Shutters are a long-term investment, so it pays to choose your fitter carefully. Before you book anyone, here are the seven questions worth asking first.
Citizens Advice recommends getting written quotes from at least three traders and checking references before agreeing to any home improvement work. Read their full guide on what to do before getting work done on your home.
1. Are you a local shutter company in Kent?
A local company can visit quickly, knows the area, and has a local reputation to protect. Some national brands send fitters from far away, which becomes a problem if anything needs adjusting after fitting.
2. Are the shutters made to measure?
Ready-made shutters are cut to standard sizes and rarely fit a window cleanly. Made-to-measure shutters are built specifically for your windows, whether they are a standard rectangle, a bay, or an unusual shape. Always confirm this before you commit.
3. Do you offer a free home visit with no obligation?
A reputable company will come to your home, measure up, show you samples, and give you a quote at no charge. You should also feel free to think it over without being pushed to sign on the day.
4. What materials and louvre sizes do you offer?
| Material | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| MDF | Dry rooms and period homes |
| PVC | Kitchens and bathrooms |
| ABS | High-humidity areas |
Louvre sizes typically range from 47mm to 89mm. Wider louvres give a more open, contemporary feel. A good company will help you pick the right combination for each room.
5. How long does fitting take?
Most homes take one to two days depending on the number of windows. Ask upfront, and check that the fitters will leave your home clean and tidy when the job is done.
6. What warranty do you offer?
Ask for a warranty on both the product and the fitting. A company that is confident in its work will have no problem putting this in writing.
7. Can I see examples of your previous work?
Check Google reviews and ask to see a portfolio of real installations in Kent homes. Detail in reviews, such as comments on the quality of fit or how tidy the fitters were, tells you far more than a star rating alone.
How The VIP Shutter Co measures up
We are a family-run shutter company in Rochester, covering the whole of Kent. Barry brings over 25 years of carpentry experience and 20 years in the shutters and blinds industry, working alongside his son Alex.
Every shutter we supply is made to measure. We offer a free, no-obligation home visit across the county, including Rochester, Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge, Dartford, Folkestone, and Canterbury. You can explore shutters across Kent or browse our full range of shutters to see every style we offer.
Book a free no-obligation home visit and we will take it from there.
