Should You Install Window Coverings Yourself? It Depends . . .

While installing window coverings isn’t rocket science, there are some things you should know so you are prepared.

Many people install their own blinds, and some would do it again.  However, many would opt for a professional the next time around, because of key window covering challenges most of us don’t think about before diving in to install our window treatments.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to install your own blinds.

First, no two window covering projects or windows are the same. Because of this, a host of unanticipated issues can arise when attempting to measure and install your blinds.  Things such as windows that aren’t square, missing anchor points or even mis-sized blinds.

Use this DIY Checklist to help determine if installing your own window coverings is a good move.

Things To Ask When Deciding Whether or Not to Install Blinds Yourself

  • Make sure your windows are square. We’re not talking about your window shape, but whether the casings corners are at 90 degrees. Believe it or not, most window casings aren’t perfectly square. Because of this, blinds can bind and not close properly, or there can be large, uneven gaps when going from top to bottom. A professional blind installer can compensate for this in how he measures your window casing and has techniques to minimize gaps.

  • Check for Anchor Points.  Some blinds require more sturdy anchor points than others because of their weight or operation.  For instance, motorized blinds tend to be heavier, and because of moving parts, need to be anchored to a stronger point.  The challenge is that most of us don’t know what lies behind the sheet rock.  Everything LOOKS solid from the surface.  However, you’d be surprised what’s behind that sheetrock (or rather, what’s NOT behind it).  A professional blind installer will be able to detect and make necessary modifications.

  • How about those free samples?  What can be better than free samples? How about all the samples you could possibly want, delivered to the comfort of your home all at once, with an expert to answer questions about each . . . and STILL FREE? Instead of guessing which samples you may want and ordering them a few at a time, a knowledgeable, not-pushy Factory Rep Blinds team member will deliver them to you and be available to answer your questions, on the spot – in the comfort of your home. No back-and-forth. No guessing. No “round two” sample ordering. One and done. And . . . FREE!

  • About those “Mis-Measurement Guarantees”. You’ve heard the ads. “If you DO mis-measure your windows, we’ll replace your blinds for free!”  There is always a catch to mis-measure guarantees. First, you’ll have to pay shipping on your replacement blinds. And usually, you’ll need to ship your original, mis-sized blinds back.  Also, there is often a surcharge for the replacement service.   And lastly, how much time are we talking about here?  By the time you measure your own blinds, try to install, re-measure and re-order, we’re talking days and weeks of lost time.

    At Factory Rep Blinds we guarantee our measurements and installations will fit just right, every time.  And if they don’t, the time and extra cost is on us, not you.

  • What is your time worth?  You’re probably at a point in your life where your time has more value. When you were 25 you had more time than money. Measuring, installing, re-measuring, re-installing… it may have been worth it. We have a hunch you’re past that point.  A skilled blind installer will not only save you time and hassle, but make your experience much more enjoyable as well.