Just got a quote for replacing my windows with those hurricane-rated ones Florida requires, and um, wow...my wallet is crying. Anyone else feel like these prices are getting kinda ridiculous lately?
Yeah, I feel your pain on this one. Got my own quote last summer and honestly thought they made a mistake at first—had to double-check with the guy. Nope, turns out that's just the going rate these days. I get that they're built to withstand hurricanes and all, but sometimes I wonder if companies are just banking on our fears to jack up prices.
On the flip side though, my neighbor bit the bullet and installed them last year. She swears her energy bills dropped noticeably, and it did make her place a lot quieter inside. Still, it's a tough pill to swallow upfront...especially when you're not exactly rolling in cash. Hang in there—at least you're not alone in feeling sticker shock.
Installed hurricane-rated windows myself about two years ago. The upfront cost was definitely steep, but the engineering behind them does justify a good chunk of the expense—impact-resistant glazing, reinforced frames, and rigorous testing standards aren't cheap. My energy bills did drop noticeably, and the noise reduction was a welcome bonus. Still, I get the frustration...it's a significant investment, especially when budgets are tight.