Why Homeowners in Kingston, Richmond and Wimbledon Trust Our Family Team for Plantation Shutters

By Collin, Lead Installer at Shutter Installation

After fitting shutters in over 3,000 homes across Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, and Merton over the past eight years, I've come to know these neighbourhoods like the back of my hand. From the grand Victorian houses along Richmond Hill to the modern apartments overlooking Kingston's riverside, and the charming Edwardian terraces throughout Wimbledon Village, each property tells its own story, and we've had the privilege of enhancing them all with our bespoke plantation shutters.

Why Our Local Roots Matter to You

Being a family-run business based right here in Surrey isn't just a tagline for us—it's everything. My father started this company 15 years ago after being frustrated with the pushy sales tactics and inflated prices from the big national chains. Today, my brother Tom handles the measurements, my sister Sarah manages the orders, and Mum still insists on calling every customer after installation to make sure they're delighted with their new shutters.

Last week, while installing café-style shutters in a beautiful period property on Kingston Hill, the homeowner mentioned she'd received quotes from three other companies. "Yours wasn't just £500 cheaper," she said, "but you're the only ones who actually listened to what I wanted rather than trying to upsell me something I didn't need."

This approach has earned us over 400 five-star reviews from neighbours just like you. We're not salespeople—we're craftsmen who happen to live around the corner. When Tom measures your windows in Raynes Park, he's probably driven past your house dozens of times, taking his kids to school. When I fit your shutters in Teddington, I might bump into you later at the local Waitrose.

The Kingston Advantage: Why Location Changes Everything

Kingston upon Thames: Where Heritage Meets Modern Living

Kingston's unique blend of historic marketplace charm and modern riverside development creates specific shutter requirements. Those of you living in the conservation areas near the Ancient Market Place know the planning restrictions well. We've worked with Kingston Council's planning department enough times to know exactly what flies and what doesn't. Our hardwood shutters in heritage whites and creams sail through approvals because we understand the aesthetic requirements.

The newer developments along the river—Charter Quay, Royal Quarter—present different challenges. Floor-to-ceiling windows need our tracked shutters to maintain those stunning Thames views whilst providing privacy from the towpath below. We've fitted hundreds of these, and I can tell you that proper measurement is crucial. One millimetre off and those tracks won't glide smoothly.

Kingston's shopping district brings another consideration: noise. If you're living above or near the high street, our shutters provide an extra barrier against the early morning deliveries and late-night revellers. Mrs Patterson on Clarence Street tells us her full-height shutters have transformed her sleep quality—"It's like someone turned down the volume on Kingston," she says.

Richmond upon Thames: Elegance and Expectation

Richmond residents have exacting standards, and rightly so. When you're paying Richmond prices, you expect Richmond quality. That's why 80% of our Richmond installations are premium hardwood rather than faux wood. The natural grain complements the area's leafy character perfectly.

The properties backing onto Richmond Park present unique opportunities. Those blessed with park views want to frame them perfectly whilst managing the intense western sun. Our tier-on-tier shutters let you block the glare whilst maintaining those green vistas. We fitted a set for a house on Petersham Road last month—the owner can now work from home without squinting at his screen, whilst still enjoying watching the deer wander past.

Richmond Hill and the surrounding conservation area require particular sensitivity. We work closely with the Richmond Society and understand their guidelines inside out. Our surveyor, Tom, actually lives in East Sheen, so he knows first-hand what works in these period properties. The key is respecting original features whilst adding modern functionality.

Merton: From Wimbledon Village to Mitcham

Merton's diversity—from the premium properties around Wimbledon Village to the Victorian terraces of Colliers Wood—means we stock the full range of options. But here's what many don't realise: our faux wood shutters are UK-manufactured to the same exacting standards as our premium lines. The only difference is material, not craftsmanship.

Wimbledon Village customers often choose our hidden tilt rod option for a cleaner look that doesn't compete with their carefully curated interiors. Meanwhile, families in Raynes Park appreciate the child-safe cordless design and the fact that faux wood shutters can handle sticky fingers and enthusiastic cleaning.

The Morden and Mitcham areas have seen incredible regeneration recently. We're fitting more shutters here than ever before, as homeowners invest in improvements. Our flexible payment options mean you can spread the cost over three years interest-free—because we believe everyone deserves beautiful, functional shutters, not just those who can pay upfront.

Real Installation Stories from Your Neighbours

The Twickenham Transformation

Last month, we completed a full house installation for the Johnsons on Crown Road in Twickenham. Eight windows, two bay windows, and a set of French doors—completed in one day by our four-man team. Mrs Johnson works from home and couldn't believe we managed it with minimal disruption. "I had two Zoom calls during the installation," she told us, "and my colleagues didn't even know work was happening."

The secret? Planning and experience. We know that Twickenham's Victorian houses have solid walls that need specific drill bits. We know to bring extra-long screws for the softer lime mortar. We even know which houses have the original gas pipes running in unexpected places (always check before drilling near the windows facing the road).

