Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeside Exteriors
Homeowners across the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes area have a lot of questions before hiring an exterior contractor — and that makes sense. This FAQ page covers what Lakeside Exteriors hears most, from window replacement costs and timelines to siding installation, door replacement, roofing, and storm damage inspections. Whether a homeowner is just starting to research or ready to schedule, these answers cover the full picture. Read through and call (651) 431-1877 whenever ready to talk through a specific project.
Do you offer free estimates for window replacement?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors offers free estimates for window replacement, and there's no pressure attached. When a homeowner schedules a visit, a Lakeside team member comes to the home, looks at the windows, and listens to what the homeowner wants to change. They walk through the options in plain language, answer questions, and put together a clear written estimate with no hidden fees. Lakeside wants homeowners to feel confident about their choices before they decide — not rushed into anything on the spot.
What types of replacement windows does Lakeside Exteriors offer, and can they help choose the best style?
Lakeside Exteriors offers a wide range of replacement window types, including double-hung, casement, sliding, picture, bay, and bow windows, as well as specialty shapes and patio doors. They work with major brands like Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia, so homeowners can match both the look and performance they're after. When a Lakeside specialist visits the home, they look at the house style, how much light each room gets, and how each window gets used day to day. They explain the pros and cons of each window type in simple terms and help the homeowner land on something that fits both the budget and the home. No guessing involved.
Does Lakeside Exteriors handle permits and cleanup as part of the window installation process?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors handles both permits and cleanup as part of every window installation. When a project needs a city permit, Lakeside takes care of the paperwork and makes sure the job meets local building codes and inspection requirements. After the install, the crew removes old windows, scraps, and packaging, and sweeps or vacuums the work areas so the home is ready to use again. Homeowners get a full start-to-finish service — permits, inspection coordination, careful installation, and thorough cleanup — without having to manage the messy details themselves.
How long does a typical window replacement project take with Lakeside Exteriors?
Most window replacement projects with Lakeside Exteriors take a few weeks from first visit to final install. After the initial consultation, a homeowner typically needs one to two weeks to finalize choices and order custom windows. Once the windows arrive, the actual installation on a typical home takes one to two days. Larger whole-house jobs might need an extra day. Lakeside keeps homeowners updated on timing throughout the process, so there are no surprises about what's happening or when.
Does Lakeside Exteriors offer warranties on window installation and the windows themselves?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors offers warranties on both the window installation work and the windows themselves. The windows Lakeside installs come with manufacturer warranties from trusted brands like Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia, covering things like defects in the glass, frames, and hardware. On top of that, Lakeside backs their installation with a workmanship warranty — so if a problem comes from how a window was installed, they come back and make it right. Homeowners get protection two ways: from the manufacturer and from a local company that stands behind its work.
Does Lakeside Exteriors offer financing for window replacement?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors offers financing for window replacement projects, and it's straightforward on purpose. They currently offer 0% financing for qualifying homeowners, which means payments can be spread out over time without paying interest during the promotional period. Because promotions can change, Lakeside recommends confirming the current offer during the estimate visit. A Lakeside representative can walk through today's options, explain how long the offer lasts, and help a homeowner figure out what payment structure works best for their budget.
Can Lakeside Exteriors do window replacement in the winter?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors replaces windows in the winter, and they work carefully to keep the home comfortable while the work gets done. The crews are used to Minnesota winters and use cold-weather sealants and insulation products built to perform in freezing temperatures. They replace one window at a time and close off the room as much as possible so cold air isn't rushing through the house. Each opening is exposed for a short time before the new window goes in and gets sealed. Homeowners don't have to wait for warm weather to fix drafty or leaky windows — Lakeside installs energy-efficient windows that handle real Minnesota conditions from day one.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do window replacement for older homes with wood frames?
Yes, Lakeside Exteriors does window replacement for older homes with wood frames, and they can repair frame damage as part of the job. When the crew removes the old windows, they check the wood around each opening for rot, soft spots, or water damage. If they find a problem, they replace or repair the bad wood before setting the new window in, so it has a solid, dry surface to sit on. Older homes often have a lot of character, and Lakeside knows how to keep that while giving the homeowner modern, energy-efficient windows. They match trims and details as closely as possible so the house keeps its charm without losing the drafts.
What cities does Lakeside Exteriors provide services in?
Lakeside Exteriors serves a wide range of communities across Minnesota. In the Twin Cities metro, they work throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs including Minnetonka, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Wayzata, Edina, Excelsior, Chanhassen, Chaska, Crystal, Deephaven, Long Lake, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Shorewood, Bloomington, and more. In the Brainerd Lakes region, they serve Brainerd, Baxter, Crosslake, and surrounding communities. They also cover Forest Lake and surrounding areas to the north. Homeowners can call (651) 431-1877 to confirm service in their area.
Does Lakeside Exteriors install windows in Golden Valley, MN?
