Permits, Prep & One-Day Installs: A Window-Replacement Roadmap for Colorado Springs

Some homeowners dread paperwork more than they dread a dusty construction zone.

To be honest, we don’t blame you.

At Zen Windows Colorado Springs, our mission is to make replacing your windows smooth, fast, and (dare we say it) easy. From handling permits to the final caulking bead on installation day, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the new views and upgraded energy efficiency.

If you’re in Colorado Springs or anywhere within the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department’s jurisdiction, there are a few things you should know before jumping into a window replacement project. Here’s your roadmap, clear and honest without the usual contractor runaround.

Do You Need a Permit to Replace Windows in Colorado Springs?

Here’s the good news right away: not every window project needs a permit.

According to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD), you don’t need a permit if you’re simply replacing windows and not modifying the rough opening. That means the new windows are being installed in the exact same size and spot as the old ones, with no framing changes, no structural alterations, and no problems.

But there are exceptions. You’re probably looking at a permit situation if your replacement includes:

  • Modifying the size of the window or rough opening
  • Installing or altering windows used for emergency egress
  • Adding safety glazing in areas that require it (like bathrooms or stair landings)

How Zen Windows Handles Permits (So You Don’t Have To)

We don’t expect you to understand code compliance or sit on hold with the city. That’s our job. When you work with Zen Windows, we assess every project upfront to determine whether a permit is required, based on your home’s location, window placement, and local building codes.

If a permit is needed, we’ll work to ensure everything is up to code. There’s no extra fee, and no extraneous paperwork for you to fill out. This is part of our all-in-one approach: one quote, one crew, one smooth experience.

What to Expect Before Installation Day

Once you accept your quote, we get to work behind the scenes. Every replacement window is ordered just for you to your specs, so the first thing we do is confirm your styles, colors, and configurations, and then finalize the measurements.

We’ll keep you in the loop the whole time, so there are no surprises. Once the windows arrive, we schedule installation based on your availability. We ask that you:

  • Remove curtains, blinds, or shutters near the windows being replaced
  • Move any furniture or obstacles about three feet away from the window area
  • Secure any pets that may be interested in exploring our tools

No need to deep-clean or stress. Just make a little room, and we’ll take it from there.

How One-Day Window Installation Works

Yes, it’s possible, and actually quite common, to have all your windows replaced in just one day. While there are a few too many variables for us to “guarantee” that everything will be finished in a single day, it’s really quite the norm for our pros. 

On installation day, our crew of professional subcontractors (the same pros we’ve worked with for years) will arrive on time and ready to work. We’ll start by removing the old windows one by one, prepping each opening, and installing the new ones with proper insulation, flashing, and sealants.

We don’t bounce between jobs. We stay until it’s done, clean, and correct. Depending on the number of windows being replaced, the average full-home installation typically wraps up in a single day. Sometimes it’s a long day, but it’s still just one.

We also remove and haul away all the old windows, so there’s nothing left but fresh air and a better view.

Common Questions Colorado Springs Homeowners Ask

Do I need to be home for the install?

Yes. We’ll need someone there at the beginning and end of the job for access and walkthrough.

Will my house be exposed during the process?

Not at all. We work one window at a time, so your home is never wide open.

What about my alarm sensors?

If your windows are wired into a security system, we recommend contacting your alarm company beforehand.

Can I leave pets at home?

It’s best to keep pets away from work areas for safety, and so we don’t accidentally become a chew toy.

Do you take the old windows with you?

Absolutely. Haul-off is included, no extra charge.

Final Walkthrough and What Happens After

Once installation is complete, we do a final walkthrough with you. We check every window, every latch, every line of caulk. We ensure everything operates perfectly and that the job site is clean.

Then, we back it all up with our Double Limited Lifetime Warranty. This covers materials and labor with no fine print or expiration date games. If your project required a permit, we’ll also coordinate any final inspections needed by the PPRBD.

Our job isn’t done until everything is done right.

The Zen Windows Difference in Colorado Springs

We’re not like other window companies, and that’s by design. At Zen Windows Colorado Springs, there are no deposits, no pricing gimmicks, and definitely no sales reps showing up at your house with a pitch deck. You get a quote online or over the phone, and that quote is exactly what you’ll pay.

What we care about is a clean job, a happy customer, and windows that work perfectly for decades.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your home without a headache, let’s get started the stress-free way.