A little rain isn't anything to worry about. Getting the windows properly waterproofed, flashed, trimmed, and detailed is critical. Permits on this job?

Thank you, that makes me feel a little better. I am assuming proper permits were obtained, especially since the job is through Lowe’s. I’ll have to confirm.

Thank you @Windows on Washington Ltd & @User, the contractor said they would return to cap the windows but no date provided for their return.

No permits required for windows and doors.

I wouldn’t personally expect a Lowe’s subcontractor to know or even care that rain might damage unprotected surfaces. I figure if they were any good at what they do, they’d be working for themselves and earning $$$$ instead of letting Lowe’s find jobs for them and take a % off the top.

+1, no major worries bout that being exposed for a little bit, but I'd definitely press them for a return date either way.

The "Lowes install" has me a bit worried so you are going to need to push on them to get back there and button it up.

Window replacement is an energy conservation matter covered in the Massachusetts State Building Code and therefore requires a building permit.

Yes, you best check your state building code, just in case you needed one.

Not sure why permits were mentioned as I don't see it in the OP's post, but the long and short on that is that it varies by municipality. You would need to contact your local building inspection dept to find out if they require a permit for simple window replacement. Many do not, some do.

"I figure if they were any good at what they do, they’d be working for themselves and earning $$$$ instead of letting Lowe’s find jobs for them and take a % off the top."

Being good at installing windows (or any trade) is one skill, but running your own business, is a completely different skill set. That's like saying plumbers and electricians who work for a brand/small business must not be good. Except that brand or small business has somebody answering the phones, scheduling estimates and appointments and has the capital for equipment and insurance.

Working for Lowe's doesn't mean you're inherently bad trade. It means all you want to do is install or fix, not the business end aspects. It might be the easiest way for people to get into the business, might be the easiest way for somebody trying to get back into the business, end their career or just somebody who's trying to make money. The problem could simply be the process of the Lowe's third-party installer system.

"It means all you want to do is install or fix, not the business end aspects."

Its still your own business, they subcontract, you're not a Lowes employee, you just don't have to look for leads in the good times. Insurance and licenses are just as important of not more so. Screw enough up however and you will really be working for Lowes, sweeping the floor.

True it's technically a 1099/Schedule C business but you don't have to buy your transportation, equipment, tools or schedule your work. You simply report income from an IRS form to another IRS form with minimal expenses, if any. There are many sub contract 'gig work' that's more involved, but for Lowe's it's not. That's why people choose it. It's a viable option and shouldn't be disparaged.

"but you don't have to buy your transportation, equipment, tools "

In my area they are 100% independent contractors, all the above is on them.