Something I was concerned about was the condition of the surrounding stucco and interior trim after the old windows came out. Our house is block with stucco outside and wood trim inside. I had seen some horror stories of window replacements where the stucco around the window got cracked or the interior trim was left a mess.
In my contract, I made sure it stated that the installers would repair any stucco they had to break and would reinstall or replace interior trim as needed. And they delivered on that. We did have a few spots where taking out the old windows knocked off a chunk of stucco – the crew mixed up some patch and filled it in nicely, and later I touched up the paint. Inside, a couple of our windows had wooden sills that had to be trimmed to fit the new windows. The installers re-caulked and painted those cuts so you can’t even tell.
For anyone getting windows done, I’d say clarify who is responsible for cosmetic repairs like stucco, drywall, or trim in the contract. Some companies include it, some might not. If they don’t, you might have to hire a handyman or painter afterwards. We got lucky that our guys did it all in one go.
End result: everything looked as good or better than before. In fact, the new caulking and paint made some rough old trim look new again. If you have a good installer, they’ll leave your house looking clean. Just make sure it’s discussed ahead of time so expectations are clear.
If you have a security system with window sensors, don’t forget about those in your project plan. When we replaced our windows, the old wired alarm sensors on the windows were removed along with the old frames. We coordinated with our alarm company to come out right after installation and put new sensors on the new windows.
In our case, we have a wireless alarm system, so it was actually pretty easy – we bought new wireless sensors and just attached them to the new windows ourselves (they’re like little adhesive contacts). But for someone with a wired system, you’d likely need a technician to reconnect or run new wires to the new windows.
One tip: tell your window installers upfront if you have any alarm wiring running to your windows. They can be careful during removal and might even assist in pulling the wires through for the new install. Our neighbor had their alarm wires accidentally cut during a window replacement because they forgot to mention it. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it meant some extra splicing work for the alarm tech.
Some full-service window companies will coordinate with an alarm tech as part of the job (like @saraha70 mentioned for their sliders). If not, just plan to schedule your alarm company after the windows are done. You don’t want to leave your home without a functioning security system for long, especially if those windows were part of the alarm perimeter.
In summary: add “security sensor reinstall” to your to-do list if it applies. Our windows are all secure now both physically and in terms of the alarm system, but it was an extra step to get there.
For any DIY enthusiasts out there, I want to weigh in: I’m a pretty handy person and have done a lot of renovations myself, but I decided not to DIY my window replacements in Florida, and I’m glad of it. Florida’s building codes and hurricane requirements make window work high-stakes. If something isn’t done exactly right, you could void your hurricane protection, fail inspection, or worse – have a window blow out when you most need it to hold.
I did remove and replace a couple of windows in a previous home up north (where the worst we dealt with was snow), but here in Tampa Bay, I left it to the pros. Watching the crew work, I saw why: they knew all the tricks to get the old units out without damaging the structure, they shimmed and leveled the new windows perfectly, used the right expanding foam and sealants, and properly attached them to meet impact standards. They also provided the necessary paperwork for permits/inspections.
Could I have physically installed a window? Probably one or two, with a lot of effort. But would it meet the stringent code requirements and pass an inspection? That I’m not so sure.
Also, by having a licensed contractor do it, I got a warranty on the installation and the product. If there’s a leak or an issue, I can call them and they’ll fix it. If I had DIYed and something went wrong, it’s all on me.
So, as a typically DIY guy, my advice is: window replacement (especially impact-rated) is not a DIY-friendly project in Florida unless you really know what you’re doing and are familiar with the code. The stakes for error are too high. It’s worth hiring experienced pros for this one, and that’s coming from someone who usually tries to save money doing things myself.
Timing the project can be important too. We chose to schedule our window installation for December (2022) when the weather in Tampa Bay is cooler and typically there are no tropical systems brewing. This worked out well – the installers could work comfortably, and we didn’t have to worry about a surprise afternoon thunderstorm interrupting things (winter is our dry season, after all).
If you schedule in the summer, one consideration is the daily rains. Good companies will plan around weather and won’t leave your house exposed if a storm is coming, but it can cause delays. A neighbor’s install in July had a couple rain delays, and they had to temporarily board up one opening overnight because a storm rolled in before they finished that window. It was fine – they sealed it up and came back next day – but still.
Also, obviously avoid scheduling during peak hurricane season if you’re paranoid like me. The chances of a hurricane hitting on the exact week of your install are low, but I just felt better doing it off-season.
All that said, many companies have more availability in summer (since oddly enough, lots of people do windows in summer in preparation for hurricane season). We actually had to book our December slot a couple months in advance because the cool months are popular for window work too.
In short: consider the time of year. In Florida, winter and spring can be ideal for window projects weather-wise. Summer can be done too – just have a conversation with your installer about their rain contingency plan. They usually do one window at a time specifically so they can close it up quickly if needed. No matter when you do it, they won’t leave you with open holes for long. But if you have flexibility, shoulder season or winter is nice.
