7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Hurricane Shutter Company
Choosing storm protection for your home is a major investment, which is why hiring a hurricane shutter company should never be a rushed decision.
Many Florida homeowners start researching hurricane protection when a storm is already approaching, but waiting too long can lead to poor decisions, rushed installations, and unreliable contractors.
Before hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask these important questions to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional who can properly protect your home.
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed and Insured?
- What Types of Hurricane Shutters Do You Offer?
- Do You Handle Permits and Code Compliance?
- What Is Your Installation Timeline?
- What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?
- Can You Provide References or Reviews?
- Do You Offer Maintenance or Repairs?
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
One of the first questions to ask when hiring a hurricane shutter company is whether they are properly licensed and insured.
Ask for:
- State licensing information
- Proof of insurance
- Worker’s compensation coverage
- Local certifications
A legitimate company should have no problem providing this information.
You can verify contractor licenses through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
2. What Types of Hurricane Shutters Do You Offer?
Not every home needs the same type of protection.
When hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask what products they install, such as:
- Accordion shutters
- Roll-down shutters
- Storm panels
- Bahama shutters
- Colonial shutters
- Impact windows
A quality company should explain the pros and cons of each option based on your home’s needs.
3. Do You Handle Permits and Code Compliance?
Florida has strict building codes for hurricane protection.
Before hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask:
- Do you pull permits?
- Do you follow Florida wind-load requirements?
- Are your products code-approved?
- Do you manage inspections?
This helps homeowners avoid future legal or insurance issues.
The Florida Building Commission provides information about building code requirements.
4. What Is Your Installation Timeline?
Timing matters—especially during hurricane season.
When hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask:
- How long does installation take?
- Are materials currently in stock?
- What happens if storms are approaching?
- Do delays happen during peak season?
Many homeowners wait until storm warnings begin, and installation schedules can fill quickly.
5. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?
A warranty can protect your investment.
When hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask about:
- Product warranties
- Installation warranties
- Motor warranties for automated shutters
- Repair coverage
Understanding warranty details now can prevent frustration later.
6. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
A trustworthy company should have a strong reputation.
Before hiring a hurricane shutter company, review:
- Google reviews
- Testimonials
- Before-and-after photos
- Referrals from past customers
This gives you confidence in their workmanship.
You can view APS’s review on our Google Page or Facebook.
7. Do You Offer Maintenance or Repairs?
Some companies install shutters but don’t offer long-term support.
When hiring a hurricane shutter company, ask if they provide:
- Annual inspections
- Repairs
- Replacement parts
- Emergency service
Long-term maintenance helps keep shutters working properly year after year.
Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Hurricane Shutter Company
Be cautious if a contractor:
- Pressures you into immediate decisions
- Won’t provide written estimates
- Avoids licensing questions
- Offers prices that seem unusually low
- Has poor reviews
These can be warning signs of unreliable service.
Final Thoughts on Hiring a Hurricane Shutter Company
Hiring a hurricane shutter company is about more than just price—it’s about protecting your home during severe weather.
Asking the right questions helps ensure you choose experienced professionals who install reliable products that meet Florida safety standards.
APS Hurricane Protection helps homeowners make informed decisions when hiring a hurricane shutter company by offering expert guidance, quality products, and dependable installation services. Give us a call, 386-281-5151, or reach out through our contact page!
