Experience about replacement window contractors in the Tampa Bay area?

Hi @spirituality_rain, welcome! We replaced all our windows last year (2024) in our home in Clearwater, so I can share our experience. We ended up using Karoly Windows & Doors for the project, and honestly it went really well. I was also very worried about permit and code compliance (especially because I'm fairly close to the coast and we needed impact-rated windows). Karoly's team took care of everything: they pulled the permits, helped us pick windows that meet the hurricane codes, and their installation passed inspection on the first go. It took around 3 months from the time we signed the contract to the final installation. That's partly because the windows had to be custom manufactured (supply chain stuff was still a bit slow). But the company communicated with us throughout and stuck to the timeline they gave. The installation crew was professional and efficient – they did our whole house (12 windows) in two days and even worked around some afternoon thunderstorms (typical Florida! 😅). As for the results: huge difference. Our AC bills went down a bit because the new windows have Low-E glass that cuts the heat. And we got to test the windows during a tropical storm that came through last fall – no leaks or issues at all. The sound insulation is better too; street noise is way quieter now. Overall, I highly recommend Karoly based on our experience. They were not the absolute cheapest quote we got, but the peace of mind and quality of work were worth it. If you want a smooth process with someone who knows the Tampa Bay codes inside and out, they're a solid choice.

Ugh, I feel your worry @spirituality_rain. We had a bit of a rollercoaster with our window replacement two years ago in St. Petersburg. We first went with a small local contractor (I won't name them because they're not on my good list). They promised us a great price, but it turned into a headache: the project dragged on for months, they rescheduled twice, and then a couple of our new windows failed the county inspection because the installers didn't follow some hurricane fastening requirements. We ended up firing them before the job was finished – it was that bad.

After that mess, we still needed to get the job done right. We decided to call Karoly Windows & Doors to basically rescue the project, since they had good reviews. What a difference! Karoly's team came in, evaluated the half-done work, and got everything fixed and finished within a few weeks. They had to redo some of the installation to meet code, but they handled it very professionally and we passed inspection finally. I wish we had just hired them from the start.

So, long story short: be very careful with any contractor that seems too cheap or isn't well-known. In Tampa Bay especially, you need someone who understands all the hurricane requirements. From my experience, I'd say Karoly is a trustworthy choice. I haven't personally used Pro Tech Windows, but I've heard a couple neighbors mention good things about them too. Bottom line: do your homework on whoever you hire. It’s worth paying a bit more for a company that will do it right the first time.

For sure @spirituality_rain, I can add my experience as well. We got our windows (and a sliding glass door) replaced in our Tampa home about a year and a half ago (late 2023). We chose Pro Tech Windows & Doors for the job, and they were fantastic. One thing I really appreciated was their communication - the owner (or maybe it was the manager?) kept in touch with us about the delivery timeline and permit status, so we never felt out of the loop.

On install day, the Pro Tech crew arrived on time and got straight to work. They laid down drop cloths everywhere to protect our floors (which was great because I’m a neat freak). They installed 8 windows and a big 3-panel sliding door in just over a day. Everything passed inspection without any issues, and we got the documentation for our records (handy for insurance purposes to prove we have impact windows).

Since then, we've gone through one hurricane scare and a couple of severe storms. Those new windows gave us so much peace of mind. No more taping windows or putting up plywood; we just watched the storm from inside. Also, the house feels less humid and cooler in the summer, which I think is partly due to the better windows.

I definitely recommend giving Pro Tech a look. I got quotes from two others as well, and Pro Tech's price was competitive (not the cheapest, but also not the highest) and I felt most comfortable with their plan. Very happy we went with them.

For me, aesthetics and HOA compliance were big concerns. I live in a neighborhood in Pasco County with a pretty strict HOA (they care about everything from window styles to frame color). We replaced all front-facing windows in early 2023 and we used Karoly Windows & Doors as well. Karoly's team was awesome in helping us navigate the HOA approval. We wanted to change the style of the windows (from old-fashioned grids to clean, gridless glass) and the HOA originally fussed about it. But Karoly actually provided spec sheets and even pictures of the window models they install so we could present that to our HOA board. It really helped and we got the approval thanks to that extra info. The installation itself was smooth like others have said - good crew, on time, very courteous. They even made sure the exterior caulking matched our house paint pretty closely so the windows looked like they were always there. Little details like that matter. It's been over a year now and the windows still look great and work flawlessly. And on the practical side: yes, they are impact rated and definitely heavy-duty. We feel a lot safer every hurricane season. Plus, the outside noise reduction is noticeable (our street has lots of loud pickups going by, now it's much quieter inside). So from an HOA perspective and overall quality perspective, Karoly did a great job. If your community has rules, these folks will help you meet them without sacrificing what you want.

