What I Wish I Knew Before Replacing My Windows in Tampa Bay

rockysinger · 2025-05-02T12:43:39Z

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. 🤞

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What I Wish I Knew Before Replacing My Windows in Tampa Bay

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