Choosing new window shutters is an investment in your property’s aesthetic and functionality. While the ‘do-it-yourself’ (DIY) route can seem appealing for those looking to save on upfront costs, professional installation offers a level of precision and peace of mind that is difficult to replicate.
At Shutter Envy, we bring over 14 years of industry experience to homes across Leicestershire, from Loughborough and Mountsorrel to Quorn and Rothley. This guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of both paths to help you decide which is right for your home.
The DIY Route: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Initial Cost Savings: The primary draw of DIY is the removal of labour costs. You pay only for the materials and shipping.
- Flexible Timeline: You can work at your own pace without scheduling appointments with external contractors.
- Personal Satisfaction: For seasoned hobbyists, there is a sense of accomplishment in completing a home improvement project independently.
Disadvantages
- The Risk of Measurement Errors: Shutters require millimetre-perfect measurements. If your windows are slightly out of square—which is common in older properties in areas like Swithland or Woodhouse Eaves—standard DIY kits may not fit.
- Lack of Specialist Tools: Proper installation often requires specific power tools and fixings that the average homeowner may not possess.
- No Warranty on Labour: If you damage the shutter or your window frame during installation, you are responsible for the replacement costs.
- Complexity: Assembling frames and ensuring louvres operate smoothly is more technical than hanging a simple curtain pole.
Professional Installation: The Shutter Envy Way
Advantages
- Expert Surveying: Our process begins with a professional survey. We identify structural quirks and suggest the best shutter types, whether they are for bay windows, bi-folding doors, or blackout solutions for bedrooms.
- Guaranteed Fit: We take full responsibility for the measurements. If a shutter doesn’t fit perfectly, it is our job to rectify it at no cost to you.
- Superior Finish: A professional fitter understands how to ‘caulk’ and finish the installation so the shutters look like an original feature of the house.
- Product Longevity: Correctly installed shutters endure less stress on hinges and joints, meaning they last significantly longer.
- Automation Expertise: For those seeking motorised or voice-activated systems, professional knowledge is essential to ensure the technology integrates seamlessly with your home network.
Disadvantages
- Higher Initial Investment: You are paying for the expertise, time, and insurance of a professional team.
- Lead Times: High-quality bespoke shutters take time to manufacture and schedule for fitting.
Our Four-Step Process
We have refined our service to ensure a stress-free experience for residents in Barrow Upon Soar, Sileby, and the wider Charnwood area.
- Home Consultation: Contact us to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
- Survey Process: We conduct a full technical survey, discussing options like top-down bottom-up honeycomb blinds or luxury wooden shutters.
- Ordering: We source from high-quality suppliers and keep you updated on the manufacturing progress.
- Installation: Our skilled team fits your shutters, removes all rubbish, and ensures your home is transformed.
At Shutter Envy, we bring over 14 years of industry experience to homes across Leicestershire, from Loughborough and Mountsorrel to Quorn and Rothley. This guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of both paths to help you decide which is right for your home.
Essential Advice for Homeowners
When deciding between DIY and professional fitting, consider the ‘Window Health Check’:
- Check for Squareness: Measure your window diagonally from corner to corner. If the two measurements differ, your window is ‘out of square’, and DIY shutters will likely leave unsightly gaps.
- Material Weight: Real wood or high-quality PVC shutters are heavy. Installing these alone can be dangerous and lead to dropped panels.
- Future-Proofing: If you are interested in home automation, professional installation is the only way to guarantee that motorisation packages—such as remote-controlled roller blinds—are set up safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to install shutters myself?
In the short term, yes. However, if a measurement is wrong by even 5mm, the shutters may be unusable. Professional installation acts as an insurance policy against such costly mistakes.
How long does professional installation take?
Most standard rooms can be completed in a few hours. A full house installation typically takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the windows.
Do you cover my area?
We cover a wide range of locations including Birstall, Syston, Kegworth, Thurmaston, Anstey, Groby, Ratby, Barkby, East Goscote, Gaddesby, Rearsby, Thrussington, Cropston, Glenfield, Seagrave, East Leake, Burton on the Wolds, Newtown Linford, Leicester, and Loughborough.
Can I get motorised shutters?
Yes. We are experts in blind motorisation. We offer everything from remote-controlled systems to high-end, voice-activated full-house installations.
What happens to the old window dressings?
Our team handles the heavy lifting. As part of our installation service, we take away all packaging and rubbish, leaving your room ready to enjoy immediately.
Conclusion
While DIY may suit a simple, standard-sized window for a confident ‘handyperson’, the luxury and longevity of shutters are best realised through professional hands. At Shutter Envy, we pride ourselves on being a family business that puts your interests first. We don’t just install window coverings; we transform your living space with a superior finish that makes you the envy of your neighbours.
Transform Your Home with Timeless Shutters
Add style, security and value to your home with our classic plantation shutters.
✔ Enhanced Security with patented Italian lock system
✔ Designed for durability – perfect for indoor or outdoor spaces
✔ 4 standard colours + full bespoke options
✔ Timeless style and custom fit for every window
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