Hurricane Shutter Cost Guide for NC and SC: 2026 Installed Prices
Transparent pricing is how we operate. Every price on this page is an installed price — meaning it includes the shutter hardware, all mounting hardware, 18-8 stainless steel fasteners, the permit, and labor. There are no hidden fees. The only thing that varies from this guide to your actual quote is the final measurement of your specific openings.
2026 Installed Price Schedule
| Shutter Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum storm panels | From $18/sq ft | Most affordable rated protection. Removable, stored between storms. |
| Clear polycarbonate panels | From $22/sq ft | Same as aluminum panels but transparent. See-through during storm. |
| Flat Lexan (non-rated) | From $28/sq ft | For homes with existing impact windows. Not a standalone rated system. |
| Accordion shutters | From $34/sq ft | Permanently installed. Deploy in seconds. Most popular system. |
| Manual roll-down shutters | From $38/sq ft | Permanently installed. Crank or strap operation. |
| Hurricane screens (StormTex) | From $44/sq ft | Best for large openings, patios, lanais. Semi-transparent. |
| Motorized roll-down shutters | From $48/sq ft | Push-button operation. Battery backup available. |
| Bahama shutters | From $50/sq ft | Decorative with rated protection. Propped open for shade/ventilation. |
| Colonial shutters | From $56/sq ft | Traditional louvered style. Fold flat against wall when open. |
| Articulating Bahama shutters | From $64/sq ft | Premium Bahama with adjustable blade angle. Maximum coastal aesthetics. |
What Affects Your Final Price
Opening size
Price is per square foot of opening. A 3×5 ft window is 15 sq ft. A 12×8 ft sliding glass door is 96 sq ft. Larger openings cost more in total but are often more efficient per square foot because fixed costs (tracks, housing, minimum charges) are spread over more area.
Number of openings
Most homes have between 8 and 20 openings that need to be protected. A full-home installation covering 300–500 sq ft of openings is typical. Fewer, larger openings generally cost less to protect than many smaller ones because each opening has fixed hardware and installation costs regardless of size.
Substrate and mounting conditions
Mounting into concrete block, brick, or tile requires different hardware and more time than mounting into wood-frame construction. Homes with stucco, EIFS, or composite siding may require special anchoring. These conditions add cost but are standard challenges our teams handle routinely. AHS assesses substrate conditions during the free estimate visit.
Design pressure requirements
Oceanfront and inlet-front properties in high-velocity hurricane zones require heavier-gauge hardware and higher-rated panel profiles than properties set back from the water. The design pressure analysis we perform for every installation determines the exact specification.
Typical Full-Home Investment by Home Size
| Home Size | Approx. Openings | Storm Panels | Accordion Shutters | Motorized Roll-Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR condo/cottage | 8–12 | $3,500–$5,500 | $6,500–$10,000 | $10,000–$16,000 |
| 3BR home | 12–16 | $5,000–$8,000 | $9,000–$14,000 | $14,000–$22,000 |
| 4BR home | 16–22 | $7,000–$11,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$32,000 |
| Large home / 5+ BR | 22+ | $10,000+ | $18,000+ | $28,000+ |
These are planning ranges. Actual costs depend on your specific opening count, sizes, substrate, and wind zone. Use our online cost calculator for a more precise preliminary estimate, or call us at (910) 256-1288 for a free in-home estimate.
NC vs. SC: Does Location Affect Price?
The product costs are identical in NC and SC. What varies slightly is the design pressure specification — oceanfront SC properties in Horry County face similar or marginally lower design wind pressures than equivalent NC oceanfront properties due to the differences in local wind speed maps. In practice, this does not produce a meaningful cost difference for most residential installations.
SC Safe Home Program: South Carolina homeowners may qualify for the SC Safe Home grant, which provides funding for hurricane protection improvements that does not need to be repaid. AHS is an approved SC Safe Home contractor. If you are a SC homeowner, ask us about eligibility before finalizing your budget.
What Is Not Included in These Prices
Our installed prices include the shutter, all hardware, permit, and labor. They do not include: structural reinforcement if your home has damaged or undersized framing at an opening (rare but occasionally required), electrical work for homes that need a new circuit for motorized systems (usually included in the motorized shutter price but occasionally requires a separate licensed electrician), or HOA application fees (required in some communities before we can begin work).
All of these additional requirements are identified during the free estimate visit. Nothing surprises you after you sign.
Get a Free In-Home Estimate
Complete the form below or call (910) 256-1288. Family-owned since 2007. No surprises after you sign.
NC & SC Licensed General Contractor • OSHA-30 Certified • 7-Year Workmanship Warranty • $2M Coverage