Hurricane Shutters Costs

Hurricane-rated design features and protective installations are starting to become mandatory in many environments prone to hurricanes and related weather. Hurricane shutters are among these installations, and they have a lot to offer. The size and type of shutter that you choose will impact what you spend.

Other factors affecting the cost of hurricane shutters include the labor rates and any special installation considerations. This type of work is typically measured and cost by the square foot, so it is important to have the measurements of your windows and consider the available materials and their expenses.

Hurricane shutters installation: by type of shutter, cost per sq.ft.

Hurricane shutters installation: 300 sq.ft. of shutters for 6 windows.

Other considerations and costs

• This estimate does not include labor costs, with contractors charging about $60 per hour for this installation. It takes about one hour to install seven square feet of shutters.
• Permits are not usually required for installing window treatments, but this may vary from region to region. Check with your local authorities or your contractor regarding permits and possible fees.
• Installing hurricane shutters is a reasonably affordable project unless you wait until the last minute. Buying these materials during hurricane season can incur a premium charge due to increased demand.
• Plywood is a cheap solution that is relatively effective, but it isn’t permanent and can require a lot of work to put up every time a storm is coming.
• Your insurance company might offer a discount or other incentive for having these shutters installed, and especially when you choose a permanent solution. Be sure to ask about this.

DIY considerations

• You can reduce what you pay for hurricane shutters installation by doing some of the work yourself, but only if you’re experienced in some areas of home improvement and have the right tools for the job.
• You may also opt for professional installation, but save a little money by shopping around for the materials that you need rather than just assuming that the contractor will provide them. They will, in most cases, but they often charge a premium for doing so.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.