I recently went through a full window replacement on my 1980s Tampa Bay home, and wow, I learned a lot by trial and error. 😅 In hopes of helping others, here are the things I wish I knew before replacing my windows:
Permits & HOA Approvals: I assumed replacing windows was straightforward, but in our area you need a county permit and my HOA had to approve the window style. We had to submit paperwork (the HOA wanted a specific white frame and grid pattern) and wait a couple weeks for their OK. And the county inspection after install was no joke – the inspector checked hurricane ratings and attachment screws. Lesson: build in time (and some fees) for permits and any HOA or historic district approvals.
Hidden Costs Creep In: The quotes don’t always tell the full story. Our initial quote didn’t include things like repairing some wood rot the installers found under old frames, new interior trim, or repainting the exterior stucco patches after installation. We ended up paying out of pocket for a few fixes. Always ask what’s included in the quote (e.g., wood repair, painting, permit fees, old window disposal). Have a contingency budget (maybe an extra 10-15%) for surprises.
Longer Timeline Than Expected: I naively thought we’d sign a contract and have new windows in a couple weeks – nope! It took about 10 weeks from order to install. Manufacturing custom-sized windows and the high demand in Tampa (especially in spring and summer) meant a wait. Plus, a rainstorm caused a one-day delay. Plan for potential schedule delays, and avoid scheduling right in the heart of hurricane season if you can.
Prepare for Installation Day Chaos: Replacing windows is messy and loud. The crew used power saws to cut out my old frames – dust everywhere. 😵 Clear the area around windows beforehand: we took down all curtains and blinds, moved furniture, and covered everything with drop cloths (and I still found drywall dust in corners weeks later). Also, it’s not a quiet process (think drilling, hammering), so don’t plan any Zoom calls during installation. If you work from home, consider spending the day elsewhere. And definitely keep pets and kids safely away. Our dog had to stay at a friend’s because strangers + loud noise = frantic pup.
Post-Install Maintenance & Surprises: I wish I’d known about the small follow-ups. For example, after installation, we had to caulk and touch up some paint where the new windows didn’t exactly cover old paint lines. The installer did basic caulking, but I went around and added more where I felt tiny gaps. Also, new windows can be tight to open at first – the weather stripping and seals are fresh. Don’t panic, they loosen up slightly with use. And pro-tip: change your A/C filter after the project; all that dust can clog it up.
Benefits – Quieter & Cooler Home: On the bright side, the difference is amazing. Our house is noticeably cooler in the afternoons now (the Low-E glass really blocks the heat), and our electricity bill dropped a bit. It’s also so much quieter inside – we don’t hear the neighbor’s lawn mower as much, and the street noise is way down. I only wish I had done this sooner, knowing what I know now!
Overall, the new windows (we went with a local company, Karoly Windows & Doors, for installation) were totally worth it, but the process had more hiccups than I anticipated. I’m hoping others can chime in with their experiences – what do you wish you knew beforehand? This could be a great resource for anyone about to start a window replacement project in the Tampa Bay area. 🤞
Great thread idea, @rockysinger. I went through a window replacement last year in my St. Pete home, and I have a few lessons learned as well:
Surprise Structural Fixes: When we took out the old windows, we discovered wood rot in the framing around a couple of them. One bathroom window had a small leak for years that rotted the sill. The installers had to replace sections of wood framing, which was an extra charge (and a delay to get materials). I wish I’d known to expect the unexpected behind the walls.
Finish Work Not Included: Our window quote didn’t include repairing the interior trim or repainting. After the new windows went in, there were unpainted spots where the stucco was patched. I ended up doing a DIY painting weekend to touch up around all the windows. If you’re not a DIY person, factor in the cost for a painter afterward. Always clarify with your installer what they will and won’t do – e.g., will they caulk and leave it, or also paint to match? I assumed they’d handle it, but that wasn’t the case.
Despite the extra work, we’re happy with the outcome. But yeah, hidden fixes and finish work caught us off guard. Ask a lot of questions upfront so you’re not surprised later!
Oh man, the HOA and permit stuff… that was a big one for us too. We live in a neighborhood in Clearwater with a pretty strict HOA. I wish I knew to get HOA approval early. We signed a contract to start the window project and then found out we had to submit an application to the HOA with the window style, frame color, and even the glass tint level. It delayed our project about 3 weeks waiting on the HOA’s blessing. One neighbor actually had to redo his windows because he didn’t get approval first (they had the wrong grid pattern). So definitely check with your HOA before you order anything!
Also, +1 on the permit inspection being thorough. The county inspector actually failed our installation initially because the installers missed a required screw on a hurricane clip on one window. 🙄 We had to have the crew come back to add it and then schedule a re-inspection, which was stressful (and pushed final completion out another week). So make sure your installer is familiar with local code. In hindsight, I’m glad the inspector was picky – it means everything is truly secure for storms.
