Checklists · Galveston, TX
Printable hurricane shutter checklists
Six checklists for the life of a shutter project: measuring, quote day, the test after installation, pre-season, after a storm and an HOA or condo submission. Use your browser's Print command (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) for a paper copy.
Get a Galveston hurricane shutter quoteHow to use these lists
Work through them in order for a new project, then keep the later lists with your shutter instructions. The items are questions and reminders, not code requirements. Your product instructions and the installer's written scope come first, and official offices decide permits and approvals.
If your community has an owners' association
Many Galveston County homes and condos sit in communities with architectural rules, and Jamaica Beach is one local example. We did not research whether a Texas statute addresses hurricane shutters specifically, so this is not a legal conclusion. Texas Property Code section 209.00505 covers architectural review by property owners' associations in subdivisions. The text we read applies to associations with more than 40 lots and not during a developer's control period. It says a denial must be sent in writing by certified mail, hand delivery or electronic delivery, must describe the basis for the denial in reasonable detail and list any changes required for approval, and must tell you that you may request a hearing on or before the 30th day after the notice was mailed. It does not mention condominiums, which are governed by separate law we did not research. Check whether your association is covered, and confirm with a Texas attorney if there is a dispute.
1. Measuring checklist
Label every opening
Give each window and exterior glass door an ID, for example 2-S1 for second floor, south side, and use the same IDs on every quote.
Measure width and height in inches
Record both for each opening. If they differ from top to bottom or side to side, write both. Installers confirm on site.
Note what surrounds the opening
Trim, porch beams, gutters, downspouts, railings, light fixtures and vents that could affect where a shutter or box fits.
Measure side and overhead space
Note the clear wall beside each opening and the space above it. Do not choose a system from this alone.
Describe the wall
Masonry, stucco, siding over framing or other, if you know. Ask installers how they attach and what they check first.
Mark access
Raised floors, upper stories, fences, decks and narrow side yards. Who can reach each opening to close it?
Flag bedroom windows and exit doors
Ask how someone inside can open or leave when the shutter is closed.
Note power for motorized openings
Mark the nearest outlet or panel and ask who would do the wiring.
Photograph each opening
One wide photo inside and one outside with the ID visible, for your own records.
Total the list
Use the coverage calculator for counts, area and run lengths.
2. Quote-day checklist
Check name and registration
Ask for the installer's business name, and whether they are on the City of Galveston's list of active registered contractors.
Confirm every opening is measured
The final quote should rest on on-site measurements.
Get the model for each opening
Product name, model, how it mounts, and which TDI product evaluation or test report applies to that size.
Ask who handles paperwork
City permit, inspections, and any WPI-8 or WPI-8-E, with names and in writing.
Ask about wiring
For motorized units, who does the electrical work and what license do they hold?
Ask for an opening-by-opening list
IDs, sizes, system, controls and any openings left out.
Ask about the closing routine
Who closes each opening, with what key or crank, and how it closes without power.
Ask about exclusions and extras
Access equipment, trim or stucco repairs, finishing, cleanup and any association submissions.
Ask for written terms
Total, payment schedule, work schedule and warranty terms. You do not have to decide during the visit.
Ask about service
Who to call for repairs and what response they say to expect, in writing.
3. Post-installation function test
Close every opening in order
Use your opening list IDs and tick each one off.
Lock and unlock each one
Check that locks, pins or latches engage fully.
Close from the planned position
Operate each opening from where the person who will close it actually stands, including upper windows.
Look for gaps, rubbing or loose parts
Write down anything that sticks, rattles or looks uneven.
Test motors and the power-loss method
With the installer present, run the manufacturer's manual override on motorized units.
Confirm exits
For bedrooms and exit doors, confirm the instructions for opening from inside.
Time the whole run
Start to finish. Enter it in the closing-time calculator.
Collect the documents
Model list, operating instructions, warranty, permit and inspection records, and any WPI-8 if applicable.
