I replaced my windows in Tampa Bay last spring, and I wish I had known so many things beforehand. I'll start this sticky thread to share my hard-earned lessons, and hopefully it helps others here.
Permits & Codes: I learned you absolutely need a building permit for window replacements in our area. It's not a simple DIY swap like I thought. The Florida building code has specific requirements (especially post-2022), and skipping the permit can lead to big problems. My contractor pulled the permits and we passed inspection, but I know folks who had to scramble for an "after-the-fact" permit 😬. Save yourself the stress and do it by the book.
Hurricanes & Impact Windows: In Tampa Bay's hurricane zone, windows aren't just about looks. I didn't realize that by code if you replace windows, you might need either impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters. I budgeted for standard windows initially, then found out about this requirement. Ended up choosing hurricane-rated impact windows for peace of mind (and insurance discounts). They cost more, but now I don’t have to panic every time a storm comes our way.
Choosing the Right Installer: I wish I had known how important it is to pick a reputable local installer. I got three quotes: one from a big national company (insanely high price and pushy sales tactics), and two from local companies. I ultimately went with a local company that had great reviews and a fair price. They handled everything from permits to final inspection smoothly. Don’t just go with the lowest bid — go with someone who has a solid track record in Tampa Bay.
Timeline & Delays: I was naive about the timeline. It took almost 10 weeks from order to installation because each window was custom made. Supply chain issues in 2022 made it slower. I wish I'd ordered sooner, knowing the wait. Also, installation itself was quick (a day and a half for my whole house), but scheduling the inspector added a few days. Plan ahead around hurricane season and be patient with possible delays.
Benefits After Install: On the bright side, new windows made a huge difference. My AC bills went down noticeably, and the traffic noise from outside is way quieter now. I sleep better without the rattle of old single-pane windows during thunderstorms. And the curb appeal — wow, the house looks so much nicer. I only regret not doing it sooner.
Those are my main points. I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting. Everyone, feel free to add what you learned from your window replacement in Tampa Bay. Let's help each other out!
@pauls51 You're spot on about the permits. I almost learned that the hard way. When we first set out to replace our windows in 2022, we hired a guy who quoted a cheap price and promised a quick job. Turns out he wasn’t going to pull any permits at all! 🤦 We found out in time (thanks to a neighbor warning us) and dropped that contractor fast.
I ended up going with Pro Tech Windows & Doors, a local company here in Tampa. What a difference – they handled the permit process for us and even scheduled the inspections. The peace of mind was worth any extra cost. Watching the county inspector come and give a thumbs-up after installation was actually reassuring.
Another thing: the first contractor wanted to just slap new windows in without checking if they met the latest hurricane codes. Pro Tech made sure we got windows with the proper Florida Product Approval and hurricane rating. I wish I’d known from the start to use a reputable company like them rather than trying to cut corners. Lesson learned!
Reading @pauls51’s hurricane point, I totally agree. We decided to replace our windows right after the scare of Hurricane Ian in 2022. At that time we still had old single-pane windows that rattled even during a thunderstorm. I wish I had known sooner how crucial impact-rated windows are in this area.
We ended up hiring Karoly Windows & Doors for the job. They recommended we go with laminated impact glass on all our windows. It did increase the cost, but when the next hurricane threat (Idalia in 2023) rolled around, we felt so much safer. We didn’t have to mess with heavy shutters or plywood at all. While neighbors were busy boarding up, we just double-checked our window locks and hunkered down. Fortunately, our new windows handled the high winds like champs – no leaks, no worries.
Oh, and an unexpected bonus: our home insurance went down a bit after we got the new impact windows. We had a wind mitigation inspection done, and because every opening was protected, we got a decent discount on our premium. I wish I’d known about that savings earlier – it helps offset the investment. All in all, having those hurricane-ready windows gives incredible peace of mind in Tampa Bay.
This thread is already a goldmine. Thank you, everyone, for the tips so far. I'm in the planning stage for my window replacement (hoping to start in a couple of months), and I have a quick question about the hurricane stuff.
Do I absolutely need to go for impact windows, or can I stick with regular windows since I already have hurricane shutters for my house? @cyclist20, I see you went full impact – do you think it's worth it if I already own a set of accordion shutters? The cost difference is huge and I'm on a tight budget. I want to be safe and code-compliant, but if my existing shutters still keep me in the clear legally, maybe I could save some money by getting non-impact, high-quality windows instead.
Any thoughts on impact vs. shutters from the folks here? I'm kinda torn on this decision.
@gaming_duke I was in the exact same situation last year. We had a full set of accordion shutters from the previous owner, so when it came time to replace our windows, I was debating just getting regular (non-impact) double-pane windows and using the shutters when needed. Here's what I learned:
Legally, as long as you have code-approved shutters for every window, you should be fine with standard windows in our area. I confirmed this with the building inspector and a couple of window companies. So yes, you can save money by using your existing shutters and not buying impact glass.
That said, we ultimately chose to go with impact windows anyway, even though it cost more. Why? Honestly, the convenience factor. Putting up shutters every time a hurricane or tropical storm approached was a huge hassle (and kind of dangerous up on a ladder, not getting younger 😅). With impact windows, we just lock up and we're storm-ready. Also, there's the year-round benefit: impact glass adds security (harder for break-ins) and some extra noise reduction.
