Quick update on something we discussed: I looked into utility rebates again out of curiosity. Currently, TECO doesn’t offer rebates for window upgrades (they focus on AC, insulation, etc.), and Duke Energy Florida doesn’t either. They used to have an energy audit program that might recommend window upgrades, but no direct cash incentive right now. So the savings you get will mainly be from the efficiency of the windows themselves and the tax credit we talked about.
However, @michellechef84 mentioned the My Safe Florida Home program – I want to add that it indeed was offering grants up to $10k for storm hardening (including windows) last year. It had some eligibility criteria (you had to get a wind mitigation inspection and then qualify based on that). If that program opens up again and you’re eligible, it’s a great way to offset costs. It’s kind of first-come, first-serve though, and funds can run out quickly.
One more tip: if you do go the impact window route, check with your home insurance once all phases are done. My insurer gave me about 15-20% off the windstorm portion of my premium after I certified that all openings were protected (in my case through impact windows everywhere). But as others said, they want it to be all openings, not just some.
Keep your documentation from the install (product approvals, permits, etc.) so you can provide proof to insurance. We actually were able to submit our Phase 1 invoice to show partial credit and then followed up after Phase 2 to show completion. Some insurers might wait until full completion, but ours gave a small credit for the windows we did and then the full credit later. Your mileage may vary on that.
Loving all the info here – this is like a masterclass on window project planning!
Good call about the permits and inspections, everyone. I figure we’ll likely need a permit and inspection for each phase (which means two permit fees, sigh, but that’s how it goes). I’ll be sure to discuss that with whichever contractor we hire, to understand the costs and timeline for permitting.
Also, thanks @christopherc12 for the pet tip – definitely locking the cats in a safe room (or maybe dropping them at my sister’s for the day) when the work is done. The last thing I need is a cat getting adventurous through a missing window opening!
It sounds like after all this, the key is just staying organized: keeping track of warranties/paperwork for each batch, making sure the HOA and permits are handled each time, and budgeting accordingly. I feel pretty prepared for those now.
I really appreciate all the insights. This has turned out to be an awesome brain trust of Tampa window wisdom!
You’re spot on about permits – you’ll need one for each phase since each will be its own project timeline. In Hillsborough County (where I am) and Pinellas too, a window replacement permit typically covers whatever windows are listed for that project. So if later you decide to do more, that’s a new permit. Figure around $100-200 each time in fees, depending on your municipality, and the contractor usually handles pulling it.
When I did mine, the inspector came out the day after installation to check the windows, the attachment, and the hurricane rating stickers. For Phase 2, same deal. So, you’ll be coordinating two inspections. Not a big deal, just something to schedule.
On a related note – I considered doing a DIY install on one or two windows to save money, but I quickly decided against it, especially here in Florida. Our building codes for windows are strict (for good reason). The windows have to be anchored properly and sealed to prevent water intrusion. If it’s not done perfectly, you could get leaks or fail inspection. Also, if you ever want that wind mitigation credit on insurance, professional installation is the way to go; they usually require an approved contractor sign-off.
I’m pretty handy (I’ve done my own flooring and cabinets), but I left the windows to the pros and I’m glad I did. Watching them work was humbling – they made it look easy but I could tell it required skill and experience. Just mentioning this in case you or someone reading thought about DIY to cut costs: it might not be worth the potential headaches, especially when you factor in permits and the learning curve.
So yeah, let the experts handle each phase, get those permits, and you’ll be golden.
This thread is awesome. I have a question related to phasing timing: How long did you all wait between phases, and is there such a thing as waiting too long?
I’m considering doing maybe 4 windows now and the remaining 8 in about 2 years, when I’ve saved up more. But I’m worried that in 2 years, the windows I installed first might have a noticeably different look than the new ones (due to weathering or the manufacturer changing the design slightly). Also, prices might go up by then.
Did anyone here stretch the timeline that far and run into issues? Or is it generally okay as long as you keep the same brand/specs?