Write a punch list
List defects with the date and photos, and ask the installer for a date to fix them.
Store keys and tools
Put cranks, keys and remotes where the person responsible can find them.
4. Pre-season checklist (before June 1)
Find keys, cranks, remotes and panels
Count them against the list from installation.
Close and lock every opening
Do it in calm weather, as you would in a storm.
Time it and update the plan
Compare with the closing-time calculator and adjust who helps.
Check visible condition
Look for bent parts, loose fasteners, damaged locks, worn seals and corrosion, following the maker's care guide.
Check controls and backup instructions
Keep the power-loss procedure with the controls.
Count and label fabric or panels
Each panel should be marked with its opening.
Confirm who closes the house when you are away
Names, phone numbers and key access.
Gather the documents
Warranty, installer's service contact and permit records.
Review your evacuation plan
Ready.gov says to learn evacuation routes and practice with your household.
Ask about repairs early
Installer availability varies, so ask for current scheduling in writing.
5. After-storm and annual inspection checklist
Follow official guidance first
Wait for local officials before returning or going outside.
Look before you touch
Check for visible damage, loose parts and debris before operating anything.
Photograph damage before cleanup
Keep dated photos for your own records and your insurer.
Do not force a stuck shutter
Stop and ask the installer or manufacturer for guidance.
Do not operate wet or damaged motors
Follow the maker's instructions and ask a qualified electrician.
Rinse and clean as the maker advises
See our coastal maintenance guide for salt-air routines.
Check tracks, hinges, locks and fasteners
Look for debris, dents, bends and rust staining.
Check the wall around anchors
Note any cracks, loose areas or staining.
Record and book service
Write down what needs attention and request a visit.
Repeat the pre-season list each year
Do it before June 1.
6. HOA or condo submission checklist
Get the governing documents
Declaration, architectural guidelines and rules. Ask management for the current versions.
Identify the approver
Architectural committee, board or management company, and how long review takes.
Find out what you own
Condo owners: ask whether windows and doors are part of your unit or common elements, and whether attachment touches common walls.
Describe the product
Type, maker, model, color and finish, and how it looks open and closed.
Show where it goes
A marked photo or sketch of each opening with its ID and size.
Add installer details
Name, registration and any insurance certificate the association asks for.
State permit and approval status
City permit, if needed, and any historic-district review.
State the timeline
Proposed dates and where materials will be stored.
Get written approval before ordering
Keep the decision with its date.
Keep a copy of the submission
If refused, ask for the reasons in writing.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-10-14
- Texas Property Code section 209.00505
Architectural review procedure. Official text is on statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Ready.gov: hurricanes
Evacuation routes and practice.
- City of Galveston: Building Division
Registered contractors list.
- TDI: product evaluations
Product reports.
Common questions
What should I check on my hurricane shutters before hurricane season?
Find every key, crank and panel, then close and lock each opening in calm weather. Look for bent parts, loose fasteners, damaged locks and corrosion, and confirm who closes the house when you are away. Do it before June 1.
How do I test hurricane shutters after installation?
Close and lock every opening from the place the person responsible will stand, with the installer present for motorized units. Check locks, gaps and exit instructions, time the full run and write a dated punch list of anything to fix.
What should I do about shutter damage after a storm?
Wait for official clearance, photograph the damage before cleanup and do not force or power a stuck or wet unit. Ask the installer or manufacturer for guidance and book service. Use the after-storm checklist above.
Do I need HOA approval to put up hurricane shutters in Galveston?
It depends on your governing documents. Many communities require approval for exterior changes, so ask before you order. We did not research a shutter-specific Texas statute, so this is not a legal conclusion.
Which documents should I keep after installing hurricane shutters?
Keep the model list, operating and care instructions, warranty, installer's service contact, permit and inspection records and any WPI-8 or association approval. Store them with the keys so whoever closes the house can find them.