Shutters or Blinds? Fauxwood or wood? (Allen, Howe: new house, buying, budget)

[cicilee]

I just moved from another state to Allen a few months ago and we just bought our new house. Now I am having tough time decide what to get for window covering.

Most of our windows are on front side of the house which is facing southeast. I have consulted 3 vendors and all seem to promote shutters for front to get better curb view and better heat resistance in summer time. However, looking at pictures, somehow I kinda prefer the feeling draperies provide, especially for bedrooms. Shutters plus drapery later would be an overkill on my budget. I am debating whether I should just get 2.5" blinds done and then take time to add draperies.

Just wanted to get some ideas here since I am new to the area. For resale, does shutters really add value and can get investment back on these windows like vendors mentioned? Or does it not really add values but just making the house more appealing and sell little faster? Would you pay 5k more for an identical house that has all shutters? And are blinds outdated idea on new homes?

I am also not sure whether to get wood or fauxwood. I got totally different opinions from vendors. One told me I should go with real wood if I could afford at all. The other two said fauxwood should just be fine, it is hard to tell the difference and it is just as easy to clean.

Thanks for any input!

[Squirl]

So I have spent over $20k on Magnolia shutters in several rooms in my house. My particular house has large rear facing windows and the house sits on a cliff and has a rear view. The front of the house faces the street and My front courtyard windows have shutters but both side windows have blinds. It all looks good from the street. I have been a re investor for some time and my input is that shutters are not a significant part of the buying decision and you should go with faux blinds....they do not warp or splinter. Good idea, however, that drapery is neutral in color and not highly stylized. I'd avoid tassels, ruffles and puffy gathered curtains or valences. For resale, plain drapes work fine.

[panacea82]

Shutters do not add value but only make your house sell faster.

[facebookdigg123]

shutters for sure