And about timing, @rockysinger ain’t kidding – our custom windows (PGT brand) took 9 weeks to arrive. We were told 6-8 weeks, but supply chain and busy season stretched it. If you have a broken or boarded-up window, that wait feels long. Just be mentally prepared for a bit of a wait between signing the contract and install day.
Living in Tampa, hurricanes were my #1 concern going into window replacement. Impact-resistant windows were something I’m really glad we invested in, but I wish I knew more about them beforehand:
Cost vs. Peace of Mind: Impact windows do cost more (our quotes were about 30% higher for impact glass vs. regular). It was painful on the wallet, but knowing our windows can withstand a storm is huge. After installation, we got a wind mitigation report done and our home insurance premium dropped about 20% because now all our openings are hurricane-protected. I wish I knew to factor that insurance savings into the decision – it made the cost easier to swallow when you see long-term savings.
Heavy and Sturdy: One thing that surprised us is impact windows are heavier. Our new sliding glass door and even the single-hung windows require a bit more effort to open because of the thicker, multi-layer glass and beefier frames. My wife was like “did they install these wrong?” because it was harder to slide at first. It’s normal – the windows are built tough (ours have two layers of glass with a laminate in between). Small trade-off for the strength you get.
No More Shutter Dance: Before, if a hurricane was coming, I’d be climbing ladders putting up storm shutters or plywood. With impact windows, we skip that whole drill. That convenience is priceless. A neighbor of mine didn’t opt for impact windows to save money; he has accordion shutters. They work, but he spends a good half-day closing them whenever there’s a storm threat. For us, once we upgraded with ProTech Windows & Doors (our installer, who recommended and supplied our impact windows), we just make sure everything’s closed and we’re done. Huge relief during hurricane season!
We actually timed our project for winter so we wouldn’t be mid-install during a hurricane. If you have the luxury, avoid peak hurricane season for installation. Last thing you want is a storm approaching when half your windows are out. 😬 Overall, I have zero regrets going impact – especially after one wild afternoon storm flung debris at our house. The new windows didn’t budge.
I live inland (Temple Terrace area), and we actually chose NOT to get impact windows to save money, so I can offer the flip side of @donna_stone’s experience. We got high-quality double-pane, tempered glass windows (so still strong, but not hurricane impact-rated) and plan to use our existing metal shutters if a big storm comes.
Budget vs. Convenience Trade-off: Skipping impact glass saved us a lot (our quotes for impact were 30-40% higher). For our budget, it made sense. But I have to say, when Hurricane Idalia threatened last year, I spent half a day putting up shutters on all our new windows. At that moment I really wished we had just gone with impact. The hassle is real. 😅 If you’re OK with the prep work and only occasional storm threats, this route works and saves money. Just know that convenience is the big sacrifice.
Insurance Impact: We still got a small insurance credit because we do have hurricane shutters for all openings (insurance sees that similar to impact protection as long as you deploy them). But it’s not as much of a discount as having impact windows that are always in place. Our agent said if we forget to close one shutter and there’s damage, no discount — so we have to be diligent.
Everyday Use: On the positive side, the non-impact windows are a bit easier to open and close (lighter weight). And they still made a huge difference in efficiency and noise. We feel safer than with our old single-pane windows, but of course not as carefree as if we’d done impact.
So, lesson from me: decide what matters more to you – cost savings or convenience/peace of mind. If you go non-impact like I did, be sure you have some form of hurricane protection (shutters, panels, etc.) and factor in the effort to use them. After one season, I’m already considering upgrading a couple of the most critical windows to impact glass eventually.
@gaming_duke I hear you. We did the same thing initially – regular double-pane windows with removable hurricane panels to put up during storms. It was fine budget-wise, but after two hurricane seasons of scrambling to bolt on those panels, we caved and upgraded the biggest openings to impact glass. The convenience is night-and-day.
On the bright side, the windows we got (non-impact) were noticeably lighter and smoother to operate than the impact ones we added later. My elderly mother can open the non-impact windows easily, whereas the impact ones take a good tug. So, there’s that little benefit to the standard windows.
In the end, if you’re willing and able to do the shutter/panel hustle for storms, the standard windows work and save money. But I have to admit, having a few impact windows now is a nice peace of mind. It’s a tough call – we kind of did a hybrid approach.
I’m in a high-rise condo on Clearwater Beach, and window replacement had its own twists for me:
Condo Board & Building Rules: Similar to HOA issues others mentioned, I had to get approval from our condo association AND adhere to building requirements. In my case, the building required all exterior-facing windows to be hurricane-rated (impact glass) and approved a specific style to keep a uniform look. They even dictated the window tint so the building looks consistent. The approval process was actually smooth, but it’s an extra step – I had to show the board brochures of the exact windows we were installing (we chose PGT Winguard impact windows).
