Massachusetts building codes & insurance rules
Top areas
Cape Cod (Barnstable), Martha's Vineyard (Dukes), Nantucket, South Shore
MA FAIR Plan
Massachusetts FAIR Plan for high-risk coastal properties
Island logistics
Limited contractor availability on-island — plan well ahead
Historic districts
Many coastal towns have historic preservation restrictions
Price gouging law
G.L. c. 93A — unfair or deceptive trade practices
Hurricane history
1938 Long Island Express, Bob (1991), Sandy (2012) indirect impact
Everything Massachusetts homeowners need to know
Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket present unique logistical challenges for shutter installation. Because nearly all construction materials and contractors must arrive by ferry, lead times are significantly longer than mainland projects — often 6–10 weeks. Island homeowners should book contractors in March or April for June installation before the busy summer season begins.
Cape Cod's large summer population and high density of vacation rentals make accordion and roll-down shutters the preferred choice — systems that don't require the owner to be present to deploy before a storm.
2026 installed prices in Massachusetts
Prices below reflect 2026 quotes from licensed contractors operating in Massachusetts. Coastal county prices are typically 10–20% higher than inland areas due to salt-air material requirements and higher labor demand.
| Shutter type | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Panels | $15–$30 / sq ft | Budget-conscious, any opening size |
| Accordion Shutters | $26–$35 / sq ft | Permanent, fast deployment |
| Roll-Down Shutters | $45–$100 / sq ft | Maximum protection, clean look |
| Bahama Shutters | $18–$32 / sq ft | Decorative, windows only |
| Colonial Shutters | $20–$35 / sq ft | Historic homes, classic look |
| Hurricane Screens | $20–$40 / sq ft | Lanais, large openings |
| Impact Windows | $40–$100 / sq ft | No-deployment, permanent |