Hillsborough/Tampa Bay Window Replacement - Seeking Costs, Tips & Recommendations

My house (built 2010) already had decent double-pane windows but we upgraded to impact for hurricane peace of mind. 12 windows cost us $12k (so roughly $1k each for impact retrofits). We probably could have left the originals in for a while since they were in okay shape, but our goal was the insurance credits and storm protection. It feels good knowing everything is up to current code now.

Anyone opt for any fancy upgrades like tinted glass or internal blinds or anything? One of the companies tried to upsell me on gray tint glass for more heat reduction and also offered internal blinds between the glass on the slider (which was super expensive so I declined). I just stuck with standard Low-E glass, which is fine. Just curious if others went for any bells and whistles beyond the basic options.

@breezec63 I considered the gray tint for a west-facing window but ended up just getting a slightly darker Low-E (there are different levels of Low-E coatings). The standard Low-E is already doing well. Internal blinds between glass sound cool but everyone says they can malfunction and they're pricey. I kept it simple too. One thing I did upgrade was the window hardware color to bronze to match my interior decor (versus standard white locks). That was like $10 more per window. But yeah, I think for most, the basic configuration is sufficient.

I went the budget route initially (non-impact windows last year), but after seeing this thread and re-thinking, I’m already planning to add some protective film or maybe eventually upgrade to impact glass panels. Kinda wish I’d stretched for impact upfront. I saved money but still worry each hurricane season 😬. So for anyone on the fence and can afford it, I'd lean impact if you plan to stay in the home long term.

On installation day, pro tip: it’s noisy! If you work from home or have pets/kids, plan accordingly. I took the day off and took my toddler to grandma’s because the hammering and drilling would have driven him nuts (and nap time would’ve been impossible). Also, there will be dust – the installers put up plastic sheets but some dust still spread, so cover your furniture or electronics near windows. The crew cleaned up mostly, but I did a bit of extra vacuuming and dusting afterwards. Minor inconveniences for a big upgrade.

I haven’t chimed in yet, but I used Karoly Windows & Doors for my project last year (in Palm Harbor). I can echo the positive experiences – Karoly’s team was top-notch and the Simonton windows they installed are performing beautifully. Our cost for 15 windows (all vinyl, impact) was around $17k. No regrets at all. Highly recommend them if you’re in their service area.

Glad to hear all the good things about ProTech Windoors too. They gave us a quote earlier this year. We only didn’t use them because we decided to hold off on the project, but when we do go forward, they’ll be at the top of our list. Their rep was low-pressure and educational, which was refreshing compared to some others. It's nice to know others here had great results with them.

I have a somewhat random question: do I need to be present during the entire window installation? I have work and can’t take many days off. Would it be unwise to leave the installers alone at home? (I don’t have pets or anything, but just concerned about supervision).

@kevint70 – If possible, it's best to be around during installation, at least for a good portion of it. Not that you can't trust the crew, but it's your home and you may need to answer questions or make small decisions (like how you want trim finished, etc.). Also, you probably want to do a walkthrough with the lead installer when they finish to ensure you're satisfied. If you absolutely can’t be there, maybe have a friend or family member oversee. I took two days off for mine; it was worth the peace of mind. Plus, as @dennis_rogue mentioned, there's a lot of noise and commotion – you probably don't want neighbors calling you at work saying your windows are being removed if they didn’t know, haha.

One more thing: if you have a security system with sensors on your windows, let your alarm company know before the install. I had wired sensors on all my old windows that had to be disconnected and later replaced with new wireless sensors. I scheduled my alarm tech to come the day after window install to set up the new contacts. Just something to plan for so your alarm isn’t going off or left inoperable unexpectedly. Some window companies mention this, but others don't. So coordinate it yourself if needed.

Great tip on the alarm sensors @mbrown43. I forgot about that! I ended up with a couple days of my security system being partially down until I got the sensors replaced. Luckily no incidents in between, but yes, good to handle it promptly.

To play devil’s advocate: I went the shutters + non-impact route and I’m totally fine with it. Saved a lot of money, and honestly putting up shutters isn’t that bad if you’re physically able. We have accordion shutters on our bigger openings and panels for the rest, and can secure the whole house in about an hour. So, not everyone needs to splurge on impact windows if you don’t mind the prep work. The cost difference for me was about $5k that I used for a new roof instead. Just saying, it’s a personal choice – impact windows aren’t the only solution for hurricane protection.

Fair point @kayaker91. I think it definitely comes down to personal preference and ability. I have neighbors who do the same as you and are perfectly happy. For me, the hassle (and maybe the fact that I’m often out of town in summer for work) made impact windows a better choice. If a storm pops up when I’m away, I don’t have to rush back to board up. But yeah, if you’re local and ready to deploy shutters, you can absolutely save money. And no flying debris is getting through good aluminum panels either. So both approaches get you safety; one is just more $$ vs more labor.

Agree that impact vs shutters is a lifestyle/budget choice. I did something in-between: impact windows on the second floor (no way I’m lugging panels up a ladder), and non-impact with shutters on the first floor (easy to put up). That might sound odd, but it worked for my budget. I eventually will convert the downstairs windows to impact too, but at least I know the whole house is secure because I cover the first floor with shutters and second floor is already impact. My insurance still gave me the full credit since all openings are protected (mixed methods).

This might have been covered, but a quick question on warranty: If I install these windows and then sell my house in a few years, does the warranty transfer to the new owner? I'm thinking about resale value – being able to say 'new windows with warranty' would be a plus.

@charlie_woof – It depends on the manufacturer. As mentioned before, Simonton for example offers a transferable warranty (the second owner typically gets a 20-year or so term). PGT’s warranty is not transferable (only for original purchaser). CWS I believe has a limited transfer (maybe 1 transfer within 10 years). The installer’s labor warranty usually is only for original customer and maybe only 1-5 years anyway. But for marketing to buyers, you can certainly mention the brand and that the windows are new; even if the warranty doesn’t fully transfer, new-ish windows are a selling point. If warranty transfer is important to you, you might lean toward brands that offer it (like Simonton).

New homeowner here as well – this thread has been a godsend. It’s helping me budget and prioritize impact windows in the next year or two. Thank you all!

By the way, replacing windows can bump up your home’s value. When I refinanced after installing impact windows, the appraiser definitely took it into account. He noted the upgrades and I believe it contributed to a higher valuation. Maybe not dollar-for-dollar of what I spent, but it’s an investment that you partially recoup in value (and fully recoup in peace of mind!).

I know we often prefer companies with in-house crews, but I’ll say the subcontractor team that did my install was fantastic. The company I chose (small outfit) actually hired an independent installer crew they regularly contract with. Those guys were super experienced (20+ years doing windows) and it showed. So, even if it’s subcontracted labor, if it’s a crew that works routinely with the company and has good reviews, it can be just as good. Just make sure someone stands behind the work if any issue arises (in my case, the company owner came with the subs on day 1 to introduce us and checked in during the job).

My neighbor actually tried to DIY a couple of window installs to save money... let's just say he won’t do that again. It’s a pretty tough job to get right (and you still need permits/inspections). He eventually called pros to finish the rest. So I’m a big believer in using licensed installers, even if it costs more upfront.