How DreamHome Replaces Your Windows From the first measurement to the final cleanup, here is exactly what happens when you hire the team that has been replacing DMV windows since 1999.
Nobody likes surprises during a home project. So we are going to walk you through our entire window replacement process before you ever call us, step by step, in plain language. When you know what is coming, the whole thing gets a lot less stressful.
The DreamHome window replacement process runs in seven steps: free in-home consultation and measurement, custom window order, install scheduling, day-of preparation and protection, removal of the old windows, precise installation with foam sealing and flashing, and a final inspection with cleanup. A typical whole-house project is installed in one to three days. Because ProVia windows are built to order to your exact openings, expect three to five weeks between signing and installation while your windows are manufactured.
Your Window Project, Start to Finish
Here is every stage of the process, what we do, and what we need from you.
Free In-Home Consultation and Measurement
We come to your home, look at every window you want to replace, and measure each opening precisely. This is also where we spot the things that change a project: rotted frames, failed seals, lead paint in pre-1978 homes, asbestos glazing putty on original windows, or an opening that is out of square. We talk through window styles, glass options, and the look you want, then leave you with a clear written estimate. No pressure, no “today only” pricing, no four-hour sales presentation.
Custom Window Order
ProVia windows are built to order, made to the exact size of your openings rather than pulled off a shelf. Once you approve the scope, we place the order with your chosen line, glass package, grid pattern, and color. This is also when we file for any required permit and, if you are in a historic district or HOA, submit for the approvals that need a sign-off before work begins.
Install Scheduling
When your windows arrive and your permit is in hand, we call to schedule the install around your calendar. We confirm the date, the crew lead, the expected duration, and what you should do to prep, such as clearing a few feet of space in front of each window and taking down blinds and curtains. You will know exactly who is coming and when.
Preparation and Protection
The crew arrives, lays down floor protection along the work path, and covers furniture near each opening with drop cloths. We treat your home like it is still yours, because it is. In pre-1978 homes where lead paint is a factor, we set up the proper containment before any old window comes out. This is the unglamorous step that keeps dust and debris out of your living space.
Careful Removal of the Old Windows
We remove the old sashes and, depending on whether your project is a retrofit or a full-frame install, either keep the sound existing frame or take everything down to the rough opening. We inspect what we find. If there is hidden rot or water damage behind the trim, we show you, explain it, and address it the right way rather than burying it behind a new window.
Precise Installation, Sealing, and Flashing
This is the part that separates a window that lasts from one that leaks. We set each window plumb, level, and square, then seal it with foam insulation around the entire frame, flash it to shed water, and finish with exterior wrap and interior trim. As a ProVia Master Installer, we install to the manufacturer’s spec so your lifetime warranty is fully backed. The foam is never an upcharge. It goes in on every window.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
We test every window to confirm it opens, closes, locks, and seals correctly. We walk the job with you so you can see the work and ask questions. Then we clean up completely, haul away every old window and scrap of debris, and coordinate the municipal final inspection so you do not have to. We hand you your ProVia warranty registration, ENERGY STAR documentation, and the manufacturer certification you need for the 25C tax credit.
Two Things That Trip People Up
Why the Wait After You Sign
The three to five week gap between signing and installation surprises some homeowners who expect us to show up next week. The reason is simple: your windows do not exist yet. ProVia builds each one to the exact measurements of your openings. That made-to-order precision is exactly why the windows fit and seal so well, and it is worth the short wait. If you have a true emergency, like a broken window letting weather in, tell us and we will help you secure the opening in the meantime.
Retrofit vs. Full-Frame
We decide this during the measurement visit, not on a sales script. If your existing frames are sound, a retrofit install sets the new window into them, which is faster and more affordable. If we find rot, water damage, or you want to resize an opening, a full-frame install takes everything back to the rough opening and rebuilds it right. We tell you which one your home needs and why, and the estimate reflects the honest answer, not the more expensive one.
“The install is where window companies either earn their money or get exposed. We have been doing this since 1999, so the crew has set thousands of windows. The thing I tell every homeowner is to ask whether the foam insulation around the frame is included. With us it always is, on every window, because a window set without that foam leaks air and traps moisture in the wall. That is how rot starts behind brand new trim. We do it right the first time so you are not calling anyone back.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole window replacement process take?
Do I need to be home during the installation?
How should I prepare my home before install day?
Will replacing windows make a mess in my house?
Who handles the permit and inspection?
What happens if you find rot or damage when the old window comes out?
Ready to Start? It Begins with a Free Measurement
No pressure, no “today only” pricing. Just an honest look at your windows and a clear written scope. ProVia Master Installer. 4.9 stars across 712+ reviews. Locally owned, with offices in Springfield VA and Hanover MD.