At Patron Home Watch, we take storm preparation seriously. With Hurricane Milton approaching, I thought it would be fitting to write this blog now, so our community has a resource going forward. As hurricane season intensifies, the topic of hurricane shutter installation always seems to ignite debates—especially in online spaces like Facebook. We understand the wide range of opinions: from those who question the cost of installation to others criticizing companies that emphasize being “licensed and insured.” In this blog post, we want to share our perspective on the matter and stress the importance of taking action sooner rather than later. I hope you and the rest of the community take what I have to say into consideration going forward.
The Facebook Frenzy: Opinions vs. Reality
When a hurricane is imminent, you’ll see plenty of heated discussions on social media. Some people feel that installation costs are outrageous, while others doubt the need for professional services, pointing out that many companies use the terms “licensed” and “insured” as selling points. These critics often feel that everyone should just lend a hand during times of crisis, and while we agree that community support is important, we also understand that in reality, people often prioritize their own safety and families when storms approach. The ones doing the loudest complaining about shutter installation costs are often the same ones left scrambling to find help when the storm is close.
Our motto at Patron Home Watch is simple: if you want those shutters up, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the greater the chance you’ll be stuck in the last-minute rush with countless others, trying to find someone—anyone—to install your shutters before it’s too late. Not only does this put your home at risk of incomplete protection, but it also endangers those who might be helping you—whether they’re well-meaning neighbors or opportunistic individuals looking to make a quick buck. Hiring Patron Home Watch means we do our best to prioritize our clients’ homes, starting early and giving you the peace of mind that your home is prepared and protected.
Why You’re Paying for Peace of Mind
We understand that in a perfect world, everyone would step up and lend a hand during a storm, but when things get tough, people often prioritize their own safety and families. If you’re a seasonal resident or someone who doesn’t know many people in the area, you might not have anyone to count on. That’s why hiring a professional, licensed, and insured company isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
At Patron Home Watch, we don’t use fear tactics to push our services. In fact, we encourage you to find the most affordable way possible, like getting help from friends or family and returning the favor when needed. However, with the growth of Ave Maria—currently around 5,000 homes—it just might not be feasible for everyone.
There are plenty of reasons why hiring a professional might be necessary. You could be commuting to work, a single parent, or both parents might be working. You might be a snowbird and not present during hurricane season, or maybe you’re simply not physically able to handle the labor.
Just like back north, people are willing to pay for certain services when the weather gets tough. When it’s cold, wet, and snowy, many appreciate the convenience of someone shoveling and clearing their driveway. It’s no different with hurricane shutters; the peace of mind and ease it brings is well worth it.
Check Your Insurance Policy
It’s important to know that some insurance policies might require you to put up shutters even if your home has impact windows. Failing to meet those requirements could potentially void your coverage in the event of a storm. Make sure to review your policy closely and understand the specific steps you need to take to protect your home and remain compliant with your insurance provider.
Consider the “What Ifs”
One of the most important things to think about when hiring someone to install your shutters is liability. If an unlicensed person gets injured on your property, you could face serious legal consequences. Imagine them coming after you for damages or filing a civil suit. Is that risk really worth saving a few bucks?
Another critical point to consider is knowing who you’re letting into your home. Some companies may contract out the work to general laborers you’ve never met. If you’re giving out garage codes or house keys to complete strangers, you’re opening your home up to vulnerability. From my background in law enforcement, I can’t stress enough how important it is to protect your home and valuables. If you’ve got a prized possession in the garage—like a hot rod or other valuable items—you could be exposing your home to unnecessary risk.
Let’s Look Into the Labor: What You Should Know About Hurricane Shutter Installation
Hurricane shutter installation can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. In newer homes, like those in Del Webb or The National of Ave Maria, you might run into some frustrating obstacles. For example, bolts are often painted over, making them extremely difficult to unscrew. And when it comes to the shutters themselves, they’re not only large but also time-consuming to move from your garage to the other end of your home.
Installing shutters requires more than just time and patience. You’ll need at least a 5-step ladder (and often higher) to reach the top bolts, which can be tricky on larger homes. Additionally, these metal sheets are sharp—very sharp—and can slice your skin if you’re not careful. Handling them alone, especially in less-than-ideal conditions, poses significant risks.
Another common issue is the availability of hardware. Sometimes certain screws, bolts, or tools might be missing or hard to find. By hiring a company that has everything on hand, you avoid unnecessary delays and can ensure a fast and efficient installation.
For two-story homes, things get even more complicated. Moving those heavy shutters up a ladder and securing them while working on sloped rooftops (often when it’s wet and raining) is not something you want to take lightly. In these situations, a crew is usually required to get the job done safely and quickly.
So, what can you expect to pay for this labor? For a large two-story home, it’s not unreasonable to expect a cost between $500 and $700 for setup and takedown. For a large single-story home, pricing typically ranges between $300 and $450. While these numbers might seem high to some, you’re not just paying for labor—you’re paying for expertise, safety, and peace of mind.
Recap: Key Points to Remember
- If you want your hurricane shutters up, don’t delay—get it done early.
- Don’t rely on Facebook debates or opinions about cost and professionalism; prioritize your safety.
- Hiring a licensed and insured company protects you from liability and ensures the job is done properly.
- Last-minute scrambling puts your home at risk of incomplete protection and jeopardizes the safety of those helping out.
- Shutter installation is labor-intensive, especially with painted-over bolts, large and sharp metal sheets, and the need for proper ladders and equipment.
- For two-story homes, hiring a crew is necessary for safe installation, particularly in wet and dangerous conditions.
- Expect to pay between $500–$700 for large two-story homes and $300–$450 for large single-story homes for setup and takedown services.
- In the end, you’re not just paying for labor—you’re paying for peace of mind and security for your home.
Bottom line: If you want them up, put them up! Don’t look to Facebook or Florida egos—or so called ‘hurricane experts’—on protecting your home and your family.
Stay safe, and God Bless you all!
Patron Home Watch