We actually did exactly that – first phase in 2019 and second phase in 2022, so roughly a 3-year gap. It worked out okay, but there were a couple of small differences:
The manufacturer (we used Simonton windows) had a design update in between. The windows from 2022 have slightly different locks and hardware style than the 2019 ones. The color and basic look is the same, but if you examine the locks, they’re not identical. No one notices except me, the homeowner, who of course scrutinizes everything. So yeah, over a few years, expect minor design tweaks. If that bothers you, try not to wait too long or consider buying all hardware at once.
As you suspected, costs went up. Our second phase windows cost about 15% more per window than the first batch. Part of that was normal price increases, plus supply chain issues (we did phase 2 during the tail end of COVID-related shortages). So waiting saved us interest (since we didn’t borrow as much) but the actual price tag did climb. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.
Weathering: The phase 1 windows had been in for a few summers and had gotten a tad less shiny (Florida sun will do that). When phase 2 windows went in, they looked brand new shiny next to the slightly weathered ones. After one rainy season, they all evened out, though. If your first phase windows are white vinyl, they might dull a little but not too badly in a year or two. If they’re painted or a different color, there might be more fade to consider (white fades least).
In hindsight, 3 years was pushing it a bit. If you can do it in 1-2 years apart, that’s ideal. But if not, it’s not the end of the world, just plan for potential differences. Alternatively, maybe buy the windows in advance as some suggested, but then you need a place to store them safely.
I’ll add a lighter note: after we did our first phase, we joked that the old windows suddenly looked 10 times worse. The new ones were so clear and clean that the old ones next to them looked perpetually dirty and cloudy (even when we cleaned them). It didn’t truly matter, but it was kind of funny/annoying until we finished the job.
Also, after Phase 1, we noticed one of the remaining old windows had started to have issues (likely we just hadn’t paid attention before). It was in a room we rarely use, but once we were inspecting all windows closely, we saw its seal had failed and a bit of moisture was getting in between the glass. We hadn’t planned to replace that one until Phase 2 anyway, but it did make us expedite Phase 2 by a couple of months.
I guess my tip here is: once you do some new windows, give the still-old ones a thorough check-up. Sometimes seeing the performance of new windows (no drafts, no fogging) can highlight problems in the old ones you didn’t notice. If any seem like they’re in rough shape, you might reshuffle your phase priority to tackle those sooner.
On the plus side, living with half new windows for a while let us learn how to operate and maintain them (like the best way to clean, how the tilt-in features worked, etc.), so by the time we got the rest, we were pros at handling them.
Enjoy the process – it’s actually pretty satisfying seeing your home transform window by window!
Following up on the question of waiting between phases – I mentioned we did ours one year apart. We intentionally didn’t want to go much longer to avoid the exact issues @journalist63 described. I had negotiated with the window company (we used Karoly Windows & Doors) to lock our price for up to 12 months. They put that in the contract. So that was an incentive to do phase 2 within the year – after that, they said the quote might need adjusting for material cost increases.
Also, we stuck with the same brand (PGT windows) for both phases. PGT is pretty consistent with their product lines. Three years later now, they still sell the same models we got. I’ve heard of others who had to switch brands if their installer went out of business or such mid-project. My cousin, for example, did phase 1 with one local company that later closed shop. When he went to do phase 2, he had to use another company, which sold a different brand (Custom Window Systems). Both were good quality, impact-rated windows, but side by side, you can tell the frame profiles differ a bit. It’s minor but if you look at the meeting rail where the sashes close, one has a slightly different shape.
So consistency also depends on the continuity of your installer and manufacturer. If you find a company you trust, and they have a stable supplier, try to stick with them through all phases.
Your plan to pick a reputable local company sounds wise. In Tampa Bay, companies like Karoly, ProTech, etc., have been around a while and carry major brands, so you should be fine.
Something that hasn’t been highlighted much yet: warranties. When you do all windows at once, you get one set of warranty paperwork and a clear start date for all of them. In a phased approach, each phase will have its own warranty start date and documents.
