Professional Shutter Installation

Choosing professional installation means paying a company to manage the practical side of having shutters installed in your home. Rather than buying the shutters separately and taking responsibility for measuring and fitting them yourself, the company normally manages several stages of the process on your behalf.

The exact service varies between companies, but the process will usually begin with an initial consultation. This may take place in your home or remotely, depending on the company and the type of service offered. You can discuss the windows you want covered, the rooms involved and the type of shutters you are considering.

This is also an opportunity to discuss the specification. A professional company may be able to explain the differences between shutter styles, louvre sizes, frame options, colours and finishes, and advise on what may be suitable for the individual windows. This does not mean there is one correct choice, however. The final specification is still a matter of personal preference, budget and the requirements of the window.

Measuring the windows

One of the main practical benefits of professional installation is that you do not have to take responsibility for measuring the shutters yourself.

The installer will normally measure the window openings and assess factors such as the available space, window shape, handles, frames and how the shutters need to operate. This can be particularly useful for bays, doors, unusually shaped windows and larger openings where accurate measurements can be more involved.

The measurements are then used to produce or order the shutters to the required dimensions. It is worth checking what happens if a measurement or specification needs to be changed before the order is confirmed, as policies can vary between companies.

The quotation and order

Once the requirements and measurements have been established, the company will normally provide a quotation. This should make it clear what is included in the price and whether measuring, delivery and installation are included.

The quotation may also cover additional options or upgrades, so it is worth checking the specification rather than comparing the headline figure alone. Two companies can quote different prices for what appear to be similar shutters because they may be offering different materials, construction, finishes, frames or levels of service.

Once you approve the quotation and confirm the order, the shutters will normally be sent for manufacture or ordered from the relevant supplier.

Lead times

Made to measure shutters are produced to order, so there will normally be a period between placing the order and installation. In many cases, you should be prepared to wait several weeks for the shutters to be manufactured, delivered and fitted. The length of this period can vary depending on the product, where it is manufactured, the supplier’s workload and the installation schedule.

Ask when the quoted lead time starts and whether it refers to manufacture, delivery or the final installation date. If the shutters are being made overseas, there may also be additional time associated with shipping and customs.

If the shutters are being installed as part of a wider renovation, it is worth discussing the expected timing with the installer before placing the order rather than assuming that installation can take place on a particular date.

Installation day

Once the shutters have arrived and the installation has been arranged, the installer will return to fit them.

The work can involve preparing the window area, fitting the frames, attaching the shutter panels and installing the relevant hardware. The exact process depends on the shutter design and the way it has been specified.

The amount of disruption will also vary. A straightforward installation may be relatively quick, while larger windows, bays, doors or more complicated configurations can require more time.

You may need to clear furniture or other items from around the windows before the installer arrives. The company should explain any preparation that is expected from you beforehand.

What happens afterwards?

Once the shutters have been installed, the installer should normally check that the panels open and close correctly, that the louvres operate as intended and that the installation is complete.

This is also the point to check the finished shutters yourself. Look at the alignment, operation, finish and any areas where the shutters meet the surrounding frame or window.

The aftercare provided will vary between companies. Some may offer guarantees or warranties covering particular parts of the shutters or installation, while others may have different terms. It is worth understanding what is covered before ordering rather than assuming that all companies offer the same level of after sales support.

What are you actually paying for?

The cost of professional installation is not simply the price of putting the shutters onto the window. You are paying for a service that can take responsibility for much of the process.

That can include consultation, measuring, specification, ordering, communication with the manufacturer, delivery, installation and aftercare. It also means you do not have to spend your own time measuring the windows, interpreting fitting instructions or dealing with installation problems yourself.

This is the main difference between professional installation and a DIY supply only service. With DIY shutters, the lower price reflects the fact that more responsibility sits with you. You normally provide the measurements, place the order and carry out the installation yourself.

With professional installation, you are paying a premium to transfer much of that responsibility to the company.

That does not necessarily make professional installation the right choice for everyone. Someone who is comfortable measuring and fitting shutters may prefer to save the installation cost, while another homeowner may consider the additional expense worthwhile simply to avoid the work and uncertainty involved.

The complexity of the windows can also influence the decision. Straightforward rectangular windows may be relatively manageable for an experienced DIY installer, while bays, doors, large openings and unusual shapes can involve more measurements and fitting considerations.

Ultimately, professional shutter installation is about convenience and responsibility as much as the physical fitting itself. If you want a company to guide you through the specification, measure the windows, arrange the shutters and install them for you, the additional cost provides a more hands off route from choosing the shutters to having them fitted.