At the lowest end of the spectrum the typical home appraiser credits a shutter cover over each window at a value of $175. Custom crafted louvers or shutters on higher arched or circular windows add even more value.

You can avoid this and utilize the full warranty by choosing a dealer with factory-certified installers. The cost is negligible when compared to the 25-50 years that your shutter will last, fully covered under the manufacturer's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Wood shutters offer a classic and luxurious appearance and are the most durable option, but they require regular maintenance. Vinyl shutters are less expensive and low maintenance but have different visual appeal and insulating properties than wood or composite.

Plantation shutters with their wider panels tend to have a more modern, sleek look, while traditional shutters have a more traditional, classic appearance. The wider panels of plantation shutters also allow for more light control, as they can be opened or closed in various configurations to allow more or less light in.