Homeowners in Golden Valley ask this one a lot, and the answer is yes. Lakeside Exteriors installs replacement windows throughout Golden Valley and the surrounding west metro. Whether a homeowner needs one window replaced or wants to update the whole house, Lakeside handles the full job. The team is a Pella Certified Installer and Andersen Certified Contractor, so customers get access to top-tier products backed by real manufacturer warranties. A free in-home estimate is just a call away at (651) 431-1877.
What are retrofit windows, and does Lakeside Exteriors install them?
A lot of homeowners hear the term "retrofit windows" and aren't sure what it means. Retrofit windows — also called insert windows — fit directly into the existing window frame without tearing out the interior trim or exterior siding. For many Minnesota homes, this is the cleaner, faster option. Lakeside Exteriors installs retrofit windows across the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes area. When a Lakeside specialist comes out for a free estimate, they look at the existing frames and walk the homeowner through whether retrofit or full-frame replacement makes more sense for their specific situation. No guessing, just a straight answer.
How much does window replacement cost with Lakeside Exteriors?
This is one of the first questions homeowners ask, and it's a fair one. The cost of window replacement depends on a few things — window type, size, brand, and how many windows are being replaced. Because every home is different, Lakeside Exteriors provides free written estimates with no hidden fees, so homeowners know exactly what they're looking at before any work begins. For customers who want to replace multiple windows at once, Lakeside offers 0% financing on qualifying projects, which makes it a lot easier to get the whole job done right the first time. The best starting point is a free in-home consultation — call (651) 431-1877 to set one up.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do commercial window installation?
Yes, and it's a service more business owners are asking about. Lakeside Exteriors handles commercial window installation and replacement across the Twin Cities metro, including storefronts, office buildings, and multi-unit properties. The team has experience with both retrofit and full-frame commercial installs and works with brands built for commercial applications. Business owners who want to talk through a project can call (651) 431-1877 to get the conversation started.
Does Lakeside Exteriors replace doors?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors installs entry doors, patio doors, and French doors throughout the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes area. They work with ProVia, Pella, and Andersen — three of the most trusted names in doors — and handle the full install from framing and weatherproofing to final hardware. A lot of homeowners choose to replace their doors at the same time as their windows, which keeps the project efficient and makes the whole exterior look like it belongs together.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do siding installation in Minnesota?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors installs siding throughout the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes, including Golden Valley, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and the communities in between. The team installs James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide, and vinyl siding — all products that hold up well against Minnesota winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture. For homeowners who need both new windows and new siding, Lakeside can coordinate both projects together so the work gets done in one clean process.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do window replacement in Brainerd, MN?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors serves Brainerd and the surrounding lakes area for window replacement. Many of the homes up there are lake cabins or seasonal properties, and Lakeside has real experience working on both year-round homes and vacation properties in the area. The team installs Pella, Andersen, and Marvin windows and offers free in-home estimates throughout the Brainerd Lakes region. Homeowners can call (651) 431-1877 to get the process started.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do roofing in Wayzata, MN?
Homeowners in Wayzata ask about local roofing contractors often, and Lakeside Exteriors is a strong answer. Lakeside serves Wayzata and the surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities for roofing repairs, full roof replacements, and storm damage inspections. The team is GAF and Owens Corning certified, which means the materials and workmanship meet standards that insurance companies and homeowners can count on. For anyone in Wayzata dealing with storm damage or an aging roof, a free inspection is the right first step — call (651) 431-1877 to set one up.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do siding installation in Golden Valley, MN?
Yes. Golden Valley homeowners looking for a siding contractor have a local option in Lakeside Exteriors. Lakeside installs James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide, and vinyl siding throughout Golden Valley and the west metro. These are products built to handle Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles and harsh winters, not just look good on day one. Lakeside can also pair a siding project with window or door replacement, which a lot of Golden Valley homeowners find convenient when they're doing a broader exterior update. Call (651) 431-1877 for a free estimate.
Does Lakeside Exteriors do window replacement throughout the Twin Cities?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors serves the full Twin Cities metro for window replacement, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and dozens of suburbs across Hennepin, Ramsey, Carver, and surrounding counties. Homeowners across the metro choose Lakeside because of the factory certifications — Pella Certified Installer, Andersen Certified Contractor — and the straightforward process from free estimate to final install. No matter where a homeowner is in the Twin Cities, the same team, same products, and same standards apply. Call (651) 431-1877 or visit lakesideexteriorsmn.com to get started.
Does Lakeside Exteriors handle siding repair?
Lakeside Exteriors gets asked about siding repair regularly, and the honest answer depends on the situation. For minor damage — a few cracked or missing boards — repair can be a reasonable fix. For siding that's older, widespread, or starting to fail in multiple spots, replacement usually makes more financial sense in the long run, especially with Minnesota winters doing their part to accelerate the problem. When a Lakeside specialist comes out, they look at the full picture and give a straight recommendation, not just the most expensive one. Call (651) 431-1877 to schedule a free assessment.