The Hampton Court Emergency

Sometimes things go wrong with shutters—it's rare with quality products, but it happens. When Mr Davies in Hampton Court had a shutter mechanism fail just before hosting his daughter's engagement party, we understood the urgency. Tom drove over that evening with replacement parts from our workshop. Fixed within an hour, no call-out charge—because that's what neighbours do for each other.

The Surbiton Surprise

The Khans in Surbiton wanted shutters but worried about their unusual triangular windows in the loft conversion. Other companies either declined or quoted astronomical figures. We love a challenge. Using our state-of-the-art measuring equipment and working with our UK manufacturer's technical team, we created beautiful custom shutters that fit perfectly. They've since recommended us to three neighbours with similar "problem" windows.

Why UK Manufacturing Makes All the Difference

Every shutter we install is made in Britain, and that's not just patriotic pride talking—it's practical sense. When your shutters are manufactured in our partner facility in Manchester rather than shipped from China, several things happen:

Speed: Our standard turnaround is 3-5 weeks, not the 12-16 weeks you'll wait with imported shutters. When Mrs Thompson in Barnes needed shutters before her son's wedding, we delivered them in 18 days.

Quality Control: We can visit the factory, inspect materials, and ensure every shutter meets our standards. Last year, we rejected an entire batch because the grain pattern wasn't consistent enough for a particular Richmond Hill installation. Try doing that with a factory in Shenzhen.

Customisation: Unusual sizes, specific colours, unique requirements—all possible when you're dealing with craftsmen who speak your language and understand British homes. Those quirky Victorian bay windows in Teddington? No problem. The enormous Georgian sashes in Richmond? We've got you covered.

Support: When you need a replacement part in five years, we can get it. When you want to add matching shutters to your new extension, we can colour-match exactly. This isn't possible with imported products where factories change suppliers regularly.

The Installation Day: What Really Happens

Let me walk you through an actual installation day, using last Tuesday's job in New Malden as an example:

7:45 AM: I arrive at the workshop to load the van. Your shutters have been individually wrapped and labelled. I check them against the order sheet twice. Load the tools, dust sheets, and vacuum.

8:30 AM: Arrive at the property. First thing? Protective shoe covers and lay dust sheets. Your carpets and floors stay pristine.

8:45 AM: Unpack and inspect each shutter with the homeowner. We check for any transport damage (rare but it happens) and confirm the finish is exactly what was expected.

9:00 AM: Begin installation. For standard windows, we're looking at 45 minutes per shutter. Bays take longer—maybe 90 minutes. We measure three times, drill once. The frames are secured with a minimum of four fixings per side—overkill perhaps, but shutters should last decades, not years.

11:00 AM: Tea break. (This is Britain, after all.) This is when homeowners usually ask questions about maintenance, operation tips, and sometimes for recommendations for other local tradespeople.

12:30 PM: Final shutters going up. Each one is tested multiple times—smooth operation, level hanging, proper light closure. We adjust the tension until they hold position at any angle.

2:00 PM: Clean-up and demonstration. We vacuum all debris, wipe down the shutters, and remove every trace of our presence. Then I show you how to operate them, how to use the hidden tilt rods, how to clean them (easier than you think), and answer any questions.

2:30 PM: Final walk-through and paperwork. We check every shutter together, I leave you with the care guide and warranty information, and Sarah calls later that week to ensure everything's perfect.

The Money Talk: Real Costs, Real Savings

Let's be transparent about pricing—something the big companies seem allergic to. For a typical three-bedroom semi in Merton, you're looking at:

• Faux wood shutters: £2,800-£3,500 for the whole house

• Hardwood shutters: £3,500-£4,500 for the whole house

• Individual rooms: From £300 for a small bathroom window to £800 for large bay windows

But here's what others won't tell you: we're consistently £500-£800 cheaper than national chains for identical quality. Why? No expensive showrooms, no commission-hungry salespeople, no glossy TV adverts. Just skilled craftsmen offering fair prices.

Our current offer includes:

• Free survey and design consultation

• Free installation (worth £200-£400)

• 0% finance over three years

• Price match guarantee (show us a cheaper quote for the same spec, we'll beat it by 5%)

• 10-year warranty on hardwood, 10 years on faux wood

Mrs Roberts in Wimbledon saved £1,200 compared to Hillary's quote. The Patels in Kingston saved £800 versus Thomas Sanderson. This isn't about being cheap—it's about being fair.

Making Your Decision: No Pressure, Just Honest Advice

When Tom visits for your survey, he won't arrive with a briefcase full of discounts that "expire today." He'll measure your windows, show you samples, discuss your needs, and leave you with a written quote valid for 90 days. No pressure, no calls chasing you for a decision.

Often, he'll actually advise against shutters for certain windows. North-facing bathrooms? You might prefer the light. Kitchen windows above sinks? Consider how you'll reach them. Rental properties? Faux wood offers better return on investment than hardwood. This honesty costs us some sales, but it's earned us hundreds of referrals.

