Let me emphasize what @pauls51 said about those big national companies with pushy sales tactics – I wish I knew about that going in. When we started shopping for window replacements, we contacted one of those companies you hear on the radio all the time (I won't name names, but you can guess). The salesman came to our house and gave a long presentation, then hit us with a quote that blew my mind: it was nearly double what we expected, like the price of a new car 😱. And then came the pressure: if we “signed today,” we'd get 20% off, etc. It just felt so slimy.
Thankfully, we decided to get a couple more quotes from local businesses. Both local companies (one of them was actually Karoly Windows & Doors, which I’d seen mentioned on this forum before) gave us straightforward, no-nonsense quotes that were literally half the cost of the big company’s “discounted” price. No hard sell, just info and a fair price.
We ended up going with one of the local guys (and are super happy with the result). Looking back, I wish someone told me to be wary of the high-pressure sales pitch. Those big companies spend a lot on marketing and it shows in their pricing. So my tip: always get multiple quotes, and don’t fall for the “sign now” gimmick. Take your time and compare. The difference can be thousands of dollars and a lot of unnecessary stress.
Energy savings is another thing I'd highlight. I know @pauls51 mentioned lower AC bills, and I’ve seen the same thing since replacing my windows. Our home in Brandon has a lot of west-facing windows that get brutal afternoon sun. Before, the living room would turn into an oven by 5 PM and our AC would struggle to keep up.
After the window upgrade (we installed double-pane windows with Low-E glass and argon gas fills), the difference was immediate. That harsh sun heat is way less intense now. The glass has a slight tint/reflection to it, which you barely notice, but it’s working to block a lot of the heat. This past summer, our electric bill went down by about 10-15% compared to the previous summer, and the only major change was the new windows. That’s money in our pocket every month and will add up over time.
Another thing: the comfort level is up. We don’t get those hot spots near the windows anymore, and sitting by the window is actually pleasant even when it’s blazing outside. I wish I’d understood sooner how much efficient windows help with the Florida heat. It’s not just about winter heating in colder states – down here it’s about keeping the cool air in and the heat out. For anyone on the fence, factor in those energy savings when justifying the cost. It makes a difference!
Now that some of us have had new windows for a while, here's a maintenance tip I learned (the hard way) after my replacement. I wish I'd known to keep an eye on the caulking and seals about a year after installation.
Our windows were installed in 2022, and by mid-2023 I noticed a tiny bit of water seeping in at one corner during a wind-driven rainstorm. I was pretty annoyed, thinking the windows were failing already. But when I had the installer check it, they found that a small section of exterior caulk had a gap – likely due to the house settling or thermal expansion. They re-caulked that spot and it’s been watertight since.
The lesson: even with a great install, Florida’s heat, sun, and rains can wear on the seals over time. It’s a good idea to walk around your house maybe once a year to inspect the window caulking and trim. If you see any cracks or gaps, seal them up (or call your installer if you have a warranty). A little maintenance goes a long way to ensure your windows stay leak-free.
Also, keep those window tracks clean. With our rains, dirt can accumulate in the sliding tracks. I now vacuum them out and spray a little silicone lubricant every few months so the windows open smoothly. Small stuff like that, I wish I knew earlier to keep everything in top shape.
I'm relatively new to Florida (moved to the Tampa Bay area from up north in 2021), and I have to say I wish I had known how different window replacement is here compared to a colder climate.
Back in Ohio, when we talked windows it was all about keeping the cold out – double or triple-pane for winter insulation. Hurricanes and impact glass weren’t even on our radar. So when we bought our house in Tampa and started looking into new windows, it was a bit overwhelming to learn about all the Florida-specific stuff. For example, I had never heard of a "wind mitigation inspection" or "impact-rated glass" before. Suddenly I’m learning about design pressure (DP) ratings, Miami-Dade versus Florida approvals, and HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) standards – it was like a different language.
