--- title: "Planning a Window and Door Project: Steps and Timeline" description: "A clear sequence for planning a window and door project in DFW: what to decide early, what to send for a quote, lead-time questions and how permits fit." url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/planning-a-window-and-door-project publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door phone: +1-214-484-9982 quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us --- # Planning a window and door project, from first drawing to install day Plan in this order: design and openings, product and glass choices, a quote from your plans, permit and approval checks, then ordering, delivery and installation. Send plans, a window schedule, rough opening sizes and photos early. Ask each maker for a written lead time on your exact configuration; never assume one. Updated November 5, 20267 min read ![A living room with a wall of large windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/light-living-glass-wood-ceiling-01.DVsux7tl_Z6goOo.avif) ## Decide the openings first Size, swing and glass type drive cost and lead time. Settle them before you order. ## Send complete information Plans, a window schedule, rough openings, the site address and photos let a team quote accurately. ## Ask for lead times in writing Lead time depends on the maker, product and shipping. Bertrand publishes its own ranges. ## Check permits by city Dallas, Fort Worth and Southlake each post permit information. Confirm with the city before work starts. ## What are the steps in a window and door project? A typical project runs in seven steps: design, selection, quote, permit checks, ordering, delivery, and installation. Steps overlap, and each job differs. This is a general sequence, so ask your supplier how it runs its own projects. Honey Rock Window and Door describes its work as running “from the initial design process to the final installation.” The table below shows how that span usually breaks down for a custom home or major remodel. Step What happens What you decide 1\. Design Openings, sizes and swings are drawn Where glass goes, how doors open, views 2\. Selection Product, frame and glass are chosen Frame material, glass package, finish, hardware 3\. Quote The supplier prices your exact openings Budget, options, alternates 4\. Permits and approvals The city or district reviews plans Who files, what drawings are needed 5\. Ordering Final sizes, drawings and finishes are approved Sign-off on every opening 6\. Fabrication and delivery The maker builds; products ship Delivery date, storage on site 7\. Installation Frames are set, sealed and checked Access, schedule, final inspection ## What should I decide before I ask for a quote? Decide the openings, the look and the budget range first. A clear brief gets a clearer quote. You do not need every answer. You need the big ones: what type of project, which walls have glass, and what style of frame you want. Start with these questions: 1. Is this a new build, a remodel or a commercial project? Honey Rock’s contact form lists those three project types. 2. Which openings are windows, which are doors, and how does each open? Compare options on our casement, fixed and French door pages. 3. Which frame material do you want? See our frame comparison guide. 4. What energy target do you need? See our SHGC and U-factor guide. 5. Is the home in a historic or conservation district? See the [historic districts guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/windows-in-dallas-historic-districts). Large panes need an early decision. Jada notes that “oversize glass can dramatically affect the overall cost and the warranty of the fenestration on a project,” and that many vendors limit warranty by glass size, so qualify this “as a part of the design process.” Read our glass options guide before you draw big panes. ## What should I send to get an accurate quote? Send plans, a schedule of openings, sizes, location and photos. The more complete your package, the less guessing. The table shows what helps and why. Item to send Why it helps Floor plans and elevations Shows every opening and how it sits in the wall Window and door schedule Lists type, size, swing and glass for each opening Rough opening sizes Lets the supplier size the frame to fit Project address Sets the city, permit office and any district rules Target schedule Frames the lead time conversation Photos of existing openings (remodel) Shows condition, trim, and access Notes on style and finish Keeps the first quote close to what you want Energy and code targets Lets the supplier pick matching glass and ratings A [rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening) is the framed hole a unit fits into. It is not the same as the frame size. Our post on [rough opening vs frame size](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/rough-opening-vs-frame-size) explains the difference. If you are not sure of your numbers, say so, and ask who will verify them. Honey Rock’s contact form also asks for a preferred date, a budget and a message. Fill those in if you can. They tell the team what you expect. ## What lead time questions should I ask? Ask every maker for a written lead time for your exact configuration. Do not assume one. Lead time depends on the product, the size, the finish, the factory queue and shipping. Honey Rock does not publish a lead time. Bertrand does publish ranges in its FAQ. They are Bertrand’s figures for its own products shipped from Poland, not a promise from Honey Rock. Bertrand FAQ item As Bertrand publishes it Aluminum constructions “Aluminum constructions are made in 7-8 weeks.” Air freight “Air freight takes 7-10 days” Container transport “container transport takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the construction location” Total lead time “Total lead time, depending on the product and location, takes 5 to 16 weeks.” Questions to put in writing: - What is the lead time from approved drawings to delivery for my products? - Does the clock start at order, at drawing approval or at deposit? - Which items are the longest, such as large doors or special finishes? - How are products shipped, and who handles damage in