One practical thing I learned: prepare your home for installation day(s). The crew will need space to work and to bring materials in and out. Here’s what we did (and it really helped things go smoothly):
Move furniture away from windows: We cleared about 3-4 feet of space in front of each window inside. That meant moving sofas, beds, and shelving units that were up against walls with windows. This gave the workers room to work and protected our furniture from dust or accidental bumps.
Remove window treatments: We took down all the blinds and curtains before the installers arrived. Not only does that prevent them from getting dirty or damaged, but it also saved the crew time, so they could get straight to work. (They would have done it, but probably not as carefully as I did, and it would add to the labor time.)
Cover or remove delicate items: There will be vibrations from hammering and prying. I took down a couple of hanging pictures and a wall mirror near window areas just in case. Also covered our electronics and furniture with old sheets and plastic drop cloths to catch dust.
Pets and kids: I arranged for my dog to stay with a friend during install because the noise (and strangers coming in and out) would have driven him crazy. And I took my toddler to Grandma’s. This was a lifesaver. The process is loud – lots of drilling, pounding, and even the sound of breaking glass as they remove old panes. Not a great environment for pets or little ones. If you can’t remove them from the house entirely, maybe keep them in a room far from the action.
By prepping the house, I think we sped up the process a bit and definitely protected our belongings. The workers even commented how nice it was to have everything clear. By the end of the install, there was dust and small debris around (which they swept up mostly), but because we had moved and covered stuff, cleanup was easy and nothing got damaged.
So, before the crew arrives, take an hour or two to prep your space. Future-you will be thankful!
I want to reiterate something about the noise and commotion during installation. Having just gone through it, even though I knew to expect it, it was more intense than I thought! They were ripping out old aluminum frames (some sawzall action, crowbars – it’s not quiet work) and then using power tools to anchor new windows in, plus lots of hammering to get the old trim out, etc. It basically sounded like a construction zone – which, to be fair, it was.
For anyone who works from home or has family members at home during the day, plan accordingly:
I took the day off work and set up shop in a room on the opposite side of the house for the parts I needed to be around. Conference calls or focused work would have been impossible during the height of it.
If you have a baby that naps or someone sensitive to noise, you might want to arrange for them to be elsewhere. My neighbor told me her infant’s nap schedule was wrecked the day they did her windows.
As @samjones592 said, pets can get anxious. My cats were hiding under the bed the whole time, poor things. At one point I put them in a closed room with some soft music to drown out the banging.
Also expect a bit of dust and debris. Even with drop cloths and the crew cleaning up, there was drywall dust, caulk bits, and small pieces of the old window frame that ended up on the floor. Wearing shoes inside was a must until we vacuumed thoroughly – I didn’t want anyone stepping on a stray screw or splinter.
Not trying to scare anyone – just be ready for a noisy, messy day or two. It’s a short-term inconvenience for a long-term improvement. Once those beautiful new windows are in and the noise stops, you’ll be relieved and happy. I actually enjoyed the quiet so much that evening, knowing all that work was done. Just maybe don’t schedule a conference call or decide to host guests during the install, haha.
Let’s talk resale value and ROI quickly. I sold my previous house in Tampa in 2022, which I had installed impact windows in back in 2019. I can confidently say the window upgrade helped in the sale:
Buyers walked in and immediately noticed the nice windows (we had clean, modern frames and no grids, which stood out in our older neighborhood where most still had old aluminum windows). It became a selling point in our listing: “Newer impact-rated windows throughout.”
The home sold faster and at a higher price than a comparable house down the street that still had original windows. We got a lot of comments during open houses like “Oh, great, the windows are already done – that’s a big expense we won’t have to worry about.”
Our appraiser also gave some value for the window upgrade. It wasn’t dollar-for-dollar what we spent, of course, but it contributed to a higher appraised value which supported our selling price.
Now, not everyone is looking to sell, but it’s something to keep in mind. New windows (especially impact ones in Florida) add desirability to your home. They’re one of those improvements that both you and future owners get to benefit from.
Also, separate from pure sale value, consider insurance and even insurance eligibility. Our insurance carrier at the time did a renewal inspection and was pleased to see we had impact windows – in Florida’s volatile insurance market, anything that hardens your home (roof, windows, etc.) can make you less likely to get dropped by an insurer. Some neighbors with older unprotected windows had their insurance premiums hiked or even had to switch companies. So there’s an element of protecting your insurability too.
So while ROI in cash terms is hard to quantify, the overall package of new windows can improve your home’s market value, marketability, and ongoing costs (insurance, energy). We certainly felt it was worth it, both living in the house and when it came time to sell.
