Lessons Learned From Window Replacement in Tampa Bay: What to Know Before You Start

I want to talk about changing window styles and the impact on functionality and look, since that was something we did. When you replace your windows, you don’t necessarily have to stick with the exact same type you had before. We had mostly old single-hung windows (the kind that slide up and down), but we chose to change a few of them to different styles:

Single-Hung vs. Horizontal Slider: In our living room we had two side-by-side single-hung windows. We decided to replace those with one wide horizontal slider window. Essentially, it became one big window with two sliding panels that open from each side toward the center. We absolutely love it. The slider gave us a more unobstructed view – single-hungs have that horizontal bar in the middle when open, whereas the slider’s frame is split vertically which for a wide window means a big clear glass area to look through. It also made it easier to open for my wife; sliding side-to-side is simpler than pushing up a heavy sash. Both styles (if good quality) seal well against rain and wind, but I’ve heard single-hung might seal slightly better just by design (gravity helps keep it closed tightly). In Florida, both types are common and fine. Our rule of thumb: for wide openings, sliders can be great; for narrow/taller openings, single-hung works. Just ensure any style change still meets egress requirements (big enough opening for escape in an emergency). Our installer handled that sizing when we switched to the slider.

Casement Windows: We considered using a casement (hinged, crank-out window) for one of our smaller bedroom windows to get maximum breeze. In the end we stuck with single-hung there, mainly because a casement opening outward might hit a shrub outside. But casements do open fully and can catch side breezes nicely. If you don’t have exterior obstructions, a casement or an awning window (hinged at the top) can be a cool option for certain spots, like bathrooms or as small accent windows. Just remember, anything that opens outward you’ll want to keep closed in a storm (though when latched they are very secure). Some folks avoid casements because if left open by accident in a storm, the wind can rip them – but that’s user error more than window issue.

Grids vs. No Grids: Our old windows had the colonial-style grids (muntins) dividing the panes. We were so ready to ditch those for a cleaner look. We went with no grids (clear glass) on all our new windows. The difference in appearance is amazing – instantly more modern. Our HOA, thankfully, had no rule requiring grids, and actually a lot of neighbors had already removed theirs in upgrades, so it wasn’t an issue (we did check first!). If you like grids, there are options like having them only on the top half (for a partial look) or inside the glass for easier cleaning. But for us, going gridless made the house feel brighter and the views are completely open. We had one half-circle decorative window that we kept grids in just to match the original style (and because it’s a focal point), but everything else is grid-free. If you decide to remove grids, just be aware your house’s look will change – in our case it was for the better, but some very traditional homes might look a bit odd without them. It’s personal preference, and maybe run it by an HOA if applicable as @dobby_walker and @anthonylee505 said.

In summary, don’t be afraid to change window styles if it makes sense for you. We’re so glad we did (that big slider window is our favorite part of the remodel). And getting rid of old-fashioned grids gave our place a nice facelift. Just coordinate any changes with your contractor (and HOA if needed) to ensure everything is done right and to code.

I’ll chime in on the window style topic as well because we also made some changes during our project and it’s been great. Similar to @zshadow38, we had a pair of single-hung windows in our kitchen that we turned into one large sliding window. It required a bit of reframing (we removed the post between the two windows to make one big opening). That meant we needed a permit adjustment and the installer had to put in a new header to support the span.

It was a little more involved (and added some cost for the extra labor and an engineer’s sign-off for the wider opening), but the effect is fantastic. The kitchen now has a big picture window feel, and we can slide it open from either side for ventilation.

We also added one casement window in a bathroom where there was previously just a tiny fixed window. We enlarged that opening and put a casement so it can crank out for fresh air. In Florida, many bathrooms oddly don’t have opening windows, so this was a nice change. The casement is small, but it lets steam out and breeze in. One thing with casements: the crank mechanism can wear out or break if you’re rough with it, so we’ll be sure to be gentle and maybe spray a little lubricant on the moving parts occasionally.

On the grids issue, we likewise removed all grids from our new windows. So much cleaner! Cleaning the glass is easier too with nothing in the way. Our neighbors did the same on their project, so it’s definitely a trend in our area. The HOA didn’t object – in fact, more and more houses on our street now have gridless windows after replacements, so it’s kind of becoming the new standard. I have seen some communities that still insist on grids visible from the street, though. If you’re in one of those, a compromise some people do is grids only on the top sash of a window (sometimes called a “farmhouse” style grid) or maybe just on front-facing windows and not the back. But if you can go grid-free, I highly recommend it for the modern look and unobstructed view.