What helped was finding a local window company that actually took the time to educate us. (Shoutout to the patience of the Karoly Windows & Doors rep who answered our million questions.) We learned that in Tampa Bay, you worry less about snow loads and more about wind-borne debris and sun exposure. We ended up choosing vinyl, impact-resistant windows with Low-E coating. Even though our northern brains initially thought “vinyl = cheap plastic,” down here vinyl or aluminum are the go-to because of the humidity and termites (wood frames are rare here).
Long story short: If you're new to Florida, do your homework or work with a company that knows the local codes and climate. The priorities for windows here (hurricane toughness, UV and heat blocking, corrosion resistance) are totally different from up north. I’m glad we learned before making a mistake with the wrong kind of windows.
Something practical: I wish I had known how to prepare for the installation day itself. The process of ripping out old windows and putting in new ones is messy and loud (understandably). I didn't fully anticipate how much prep and post-cleanup would be needed.
For example, the night before our install, we scrambled to take down all our blinds and curtains – we realized the installers would need full access. We also moved furniture away from the windows and covered things with plastic sheets. (The amount of plaster dust and debris that can fall when they remove an old window from a stucco wall is no joke.) I even took down a couple of wall pictures nearby to prevent them from falling from the vibration.
During installation, there was constant hammering and drilling. Our dog was super anxious from the noise, and I wish we had arranged for him to stay with a friend that day. If you have kids or pets, plan for how to keep them safe and calm – maybe have them out of the house, if possible.
After the crew left, there was a fine layer of dust despite their cleanup, so plan on doing a thorough vacuum and wipe-down. And check your window treatments: our old curtain rods didn’t fit the new windows exactly, so we had to adjust and re-drill some hardware.
In short, before install day, remove or cover your stuff around the windows and prepare for a day of noise. It’s totally worth it in the end, but a little prep goes a long way to make the experience smoother.
Double-check everything! That's my advice. I wish I had been more detail-oriented when reviewing the order contract for our windows. In our case, we wanted one bathroom window to be obscure (frosted) glass for privacy, and somehow that detail got missed on the initial order.
When installation day came in 2022, the bathroom window arrived as clear glass like all the others. Our installers (who were great overall) pointed out the error right away and ordered a replacement sash with frosted glass. But that meant that one window wasn’t fully finished for a few extra weeks while we waited for the new glass to come in. It wasn't the end of the world – they temporarily put the clear glass in so we weren’t missing a window – but we had to live with a makeshift paper covering for privacy until the correct glass arrived.
The silver lining: the company (Karoly Windows & Doors) handled the mistake very professionally, owned up to the oversight, and expedited the replacement at no cost to us. Still, I kick myself for not catching it when we reviewed the order sheet. Now I tell everyone: before you sign off on that order, triple-check that every window size, style, glass type (clear vs. frosted, tint level, etc.), grid pattern, and even the hardware color is exactly what you want. It’s much easier to fix on paper than after the fact.
Mistakes can happen, but a good company will make it right. Just try to catch any specifics beforehand to save yourself the hassle.
To reinforce the permitting point with a cautionary tale: I have a neighbor who replaced his windows without pulling permits (this was back in early 2021). He thought he was saving time and money. Everything looked fine, and he actually did the work himself with the help of a buddy. Fast forward to 2023, he decided to sell his house. During the closing process, the title company found open permit issues – basically, there was no record of permits for the window work, and it became a big red flag.
He ended up having to get an after-the-fact permit, which meant calling in an inspector to examine the finished work. Unfortunately, a couple of the windows failed to meet the code (the installation wasn’t up to the current hurricane standards), so he had to hire a professional to retrofit and fix those issues anyway, two years after the fact. It delayed his sale and cost quite a bit of money and stress.
Watching his experience, I’m so glad I did mine the right way. For anyone thinking they might skip the permit to save a few bucks: it's not worth it. If you ever sell your home or if (knock on wood) something like a storm causes damage, that paper trail matters. Insurance can even deny claims if work wasn’t permitted properly.
