How Long Does Window Replacement Actually Take? What to Expect on Installation Day
June 23, 2026
Article Summary
A typical 10–15 window replacement in Indianapolis takes one to two days — usually just one. Here's exactly what installation day looks like, what to prep, and why most homeowners say the anticipation was the hardest part.
Why does the disruption myth hold homeowners back?
One of the things that holds Indianapolis homeowners back from pulling the trigger on replacement windows isn't the cost — it's the disruption.
People picture a week of workers in the house, furniture moved everywhere, dust on everything.
Let me tell you what it actually looks like.
How long does window replacement actually take?
Raylen Dorrell: For a typical home with 10 to 15 windows, our crew handles the full job in one to two days. Usually one day.
Here's the rhythm:
We arrive and work room by room
We clean up as we go — not at the end
Each window takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes from removal to finished installation
Most homeowners are surprised by how fast it moves.
What should you do to prepare for installation day?
Prep is light. You'll want to clear the window sills and the area immediately around each window:
Move any furniture that's close to the window
Take down blinds or curtains
Clear knickknacks and decor off the sills
That's it. We handle everything else.
Will window replacement create a mess in your home?
There's minimal mess because we're not doing major construction.
We're removing the existing window and installing the replacement into the same opening. That means:
No drywall work
No major framing changes
No multi-day teardown
The interior and exterior trim gets touched up, but you're not dealing with a renovation — you're dealing with a replacement.
What happens at the end of installation day?
At the end of the day, you'll have all your new windows installed and operational.
Before we leave, we will:
Walk the house with you
Demonstrate how everything works — locks, sashes, tilt-in cleaning, screens
Answer your questions
Make sure you're completely satisfied
The thing I always tell people: the anticipation is worse than the project. Most of our customers tell us they wish they'd done it sooner.
Give us a call. We'd love to show you how smooth the process really is.
"The anticipation is worse than the project. Most of our customers tell us they wish they'd done it sooner."
— Raylen Dorrell, Modern Day Door and Window
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install replacement windows in a typical home?
For a home with 10–15 windows, the full installation usually takes one day — sometimes two. Each window takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes from removal to finished install.
Do I need to move all my furniture before installation day?
No — just clear the area immediately around each window. Move nearby furniture away from the wall, take down blinds and curtains, and clear the sills. The crew handles the rest.
Is window replacement messy?
Not very. Because the existing window is removed and replaced in the same opening, there's no drywall work or framing changes. Crews clean up as they go and touch up trim before leaving.
Will I be without windows overnight?
For most jobs, no. Crews typically remove and replace each window in the same 30–45 minute window, so your home is fully closed up at the end of each work day.
Can I stay in my home during the installation?
Yes. Most homeowners stay home during the project. Crews work room by room, so you can move around the house as needed.
What happens after the windows are installed?
The crew walks the home with you, demonstrates how each window operates, answers questions, and confirms you're satisfied before leaving.
Scott Dorrell
About the Author
Scott Dorrell is the Co-Founder of Modern Day Window & Door, known for delivering five-star customer experiences and hands-on product expertise. He’s dedicated to helping homeowners improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term value through high-quality window and door solutions.