To add one more style point: think about how you’ll use the windows. For example, if you love to get fresh air, a style that opens wider (like sliders or casements) might serve you better than single-hungs that only open halfway. We even thought about those tilt-turn windows (hinged like a door and also tilt inwards – not common here, though). We stuck with more conventional styles due to budget, but it was fun considering the options. In the end, we’re very happy with the style changes we made – it improved both the functionality and the aesthetics of our home.

I want to share a cautionary tale about choosing the right contractor, because the contractor can make or break this whole experience. We initially went with a small contractor who had a very low bid… and it backfired on us. Here’s what happened:

We had a guy (found him through a flyer) quote us significantly less than everyone else, like several thousand dollars less. He said he’d do 8 windows for what others were charging for maybe 5 or 6 windows. It sounded great, and he talked a good game. The red flags: he wanted a large cash deposit and said if we paid cash, he could “take care of the permit” in a way that sounded sketchy. We, unfortunately, ignored those flags because of the price. Well, turns out he never pulled a permit at all. We only found out when about half the windows were installed and a county code enforcement officer came by (perhaps a neighbor tipped them or they were checking the area) and slapped a stop-work order on our project. Our contractor vanished on us after that – phone disconnected, never heard from him again. We were left with a half-finished job, a torn-up house, and an open permit violation.

I was in panic mode, but thankfully I reached out to Karoly Windows & Doors (whose name I’d seen recommended around here) to help. They were appalled by our story but very understanding. Karoly’s team stepped in to fix and finish the job properly. They pulled the necessary permit (and had to do some extra work to inspect the half-done installs and bring them up to code). It ended up costing us more in total (we basically paid twice for some things), but Karoly’s crew did fantastic work and got everything passed inspection. They truly saved the day.

Lessons from my nightmare:

Always use a licensed, reputable contractor. If someone is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, and especially if they suggest doing work without permits or only for cash under the table, run the other way. It’s not worth it.

Check credentials. I should have looked up that first guy’s license – turns out he didn’t have one at all.

A good company will handle permitting properly and won’t ask you to cut corners. In our case, the difference was stark: the second company (Karoly) did everything by the book and the process, while a bit slower, was smooth and safe.

In the end, we got our windows done right, but we learned the hard way to do some homework on who you hire. The established local companies (like the ones mentioned throughout this thread) might charge a bit more than the random handyman, but you get professionalism, proper permitting, and peace of mind. That is priceless when it comes to something as important as your home’s windows.

Building on the contractor discussion, I want to share my strategy when I was looking for installers: I ended up getting quotes from five different companies – a mix of big well-known ones and smaller local ones – and I noticed a pattern. The big brand-name companies often had the highest prices and the most aggressive sales tactics, whereas the local companies (like Karoly Windows or Pro Tech, which I also got quotes from) were more straightforward and reasonably priced.

For instance, one highly advertised local manufacturer-installer came in at about $18k for 12 impact windows on my Wesley Chapel home. Meanwhile, two local outfits (one of which was Karoly, another was Pro Tech) quoted me around
12k−
12k−
13k for the same number of windows, using top-quality PGT products. That’s a huge
5k−
5k−
6k difference! All quotes included installation, permits, etc., just different pricing and window brands.

I ended up actually going with a smaller family-run company (not as famous a name) who gave that ~$12k quote, and they did a great job. But knowing that Karoly and Pro Tech were right in that same ballpark made me confident I wasn’t just choosing a “too cheap to be true” option – it was simply the fair market rate among the honest local businesses. The $18k quote from the big advertiser just seemed out of whack.

I also checked out a national franchise that advertises very low per-window prices (“$___ a window!” kind of ads). They did offer a low base price, but once we talked about the upgrades I wanted (impact glass, better insulated frames, etc.), the price went way up and was no longer a bargain. Plus, I learned they use subcontractors for installation and were scheduling pretty far out. I didn’t feel super comfortable with that, so I passed.

Takeaway: The spread between quotes can be crazy. My highest quote was nearly double my lowest. I chose one of the middle-low ones and am very happy with the result. In general, the well-reviewed local companies (like the two frequently named here) tend to be more customer-focused and fair on price, whereas the heavily marketed ones often had higher overhead and cost. And if a company’s rep is pressuring you hard, that’s a sign they might not be the best choice. Every local company I talked to was actually quite laid-back: they gave the info/quote and then let me decide at my own pace. That approach I appreciated greatly.