transit? - What happens to the schedule if I change a size after approval? - Can the order ship in phases to match the build? ## How do permits and approvals fit into the schedule? Permits come before install, and sometimes before ordering. Rules differ by city and change over time. As of November 2026, three DFW cities say window work needs a permit. Check yours before you set a date. City What its page says Our area page Dallas “A Residential Permit is an official approval from the City of Dallas that allows you to start construction, renovation, or major repairs on your home.” [Dallas](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/areas/dallas) Fort Worth “Replacement or addition of exterior doors, windows or burglar bars requires a building permit.” [Fort Worth](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/areas/fort-worth) Southlake “Window replacement does require a permit.” [Southlake](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/areas/southlake) Dallas does not say, on the page we read, whether a like-for-like window swap needs a permit. Ask Dallas Development Services. For the Park Cities, ask the town or city that issues your permits. If your home is in a Dallas Landmark district, you may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Dallas says these “are required before exterior work (including landscaping) can begin on City of Dallas Landmarks or on structures in Landmark districts.” Build that review into your schedule, since it can take longer than a permit. This is general information, not legal advice. ## What can slow a project down? Late decisions, wrong sizes and missing approvals cause most delays. Changing a size after drawings are approved can restart fabrication. A permit or district review that starts late can hold the install date. Long shipping times add to both. Plan for these common causes: - Rough openings that differ from the drawings. - Finish or glass changes after the order. - Large glass sizes that need a special supplier or crane. - A Certificate of Appropriateness or permit review that has not been filed. - Site access that is not ready when units arrive. Build slack into your schedule. If a date matters, such as a move-in or a closing, tell the supplier at the first meeting and ask for a written plan that works backward from it. ## How do I check the energy ratings before I order? Ask for the NFRC rating of each product type, with your glass and grid. Compare whole-window numbers to your target. Jada’s checklist is a good model. It says to “confirm that the energy performance values quoted are for the unit value and not the center of glass values.” It also says to “check the NFRC website to verify that each product type is currently rated.” Learn to read the rating in our NFRC label guide, and see the [NFRC label](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/nfrc-label) entry for a short definition. Keep the rating sheets in your project file. Your city may ask for them at permit review. ## What happens at delivery and installation? Plan site access, storage and a clear schedule. Large units need space, and crews need a clear path. Installation sets the frame in the rough opening, then seals and flashes it. Good install work keeps air and water out. The Department of Energy says “good installation practices will minimize air infiltration around fenestration products.” [Flashing](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/flashing) and sealant details matter as much as the unit itself. Ask who installs, who supervises, and who handles warranty service after install. Ask these questions before delivery day: 1. Who checks the rough openings before the units arrive? 2. Where will the units be stored, and who protects them? 3. How will large glass or doors reach the opening? 4. Who inspects the work, and who corrects punch-list items? ## How do builders and architects work with Honey Rock? Builders and architects can bring Honey Rock in during design, so openings, glass and details work together. Honey Rock’s contact form lists “Builder Referral” among the ways people hear about the company. See the [builders and architects page](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/builders-and-architects) for how to start. Send the plan set and a draft window schedule. Ask for product data, ratings and lead time answers in writing. Early input saves redraws. A custom home project often goes better when the supplier sees the drawings before framing starts. A short kickoff meeting helps. Bring the plans, the schedule, the energy target and a list of open questions. Agree on who owns each task: measuring, drawings, permits, ordering, delivery and install. Write the agreement down and share it with the whole team. ## Next step Gather your plans, schedule, rough openings and photos. Then talk with Honey Rock Window and Door about your project. Start on the [builders and architects page](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/builders-and-architects), then use [Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us) or call (214) 484-9982. ## Questions people ask ### What are the steps in a window and door project? A typical sequence has seven steps: design and openings, product and glass choices, a quote, permit and approval checks, ordering with drawings, fabrication and delivery, then installation and inspection. Steps overlap on many jobs. This is a general sequence, so ask your supplier how it runs its own projects. ### What should I send to get a window and door quote? Send your plans or elevations, a window and door schedule if you have one, rough opening sizes, the project address, your schedule and photos of existing openings for a remodel. Say whether the job is a new build, a remodel or commercial. Complete information means fewer rounds of questions. ### How long does it take to get custom windows and doors? It depends on the maker, the product and shipping, and Honey Rock does not publish a lead time. Bertrand's FAQ says aluminum constructions are made in 7-8 weeks and total lead time takes 5 to 16 weeks, depending on product and location. Ask each maker for a written lead time on your configuration. ### Do I need a permit to replace