Replacing Old Windows- Need Advice

[Tim Kaminski]

BP,

Looking to replace the majority of my duplexes windows sometime in the future.  This is a 1920's stick house located in Tampa, Fl and there are about 20-25 windows that are just single pane glass or low grade aluminum framed windows that will need to be replaced at some point in my rehabbing.  This is a long term buy and hold for me and I just had central AC installed so was looking for something that held some type of insulation value but was also concerned about hurricane protection as I don't want to be running around to all of my properties in the future putting up plywood.

I wont be paying for heat but the bottom line is these windows will have to be replaced sooner or later.  Am open to the idea of slowly replacing them so I can get quality windows installed.  It is a rental so don't need anything high grade but I don't want to stay up at night thinking my windows are going to shatter next year when Irma 2.0 comes rolling through.

Have been receiving a few quotes from window companies but they are asking $25-40k for removing and installing.  Am somewhat handy  so would rather install myself and save a buck. The rental is in Tampa Heights and around the $900-1,000/Mo range.

• Do those investing in areas prone to hurricanes invest in impact windows or storm shutters?
  • Or do you put in cheap windows and just run around and board up the windows prior to a storm?
• Do you have any suggestions on where to find solid windows that I can install?  Have heard of Habitat Restore for cheap material and will definitely look into that.
• Any tips to installing these windows that I need to be aware of?
• Any advice on insert/pocket windows?  They seem inexpensive but not sure if that is what I would want as they may be less secure for larger storms.

I know I am asking a lot of questions so I appreciate any help you guys can give to a new investor!

Thanks! 

[Andrew Kerr]

@Tim Kaminski - I am not sure about the hurricane ratings questions. But for budget friendly options look at Lowes in stock replacement windows. I had a ton of multifamily properties that were affordable housing, so I needed to upgrade from single pane, but still keep the costs affordable. I would get a 10% couple for Lowes off ebay, then I could pickup their standard, in stock, double hung, half screen, dual pane windows for around $135 each. Then I could install them myself in about an hour per window. When I got tired of doing them myself, I could get local subs to do them for $30-$40 a window. 

If you have to go with custom sizes, and need extra framing or lots of new trim work it can start to get pricey.