Small but useful tip on negotiating and comparing quotes: When we were collecting quotes for our window job, I actually created a simple spreadsheet to compare them. Each company had different brands and slightly different scopes, so the spreadsheet helped line things up. I noted:
Number of windows and sizes each was quoting (some counted my big picture window as 2 units, some as 1, etc., so I normalized that).
Window brand and series (e.g., Simonton StormBreaker vs PGT WinGuard vs Custom Window Systems, etc.).
Impact or non-impact, and any extras like tint or grids.
What’s included: permit, install, removal of old windows, stucco/trim repair, etc.
Warranty terms (some gave lifetime on product, some 10-year, etc., and install warranty length).
Price breakdown: total and per window average.
Having it laid out made it easier to see who was giving more value. For instance, one quote was a tad higher but included some stucco repair and a longer labor warranty, which the others didn’t mention. Another was lower per window but they hadn’t included the cost of permits in their number (it was going to be added separately).
I actually went back to two of the companies with this info and used it to negotiate a bit. I politely let them know that I had another quote offering X feature or Y service included for a similar price, and asked if they could match or do better. One of them actually matched the other’s price and threw in an upgrade to a slightly better glass package after seeing I was seriously comparing.
So, it doesn’t hurt to negotiate once you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of contenders. The worst they say is no, but often they have a little wiggle room, especially if it’s a slow season or they know you have a competitive offer.
In the end, we went with the company that wasn’t the rock-bottom price, but the one that gave the best overall package and vibe. However, we did get a few hundred off from our initial quote by having that open conversation. It paid for a nice dinner out to celebrate the new windows, you could say 😉.
So, do your comparisons and don’t be shy to ask for price matching or throw in something like “Is there any first-time customer discount or promo currently?” We got 5% off just by asking if they had any discounts available. Every bit helps!
One more piece of advice: don’t pay everything up front. Reputable window companies around here typically structure payments as such – you pay a deposit when you order (in our case it was 50% because the windows are custom made and they need to order materials). Then you pay the rest upon completion. That’s how ours worked, and I felt comfortable with that.
If any contractor asks for 100% upfront, that’s a giant red flag. Standard is something like 30-50% deposit, with the balance due after install (some might do a smaller deposit and progress payments, but windows are custom so higher deposits are common).
We made sure in our contract that final payment was contingent on the job being completed to our satisfaction and passing inspection. And indeed, we didn’t hand over the last check until the day the work was done and the crew walked us through everything (as @soniccoder mentioned doing).
Another thing: because the lead time was long, our contract had a clause about price locks – since we signed in early 2022 when material costs were fluctuating, they locked the price as long as we didn’t make changes. I’ve heard of some companies trying to add on cost later claiming material prices went up. I insisted on a fixed price in writing. If someone won’t give a fixed price contract, be wary.
Anyway, once everything was done, I was happy to pay the remainder knowing I got what we agreed to. The peace of mind of having some money held back until completion is important.
Oh, and we paid by credit card for the deposit (to have some extra protection/recourse) and by certified check for the balance. The company actually had a small fee for credit card use, so we did check for final to avoid that fee. But using a credit card for the deposit felt safer in case something went wrong and we needed to dispute (thankfully not needed).
So: Deposit, then final payment after completion – that’s the way to go. Most legit companies do it that way, and if the timeline slips or anything, you still have leverage since they haven’t been paid in full.
Warranty and after-install service are things that can be easy to overlook when you’re excited just to get new windows installed. But take a moment to understand your warranties and keep the paperwork:
Our windows came with a manufacturer’s warranty (lifetime on the vinyl frame, 20 years on the glass seal, and it even had a provision for a one-time glass breakage replacement for free within the first 10 years). That’s a Simonton product warranty. We registered it online after install, which was required to transfer to us as the owners.
Our installer provided a 1-year workmanship warranty. Basically if any installation-related issues arise (leaks, improper operation) within the first year, they’ll fix it.
One thing I did, and recommend: test all your windows periodically while under warranty. A month after install, I went around and tested every lock and latch. I discovered one window’s latch was a bit sticky – it worked, but not smoothly. I called the installer and they sent someone out and it turned out the latch was slightly misaligned; he adjusted it and now it’s smooth. If I hadn’t checked, I might not have noticed until later (or at all, since we don’t open that window much). Better to catch these things early.
Also, file your permit and inspection paperwork with your house documents. We got a copy of the signed off permit from the county. When we sell the house in the future, I can show that the windows were permitted and up to code. It’s also proof for insurance if needed.
Finally, I created a digital folder with all window-related stuff: contracts, invoices, warranty docs, product spec sheets, etc. And a physical folder too. This way, if five years from now a seal fails or something, I know who to call and what’s covered. It’s easy to think “oh I’ll remember,” but life happens and companies can change names, etc. Having it documented is super helpful.
So after the gleaming new windows are in, take a breath, then do a little paperwork organization. Future you (or the next homeowner) will appreciate it!