Wow, this thread is gold for anyone with an old Tampa Bay house. Big thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences. I'm about to embark on window replacements for my 1950 bungalow in Palma Ceia, and after reading all this, I feel much more prepared. I've got a shortlist of contractors (definitely calling those mentioned like Pro Tech and Karoly) and a list of questions to ask them (thanks to many of your tips).
I also won't feel so alone if hiccups happen, because clearly it's normal to find weird surprises in old walls 😅. I'll probably refer back here as the project goes on. It's like having a neighborhood support group for window projects. Appreciate the sense of community here – I'll update y'all once mine are done!
Jumping in late, but I wanted to sum up some great advice from this thread (I'm taking notes for my own project!):
Do your homework: Get multiple quotes and ask if the contractors have experience with historic homes.
Permits and approvals are a must: Always pull permits and check if you need HOA or historic board approval before starting.
Quality matters: Invest in good windows and reputable installers – it'll save you headaches in the long run.
Preserve character: Opt for styles, grids, and trim that match your home's original look (and remember you can repurpose special old features).
Expect surprises: Rot, odd old construction, or delays can happen. Keep a buffer in your budget and timeline just in case.
Enjoy the results: Better comfort, lower bills, and improved curb appeal make it all worth it in the end!
Huge thanks to everyone above for basically writing the playbook on old-home window replacement 👍. This will be my reference going forward.
I’ll add my thanks to everyone. As a new homeowner of a 1969 house in Temple Terrace, I was pretty clueless about windows until I found this discussion. Now I have pages of notes and a lot more confidence to tackle it. It's rare to find such a wealth of local knowledge in one place! This thread deserves to be pinned for all Tampa Bay old-home folks.
I'm sure I'll be referring back here as I go through my own window project. Thanks again, and I hope to share my success story here soon too.
What a fantastic thread! As someone who restored a 1905 home in Tampa Heights, I thought I knew it all – but I still picked up new tips here. This community is really something special. Good luck to everyone working on their windows, and remember: your old house will thank you for it 😊.