Not normal at all, he should have at the very least trimmed the shims. By "leaving the rest for me", does that imply he is finished with the job? What type or level of interior finish was discussed (not excusing him but just for clarity)? Let me guess he picked up the windows at a box store, has no license or insurance and pulled no permits?

Let me guess

He was recommended by a friend . Sometimes contractors get a bad rap when in fact its the home owner who puts themselves in a bad position by hiring a cheap guy or " the family friend/ recommended by a friend". Its always the same result, trying to save a few bucks and then the industry gets a bad name.

If homeowners focused on quality rather than thinking they are beating the system by getting " a cheap deal", i guarantee all consumer complaints would drop by at least 80%.

Homeowners need to start taking some responsibility for bad decisions rather claiming they were naive.

Of course no one ever talks about how home owners try and take advantage of contractors. Thats never talked about,

dmosk, as MWM stated, this is definitely NOT normal.

That said, what is on your contract, what was discussed, and what was situation prior to the contractor starting (IE: was there woodwork)?

I'm not one of the experts on this forum, I just happened to be surfing by and noticed this thread. I had some windows replaced, and the contract specified that the job included insulation and trim. When my contractor left, it all looked so perfect, it was like no one had been there, except for the spiffy new windows. The contract also specified that the new windows' trim would not be painted, so it wasn't (the trim came primed, and looked so good, it almost didn't need painting, though I had it painted later).

The crux in your situation is what did your contract with the installer say? Did it say he was just going to install the window, but not install any trim or insulation? For example, my contract (which was just in an email letter) said, "Interior: Spray Foam Insulation and trim to match existing. Exterior: Spray Foam Insulation, White metal cladding and caulk. Finish painting or staining is not included." If your contractor didn't specify trim and insulation in the contract, he's done what was agreed.

I am curious - what does the outside of the window look like?