Impact Windows & Doors Bids in South Florida

On BiiDiT, homeowners in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties show their windows and doors in a short video and answer a few questions from Mike, BiiDiT's home-improvement advisor. Impact window and door contractors in their area send bids, and the homeowner compares and chooses. Contractors usually start sending bids within 24 hours.

What to show in your video

• Every window and door you want replaced, from inside and outside — including sliding glass doors, French doors, the front door and the garage door.
• The approximate width and height of each opening. Hold a tape measure in the shot if you can.
• The current frame material and glass, and any shutters or panels you use today.
• Which floor the openings are on, and whether the home is a house, a townhouse or a condo.
• In your own words: what you want (impact glass, less noise, a new look, insurance savings) and anything the contractor should know.

What affects the price in South Florida

Every contractor prices their own bid from what your video shows. Mike understands, contractors price, the market decides. These are the things that usually make the difference:

Number and size of openings

Each window and door is made to measure, so the count and the size of the openings matter most.

Window and door type

Single-hung, horizontal roller, casement, fixed picture windows, sliding glass doors, French doors, entry doors and garage doors are built and installed differently.

Frame and glass

Aluminum or vinyl frame material, and glass options such as laminated impact glass, tint, Low-E coatings and insulated glass.

Design pressure

Each opening must meet the wind pressure required for its location and height on the building, which decides the product and glass that can be used.

HVHZ and product approval

Miami-Dade and Broward counties are in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone; products installed there must be approved for it, usually shown by a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Elsewhere in Florida products need Florida Product Approval or a Miami-Dade NOA.

Installation and finish

Removing the old units, the wall type (block, wood frame), and repairing stucco, drywall and paint around each opening.

Permits, condo rules and lead time

Window and door replacement needs a building permit; condos and HOAs often require their own approval first. Custom impact products are made to order, so there is a wait before installation.

Permit and product approval notes

• Replacing exterior windows and doors in Florida generally needs a building permit; the contractor usually applies for it.
• Ask for the Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval number of every product in the bid.
• In a condo or HOA, check the association’s rules and approval process before you sign.

Checking the contractor

Contractors are verified before they can bid — licensed trades are checked against their Florida license. Handymen are labeled as handymen, not licensed contractors. Before you hire, always check the contractor’s Florida license — you can look it up at myfloridalicense.com.

Questions

Do I need a permit for impact windows and doors?

Yes. Replacing exterior windows and doors generally needs a building permit from your city or county, with an inspection. The contractor usually applies for it.

What is a Miami-Dade NOA for windows and doors?

A Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is a product approval issued by Miami-Dade County showing that a window or door meets the county’s high-wind and impact requirements. In Miami-Dade and Broward, products must be approved for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

Do impact windows replace hurricane shutters?

Impact-rated windows and doors are tested to protect the opening from windborne debris, so separate shutters are usually not needed for those openings. Ask the contractor what the code requires for your home.

Do I need my condo association’s approval?

Often, yes. Many condos and HOAs have rules on the style and color of windows and doors and require approval before work starts. Check with your association first.

How soon will I get bids?

Contractors usually start sending bids within 24 hours. You compare them side by side and decide if and whom to hire.

Does BiiDiT do the window and door work?

No. BiiDiT is a marketplace: contractors in your area send bids, you compare and choose, and the agreement is between you and the contractor. Before you hire, always check the contractor’s Florida license — you can look it up at myfloridalicense.com.

See how BiiDiT works, or read the homeowner FAQ.