windows in Dallas? Do not assume you do not. The City of Dallas defines a Residential Permit as official approval that lets you start construction, renovation or major repairs. Fort Worth says replacement of exterior doors and windows requires a permit. Southlake says window replacement requires one. Confirm with your city as of today. ### What is a rough opening and why does it matter? The rough opening is the framed hole in the wall that a window or door fits into. Makers size the frame to fit it with room for shims and seals. Wrong rough opening sizes cause delays and changes. Measure carefully, or have the maker or installer verify before you order. ### When should I involve my architect or builder? Before the drawings are final. Window and door choices change wall details, headers, and floor transitions. Honey Rock describes its work as running from the initial design process to the final installation, so bring the whole team to the first conversation. ## Terms on this page - [SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/shgc) - [Certificate of Appropriateness](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/certificate-of-appropriateness) - [Rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening) - [French door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/french-door) - [NFRC label](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/nfrc-label) - [Flashing](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/flashing) - [U-factor](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/u-factor) ## Sources 1. [Bertrand: FAQ (lead time)](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) 2. [Bertrand: FAQ (total lead time)](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) 3. [Bertrand: FAQ (shipping)](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) 4. [Bertrand: FAQ (custom)](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) 5. [City of Dallas: Residential Permits](https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/pages/residential.aspx) 6. [City of Fort Worth: Residential Permitting](https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits/residential-information) 7. [City of Southlake: Accessory Buildings, Additions, and Remodels Guidelines](https://www.cityofsouthlake.com/DocumentCenter/View/45661/Res-Accessory-and-Addition-Guidelines-?bidId=) 8. [City of Dallas Office of Historic Preservation: Applications and Forms](https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/historicpreservation/Pages/Applications.aspx) 9. [Jada Windows: Glazing (glass sizes)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 10. [Jada Windows: Glazing (design stage)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 11. [Jada Windows: Energy-Values (checklist)](https://jada.com/features/energy-values) 12. [Jada Windows: Energy-Values (rated products)](https://jada.com/features/energy-values) 13. [U.S. Department of Energy FEMP: Purchasing Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights (installation)](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-residential-windows-doors-and-skylights) Written by Honey Rock Window and Door and checked against the sources above on November 5, 2026. Product specifications and city rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Replacing windows and doors in a Dallas historic districtIn a Dallas Landmark district, exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness before it starts. Minor work may need only staff approval. Bigger changes go to the Landmark Commission. Conservation districts like the M Streets use a Work Review Form instead. Confirm your address and the rules with the city first.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/windows-in-dallas-historic-districts) - [Rough Opening vs Frame Size: How Windows Fit a WallThe rough opening is the hole framed in the wall. The frame size is the outside size of the window or door unit. The opening is larger so the unit can be set level, plumb and square. One manufacturer's casement chart typically adds 1/2 inch to the frame size. Always use your maker's drawing.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/rough-opening-vs-frame-size) - [Window replacement in Dallas luxury and historic homesBefore you replace windows in Dallas, confirm three things with the city: whether your work needs a permit, whether your home sits in a Landmark or conservation district, and what that district allows. As of November 2026, historic districts need approval before exterior work. Never assume a swap is exempt.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/window-replacement-dallas) - [Custom entry doors: swing, pivot, steel and wood-cladA custom entry door starts with how it opens: inswing, outswing or pivot. Then you choose the frame material, the glass and privacy level, the locks and the sill. In Texas, add the sun. A west-facing door needs low-solar-gain glass and a sill detail that suits its exposure.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/custom-entry-doors) - [Energy-efficient windows for Texas homesIn Texas, the number that matters most is solar heat gain (SHGC), because summer sun drives cooling costs. Then check U-factor, visible transmittance and the NFRC label. Dallas and Tarrant counties sit in ENERGY STAR's Southern zone. Local energy codes differ by city, so confirm yours.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/energy-efficient-windows-texas) - [Folding and bi-fold doors for Dallas homesA folding door is a row of hinged glass panels that fold flat and stack to one side, opening nearly a whole wall. Jada makes outswing steel folding doors and windows. Bertrand makes aluminum folding systems. Sun makes clad-wood bi-fold doors and windows with Centor hardware. Honey Rock works with all three makers.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/folding-doors) ![A modern home with wide glass doors lit warm at dusk beside a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/dusk-modern-home-pool-01.CeePxgPr_Z2giQin.webp) ## Let’s frame your view. Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass. [Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us)[or call (214) 484-9982](tel:+1-214-484-9982)