If budget is tight, some people consider going with those “Window World” type companies or big box stores for the absolute lowest cost. I’ll share my experience looking into that: Window World (a national budget chain) did give me a very low quote initially – it sounded awesome at first. But I quickly realized that was for a very basic window model, single-pane and not impact. As soon as I asked about features we’d actually need in Florida (hurricane impact glass, Low-E double-pane, etc.), the price climbed significantly, almost doubling in my case. It basically ended up not any cheaper than the quotes I got from local specialists who were offering higher-end products to begin with.

Also, I learned Window World in our area was using subcontractors to do the installation, not their own dedicated crew. That can be hit-or-miss quality-wise. I’ve heard some people are fine with their work, but I’ve also heard of issues. The idea of a subcontractor rushing through to meet a flat installation fee made me a bit nervous.

In the end, I decided not to go that route. I figured if I’m going to pay decent money, I want a company that will be around to service it and has a reputation to uphold. Like @robotics445 said, the local companies were pretty competitive anyway once you factor everything in.

Not knocking budget options entirely – if you really need just the cheapest possible and you’re okay with basic windows, those franchises might be an option. But be sure you understand what you’re getting (and not getting). In Florida, I really think it’s worth investing in at least double-pane windows with some hurricane protection plan. Cutting too many corners can bite you later (be it in energy bills, storm damage, or issues with install quality).

For me, spending a bit more for a reputable local installer gave me more confidence. The cost difference wasn’t as big as I initially thought once I compared apples-to-apples specs. And now I have peace of mind that the company I chose will be there if I ever need warranty help.

Our project was a big one in Valrico – we replaced 20 windows and 2 sliding glass doors on our 2005-built two-story home. We decided from the outset to do everything impact-rated, including those huge sliding doors, because we wanted the maximum hurricane protection and, frankly, we were tired of dealing with shutters (our previous house had shutters and it was not fun to put them up every time).

Cost & financing: Going all-impact for 20 windows + 2 sliders was definitely a hit to the wallet. The total was about $32,000. That averaged roughly $1,200 per window and about $3,000 per sliding door. We used high-end PGT WinGuard vinyl windows and doors. We didn’t have all that cash on hand, so we financed a portion through a low-interest home improvement loan from our credit union (specifically a loan program for hurricane upgrades). The contractor we went with didn’t offer in-house financing, but our bank’s loan was a good alternative. If you’re doing a large project, it’s worth checking if your bank or even the state offers special financing or grants for hurricane mitigation; it can ease the financial burden. (I heard later about the My Safe Florida Home program that offers grants for storm upgrades – might be worth looking into as well.)

Installation process: It took a professional crew 3 full days to do the install. They tackled all the windows in the first two days and the two big sliding glass doors on the third day. One of those sliders was on the second floor leading to a balcony, which was tricky. The team actually brought extra guys that day to carefully hoist the large glass panels up – those impact glass sliders are HEAVY. Each glass panel was enormous and laminated (impact-rated), so not light at all. It was a bit nerve-wracking to watch, but they handled it expertly with straps and a lot of muscle. They definitely earned their pay on that one.

Permitting & inspection: It was about 3 months from signing the contract to having everything done and inspected. Roughly 8-10 weeks of that was waiting for the PGT factory to build all our custom-sized windows/doors. Then scheduling install and actually doing the work took the rest of the time. The contractor took care of the permitting paperwork with Hillsborough County. We had the final inspection the day after the install was finished. I’m happy to report it passed without a hitch. The inspector even commented on the good workmanship (nice feeling!).

Little details: The crew coordinated with us on a few things – for example, we have a security system, so they arranged for an alarm technician to come out and reconnect our door sensors to the new sliders (since the old ones had sensors). They also removed and hauled away all the old aluminum window frames and our old slider doors, which was part of the contract. Cleanup was pretty thorough; they swept up and used drop cloths, but I did find a bit of stucco dust here and there after – nothing a quick vacuuming couldn’t handle. Overall, very professional.

