Investing in hurricane shutters or impact screens is one of the smartest ways to safeguard your home and family during Florida’s storm season. But the success of your project depends heavily on the contractor you choose. At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we believe an informed homeowner is a confident homeowner.
Here are 10 essential questions to ask any hurricane protection contractor before signing a contract to ensure you receive high-quality products, proper installation, and peace of mind.
Start by asking about the contractor’s experience specifically with hurricane shutters and impact screens. Find out how long they have been in business, what types of shutters they install (accordion, roll-down, Bahama, colonial), and whether they specialize in residential projects. A contractor with years of experience and a proven track record is more likely to deliver reliable storm protection for your home.
A reputable contractor should be proud to share photos, videos, and testimonials from past clients. Ask for examples of projects similar to yours. Reviewing a contractor’s gallery of completed installations can give you confidence in their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Hurricane protection projects must meet strict Florida Building Code requirements, especially in coastal areas and HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zones). Verify that your contractor holds the proper state licenses and carries liability and worker’s comp insurance. This protects you in case of on-site accidents and ensures compliance with local regulations.
It’s important to know how long it will take from the time you sign the contract until your shutters or impact screens are installed. Ask for an estimated start date, installation timeline, and what factors could cause delays (such as permitting or supply chain issues). Reliable contractors will give you realistic expectations and keep you informed at every step.
Not all hurricane protection products are created equal. The materials, finishes, and hardware make a big difference in durability and performance. Ask about the specific brands and materials the contractor uses. Quality aluminum, powder-coated finishes, and impact-rated components will ensure your shutters last for years.
Navigating Florida’s permitting process can be complicated, but a professional contractor should handle it for you. Ask whether they take care of:
This step is crucial to ensure your installation meets or exceeds Florida Building Code standards, which may also qualify you for homeowner’s insurance discounts.
A transparent payment schedule protects both you and the contractor. Ask about the required deposit, milestone payments, and final balance due. Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront. Professional companies like Lafferty Hurricane Protection provide clear, written agreements that outline costs and timelines.
Sometimes homeowners decide to add shutters to additional openings or upgrade to motorized roll-down shutters mid-project. Ask the contractor how they handle change orders, what additional costs may be involved, and whether it affects the timeline. A flexible contractor will work with you to adjust your project smoothly.
Hurricane shutters and impact screens are a major investment, and they should come with a solid warranty. Ask about coverage on both the product and the workmanship. At Lafferty, we offer a 1-year workmanship warranty and a 3-year structural warranty on aluminum frames for peace of mind.
Clear communication is key to a stress-free installation. Find out who your point of contact will be, how often you’ll receive updates, and whether you’ll be informed about permit status and installation schedules. Contractors who prioritize communication make the process smooth and keep you in the loop.
Choosing the right hurricane protection contractor is about more than just price — it’s about trust, experience, and quality workmanship. By asking these 10 questions, you can ensure that your shutters or impact screens are installed correctly, meet Florida code requirements, and are ready to protect your home when the next storm hits.
When you’re ready to start, turn to Lafferty Hurricane Protection — a trusted local company with over 20 years of experience providing hurricane shutters and impact screens that keep your home safe.
📞 Call (321) 652-1078 today or request a free estimate online.
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Great company and quality work!
Great price and great work. Am very happy with the business.
Great price and the installation technician did an outstanding job.
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
