@culture426 Good question. I actually got quotes from both Karoly and Pro Tech when I was shopping around. Honestly, both were very professional and had good prices for what they offered. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.
For me, the cost came out pretty close. I ended up choosing Karoly because I liked the specific window brand/style they offered a little more (and they had an earlier installation slot available at the time). My neighbor down the street went with Pro Tech and he’s just as happy.
I’d say call both for a quote and see who you vibe with. Maybe one will have a better timeline or a particular product you prefer. But rest assured, both have stellar reputations in our area for quality and service. It might simply come down to personal preference.
@culture426 I was in the same boat, torn between those two. In my case, Pro Tech’s quote came in slightly lower for the same specs, so I went with them. But it was honestly a close call. The Karoly rep was super knowledgeable too.
One thing I noticed: Karoly had a longer wait time for installation (they were about 6 weeks out) whereas Pro Tech could schedule me in 4 weeks. That also influenced my decision because I was anxious to get it done before summer.
Like @journalist63 said, you can’t really go wrong. Get both quotes if you can. Sometimes it comes down to little details like scheduling or specific window brands they carry. Both companies have great reputations.
@journalist63 @dukep90 Thanks for breaking down the Karoly vs Pro Tech choice. It sounds like either way I’ll be in good hands. I’ll probably follow your advice and get quotes from both to compare.
Really appreciate this community’s insight!
One thing I was nervous about before installation was how messy or disruptive it would be. For anyone wondering: yes, replacing windows is noisy (lots of drilling, pounding) and there will be dust. But a good crew minimizes the hassle.
I took down my curtains and moved furniture away from the windows beforehand, which helped. The installers put down drop cloths everywhere. It took a full day for my house (11 windows). By the evening, it was all done and they actually cleaned up most of the mess. I just did a quick vacuum and it was back to normal.
So, don’t be too scared of the process, but definitely prep your space. And warn your neighbors about the noise, if you’re in a condo or townhome especially. 😄
Has anyone used financing options for their window project? I know these projects can be pricey (especially with impact windows). Do companies like Karoly or Pro Tech offer financing plans, or did you all pay out of pocket? Just curious what the common approach is.
@gaming_emily I went the financing route. A lot of window companies do offer financing. In my case, Pro Tech Windows & Doors had a 0% interest for 12 months promo (through a third-party lender) which I took advantage of. It made the upfront cost easier to handle.
Karoly offered something similar too when I spoke with them, so definitely ask about it if you need it. Some folks also use home equity loans or credit unions, but if the contractor has a no-interest or low-interest plan, that’s a convenient option.
I’d say about half the people I know financed their window projects, half paid outright. No shame in financing – do what works for your budget. The key is that the investment is worth it for the comfort and safety you get. 🙂
I’m late to the party but just read through this whole thread and wow, it answered questions I didn’t even know I had! 😃 Big thanks to everyone.
We have a 1940s home in St. Pete and I’ve been procrastinating on window replacements. Now I feel much more confident about tackling it (and who to call). This community is awesome.
Just chiming in with a quick recommendation – I had Karoly Windows & Doors do my window replacements in St. Pete (Crescent Lake area) last month. Excellent work and very professional.
Reading this thread, I realize I lucked out choosing them! Thanks to everyone here for confirming I made a good choice. 😅
I’ll second all the Pro Tech love here. We’re in South Tampa (near Ballast Point) and used Pro Tech Windows & Doors this year. Smooth process from start to finish.
It’s great to see so many others had good experiences too. Makes me feel even better about our decision. 👍
I’ll admit, I went with a smaller local contractor (not one of the big names mentioned here) mainly because my cousin knew the owner. The job got done and the windows are fine, but reading all these glowing reviews makes me think I might have missed out on a smoother experience.
We did have a couple of communication hiccups and I had to chase them a bit for scheduling. Nothing terrible, but not “amazing” service either.
Next time (or if any issues come up), I wouldn’t mind trying one of the top recommended companies here, even if it costs a bit more. It sounds like they really go the extra mile.