Are you looking to upgrade the windows in your home? While your windows may be beautiful and energy efficient, you need the right window treatments to further enhance them. You may want to look into local shutter companies that can provide the ultimate window treatment. Here are some qualities you should look for in these services.

Associations

Before you hire any contractors, such as those from your local shutter companies, you should ensure they have the right associations and trainings to back up the job they claim they can do. You should consider asking about their local affiliations, such as the Better Business Bureau, and about their history of service. After all, whether your shutters are manual or automatic, you want a secure installation in your window space.

Reviews

See what other clients are saying about these local shutter companies. The first step is to ask the potential contractor for some references. If they have confidence that they've done a great job and had good relationships with past clients, they shouldn't hesitate to give you a few references to contact directly. You can also go online to check for customer testimonials. Don't forget to check out review sites such as Google Reviews, Consumer Reviews, Trustpilot, and Reddit.

Portfolio

Before you agree to let a contractor install shutters on your home, you should be able to see the type of work they're capable of. Ask to see a portfolio of their past jobs, so you get a sense of not only their quality but variety. They may have a few samples online, but they should have additional ones to show you in person upon request. When you check reviews, you may find that some customers may also post candid images and videos of the work the shutter companies have performed.

Customer Service

The last thing you want is a shutter contractor that has poor customer service skills. You should feel comfortable contacting them with any questions you might have. They should be friendly and approachable if you meet them in person as they'll be coming to your home to do work. You should also feel confident they'll return your e-mail or phone call within a reasonable amount of time.

Guarantee

Ask local shutter companies about if they guarantee any of their services. A guarantee protects any homeowner having work done on their home. It means that the contractor has to return for repairs in case their original shutter job had issues without charging you an additional fee. In the case of a guarantee, they agree to continue to work with you if you're unsatisfied with the work. As a homeowner you can rest assured that you're not wasting your money when you have a guarantee available.

Variety

It's always good to have local shutter companies that have a variety of options to consider. After all, different shutters can play to your personal preferences as well as your home design. Shutters come in different styles and materials that can suit you. Plus, different types of shutters have more popularity, which could come in handy if you decide to sell your home shortly. According to Bob Vila, plantation shutters can have an ROI of up to 75%, for example, and you should be able to compare this to other options.

Fair Pricing

You don't want to get cheated on any home updates. That's why it's a good idea to get at least three different quotes from various local shutter companies. Compare their quoted price with the type of shutters they offer, the amount of time they've been in business, as well as the time frame for the project. Always ask for a written estimate so you can review everything they're charging you for to ensure there are no hidden fees. Bear in mind that some shutter companies may charge a little more than others if they've been in business longer, offer different types of materials, and have a greater demand from customers.

Shutters are a great feature to add to windows. They're a beautiful way to control the amount of light that comes in through your windows as well as add to your overall home design. To get a reputable company that can supply the right shutters, you should first understand what to look for. If you want a company that has good customer service, offers transparent pricing, is professional, and can complete the work promptly, give Castleberry Shutters Inc a call for a consultation.