We also offer a unique "try before you buy" service for customers within 5 miles of our workshop. Unsure between hardwood and faux wood? Borrow samples for a week. See how they look in different lights, how they feel to operate, and how they suit your décor. Mrs Chen in Richmond tried both before choosing—"It removed all the doubt," she said.

Your Questions Answered (By Someone Who Actually Fits Shutters)

How long will it really take to get my shutters fitted?

From your initial enquiry to completed installation, you're looking at 4-6 weeks typically. Survey within 48 hours, quote within 24 hours of survey, manufacturing 3-5 weeks, installation within days of delivery. We've done it faster for emergencies—had a customer in Twickenham who needed shutters before selling; we managed it in 16 days. But plan for 4-6 weeks and be pleasantly surprised if it's quicker.

What's the real difference between your faux wood and hardwood shutters?

I fit both daily, so here's the truth: functionally, they're almost identical. Both offer excellent light control, insulation, and durability. Hardwood has a natural grain that some prefer, takes painted finishes slightly better, and has a marginally more premium feel. Faux wood is completely waterproof (perfect for bathrooms), slightly better at insulation, more consistent in colour, and about 25% cheaper. In Kingston and Richmond, we fit 200% hardwood, 80% faux. In Merton, it's reversed. Both are excellent choices.

Do your shutters really help with energy bills?

Yes, but let me be realistic about expectations. Closed shutters create an insulating air pocket that reduces heat loss by 20-30% through windows. For a typical semi-detached in our area, that's roughly £150-£200 saved annually on heating. You won't retire on the savings, but combined with the comfort improvement and noise reduction, it's significant. Mr Williams in Raynes Park tracked his bills—saved £380 in the first year.

What about bay windows—are they really more complicated?

Bay windows are our speciality, honestly. The key is understanding that Victorian bays are rarely perfectly symmetrical. We template each section individually, allowing for slight variations. Installation takes longer—about 2-3 hours for a full bay versus 45 minutes for a standard window. Cost is higher too, typically £600-£900 depending on size, but the visual impact is stunning. We've fitted hundreds in Kingston, Richmond, and Merton's period properties.

Can I paint or re-stain shutters later if I redecorate?

Absolutely, and this is a massive advantage over blinds or curtains. Our hardwood shutters can be repainted or re-stained multiple times over their lifetime. We fitted white shutters for a house in Richmond five years ago; last year, we helped them respray them in Farrow & Ball's Railings to match their renovation. Looked brand new. Faux wood can be painted but not stained. Either way, you're not locked into a colour forever.

How child-safe are your shutters?

Every shutter we fit is completely cordless, eliminating strangulation risks. The slats are secured firmly—little fingers can't pull them out. The tilt rods (hidden or visible) have no sharp edges. We've fitted shutters in three local nurseries and dozens of family homes. Mrs Kumar in Wimbledon has three under-fives: "They're the only window covering I don't worry about," she says. Plus, unlike curtains, they don't make good climbing frames!

What if something goes wrong after installation?

First, it's rare, we've had 12 warranty claims from over 3,000 installations. But if something does fail, here's what happens: Call us, we'll try to diagnose over the phone. If we can't fix it with guidance, someone will visit within 48 hours. Parts are free under warranty, labour too, for the first two years. Even outside warranty, we charge fairly—£50 call-out plus parts at cost. We're local, we're not disappearing, and our reputation matters more than a quick profit.

Do you really manufacture in the UK, or is that marketing speak?

100% UK manufactured, and I'll prove it. Our partner factory is in Manchester—we visit quarterly for quality checks. Want to see it yourself? We can arrange a factory tour for serious customers. Every shutter has a manufacturer code traceable to the specific craftsman who made it. Try asking the national chains where their shutters come from—watch them squirm. British manufacturing isn't just about patriotism; it's about quality, speed, and accountability.

How do your prices compare to DIY options?

DIY shutters from places like B&Q or online suppliers run about 40-50% less than our supply-and-fit price. But consider this: measuring mistakes (very common with bays and non-standard windows) means shutters that don't fit. Installation errors can damage walls or windows. No warranty on installation work. And honestly? Most DIY shutters are imported, lower quality products. Factor in the time, risk, and potential mistakes, and our professional service offers better value. That said, if you're handy and have standard windows, DIY can work, we'll even supply just the shutters if you prefer.

Why should we choose you over the big national companies?

Simple: we're neighbours, not salespeople. When Hillary's or Thomas Sanderson sends someone round, it's a commission-based salesperson you'll never see again. When we visit, it's Tom, who lives in Richmond and whose kids go to local schools. Our quotes are £500-£800 lower because we don't have their overheads. Our installation is done by me or our small team of employed fitters, not subcontractors. We're building a business on reputation in our community, not maximising shareholder profits. Plus, supporting local family businesses keeps money in our local economy.

Ready to transform your windows with beautiful plantation shutters? No pushy sales, no inflated prices—just honest, skilled craftsmen who happen to be your neighbours. Book your free survey today at shutterinstallation.co.uk or call us on 07776123386. Serving Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Wimbledon and surrounding areas with pride since 2009.