Replacement Windows: What Gets Measured and Ordered Before Install Day
Before a crew shows up to replace your windows, a few things have to be settled: what size each opening is, which material and glass go in each room, and what the written estimate says. If you are a homeowner in Columbia or elsewhere in Mid-Missouri, it helps to know what that stage involves so you can ask good questions before you approve a project.
This guide covers what CoMo Premium Exteriors says about measuring and its written estimate, and gives you questions to ask about ordering. CoMo’s window pages do not describe how or when windows are ordered, how long that takes, or what any standard is, so this article does not either. For those details, ask for them in writing for your project.
Key Takeaways
- CoMo says it measures every opening precisely at the first visit, before it recommends material and glass in a written estimate.
- Material and glass choices appear in that written estimate, so review them before you approve the project.
- Ordering details are not described on CoMo’s pages. Ask about them, and ask for the timeline in writing.
What gets measured
CoMo’s window replacement page describes a four-step process. Step one is “Estimate & Measure”: the company says it comes to your home, measures every opening precisely, and answers your questions, with a free estimate and no obligation. The page adds that the company measures your openings, walks you through vinyl, wood, and composite options in plain language, and hands you a written estimate.
So measuring comes first, before the recommendation. Ask how your openings will be identified in the estimate, such as by room and wall, and whether you can review the recorded details.
What the written estimate covers
Step two on CoMo’s page is a recommendation: the company says it matches material and glass to each room, your goals, and your budget, and puts it all in a clear written estimate with no mystery line items. Those choices appear in the written estimate, so review them before approving the project.
- The list of openings. Is every window you expect to replace on the estimate?
- The material and glass choices. Are they written for each window or for the whole house?
- Line items. Does everything on the estimate match what you discussed?
What “ordered” means for your project
The title of this article mentions ordering, and it is worth being plain about what is and is not known. CoMo’s window pages describe measuring, the written estimate, installation, and warranty and follow-up. They do not describe when the windows are ordered, how long delivery takes, or what happens if something about an opening changes. Those are questions to ask directly.
- At what point are the windows ordered, and what do I need to approve first?
- Is anything confirmed again after measuring, before the order is placed?
- If something about an opening turns out differently than expected, how would that be communicated and approved?
- What is the expected timeline from approval to installation, and where will it be written?
Do not assume a timeline. Ask for one in writing for your project.
Questions to bring to the estimate visit
- How are the openings measured, and can I review the recorded details?
- Which material and glass are chosen for each window?
- What exactly is on the written estimate, and what is not?
- When are the windows ordered, and what approval comes before that?
- What is the expected timeline, and where will it be written?
Frequently asked questions
When are windows measured?
According to CoMo’s window page, measuring is part of the first step, the estimate visit, where the company says it measures every opening. Ask your contractor to confirm how and when it happens for your project.
Do I get a written estimate?
CoMo’s page says it hands you a written estimate after measuring. Ask to see what it includes before you decide.
When are the windows ordered?
CoMo’s pages do not say. Ask when the order is placed and what approval comes first, and have the answer in writing.
How long does it take to get the windows?
This article does not give a timeline. Ask the contractor for the expected timeline for your order.
If you want to talk through measuring and ordering for your own windows, see CoMo Premium Exteriors’ window replacement page, its Columbia window replacement page, or contact CoMo Premium Exteriors to ask for a window assessment.
