I've been looking into getting storm shutters put up, and um, here's what I've done so far: called around for quotes, measured windows myself to save time, and checked online prices. Anyone got a smarter way or some tips to trim the costs down a bit?
Measuring your windows yourself is a good start, but honestly, I'd be cautious about relying solely on your own measurements. I did the same thing last year, thinking I'd save some cash, and ended up with shutters that were slightly off. Had to reorder two of them—ended up costing me more in the long run. If you're confident in your measurements, great, but double-checking with a pro might save you from costly mistakes.
Also, have you considered looking into used or surplus shutters? Sometimes local contractors or home improvement stores have leftover stock from canceled orders or returns. I snagged a set for my garage windows at nearly half the price just by asking around and being patient. Installation isn't rocket science either—if you're handy and have basic tools, DIY installation can significantly cut down on labor costs. Just make sure you're comfortable drilling into your home's exterior... mistakes there aren't exactly cheap to fix.
"Measuring your windows yourself is a good start, but honestly, I'd be cautious about relying solely on your own measurements."
I see your point about being cautious, but I wouldn't completely discourage DIY measurements. Sure, accuracy is crucial, but if you take your time and measure carefully—maybe even triple-checking each window—you can usually get it right. I recently installed storm shutters myself and found that watching a few detailed YouTube tutorials beforehand really boosted my confidence and accuracy.
Regarding surplus shutters, though... personally I'd be hesitant. Yes, you can save money, but matching sizes and styles exactly can become a frustrating scavenger hunt. Plus, warranty coverage or return options might be limited or nonexistent when buying surplus or second-hand. In my experience, ordering new shutters from a reputable supplier gave me peace of mind knowing they'd fit perfectly and be covered if something went wrong. Sometimes paying a bit extra upfront saves headaches later on.
I get what you're saying about surplus shutters being a gamble, but honestly, sometimes the savings can be worth the hassle. My neighbor snagged some surplus shutters last year—sure, he had to hunt around a bit and tweak a few things, but he ended up saving hundreds. Plus, they look pretty good to me. I guess it depends how tight your budget is and how much patience you've got for DIY fixes...
Surplus shutters can definitely save cash, but if your home's older like mine, matching the style and dimensions can get tricky. Had to customize a bit myself—worth it, but factor in extra time and effort before diving in.