Importing windows from Europe is financially worth it for spec homes, but only if three conditions are met:
The more high-end spec homes, the better your ROI from importing from Europe. Once the window budget passes $30K, projects consistently deliver higher ROI.
You should order at least 12 weeks ahead of installation – it’s the lead time that reduces unnecessary risks.
You need a reliable partner with a proven remote process that removes the risk and hassle of working long-distance.
You should make the decision consciously, based on your situation and the type of project you’re planning.
Go through our checklist and ask yourself the following questions:
What types of spec home projects make window import from Europe worth it?
The higher the project value, the greater the ROI – that’s why luxury homes and subdivisions are the most profitable for importing.
For luxury homes, it makes more sense because:
With larger orders, logistics make up a smaller percentage of the total budget.
Luxury homes with premium European aluminum increase property value, so you can sell at a higher price.
Even outside the luxury market, affordable and mid-range spec homes deliver strong profitability and attractive returns. Importing can be worth it even for a single spec home project (with a window order value of $30k).
It’s also especially attractive for production builders, as each repeat order shortens the specification process and keeps logistics costs stable, allowing for solid, repeatable margins.
The higher the project value, the greater the ROI
What project budget makes importing windows from Europe for spec homes financially viable?
To make import financially worth it, your window order should be at least around $30,000.
If your project’s budget is lower, there’s a higher risk that shipping and duty costs will eat up the margin you’d gain from importing.
When it comes to import, your budget needs to cover not just the products, but logistics as well.
It’s worth filling a full container to avoid paying for empty space. You can do this by combining shipments for multiple projects or partnering with someone else on one delivery.
During a video call with debesto, our business consultant will calculate a live total estimate (products + shipping + duty).
Spec home projects with multiple sliding patio doors are statistically the most profitable to import
Based on our clients’ experience, European windows can make your property more attractive and help you save up to 50% compared to American premium products.
You sell faster and with higher margins.
However, import isn’t the right option for everyone or every situation.
That’s why, during a free consultation, we help you check whether importing makes sense for your project.
Patrick Łakucewicz, Key Account Manager at debesto.com
Plan your European window import ahead of time
How far in advance should you plan your window import from Europe? The earlier you start, the smoother the process.
Plan your project so that your window order is ready to place at least 12 weeks before installation. Keep in mind: finalizing specs with supplier takes additional time, so start early.
That timeline includes:
Production – typically takes 3 to 7 weeks, depending on material and window type
Shipping – delivery to the East Coast takes around 5 weeks; longer for the West
Please note: once the order is shipped, we can’t fully control ocean transport. Things like port congestion or weather may cause delays, even with a solid shipping plan in place.
Before production starts, your window schedule must be reviewed and translated into a technical specification.
How long that takes depends on how complete your schedule is and how complex the project is. If you already have a project in the works, feel free to discuss it with us – we’ll help you get the windows delivered on time.
The earlier you start, the smoother the process. Order 12 weeks before installation
Is a crew specialized in European window installation a must-have?
If you already have a crew experienced with European windows, importing won’t require extra effort from you.
If you don’t, but you’re willing to get involved, there are a few options:
Look for an experienced crew in your area.
If you can’t find one, debesto can share contacts from our network of clients in New York and nearby. They can either train your crew or handle the installation themselves.
Your local crew installs the windows the European way
We’ll support them with manuals, videos, and guidance from our technician. You can also order a test window like one of our clients from Carolina, or visit one of our partner job sites with your crew lead.
Order European windows with a nailing fin
Last but not least. Some window systems are also available with nailing fins. No problem here – you’ll find in debesto’s offer. Just keep in mind, they usually add about 12-14% to the cost compared to standard solutions.
Do I have the right partner for importing European windows?
Window import needs more than a product supplier. Importing from Europe means working remotely, and your partner needs to manage the full process, not just deliver windows.
Without a proven system, delays and mistakes are just a matter of time.
Why “just a supplier” isn’t enough
There are over 2,000 window manufacturers in Poland alone. Finding one isn’t hard – verifying one is. And it’s about more than just pricing.
