Experience about replacement window contractors in the Tampa Bay area?

New to the forum here (and a new homeowner in Pinellas County). I just want to say this thread has been incredibly helpful! We're planning to replace our windows later this year, and I was feeling overwhelmed with choices.

Based on everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors and Pro Tech Windows & Doors for quotes when the time comes. It sounds like you really can't go wrong with either, and it's great to hear so many firsthand success stories.

Thank you all for sharing such detailed insights – it’s like a blueprint for how to do window replacements right in Tampa Bay. I'll post an update down the line once we've done ours, but at least now I feel much more confident about the whole process (and who to call).

Has anyone here done their windows in stages? My budget might require me to do maybe half the windows now and half later next year. Wondering if these companies (Karoly or Pro Tech) are okay with that or if they prefer doing all at once.

I don't want to annoy a contractor by doing a small job first and then more later, but financially I can't swing the whole house at once. Any experiences or advice on splitting the project into phases?

@singer12, yes! We actually did exactly that. As @carol_campbell mentioned earlier, doing windows in phases is definitely possible. I used Pro Tech Windows & Doors, and at first I only replaced the windows on the first floor of my house (did that in early 2023). Then I saved up and did the second floor windows in mid-2024 with them.

Pro Tech had no issue with splitting it up. In fact, they kept our measurements and order info on file, so when we were ready for phase two, it was a seamless process. They made sure to order the same window models so everything matched perfectly. There was no difference in the quality of service just because the second job was essentially "smaller" (fewer windows).

I think both Karoly and Pro Tech value customer relationships, so if you tell them upfront you plan to do half now, half later, they'll work with you. In our case, they gave us the initial quote for the whole house, and we just did part of it. The pricing for phase two stayed consistent with the original quote (aside from any manufacturer price increases, which were minor).

So don't worry about it being awkward. It's pretty common to phase a project. The key is communication. Just let the contractor know your plan. The good ones will understand and not pressure you to do it all if you're not ready.

Hello all, jumping in a bit late here. I'm actually a general contractor in the Tampa Bay area (mostly doing renovations, but occasionally involved in window projects). I've been quietly following this thread and I have to say it's spot on with advice. Many of my clients have either used Karoly Windows & Doors or Pro Tech Windows & Doors, and I've seen their work firsthand on job sites. Both are top-notch companies, in my professional opinion.

Just to add an expert perspective, here are a few key things I always tell homeowners about window replacements in our region:

Permitting and Code Compliance: Pulling a permit is a must in Florida for window replacements. It's not just red tape - it's to ensure your windows are installed to withstand hurricanes. Make sure your contractor shows you the permit and that you get a copy of the final inspection approval. Karoly and Pro Tech always do things by the book from what I've seen.

Hurricane Impact vs. Non-Impact: If you go with non-impact windows, remember you'll need hurricane shutters or panels to meet code. Impact windows are a bit more expensive, but you gain convenience and year-round protection. Most of my clients opt for impact these days. Both Karoly and Pro Tech have plenty of options for quality impact windows.

Materials and Installation: In coastal areas like Clearwater or St. Pete, insist on stainless steel installation screws and quality caulk/foam. The good contractors already do this (salt air can corrode regular steel fasteners quickly). Also, proper waterproof sealing is crucial. I've tested windows after installations (spraying with a hose, etc.) and the ones done by reputable companies don't leak.

Warranty and Service: Ask about the warranty. Any good company will have a strong one for both product and installation. Equally important, choose a contractor that's been around and will likely be around in the future. The companies frequently named in this thread have been in business for years, which is reassuring.

At the end of the day, the contractor you choose will make a huge difference. As a GC, I've had to bring in window specialists to fix mistakes made by others, and it can get costly. It's clear from the community feedback here that Karoly and Pro Tech are reliable specialists.

Kudos to everyone for sharing honest experiences. It really helps raise the bar for quality in our area. 👍

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. As someone who also went through window replacements recently, I found myself nodding along with many of the posts here. It's great to see our Tampa Bay community sharing honest feedback and recommendations.

I'll second (or fifty-second, at this point 😅) the praise for Karoly Windows & Doors and Pro Tech Windows & Doors. I didn't know about them before I started my project, but I ended up using one of them after doing my homework and couldn't be happier.

This has been an awesome resource. I'm sure it will help many others who come across it. Shoutout to @spirituality_rain for starting the discussion and to everyone else for keeping it going and on-topic.

Stay safe this hurricane season, folks, and enjoy those new windows!