So yeah, pulling the permit and getting inspections isn’t just bureaucratic nonsense – it protects you in the long run. I wish more people knew that up front.
Hi all, jumping in as someone who lives in a high-rise condo in downtown Tampa. Replacing windows in a condo can be a whole different ballgame, and I wish I had known a few things before diving in.
First off, condo association approval is a must (similar to what @josephfrost990 said about HOAs, but even more so here). Our building had pre-approved vendors and even specific window models that met the building's requirements. We couldn't just hire anyone or pick any window. I found out the hard way that I needed to go through the condo board before signing a contract. They required an engineer’s report and proof that the new windows would match the building’s exterior look and meet hurricane impact ratings.
Another wrinkle: coordinating installation in a multi-story building. We had to reserve the service elevator for the days of installation and the installers had to work within certain hours (no noisy work after 5 PM, etc.). One day, a sudden thunderstorm popped up (classic Tampa) and the crew had to stop work and secure the opening. They only do one window at a time to keep the unit protected, but still, it was nerve-wracking seeing a big opening on the 10th floor with dark clouds rolling in!
Also, disposal of old windows was something I hadn’t thought about – carrying large glass panels down a high-rise isn’t trivial. The company we used (Pro Tech Windows & Doors) handled all that, thankfully. They were experienced with high-rise rules, which was a lifesaver.
So my advice: If you’re in a condo, check with your association early, use a company that has done high-rise or condo work, and be prepared for a bit more logistics (permissions, scheduling elevators, etc.). It’ll save you a lot of headaches to know those hurdles in advance.
Those with older homes, here's something to keep in mind: lead paint and old construction quirks. My house was built in the 1960s and still had the original windows (yeah, they were in rough shape). What I didn't realize until I got quotes is that because my house is older than 1978, the contractors had to follow lead-safe work practices.
One company explained that there was likely lead paint in the old window frames or surrounding trim, and by law, they had to do additional containment (plastic sheeting, special clean-up) to ensure no lead dust escaped during removal. This ended up adding a bit to the cost and complexity. It wasn’t a huge deal, but I was caught off guard by the line item for "RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) lead safety compliance" on my estimate. At least the reputable companies bring it up; a sketchy contractor might ignore it, which can be dangerous.
Also, older homes can have surprises. When we took out the old windows, we found some weird bygone construction methods (like no headers above windows, just concrete lintels, which is fine but different from modern builds). One window opening was slightly out of square, so the installers had to shim and adjust to get the new window plumb. They did a great job, but it made me appreciate having a skilled crew.
So if you have an older house in Tampa Bay, ask potential installers about how they handle things like lead paint and wonky old structures. I wish I’d known to bring that up beforehand. It’s worth ensuring they are prepared for it, so you don’t run into issues or safety hazards during the project.
Let’s talk budget and financing for a sec, because that's something I wish I had planned for better. Replacing windows is not cheap, especially if you're doing the whole house. We replaced 15 windows and a sliding glass door, and the total all-in was around $18,000 (with good quality impact windows). When I first heard numbers like that, I had sticker shock 😳.
What helped us was exploring financing options. The company we went with (Karoly Windows & Doors) offered a 12-month same-as-cash financing plan, which meant we could spread out the payments over a year without interest. That made it way more manageable on our budget. Some other quotes we got also had financing or suggested looking at a home improvement loan or a HELOC. My advice: if the cost is daunting, ask about financing promotions. Many window companies partner with lenders to provide low or zero-interest plans for a set period.
Also, don't forget there are some rebates/incentives out there. We got a small rebate from our electric company (TECO) for installing Energy Star rated windows – it was something like $0.75 per square foot of window glass, which ended up being a couple hundred bucks back. And for anyone doing windows now (2023-2024), the federal government has energy efficiency tax credits. We claimed a tax credit (around $600) for the windows on our taxes, which is basically money back in our pocket.
So yeah, while the upfront cost is high, there are ways to soften the blow: financing, rebates, tax credits. I wish I'd known about all of those from the get-go, so I’m sharing here.