Post-install – immediate benefits: The first thing we noticed was how much quieter our house became. We live in a neighborhood that isn’t super busy, but even noises like lawn mowers or distant traffic were noticeably muted. It’s like we have a peaceful bubble now. Also, our energy bills dropped a bit. The new windows have high-performance Low-E glass, and combined with the better seals and double panes, our AC doesn’t run as often. The house holds its temperature better. We haven’t been through a major hurricane with these windows yet, but we did get a nice benefit on our homeowners insurance. After everything was done, we had a wind mitigation inspection (as mentioned by @michelle_diver) and submitted it to our insurer. Our premium went down by about 15%. Over the long run, those savings add up, which helps offset some of the cost of the project.

Reflections: Spending $32k on windows and doors is a hard pill to swallow, but we view it as an investment in our home’s safety, comfort, and value. We were able to cover a good chunk with savings and financed the rest in a manageable way. Now, we have full peace of mind when storm season comes – no last-minute scramble to shutter up. And on a daily basis, we enjoy the quieter and more efficient home. No more rattling windows or drafts either. If someone can budget for it, I highly recommend going all-impact and including any old sliders or exterior glass doors in the project as well. It really makes for a comprehensive upgrade. No weak links left in the house’s envelope!

Replying to @saraha70, thanks for that detailed story – it’s really encouraging. I’m particularly intrigued by the insurance savings and the financing you mentioned. I’m also in Hillsborough and my insurance premium has been going up and up. A 15-20% reduction would be amazing. I might have to look into that credit union loan or the My Safe Florida Home program you referenced, because I’ve heard about those grants too.

I wanted to ask a bit more generally: For those who have done these upgrades, how do you feel about the cost vs. benefit now that some time has passed? I mean things like:

Do you feel the money was well spent in terms of home value or just personal satisfaction?

Would you do anything differently to save money (like only some windows, or mix and match impact vs non-impact)?

And maintenance-wise, have you had to do anything for the new windows (any issues or things to upkeep)?

For context, I have a 1990s home with 15 windows. Still debating doing all impact which is quite pricey, vs maybe doing front impact/back non-impact. But like many mentioned, the insurance might not credit that, and I’d know some windows are weaker. Tough call. Also thinking about financing options because it’s a big chunk of change.

Appreciate everyone’s input here – this thread is turning into an awesome resource (might as well be a sticky at this point!). I’m taking notes and trying to budget things out so I can hopefully pull the trigger on new windows later this year.

I’ll tackle some of @breeze_wright’s questions by sharing my perspective a year after doing our windows. We did a full replacement on our Clearwater home in late 2023 – 12 windows, all impact. Now that some time has passed, here’s how we feel about the cost vs benefit:

Money well spent? Absolutely, for us. It wasn’t cheap (our project was around $15k), but every single day we notice the benefits. The house is more comfortable and I have peace of mind during storms. In terms of home value, I do think it improved it. We haven’t officially appraised or anything, but our realtor friend said impact windows are a big selling point and we’d likely recoup a good portion of the cost in home value. But even if we weren’t, the improvement in our day-to-day life has been worth it. We also plan to stay here long-term, so it’s really an investment in our own quality of life and safety.

Would we do anything differently? Initially, I toyed with the idea of doing only some windows or mixing impact and non-impact to save money. In the end we bit the bullet and did all impact at once, and I’m glad we did it that way. It simplified the project (one permit, one big install, done). If we had staggered it, we’d still have some old windows bothering us, and we’d have to go through the process twice. If budget is an issue, I understand splitting it into phases (some neighbors have done phase 1, phase 2 a year later). But one thing I wouldn’t do is mix impact and non-impact on the same house (except maybe temporarily in a phased approach). Because, yes, the insurance won’t give you the full credit if even one opening is unprotected. And Murphy’s Law – a storm will find that one weak window. We figured it was better to get it all done and have consistent protection.

Maintenance/issues so far: In the year since install, basically no issues. We did have one small thing: one of the windows had a locking mechanism that was a little stiff. The installer came back and adjusted it under the warranty – no charge, quick fix. They explained new windows can have a “break-in” period and sometimes need a minor adjustment. Other than that, we just clean the glass and frames occasionally. Maintenance is minimal: a little silicone spray on tracks maybe once a year, and just keeping the windows clean. They told us the caulking around the windows should be checked every few years (Florida sun can degrade caulk), but that’s about it.

As for cost vs benefit in hindsight, sometimes my spouse and I will say “I’m so glad we did the windows.” Especially after a noisy thunderstorm where we barely heard a thing, or when we get the electric bill and see it’s lower than last year’s. It’s one of those improvements that you feel every day (unlike, say, a fancy new stove that you use occasionally). Even things like not having rain leak in under the old frames, or being able to open any window easily to catch a breeze, make us happy we upgraded.

