Three Quotes. Three Different Numbers. What Is Going On?
You called three licensed impact window companies. You got three quotes. They are all different — sometimes by thousands of dollars.
This is one of the most common things we hear from South Florida homeowners. The answer matters more than most people realize — because the gap between quotes is almost never random.
Reason 1: They Are Quoting Different Products
This is the most common cause of quote variation, and the most overlooked.
A quote using entry-level aluminum single-hung windows looks very different from one speccing ES Windows with Low-E glass and stainless hardware, or PGT WinGuard casements with an upgraded glass package. All three are Miami-Dade NOA approved. All three are impact-rated. The performance, aesthetics, hardware quality, and warranty depth are not the same.
Before comparing numbers, compare what is actually being quoted. Ask every contractor: what brand, what product line, and what glass package?
Reason 2: Permits — Included or Not?
Some contractors include permit fees in their total. Others list them separately. Others leave them out entirely and present them as a surprise after you have signed.
Permit costs vary significantly across South Florida municipalities. If one quote is noticeably lower than the others, the first question to ask is: are permits included in this number?
Reason 3: Stucco and Frame Work
When old windows are removed, stucco repair around the opening is almost always required. Some contractors build this into their base price. Others treat it as a separate line item that appears after the demo is done.
Ask every contractor directly: is stucco repair included in this quote?
Reason 4: Labor and Crew Quality
South Florida has a wide range of licensed contractors — from large volume operations running crews on tight margins to smaller owner-operated companies that charge more for direct oversight and quality control. Both can deliver excellent results. Both can deliver poor ones. The price difference often reflects a real difference in who is physically showing up to your home and who is responsible when something needs attention.
Reason 5: Licensing and Insurance
A fully licensed General Contractor with active liability insurance and workers compensation coverage will price their work higher than an unlicensed operation cutting corners on coverage. If something goes wrong — an injury, a failed inspection, a leaking installation two years later — you need to know who is responsible and whether they are covered. Verify every contractor at myfloridalicense.com before signing anything.
Reason 6: Warranty Depth
A 10-year manufacturer warranty backed by a major brand is not the same as a 1-year labor warranty from a small operation. Ask what the warranty covers, who backs it, and what happens if the company is no longer in business five years from now.
How to Compare Quotes Correctly
Do not compare bottom-line numbers. Compare line by line:
What brand and product line is being quoted? Are permits included? Is stucco repair included? What does the warranty cover and who backs it — the manufacturer or just the installer? Who is pulling the permit — the GC directly or a subcontractor? Is the contractor licensed and insured? Who specifically is doing the installation?
The lowest number on paper is rarely the lowest cost when the project is complete.