How to Choose the Best Hurricane Shutter Company in the Carolinas
Choosing to install hurricane shutters is a major decision. But an even more important decision is choosing *who* will install them. The hurricane shutter company you partner with will determine the quality of the product you receive, the integrity of the installation, and the level of service you can expect for years to come. In an industry where quality and reliability are literally matters of life and safety, doing your homework is essential.
As a company that has built its reputation on trust and transparency since 2007, we want to empower homeowners to make the best possible choice. This guide provides a simple checklist of 7 critical questions you should ask any hurricane shutter contractor before you sign a contract. How they answer will tell you everything you need to know.
Your 7-Point Contractor Checklist
1. Are You Fully Licensed and Insured? Can I see your certificates?
This is a non-negotiable starting point. A legitimate contractor must carry, at a minimum, General Liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation insurance. Don’t just take their word for it; ask to see the actual insurance certificates. This protects you from any liability if a worker is injured on your property or if accidental damage occurs.
The AHS Answer: Yes. American Hurricane Shutters carries robust General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Commercial Auto policies, plus an additional **$2,000,000 umbrella policy** for your complete protection. We are happy to provide our certificates upon request.
2. Do You Use Your Own Employees or Subcontractors for Installation?
This is a crucial question that reveals a lot about a company’s commitment to quality control. Companies that use subcontractors have less control over the training, skill level, and professionalism of the people showing up at your home. Companies that use their own employees have a vested interest in their training and performance.
The AHS Answer: We **never** use subcontractors for our installations. Our installation crews are our trusted, full-time employees. They are factory-trained on the specific products we sell and are accountable to our high standards of quality and customer service.
3. What Specific Brands Do You Carry and Why?
A reputable company should be proud of the products they install and be able to explain why they’ve chosen them. Vague answers are a red flag. They should be able to speak to the engineering, testing, and reputation of the brands they offer.
The AHS Answer: We have deliberately partnered with the best manufacturers in the industry, including **ASSA/Bertha HV**, **Alutech United**, and **Town & Country**. These brands are leaders in innovation, durability, and have a long track record of performance in the harshest conditions. We chose them because they represent the quality and reliability our customers deserve.
4. Are You a Local Company with a Physical Presence?
After a major storm, “storm-chasing” contractors from out of state often appear, offering cheap deals. These companies are notorious for disappearing when it’s time for warranty work or service. Choosing a stable, local company with a physical office and a long history in the community ensures they will be here to support you in the long run.
The AHS Answer: Yes. We are a family and disabled-owned business located at **1200 Castle Hayne Road in Wilmington, NC**. We have been serving the coastal Carolinas since 2007 and are deeply invested in the safety of our community.
5. Can I See Examples of Your Past Work and Reviews?
A company’s portfolio and reputation are its resume. They should be eager to show you examples of their work and point you toward online reviews from satisfied customers. Hesitation to do so is a major red flag.
The AHS Answer: Absolutely. We invite you to browse our extensive gallery of **past hurricane shutter projects** on our website. We are also proud of our reputation and encourage you to look us up online to see what our thousands of satisfied customers have to say.
6. Will My Project Be Permitted and Inspected?
Any contractor who suggests skipping the permitting process is cutting corners and putting you at risk. Proper permitting and final inspection by a local building official is your assurance that the job was done correctly and to code.
The AHS Answer: Yes, 100% of the time. We handle the entire permitting process as part of our service. We ensure your project is fully compliant and passes all required inspections, giving you official documentation that the work was done right.
7. Are You a Member of Any Professional Organizations?
Membership in professional groups like a local Home Builders Association (HBA) indicates a company’s commitment to professionalism, ethical business practices, and staying current with industry standards.
The AHS Answer: Yes. We are proud and long-standing members of the **Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association (HBA)**. This membership holds us to a higher standard of quality and ethics in everything we do.
Choose a Partner You Can Trust, Without Reservation
We believe we check every box on this list, and we’re ready to prove it to you. Choosing your hurricane shutter company is a decision about your home’s long-term safety and your family’s peace of mind. Make sure you choose a partner worthy of that trust.
Call American Hurricane Shutters today at (910) 256-1288 or email the owner, Matthew Burns, at matt.burns@ahscarolinas.com for a free, no-pressure consultation.
