Just to add another data point: I replaced 10 windows (no doors) in my 2004-built home in Brandon. I used a local company (Brandon Glass & Window) and got PGT impact windows. Total was $13,500. This was for a mix of sizes (including two big picture windows). I’m very satisfied with the result.
I did notice as others said: the frame on the new windows is thicker than the old aluminum ones, but I quickly got used to it. And zero drafts now. So count me as another happy customer who thinks it’s worth the cost.
I got a quote from Window World as well when shopping around (I saw @tech905 mentioned them). For 12 windows (non-impact), they quoted me $7,200. I ended up not going with them because I really wanted impact windows and their impact option quote was much higher (around $15k) and the product was not a known brand (Window World uses their own branding). I went with a smaller local business who installed PGT impacts for $14k. So sometimes the big franchise isn’t cheaper for the high-spec stuff. Just something I found in my process.
Fun fact: if you have any window in a bathroom or near a shower/tub, expect it to be tempered (even if not impact). I had one small bathroom window that the installer noted had to have tempered glass by code. It was included in the quote but I think tempered glass adds a bit to the cost. Just mentioning so people aren’t surprised if one window costs slightly more due to that requirement. Code also required my side-door that had glass in it to be impact or have shutters since it was an opening – I opted to replace that door too while I was at it.
Thanks to everyone on this thread. I ended up calling both Karoly Windows and ProTech Windoors for estimates based on the recommendations here. Both were excellent to speak with. I ultimately went with a different company only because of scheduling (I needed it done ASAP and they had an opening), but I was impressed with the professionalism of those two. It goes to show that doing your research and getting multiple quotes truly helps.
Big shout out to this forum and thread – it saved me a ton of headache in figuring out where to start.
Agreed – this thread is awesome. It should be required reading for any Tampa Bay homeowner about to replace windows. 😎
Final Update (installed!): Hey everyone! As promised, I wanted to update after our windows were installed.
We had the installation done last week by ProTech Windoors. Everything went very smoothly. It took two days for all 13 openings. The crew was fantastic – arrived on time, laid down drop cloths everywhere, and worked efficiently. Day 1 they did most of the windows, and Day 2 they finished the slider and a couple of remaining windows, then called for inspection. The county inspector came on Day 3 and we passed with flying colors. He actually commented that the install looked very well done (kudos to the ProTech team!).
I have to say, the difference in our home is even better than expected. The AC runs less and the house feels quieter and more secure. We had a thunderstorm and it was almost eerie how we barely heard it with the new windows. No more rattle or whistle from wind, either.
We ended up paying exactly $18,400 as quoted – no surprise add-ons. They included the permit fee and even fixed a bit of exterior stucco around one window at no extra charge. I’m really impressed with ProTech Windoors and would definitely recommend them and the CWS windows we got.
Once again, thank you all. This thread was a lifesaver in helping me make informed decisions. I hope our journey and everyone’s input here helps the next person looking to do the same.
Cheers, and stay safe this hurricane season with those new windows! 🍻
So glad to hear everything went well @sports_mary! Enjoy those new windows – sounds like you made a great choice. This thread will definitely help others (and I learned a few things too!).
Congrats @sports_mary! It’s always good to hear a success story. Thanks for coming back to update us. This thread has been an amazing community effort. 🙂
Anybody have experience with NewSouth Window Solutions? They’re always advertising “factory direct” windows in Tampa. I got a quote from them and it was pretty steep ($18k for 9 windows, all impact). The product looked good and they have a nice showroom, but I felt like I might be paying a premium for the marketing. Just curious if others negotiated a better deal with them or if their prices are just high.
We actually went with NewSouth for our home in St. Pete. The price was on the higher side, but we liked the fact that they manufacture their own windows here in Florida. We paid about $22k for 11 windows and 1 slider (all impact). The windows themselves are very solid and we’re happy with them so far (2 years in). The install was decent, though we did have to call them back to adjust one window. They honored their warranty and fixed it promptly.
Could we have gotten similar quality for less? Probably, if we shopped around more. But at the time, we felt more comfortable with a big company. In hindsight, I realize we mainly paid for the name and those TV commercials. I’d say NewSouth has good products, but you can likely get comparable windows from companies like PGT, CWS, etc., for less money with a smaller dealer. If you do like them, try to negotiate – sometimes they have “manager specials” or end-of-quarter deals. They knocked off a little when we hesitated.