Important Questions to Ask During a Consultation for Plantation Shutters
We believe it’s important that you make an informed decision, especially when purchasing a high-dollar item like plantation shutters. These questions will help you focus on the most important aspects of ordering shutters that many people overlook when selecting a provider.
Where will my shutters actually be built?
The unfortunate truth is that many shutter providers serve mainly as middlemen. They measure your windows during the in-home consultation, but then rely on overseas manufacturers to actually build the shutters. Make sure to ask where the shutters are built if you care about buying local or American-made shutters.
Our Answer: We build every single set of shutters right here in Houston, Texas.
Are the shutters made of polywood, or hardwood?
This mainly impacts the look and feel of your shutters. Polywood—a compacted blend of plastic and wood shavings —will certainly drive down your cost, but also tends to feel a bit flimsy when opening and closing.
Alternatively, hardwood shutters cost slightly more but also feel more sturdy and are likely to last longer than the cheaper polywood options.
Our Answer: All of our shutters are built using 100% hardwood (basswood).
How long will it take to build & install my shutters?
Delivery times can vary greatly from provider to provider, especially if their shutters are built and shipped overseas. Based on data we’ve collected in the Houston market, most plantation shutter providers claim delivery timeframes between 6 and 12 weeks, with 8 weeks being the average. Although it’s incredibly common for a provider to claim that 12 week delivery is “normal” and “industry standard.” Make sure to ask this question, unless you’re willing to wait 3+ months before seeing your shutters installed. These figures are pre-pandemic, so lead times and supply chain issues likely will lengthen delivery timelines.
Our Answer: We deliver in 8 weeks standard, with no rush fees.
Does each shutter come with a lifetime warranty?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of people forget to ask. What happens if one of the louver pins break? Or if the tilt rod starts falling off?
Most of these scenarios can be avoided by focusing on product quality when evaluating different providers. However, accidents happen and it’s always good to know if a provider is truly willing to stand behind their product.Our Answer: Each of our shutters comes with a limited lifetime guarantee on operating mechanisms and a 10 year warranty on finishes. If something goes wrong, we’ll be there to make it right.
Is there a difference in cost if I select different paint or frame options?
It’s fairly common for a shutter shopper to pick a certain style of frame or louver size during the initial consultation, but then later change their mind. Many providers change the price based on each individual component or style option, which requires separate quotes for each configuration. Alternatively, by selecting a provider with all-inclusive pricing, you can rest easy knowing that the price remains the same regardless of your frame, louver size, paint sheen, or other styling preferences.
Our Answer: We offer pricing all-inclusive of frames, tilt rod, paint sheen, and other standard styling options.
Looking to purchase plantation shutters for your home? Witness the HTX Shutters difference in person by scheduling a free in-home consultation.