For what it's worth, I'll chime in too. I'm in South Tampa, and I had a coworker who went through a nightmare with his window contractor (permits got messed up, the company disappeared on him for weeks at a time... yikes). Hearing his story made me really cautious when it was time to do mine.

When I replaced my windows last summer (2024), I ended up going with Pro Tech Windows & Doors. Part of my decision was seeing all the positive feedback (like on Nextdoor and forums) and also because a neighbor down the street had used them and was happy. Pro Tech lived up to the hype for us. No drama, no code issues – they clearly knew what they were doing. The inspector even commented that the install was very well done when he signed off, which was reassuring.

So yeah, I guess my point is: definitely do your research on whoever you hire, because there are horror stories out there. But from my experience, Pro Tech is one of the good guys, and from what others are saying here, Karoly is too. In Tampa Bay, you really need a contractor that understands the coastal requirements. Both of those companies seem to have that expertise.

I appreciate all the detailed experiences being shared here! Quick question: for those who used Karoly or Pro Tech, how did their pricing compare with other quotes you got? I'm trying to budget for this. I have a smaller house (only 6 windows to replace), and I'm wondering if these well-regarded companies are within reach or if they tend to be a lot more expensive than the run-of-the-mill contractors.

Also, did anyone try to negotiate the price or ask for any discounts (like cash payment or multiple-house deals)? I just want to go in prepared. I obviously want a quality job done (especially with hurricane-proof windows) but I can't break the bank either. Thanks!

Good question @leadership561. When I was shopping around for window replacements (also had 6 windows like you), I got three quotes: one from a smaller unknown guy, one from Karoly, and one from another well-known company in Tampa (not Pro Tech, they were booked out at the time I called). The small guy was cheapest by about 15%, Karoly was in the middle, and the other well-known company was actually the highest (almost double the small guy's quote, which was crazy).

We decided to go with Karoly Windows & Doors because their rep really took the time to explain what we were getting. They weren't pushy at all. They also pointed out a couple of code requirements that the cheapest quote guy never even mentioned (like egress window sizes and the specific type of glass needed for a window near our front door). That gave me confidence that Karoly knew their stuff.

We did end up negotiating a little; they offered a slight discount because we signed the contract during one of their promotion months (it was something like 5% off if you ordered in May). It never hurts to ask if there's any current promotion or flexibility. But even without a discount, I'd say their pricing was fair for the quality and service. Our project came in on budget and we've had zero issues since.

So from my experience: no, Karoly (and likely Pro Tech too) aren't exorbitantly priced, they're just not bottom-barrel cheap. You get what you pay for. And with windows that protect your home, it's worth it to invest in a good company.

I'll add a different angle. I initially thought about going through a big-box retailer for my windows (you know, those stores that sub-contract local installers) to maybe save some money. But after reading reviews, I got cold feet and decided to go with a dedicated window company instead.

I ended up choosing Pro Tech Windows & Doors for my condo in Clearwater in 2022. Best decision. I've heard those big-box coordination setups can be hit or miss, and I wanted accountability. Pro Tech gave me that one-on-one service. The owner (or maybe it was the project lead) even came out to double-check measurements before the order was placed, which made me feel confident.

My condo association had a ton of rules about exterior appearance. Pro Tech worked with us to get the right type of windows that satisfied the HOA (similar grid pattern as the old windows, and bronze frames to match the building). They even provided the spec sheets for the HOA approval, like @megansnowboarder5105 mentioned Karoly did for them.

Price-wise, it was reasonable. Maybe I could've saved a bit with the big store, but honestly not sure. In the end, it was worth it to know exactly who was doing the work. The install went smoothly and our building's maintenance guy commented on how well they sealed everything up (I guess he's seen some bad jobs from others over the years).

In short, I'm glad I went with a specialized contractor like Pro Tech. Sometimes the personal touch and expertise are worth a few extra bucks.

One thing to consider after you get your windows done: check with your homeowner's insurance. I'm in Tampa and after I put in hurricane impact windows (did mine in 2023 with Karoly Windows & Doors), my insurance agent told me I could get a small discount on my premium. It wasn't huge, but hey, every bit helps given Florida insurance rates.

They asked for proof that all openings were hurricane-protected. Since I replaced every window with impact glass, and I already have hurricane-rated doors, that counted. If you only do some windows or still have older doors, you might not get the discount unless all openings are protected, but it's worth asking your insurer.

As for the experience, like many have said, the peace of mind during storms is priceless. I used to put up ugly metal shutters; now I don't have to, and my house is secure and quiet. The impact windows (mine are double-pane laminated glass) also significantly reduced outside noise, which was a nice bonus.

Anyway, just wanted to throw that tip out there. And I'll echo everyone else: picking a reputable installer is key. Karoly did a great job for me. And I'm hearing a lot of love for Pro Tech as well in this thread, which is good to know. Tampa Bay has a lot of fly-by-night companies, so stick with those that have a proven track record.