How many times have you wondered what those big crazy-shaped metal pieces are covering someone’s windows? It is almost a guarantee that after a major storm you were thinking about installing the same crazy-shaped metal pieces on your windows. You should never wait until a storm hits to think about installing hurricane shutters. The materials are so well constructed that they will protect your windows from flying debris and strong wind damage. Do hurricane shutters increase home value? Yes, they save you money on your homeowners insurance policy and are attractive to future buyers.
Let’s take a look below at the hurricane shutter options and why they increase my home value.
What Are My Hurricane Shutter Options
Believe it or not, there are a variety of hurricane shutter options. Many homeowners are picky about how the shutters are installed or what they look like. Some people are also picky about if they are permanent or removable. Let’s take a look at the options of hurricane shutters that increase my home value:
- Hurricane Panels – storm panels typically come with a new home built in Florida. Aluminum metal, clear, or galvanized steel panels are the materials that are used. Also, manual installation and removal are required and the items must be stored. They are typically stored in a corner of your garage.
- Accordion hurricane shutters – permanently installed and similar to rolling shutters. Low aesthetic value and must manually open and close them.
- Rolling hurricane shutters – best type of hurricane shutter created as they can withstand winds over 200 mph, which is a category 5 hurricane. Permanent structure of your home and are mechanically deployed over your windows and doors. Also, with the simple push of a button they can deploy over your doors and windows in seconds. They can provide you with great energy-efficiency and protection from uninvited guests. The shutters roll back into a small housing that sits about the window or door.
Why Do They Increase Home Value
Some of the most obvious reasons for homeowners to install hurricane shutters are protection, safety, and energy savings. However, most homeowners forget the increasing possibility of home values going up. Let’s explore the various ways that installing hurricane shutters can increase my home value.
- Reduce homeowners’ insurance – believe it or not, your homeowners’ insurance premiums will go down by as much as 10% when you install hurricane shutters. Make sure you call your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as installing the shutters Is complete. They will rework your policy numbers and savings vary based on the location of the home and the company you are using.
- Protection – hurricane shutters protect your investment. Additionally, they are strong enough to withstand strong winds and rain. The good news is this keeps your homes damage to a minimum.
- Resale value may improve – permanent hurricane shutters are attractive to home buyers. This is one less expensive item that they have to worry about installing themselves. Also, anytime you can save potential buyers time and money and offer key items is great.
- Energy efficiency and security – permanent shutters allow you to shade various parts of your home as the sun beats down on the side of the house. This keeps your home cooler during the warmer parts of the day and keeps your ac from needing to work so hard to cool your home. They also keep intruders away after major storms and can protect your home while you are away on vacation.
How Much Do They Cost
Hurricane shutter’s cost is varied based on the type of shutter that you have purchased and the company doing the installation. You should expect to pay around $15 to $25 per square foot for installing storm shutters. The average price for the shutters can range from $2,000 to $8,000. Again, this depends on the type of shutter that you have purchased. Expect to pay between $45 and $100 per hour for labor.
Other Recommended Maintenance
While you are looking into installing some new hurricane shutters, this might also be a good time to inspect your windows. Keeping your home safe and secure as well as energy-efficient is very important. Don’t be afraid to start looking into updating your windows to ensure that they are structurally sound.
Next, it would be a good idea to consider all of the projects you are doing on the exterior of your home. Prior to installing hurricane shutters on your doors and windows, decide if you are changing the exterior look of your home. Some homeowners like the idea of installing vinyl siding over their stucco. It is best to take care of this before installing your hurricane shutters. Additionally, you will also save money and creates less of a mess.
Before investing in a set of hurricane shutters, consider having a wind mitigation inspection completed on your home. Your local home inspection company can come out and conduct this quick and easy wind mitigation inspection. Having this information in hand can assist you with your hurricane shutter purchase decisions so you know you are protecting your home.
When Do I Call A Professional
Call a professional to have your hurricane shutters installed. They will be able to show you the products that they offer and how much it would cost you. Remember, there will be charges for installation and purchase. Also, if you don’t know any hurricane shutter installers in your local area, use google to search and check the company reviews. Lastly, this investment will pay for itself with the savings you will get from your homeowners insurance policy.
Conclusion
Installing hurricane shutters on a home or business is a great idea. Not only will you see a reduction in your insurance premiums, but you will also be protecting your investment. Keep in mind, that getting a wind mitigation inspection is a great idea prior to installing your hurricane shutters.
Your home inspection team can offer up some tips as to which hurricane shutters would work best on your doors and windows.