. You both have the same motivation.

One challenge everyone faces is that expected timing can sometimes change. If the salesperson told you the expected timing was 8 weeks and it ends up taking 10 weeks that does not mean he lied to you. More likely it means something changed.

I write this shortly after the omicron variant took over the universe. I know we had customers who placed orders before omicron who experienced delays. Sometimes a window breaks on the truck or even goes missing. Unfortunately that’s just a fact of life, things change in ways nobody expected.

What’s the best strategy to deal with an overdue order?

Based on my many years of experience the best strategy is to express your urgency to the company you bought the windows from. You should ask them what info they have on expected timing. I’d also ask them how likely they believe that information is to change. You might also ask when you should expect the next update. At least then you’ll have some idea of what to expect.

After that patience is a virtue.

Should you get a discount on your order if there is a delay?

Typically no. You don’t pay extra if the order comes in sooner than expected and you typically don’t get a discount if the order takes longer than expected. There’s no 30 minutes or your pizza’s free guarantee. That’s just not how it works.

The window manufacturers are working very hard to get orders out as quickly as possible. They’re facing the same challenges as every company with worker shortage, workers with covid, material shortages, huge increases in order volume, etc. Everything could be running fine today and 30 employees from the plant could test positive tomorrow.

I know it can be hard to hear but your best bet is just to be patient. Understand that nobody is purposely delaying your order. Also, the windows will be in the house for decades. If it takes a couple weeks longer than you expected it may not make too much difference in the long run. Even if it will make a difference in your situation there’s likely nothing that can be done.

You might also look at what is causing you to be so concerned about the timing. Maybe there’s another solution. For example, sometimes people order windows when selling their house and they worry about the order being installed before the closing.

This isn’t a huge deal. In cases like that you can just give the buyer the contract and evidence that it’s paid in full and the window company can install the windows after the closing. People do that all the time, it’s not a huge deal.

What if I haven’t placed a window order yet and the timing is important to me?

Place the order today. Do not delay. It is much better to have the windows come in a couple weeks early than a couple weeks late.

We routinely see people get a quote, wait a month, order the windows, then get upset about the timing. Or maybe they’ll place an order but then delay when it’s time to pay a deposit.

That extra time on the front end would have made a difference. We completely understand that you have a lot going on and it’s a big decision. The best thing you can do if you’re worried about timing is to make sure there are no delays on your end.

Every day you wait to order the windows adds a day on the backend. For many people that doesn’t particularly matter, but if it matters for you do not delay.

Order the windows sooner rather than later.

Other posts you might find helpful:

• Renewal by Andersen Complaints – What’s the problem?
• Why you should NEVER buy Simonton windows
• NEW way to get window prices by email
• How to find the best local window companies
• Is triple pane glass worth the cost?

How can you find a great window company?

When shopping for windows I do always suggest finding a great installation company before you fall in love with any particular window model. There are plenty of great window options out there but not as many local companies that are great to work with.

To find our recommended window companies all over the country check this section. If we know someone in your neck of the woods they’ll be listed there and they’ll be happy to help.

For example, my company will send you window prices without ever sending a salesperson to your house at all. The goal is to make this process easy and it can often be easier than you might expect.

Remember, for more great window company info you can find our suggestions for the best local companies in 2022 in your area right here. There’s no need to work with a company that gives you the run-around or makes the process difficult. There are plenty of fish in the sea as they say. The best way to get started is to check out our list of great window companies.