For example, my Phase 1 windows came with a manufacturer warranty starting 2020, and Phase 2 windows starting 2021. I keep a binder with all the warranty info and invoices, separated by phase. Why does this matter? If, say, in 2025 I notice a condensation issue in a window, I need to recall whether that window was installed in 2020 or 2021 to know which warranty applies. It’s a little detail, but something to stay on top of. Label the windows or keep a diagram of which were done when.
Also, the installer warranty (for labor) is usually shorter term (1-2 years typically). So your Phase 1 labor warranty might even expire by the time you do Phase 2. If something related to installation was off, you’d want to catch it within that period. In our case, one Phase 1 window had a slight issue (wouldn’t lock smoothly); we noticed it within a few weeks and the company fixed it under their labor warranty. By Phase 2, that warranty on the first batch was over, but those windows were fine going forward.
In short: keep your paperwork organized per phase and mark your calendar if needed for any warranty deadlines (e.g., if you have to register the warranty with the manufacturer, do that for each phase).
Update: I wanted to update everyone on our project progress. We ended up moving forward with Phase 1 about three months after I first posted. We decided to go with Karoly Windows & Doors for the installation (their quote was competitive and a neighbor recommended them). So far, we’ve replaced 7 windows on the west and south sides of the house — basically all the ones that were leaking or baking us in the afternoons.
We did opt for hurricane impact glass on all the new windows (you all convinced me!). It did stretch the budget a bit, but we feel it’s worth it. We already got our wind mitigation inspection updated and while we won’t see the insurance discount until we replace the rest or get the door protected, we have peace of mind for the upcoming storm season. During the last thunderstorm, those new windows were champs: no leaks, and it was almost eerily quiet inside compared to before.
We timed the install for late February. The weather cooperated nicely (no rain that day, and cool temps). Karoly’s crew of 4 guys did all 7 windows in one long day. They were really professional – even laid down plastic and tarps everywhere to catch dust. Inspection passed the next day with no issues at all.
Aesthetically, the house doesn’t look weird with half the windows new and half old. We stuck with white frames and similar grid patterns, so from the street you can’t tell unless you really look. Up close, of course, the new ones are pristine and the old ones are a bit worn, but it’s not an eyesore or anything.
We’re planning Phase 2 for later this year (likely in the fall to avoid the summer rush). That will cover the remaining 5 windows (mostly front of the house) and our big sliding door. We actually pre-signed a contract for Phase 2 with Karoly as well, which locked in the pricing we agreed on now (they gave us up to 12 months to schedule the second install at the same price per window/door, which is awesome given price hikes these days).
So far, we have zero regrets doing it this way. The house is already cooler and quieter in the areas with new windows, and we feel safer with those impact windows in place. Financially, breaking it into two parts was the only way we could afford the impact upgrades, so I’m happy we did.
I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone here for all the advice. Seriously, we avoided a bunch of mistakes (like we nearly chose a cheaper non-impact window, but changed our minds after reading your experiences – bullet dodged!). I’ll update again once Phase 2 is done and everything is uniform.
This community is amazing – thank you all!
Congrats on getting Phase 1 done, @geocacher77! 🎉 It sounds like it went really well. Karoly Windows is a great choice (they’re actually the same company I used, and I had a similarly positive experience).
Isn’t it crazy how much quieter and cooler those rooms are now? You won’t miss those old drafty panes, that’s for sure. And knowing you have impact glass up for this hurricane season must be a relief. I remember after I did mine, I slept so much better during storms, not worrying about every gust of wind.
Smart move locking in the price for Phase 2. With the way material costs have been fluctuating, that’s a big win. And doing the slider in Phase 2 with the same company means it should match up nicely with the windows.
Thank you for coming back to share – I love hearing the outcomes. It also helps others who might read this later to know that phasing can indeed work out wonderfully. Definitely keep us posted on Phase 2 when the time comes!
In the meantime, enjoy those new windows. I bet even your electric bill for March/April will show some improvement. And simply being able to open and close windows easily (if yours were old like mine, some probably barely opened) is such a joy.
Again, so happy for you that it’s been a success. This is exactly what “phasing without regrets” is all about!