You’re not just picking a product. You’re trusting someone to:
stay financially reliable through your project timeline,
understand the U.S. market and spec home standards,
deliver consistent quality that won’t trigger callbacks.
And that’s only part of the challenge. For the full picture of a smooth window import you also need:
a step-by-step process that keeps everything moving,
fast communication across time zones,
clarity on every change, spec, and approval.
The process is remote, so the system matters
Every step happens remotely, from spec review to final delivery. Without a structured system, you’ll spend days chasing answers and reworking specs.
That’s why we built one.
For over 10 years, we’ve worked with U.S. builders to make importing windows from Europe as easy as possible.
We handle the entire process online and on your schedule:
spec review
quotes and approvals
live consultation via video (we handle your questions in real time).
All in one place, coordinated by one team. Yes, you’ll still need to invest some time – but far less than managing it yourself.
When the initial conversations with debesto began, the level of comfort grew immensely and led me to make my decision and go with them.
I was able to have my questions and concerns resolved in a timely manner and share them with my team. That made the process easier and more streamlined.
Summary: When should you import, and when should you skip it?
Please think about what makes more sense for your project. Here’s a brief summary to help you make an informed decision. The more items on the left apply to your project, the more importing is likely to be profitable. The more items on the right, the less sense it may make. In the end, the decision is yours.
Worth it
Likely not worth the effort
Order ≥ $30K
Order <$30K
Spec homes and subdivisions
One-off, small project
Lead time ≥ 12 weeks
Need windows in a few weeks
Crew trained (or can be trained)
No crew and no interest in training
Okay with remote process
Don’t want remote coordination
From our experience, well-planned high-end home projects pay off for our clients – they sell faster and at higher margins.
If you’ve decided that importing windows from Europe could be an opportunity for you, the logical next move is choosing the right products. With hundreds of systems available in Europe, that choice can be overwhelming.
That’s why, if you want to see which window systems make the most sense for spec homes, check out the options we recommend.
What type of projects benefit most from European window import?
Luxury spec homes and subdivisions with repeatable projects see the best ROI from importing European windows.
What’s the minimum budget for importing to make sense?
Around $30,000 per order. Below that, shipping and duty may eat your margin.
How far in advance should I place my order?
At least 12 weeks before installation. That includes: 3–7 weeks for production and ~5 weeks for ocean shipping (East Coast). Delays can happen – port congestion, weather, etc. The earlier you plan, the better.
Do I need a specialized crew to install European windows?
No – you don’t need one. You can train your own crew with our manuals and remote support from a debesto technologist, or work with one of our partner installers in the Northeastern U.S.
Why is choosing the right partner critical?
Because import is a remote process, and not every supplier can manage it well. You need: A vetted supplier network. Clear system for specs, logistics, and communication. One point of contact who owns the full process, not just delivery.
Co-owner of debesto.com. For over 10 years I’ve been helping builders from the U.S. and Europe find clear answers to their key questions about importing windows from Poland. I focus on solving the real problems American builders face – based on what I’ve seen myself on U.S. job sites, not just from behind a desk.
Everything you need to know about custom windows from Europe: prices, designs, and options. Read our guide and stay ahead of the competition with modern U.S. home projects.
At debesto.com, we are experts in providing customized window solutions, including patio doors, blinds, entry, and garage doors, tailored to building professionals: developers, general contractors, architects, and construction project managers. With over a decade of expertise in European windows, we specialize in assisting construction companies to import windows efficiently and profitably. With debesto, you gain comprehensive, consultative partnerships designed to enhance your project’s success and minimize your business risk. Our customers appreciate most:
The total time from manufacture to delivery of the windows to the US port is on average 7-10 weeks depending on the destination port and delivery method that you can choose from debesto delivery price list.
Add to this the production time of the windows (from 2 to 8 weeks).
The maximum expected production time can be found on the pro forma invoice. We deliver 97% of all orders shipped worldwide according to the deadline we declare on the pro forma invoice. If we are late, we give you a 2% discount.
Do the products come with an international warranty?
Yes, products are covered by the debesto worldwide warranty, provided they are installed according to the professional standards and applicable regulations in the country of installation.
Are the windows insured during shipment?
Yes, all products are fully insured during transportation, covering the entire value of the products.
