Why Do-It-Yourself Window Treatments Are Not Always A Good Idea
To DIY or not to DIY. That is the question!
There is definitely a time to roll up your sleeves and get out the utility belt, but there is also wisdom in knowing when to call in a professional.
Everyone’s DIY abilities will vary, but when it comes to window treatments, this is one area that we highly recommend handing off to a professional.
In this article, we are going to take a look at 4 factors that should be considered before deciding between tackling your window treatments on your own or hiring a pro.
Factor 1: You Need Precise Measuring For Window Treatments
Measuring for window treatments is a precise technique. It takes training and experience to know exactly how to measure windows for coverings. Where and how to measure will also vary based on the type of window treatment.
Hard window treatments, such as blinds and shutters, will have to be measured based upon how they are going to operate and where they are going to be mounted.
For soft window treatments, such as curtains and draperies, measurements will vary based on whether they are operational or decorative, where they are going to be mounted, and how much material will be needed for considerations such as pleats, repeats, and length.
Other things to consider are whether there are any obstructions or structural hindrances that will get in the way. Are there any wall units, vents, or grates that will come in contact with the window treatment? If so, it may require a specific type of window covering or a different kind of mount to ensure the room is both safe and visually pleasing to the eye.
Blackout window treatments are incredibly beneficial for rooms that need the most light control. Light can be thought of like water - if there is any opening available, it will seep through.
Blackout window treatments have the option to use tracks or channels along the edges of the window to make sure no light can sneak through the nooks and crannies. These treatments are ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, or home theaters.
Along with this incredible light control comes the need for extremely precise measurements. To ensure the blackout shade or liner and all of the hardware that keeps it in place are the perfect fit for the windows in these types of rooms, every measurement must be exact.
Having to return a product that is incorrect will end up costing both time and money. This is even more true when it comes to custom window treatments that are being made to order. There is a saying that says “measure twice and cut once.” While that is good advice, it is even better to let us measure twice while you sit back and relax.
When it comes to window treatments that are designed to perform a specific task, it pays to have a professional who has the training and experience to measure and complete the necessary order forms to ensure the proper fit.
Factor 2: Product Knowledge - Many Window Treatment Options Exist
Window treatments are available in a wide range of possibilities. With so many options, it can easily become overwhelming.
At Gotcha Covered, we have extensive knowledge of hard window treatments such as blinds and shutters, as well as soft window treatments like shades, curtains, and draperies.
We know first hand what window treatments work best in certain areas of your house based on a variety of factors such as which direction your windows face or whether moisture and humidity are a consideration.
For more information on what window treatments work best for different rooms, check out How To Pick The Best Window Treatments For Each Room Of Your House.
We also have the knowledge of materials and fabrics that can be useful in every situation.
Opacity is the term that is used to describe the amount of light that is blocked out by a certain material. The lower the opacity, the more light that will be able to pass through. For example, sheers have a very low opacity whereas blackout shades have a very high opacity.
Window treatments are meant to be both decorative and functional. In order to get the most out of your windows it may be beneficial to layer different window treatment options.
Top treatments such as valances and cornices are great additions to cover any mounts or hardware that are not intended to be decorative.
Pairing blinds, shades, or shutters with long, decorative side panels is another great way to give your windows a finished look that will add a sense of height to the room.
When it comes to functionality, it is hard to beat motorized window treatments! Motorization has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years. There are so many new and exciting advancements that improve the look and function of window treatments.
One of the greatest improvements has been in the area of sound. Motorized window treatments now are almost silent when in operation which is especially convenient for bedrooms.
Motorized window treatments can also be integrated with smart home connected systems such as Alexa, Echo, and Nest. There are a wide range of options for connecting to other home devices that can give you control over your window at the push of a button.
Depending on the preferences, these can also be operated by voice commands, remote control, or set to a pre programmed schedule. Be sure to ask your Gotcha Covered design consultant for specifics about motorized and smart home window treatments and see how they can add convenience and efficiency to your everyday life.
For more information about motorized window treatments and smart home connected devices, visit our article Debunking The Myths Of Smart Home Technology.
Custom soft window treatments can also be matched to pillows, bedding, and other accessories within a room. Your Gotcha Covered design consultant will know exactly how to accent the décor of a space while adding functionality and beauty without it feeling thrown together or mismatched.
At the end of the day, the numerous possibilities are endless! Rather than feeling overwhelmed, let a Gotcha Covered designer help to narrow down the options in order to find the perfect window treatment solutions for your home or workplace.
Factor 3: DIY - How Much Is Your Time Worth?
DIY projects almost always take longer than expected. Installations for window treatments are no different. Depending on the number of windows and the types of treatments, this is a project that could take much longer when not handled by professionals. So the question becomes “how much is your time worth?”
At Gotcha Covered, we take ownership of the entire process from the initial consultation through installation.
First, we work with you to select just the right window treatments to match your needs, style, and budget. We then take care of all measurements and order forms to place each and every product order. When the product arrives, we handle the delivery and storage and then work with your schedule to find a convenient time for installation.
From start to finish, we will make sure every aspect of the project meets our expectations. We have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right and we have access to the proper tools and hardware.
When installing motorized window treatments, there are several programming procedures that must be followed correctly to ensure everything operates together properly. Connecting these programs to smart home devices also takes time and experience.
We will take the time to make sure everything is working together and we will be sure to walk you through how to operate and adjust these programs.
At Gotcha Covered, we are extremely proud of our 5 star rating. This is an accomplishment that we worked hard to achieve and we believe that it speaks volumes about how we operate. We stand by our work and will continue to do what it takes to exceed expectations.
Factor 4: The Aftermath Of A Window Treatment Installation
We pride ourselves on impeccable service from the initial phone call throughout the entire project. In fact, we hope that you will be so impressed with our service that you will reach out to us again in the future when other window treatment projects arise.
Our service pledge is something we do not take lightly. When first crafted, it was vital that we emphasized the importance of maintaining our relationship with our clients long after the job was completed.
When the time came for us to revamp our website, we saw the opportunity to rebrand this as our Client For Life Service Pledge. You can see it in entirety right here - www.gotchacovered.com/about-us/clients-for-life.
When you work with us, we take care of everything. You will not need to follow up on orders, communicate with vendors or installers, or find storage for product deliveries. Let us take care of the details so that all you have to do is sit back and watch your window treatment dreams come to life!
Nothing lasts forever and that is true for window treatments as well. Even with incredible care and quality service, things still happen. Who will you call when there is an issue?
At Gotcha Covered, we are only a phone call away! You can be sure that you will get a person on the phone or a real response to an email when you need us. Remember our service pledge? It is our intention to maintain this relationship long after the project is complete.
Conclusion
Custom window treatments are an investment and just like any good investment, you want the job done right the first time.
Factor in the time and money that a “DIY gone wrong” could cost you and you might see why we strongly recommend handing this project over to the professionals.
Let us handle the logistics of measuring, ordering, and installing so that you can sit back and watch your design inspiration become a reality.
We have years of experience providing just the right custom window treatment solutions for any space and we know how to get the job done right. Call us at (888) 650-6187 or schedule a free design consultation today!
