How Much Time Should I Expect My C&L Ward Project to Take?
June 30, 2026 | By Pat Ward
If you know it’s time for a home improvement—from a new window to siding—the worst thing you can do is wait. Often, clients are ready to move forward with a project but decide to wait a few months before starting, not realizing how the season affects the timeline.
Maybe you’re thinking that you want a new roof in October, but the summer is a little busy, so you decide to schedule a consultation in September. What many clients don’t realize is that it can take 10 to 12 weeks after signing to finish your project. That new roof might not be completed until December.
At C&L Ward, we’ve completed more than 47,354 jobs—across windows, doors, siding, roofing, and decking—for satisfied clients across Michigan. We’ve seen lead times remain consistent over the years for some products, while fluctuating by the month for others. For more than 50 years, we’ve been happy to help homeowners better understand lead times and the best time to buy.
This article will provide you with quick overviews of when your project could be completed, depending on when you close a deal with C&L Ward. We’ll explain what lead times are, how long each project takes, why timelines vary, and when the best time to buy is based on your needs.
For a more detailed breakdown of what occurs during that timeframe, visit our article: “How Does C&L Ward’s Process Determine the Timeline and Schedule of My Project?”
Table of Contents
What is Lead Time?
You might find that the definition of “lead time” varies between companies. For some, it means the amount of time from when a product is ordered to when it arrives. For others, it refers to the time from when a project begins to when that project is completed.
C&L Ward defines lead time as the time from when you sign and close a sale to when your project is fully completed.
What Impacts Project Lead Time?
Our general lead time is 6 to 12 weeks, though the exact timeframe of your project may vary. Lead time ranges can be influenced by the time of year and when you close the sale. The lead time on a new roof might be just 8 weeks in September, but that same roof could have a lead time of 12 weeks in October.
Manufacturing is one of the biggest factors behind lead time. Some materials may be readily available, while others may be a special order. An Andersen window or entry door, for example, may take 6 to 8 weeks for Andersen to produce and ship to C&L Ward. If this window or door is to be customized in our pre-finish shop, it may take an additional 2 weeks for it to be ready for installation.
Lead times tend to extend during the spring and fall due to increased demand for certain products, like doors and windows. While all of our services are available year-round, extreme weather can also impact your project timeline.
What Are C&L Ward’s Lead Times for Windows, Doors, Siding, Roofing, or Decks?
Lead times vary by product. Below, we offer average timelines for each project based on our 2025 data. With these timelines, you’ll find an explanation of which factors most impact each product, and examples of when it might be best to buy, depending on your needs.
The timelines below are estimates as of the day the paperwork was signed. Again, these numbers are simply estimates based on trends we saw in 2025. Your actual lead time may be shorter or longer depending on project scope, product availability, or even weather.
Windows and Doors
C&L Ward’s lead times on windows and doors averaged 9 to 12 weeks in 2025. July saw the shortest lead times, at about 9 weeks, while February and November had the longest.
Our window and door lead times, as shown, indicate that if you want new windows for winter, you should commit to a solution by late summer or early autumn.
If you want a shorter lead time on windows, July may be the best month to sign. In the peak of summer, many folks are traveling and not thinking of how cold their house gets in the winter. The truth is, a quick appointment now could have your new windows installed in September—helping to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler next summer.
Siding
Siding saw the shortest lead times in April and July of 2025, with fall and winter seeing the longest lead times.
With this in mind, we suggest signing by August if you want your new siding installed for the fall, or by February if you’d like it completed for spring.
Roofing
Roofing lead times are the shortest in the summer, from April to September. They are longest in the autumn, from October to December.
This means that, if you want a new roof before spring, you should sign by January.
Decks
Our decking lead times consistently averaged 10 to 12 weeks in 2025, meaning there’s not much of a window for shorter lead times. We can install decks year-round, but weather can impact your exact timeline.
We recommend signing based on the date you want to use your new deck. Need your deck finished for an open house in June? You should sign in the winter at the latest.
Should I Ask About Lead Times During the Consultation Process?
Lead times and schedules can be a source of anxiety for homeowners. But by planning ahead and understanding what influences timelines, this stress can be alleviated.
Ask your contractor to break down what you can expect before signing. How long do their projects typically take? What do they do to prevent avoidable delays? How will they communicate if delays arise?
Delays do happen that are outside of a contractor’s control. With that in mind, a quality installer should still be able to have an honest conversation about what to expect. To learn more about C&L Ward’s lead times and what your project could look like, read our article, “How Does C&L Ward’s Process Determine the Timeline and Schedule of My Project?”
If you’re ready to talk to an expert, receive an exact quote, and learn what your project lead time could be, Schedule an Appointment with one of our consultants. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
What is Lead Time?
Lead time is the time from when you sign and close a sale to when your project is fully completed.
What are C&L Ward’s typical lead times for common projects? / How long will my project take?
C&L Ward’s typical lead times are as follows:
- Windows and Doors: 9 to 12 weeks
- Siding: 8 to 12 weeks
- Roofing: 6 to 12 weeks
- Decking: 10 to 12 weeks
Why do some installers advertise faster lead times than others?
Some installers may keep materials stored onsite, with a few standard options stored in a warehouse. Keeping materials at the ready can help provide a faster lead time, but these installers may not provide as many custom options or sizes as installers that order from the manufacturer.
The number of crews, proven processes, and the amount of business they handle can also influence lead times.
Does C&L Ward offer installations year-round?
Yes, C&L Ward offers installations for windows, doors, siding, roofing, and decks year-round.
How can I speed up the home improvement process?
While you can’t do much to make materials ship faster, you can still help to speed up your project in other ways. The best thing you can do for your installation is to be confident in your decision.
It’s okay not to know exactly what you want, and one of our expert design consultants will be happy to help you find a vision that fits your home. But don’t commit to ordering materials if you’re still weighing options or expect to change your mind.
Lead times are high this month. Should I still plan my project now, or should I wait?
If you’re ready to move forward with your project, the best time to buy is now. Lead times are subject to change, so it’s best to get your project started as soon as you’re ready to commit.