Our Process: How to Get Hurricane Shutters in 3 Easy, Stress-Free Steps

You’ve decided to make the smart, one-time investment in permanent storm protection. You’re done with the “plywood scramble” and the annual storm-prep panic. You’re ready. But now you’re facing a new set of questions that can be just as stressful: What’s the “storm shutter process”? How does it work? How much will it *really* cost? Will I have to deal with high-pressure salespeople or unreliable contractors?

This is where we come in. At American Hurricane Shutters, our goal is to make the entire **hurricane shutter installation process** as simple, transparent, and professional as possible. As a local, family-owned company based right here in Wilmington since 2007, we’ve built our reputation on trust, not on confusing contracts or “surprise” fees.

This is our “no-nonsense” guide to our simple 3-step system. We are here to demystify the process and show you how easy it is to get total peace of mind, from your first call to your finished, professional installation.

The AHS Promise: No Pressure, No Subcontractors, No Surprises

Before we get to the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why is our process different? It’s built on a foundation of E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). We’ve heard the horror stories of working with other contractors, and our process is designed to eliminate every single one of those fears.

• No High-Pressure Sales: We are not a national chain that sends a “closer” to your home. We are a family-owned, disabled-owned business. Our owner, Matthew Burns, and our expert team are *consultants*, not salespeople. Our job is to listen to your needs, show you the options, and give you a fair price.
• No Unreliable Subcontractors: This is our “iron-clad” guarantee. **We *never* use subcontractors.** Our installation team is made of our own, in-house, uniformed, and fully-insured employees. This gives us 100% control over quality, scheduling, and professionalism. The team that shows up at your home works for *us*.
• No Surprise Fees: The price on our written quote is the price you pay. Period. There are no hidden fees, no last-minute “material surcharges,” and no games. Just transparent, honest pricing.

This is our “The Process” promise. Now, here’s how it works.

Our Simple 3-Step Process to Total Storm Protection

We’ve streamlined the entire experience to be stress-free for you. It all starts with a simple, free phone call.

H3: Step 1: The Free, No-Pressure Consultation & Measurement

This is our “discovery” phase. It’s where we listen to you and learn about your home. It is 100% free and 100% no-obligation.

1. You Call Us: You dial (910) 256-1288 and speak to our local team at our Wilmington office (1200 Castle Hayne Road).
2. We Schedule a Visit: We work around *your* schedule to find a convenient time to visit your home.
3. We Walk & Listen: Our expert (often our owner, Matt Burns) will walk your property *with you*. We’ll ask the right questions: Are you focused on budget? Are you looking for a specific “coastal” style? Is “push-button” convenience your #1 priority? Are you concerned about a high-exposure window?
4. We Measure & Show: We take precise, professional measurements of every opening. We will also bring real-world samples of our top brands (like **ASSA/Bertha HV**, **Alutech**, and **Town & Country**) so you can see and feel the quality for yourself.
5. We Answer Your Questions: This is your time. We will answer every question you have about the different products, the `storm shutter process`, and the installation.

H3: Step 2: The Transparent Quote & (Optional) Cost Calculator

This is where we answer the big question: `how much do hurricane shutters cost`? We do it in two transparent ways.

For a “Ballpark” Estimate RIGHT NOW…

We are one of the only companies in the Carolinas to offer a **free Online Cost Calculator**. If you’re just starting your research and want a fast, ballpark idea of the cost, you can use this tool 24/7. It’s a great way to compare the approximate costs of Panels (from $18/sq ft), Accordions ($34/sq ft), and Rolldowns ($48/sq ft).

For a 100% Accurate, Locked-in Quote…

After our on-site visit, we take our precise measurements and create a formal, detailed, itemized quote. This is not a “hand-shake” number; it’s a professional document that shows you *exactly* what you are paying for.

This quote package also includes:

• Our Insurance Packet: A copy of our Certificate of Insurance (COI), showing our **$2,000,000 Umbrella Policy**, General Liability, and Workers’ Comp. This is what your HOA *needs* to see.
• Product Specs: Full engineering specifications and impact-test reports for the products you’ve chosen.
• Color Options: A link to our color chart so you can choose the perfect shade.

We make it simple for you to submit this packet to your HOA or ARB for a fast, easy approval. We have a 100% success rate with HOAs because we provide them with the professional documentation they require, right from the start.

H3: Step 3: The Professional, “White-Glove” Installation

This is the most important step, and it’s where our E-E-A-T promise shines. Once you approve the quote, we custom-order your shutters from our top-tier manufacturers. When they arrive, we schedule your installation.

Our “No Subcontractor” Guarantee: The team that shows up at your home will be our own, in-house, uniformed, and fully-insured American Hurricane Shutters employees. We *never* farm out our work. This gives us 100% control over quality, scheduling, and professionalism. The person installing your life-safety device is an expert who is accountable to us.

Our Installation Day Process:

• We arrive on time, as scheduled.
• We are meticulous, clean, and respectful of your home, your landscaping, and your property.
• We install every track, hinge, and fastener to the *exact* engineering specifications required by the hurricane rating. This is a life-safety installation, and we treat it with that level of precision.
• Once complete, we clean up *everything*. The only sign we were there is your new, beautiful, and secure set of shutters.
• We provide a full, hands-on “training” session. We will walk you through how to operate, lock, and maintain every single shutter, so you feel 100% confident in your new system.

After the Installation: We Are Your 24/7 Lifetime Service Partner

Our relationship doesn’t end when we drive away. We are your local, 24/7 service partner for the life of your shutters. If you have a question, a problem, or just want a pre-season “tune-up,” you call us.

We are the trusted, local experts for **hurricane shutter maintenance** and repair. This is the final step in our “peace of mind” process‚Äîknowing that the local company that installed your shutters is here to service them, 24/7, for decades to come.

FAQs About Our Shutter Installation Process

Q: How long does the whole `storm shutter installation process` take?

A: From the day you sign the quote, it typically takes a few weeks for your custom-manufactured shutters to be fabricated by our partners (like Alutech or ASSA). The *physical installation* on your home is very fast, usually just 1-2 days for a typical house.

Q: Do I need to be home for the installation?

A: Not for the entire time. We only need you to be present at the start, to confirm the work order, and at the end, for the final walkthrough and “training” session.

Q: Will this lower my NC homeowner’s insurance?

A: Yes! A professionally-installed, *rated* system is a major “wind mitigation” upgrade. We provide you with the professional installation certificate and engineering specs that you give to your insurance agent. Check with the NC Department of Insurance and your agent for details on the significant discounts you can receive.

Q: What if I’m a remote owner and not in town?

A: We are remote-owner specialists. We can coordinate the entire process—from the free quote to the final installation—with your property manager, realtor, or trusted neighbor. We will provide a full photo and video report upon completion so you can see the finished product from anywhere. We make it 100% stress-free.

Your Next Step: The Easiest Phone Call You’ll Make

The “hurricane shutter process” doesn’t have to be intimidating. With us, it’s simple: We are a local, insured, family-owned company that promises no pressure, no subcontractors, and no surprises.

The first step to total peace of mind is the easiest one. Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us show you how simple and affordable protecting your home can be.