Concrete and Dust Galore: In a condo (especially a high-rise concrete building), installation is messy on another level. The crew had to use concrete drills to remove the old aluminum frames from the block wall. Fine white dust went everywhere despite them putting up plastic. It’s been weeks and I’m still finding concrete dust in crevices. If you’re in a condo or block home, definitely seal off rooms if you can. I even taped plastic over our vents and doors to other rooms. We changed our AC filter right after because it was gray with dust.
Salt Air Considerations: Being by the gulf, salt air is brutal on window materials. Our old aluminum frames were corroded and pitted. We made sure our new windows have vinyl frames and stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion. It’s something I wish I knew to insist on – salt can rust regular window locks and screws quickly. If you live near the water, ask for corrosion-resistant materials (many Florida-rated products have this by default, but double-check). So far, so good – no rust and it’s been a year.
Insurance and Peace of Mind: Going with hurricane impact glass not only satisfied the condo association, but it helps us sleep at night during storms. We got an insurance discount too (had to send the insurer proof of our new impact windows). The discount wasn’t huge, but every bit helps with these Florida insurance rates! Plus, next storm that comes, I don’t have to worry about shuttering up a high-rise (which would be impossible anyway).
Aftermath: The install crew did a basic clean, but I had to spend an entire day doing a deep clean. Expect to vacuum and wipe down everything. I even found concrete dust on my clothes in the closet (how?!). And FYI, the impact windows are very quiet – one unexpected perk, I barely hear the beach waves and wind now unless I open a window. It’s a bit eerie but nice when I want silence.
In summary, condo folks: check your association rules, brace for dust, and go for the best materials for salt-heavy environments. I’m loving the results, but I definitely didn’t anticipate the extra steps and mess.
As a long-time DIYer, I initially thought about installing the windows myself to save some cash. After researching, I decided against DIY for a few reasons I’d flag for others:
Permit & Code Complexity: Florida building codes for windows are strict due to hurricanes. If you DIY, you still need a permit and the work has to pass inspection. A buddy of mine tried it on his own – the inspector failed him twice for things like missing hurricane clips and improper caulking. He ended up hiring a pro to finish. I realized I didn’t want to mess around with that. It’s not just swapping a window; it’s structural, load-bearing stuff in some cases.
Liability and Insurance: If your windows aren’t installed by a licensed contractor, you might run into insurance issues if there’s ever storm damage. I heard some insurers might not cover a claim if the installation wasn’t permitted or done by a licensed pro. 😬 That scared me straight into finding a reputable installer.
Got a Pro, Still Stayed Involved: I hired a local company but still treated the project with a DIY mindset in terms of preparation. I removed all the old blinds and curtains myself before they arrived (saved them some time). After install, I did the painting touch-ups myself instead of paying extra. So you can DIY the peripheral stuff, but I’d leave the window setting and sealing to the pros here in Tampa Bay. They knew how to properly waterproof and secure the windows to meet code, and they knocked it out in a day what might have taken me several weekends and lots of frustration.
In hindsight, I’m very glad I didn’t attempt the full DIY on this one. Watching the crew wrestle out the old windows (some frames had to be sawed in half to remove) and anchor the new ones with all those special screws and foams – yeah, that alone was worth the install fee. My advice: use a licensed contractor and make sure they pull the permit. You can still be handy by doing some prep and finish work yourself.
One big positive I’d like to highlight – I knew new windows would help with energy efficiency, but I didn’t realize how much they’d help with noise reduction too. After our replacements, the change was night and day:
Our house is near a busy road in Tampa, and with our old single-pane jalousie windows, we heard everything – cars, lawn mowers, loud conversations outside. Now, with double-pane insulated windows, it’s amazingly quiet. We can actually sleep in on Saturdays without the 7am leaf blowers waking us up! It’s like we got an upgrade to our quality of life that we didn’t fully anticipate.
Another thing – our old windows used to rattle in strong wind (and during every thunderstorm, which in summer was like every afternoon). The new windows are rock solid; no more rattling or whistling on windy days. The house just feels more secure and peaceful.
So, what I wish I knew: just how much quieter and calmer our home would be. Honestly, we would have replaced the windows sooner. If anyone out there is on the fence, know that beyond the obvious benefits, the noise reduction is a huge plus, especially in a noisy area.
This thread is gold – thanks everyone. 🙏 I’m planning to replace windows in my 1985 North Tampa home soon, and I have a few questions after reading all this:
Installation Process: Do installers typically do one window at a time, or do they remove all your windows at once? I’m picturing my whole house wide open to the elements – sounds scary if a sudden rain rolls in.
Staying Home vs. Leaving: Is it feasible to stay in the house during the install? I work from home, but I can take a day off if needed. Just wondering if it’s too loud or chaotic to be around (seems like it might be, from what y’all said about noise and dust).
Preparation: Besides removing blinds/curtains, any other prep you recommend? Cover furniture, etc.? Did anyone have issues with alarm sensors or anything else attached to windows?
I’m probably overthinking it, but I like to be prepared. 😅 Appreciate any tips!