In our case, we used the shutters one last time in early 2023 for a big storm scare before our window install was done. After we got the new impact windows installed (we hired a well-known local installer to do it), life got easier. No more rushing to deploy shutters when a storm's coming. If budget is super tight, stick with your shutters for now; they do work. But if you can swing it, impact windows are something I'd highly recommend for peace of mind and long-term ease.
@gaming_duke I'll chime in as someone who went the other route. We kept our standard (non-impact) windows and still use our existing hurricane shutters. We replaced our old windows with new double-pane ones in mid-2022 but decided not to upgrade to impact glass to save money. We already had a full set of Bahama shutters on every window that we invested in a few years back, so it felt wasteful not to use them.
No issues with code – our contractor just had to show that we have approved shutters for each window when pulling the permit. The inspector was fine with it. Financially, it made sense for us: the quote for impact windows was around 30% higher than for non-impact windows. For our house, that difference was several thousand dollars.
We did have to put up the shutters for Hurricane Ian (2022) and again for a close call in 2023. It's a bit of effort, yes, but we've gotten pretty quick at it. I kind of treat it as a mini workout 😅. We also make sure to maintain those shutters (lubricate the tracks, etc.) so they deploy easily.
So yeah, if budget is a big concern, you won't be alone sticking with shutters. Just make sure your new windows are good quality and properly installed. Our new non-impact windows are still rated for high wind loads (they just have regular glass). Paired with the shutters when needed, we feel secure. In a few years we might upgrade to impact glass when finances allow, but for now this hybrid approach works for us.
I want to echo what @pauls51 said about noise reduction. I live near a busy street in St. Petersburg, and before replacing my windows, the traffic noise was constant. I could hear every loud car, the neighbor’s music, even the 6 a.m. garbage trucks like they were in my living room. It was driving me crazy.
After we got our new windows installed (we went with double-pane, insulated windows and even added laminated glass on the front ones), the difference was night and day. Now, the traffic sounds are just a low hum in the background at most. We can actually sleep in on Saturdays without being woken up by the world outside. I truly wish I had known how much of an impact new windows would have on noise – I might have done this upgrade years earlier.
So, for anyone in a noisy area, consider asking about sound-reducing options. Some window models or glass options can really cut down on outside noise. It’s been one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements from our window project, aside from the better insulation.
Great insights here. One thing I haven’t seen mentioned yet is dealing with homeowner associations (HOAs) or historic districts. I live in a neighborhood in Clearwater with a pretty strict HOA, and I really wish I had known to get their approval early in the process.
We naively signed a contract to replace all our front windows with a new style (went from old colonial grids to clean, no-grid windows for a modern look). Well, the HOA architectural committee nearly had a fit. 😬 They actually had rules about window styles and required us to maintain the grid pattern to keep a uniform look on the street. We ended up having to pause our order and change it to include the grids (known as muntins) in the upper sashes to satisfy the HOA. That cost us an extra few weeks and a small change fee.
Lesson learned: if you’re in an HOA, check your community guidelines or get written approval before you order anything. Some HOAs care about window frame color, grids, tint, etc. Same goes if you’re in a designated historic area – the city might have say in the style of window you can install. Save yourself the headache and get those approvals lined up early. Our project still turned out great, but the HOA drama was an unexpected speed bump.
Something else I wish I'd considered: window styles and how they affect everyday use and maintenance. We have a two-story home in Tampa, and our old windows were single-hung (only the bottom sash opened). Cleaning the outside of the second-floor windows was a nightmare – I had to get on a ladder or hire someone.
When we replaced them, we opted for double-hung windows upstairs specifically because both sashes can tilt inwards for cleaning. Game changer! Now I can clean the exterior glass from inside the house safely. I honestly wish I had known about that feature earlier. It seems obvious in hindsight, but when you're new to window shopping, you don't realize how these little design choices make a big difference.
Also, consider how you use your windows. We put a big horizontal slider window in our kitchen because we like to pass food through to the patio (great for BBQs 🍔👍). In our bedrooms, we stuck with classic single-hungs to save a bit of money, since we don't open those often. The point is, there are lots of window types (single-hung, double-hung, sliders, casements, etc.), and each has pros and cons. Think about cleaning, ventilation, and how the window opens into your space. For example, casement windows seal tightly (good for energy and storms) but swing out, so you wouldn't want them where they'd hit a patio chair or plant outside.
In short: I wish I spent more time choosing the window styles, not just assuming one type fits all. The right style in the right spot can make your life easier.
I want to add my two cents about choosing the right installer, since @pauls51 and others touched on it. We had our windows replaced in late 2023 and ended up hiring Pro Tech Windows & Doors as well. They were actually recommended by two different neighbors who had good experiences, so that gave us confidence.
I have to say, the crew was top-notch. They showed up on time, laid down drop cloths everywhere, and treated my home with respect. One thing I appreciated is that they discovered some wood rot under one of my old window frames (Florida humidity strikes again) and they fixed it on the spot before putting the new window in. That wasn't in the original quote, but they patched the wood at a very reasonable small added cost, rather than just ignoring it or covering it up.
Another thing: they really took care to seal the windows properly. We had a huge rainstorm about a week after installation, and not a single drop of water came through. The old windows used to leak a bit during heavy wind-driven rain, but no more. And the finished work looked great – they even cleaned up all the broken glass and caulk bits, leaving the place spotless.
So yeah, big thumbs up for Pro Tech Windows & Doors. A good installer will handle surprises and ensure everything is done right. I wish I’d known to ask neighbors for recommendations earlier; it would have saved me a lot of research time.