On financing: We personally saved up and paid outright, but I was aware of some financing deals. Some window companies offer 0% financing for a year or so (as @zshadow38 mentioned Karoly did for them). We didn’t use it, but that’s a good route if you can pay it off in the promo period. Also, the My Safe Florida Home program was something we looked into. By the time we were doing our project, the funds were mostly allocated, but it’s definitely worth checking if it’s active – they were offering matching grants up to $10k for wind mitigation improvements (windows, doors, etc.) for eligible homes. That could be a huge help if one qualifies.

No regrets on our end. If anything, our only regret is not doing it sooner – we endured those old drafty windows way too long. Now our home is quieter, cooler, and storm-ready. It’s a big expense, no doubt, but in Tampa Bay where we get brutal sun and the threat of hurricanes, it’s money well spent in my opinion.

I just wanted to drop in and highlight how much of a comfort and efficiency upgrade new windows can be, even aside from the hurricane stuff. We replaced all the original windows in our 2003-built Clearwater home last year (2024). We went with non-impact vinyl double-pane Low-E windows (we have storm shutters for hurricanes). It was 11 windows total, cost came out to about $9,800 (roughly $890 per window).

Let me tell you, the daily living difference is huge:

Our old windows were those cheap builder-grade single-pane aluminum ones. In summer, you could literally feel the heat radiating through them. The rooms near those windows would be several degrees hotter. Now, with the new insulated windows, that heat stays out. The indoor temperature stays much more stable. The AC doesn’t kick on as frequently because less cool air is leaking out and less hot air is coming in. We noticed a drop in our electric bill immediately in the months after installation.

We used to have issues with condensation on the inside of the old windows on cooler mornings; that’s gone. No more waking up to water droplets on the glass or puddles on the sill.

Noise reduction is a big bonus. We live on a street with moderate traffic and I was stunned how much quieter it got inside after the new windows went in. The double-pane glass with the air gap really dampens the sound. It wasn’t even something we were specifically looking for, but wow, it’s nice. We don’t hear the early morning lawn crews or the garbage truck nearly as much now.

The Low-E coating also seems to be doing its job in terms of filtering UV. We have hardwood floors and a rug that would get a lot of sun, and they used to fade. Over the past year, I’ve noticed way less fading. So our furniture and floors are better protected now too.

Even security-wise, I feel better. These new windows have strong locks and the glass, while not impact-rated, is still tougher than the old single panes. The whole house just feels more secure and solid.

The company we used (a local family-owned outfit) did a great job with installation. They even fixed up some of the surrounding stucco and interior trim around each window, making everything look clean. They took all the old windows away as part of the service, so we didn’t have to worry about disposal.

Honestly, our only regret is not doing this sooner. It’s one of those upgrades that improved our comfort every single day. If your windows are old and inefficient, replacing them (impact or not) will make your home life so much nicer. We sometimes say, “Why did we live with those crappy windows for so long?!” The upfront cost was a hurdle for us (we saved and did it when we could), but now that it’s done, we love the outcome.

After our window installation, I learned the importance of doing a thorough walk-through before the crew leaves (and before you pay the final balance). Our installers were great, but I still took the time to inspect each window with them and I’m glad I did. We found one screen had a small tear and one window had a barely noticeable scratch in the glass.

The company hadn’t caught the scratch (and honestly, it was small – easy to miss), but when I pointed it out, they immediately acknowledged it. They ordered a replacement glass sash under the product warranty. A few weeks later, a technician came back and swapped it out for a perfect one, no charge.

The torn screen was also fixed on the spot (they had extra screen material in the truck and just re-screened that frame).

Lesson: Take 15-20 minutes to go around to each new window:

Open and close it to ensure it operates smoothly.

Lock and unlock it to test the locks.

Check the glass for any scratches or defects, and frames for any dings.

Look at the screens for holes or tears, and that they fit properly.

Also check the caulking/seals around the window edges to see that it’s neatly done with no gaps.

Good installers will happily address these things. It’s better to catch any issues right away while they’re on site or shortly after. In our case, everything was minor and the company made it right. We’re 100% satisfied now. But I’ve heard of people not noticing a problem until months later (like a window that doesn’t lock properly), and then it’s a hassle to get it fixed. So do that walk-through and don’t be shy about bringing things up. You’ll have a warranty for most issues, but the sooner the better for fixes.