Buying big window treatments for large windows: Blinds, shades, and shutters

One of the largest expenses when moving into a newly purchased home, whether or not it`s new, are window treatments. Blinds, shades, and shutters are a fabulous way to cover windows rather than custom draperies, or worse yet, cheap curtains. The biggest question homeowners have is what will this cost. The biggest misunderstanding is that buying from a local custom shop is way too expensive--not true!

Most people assume that the best deal in any new purchase of hardware, appliances, etc. for their new home is of course Home Depot or Lowes. This is a fallacy that can be debunked with a little effort and a few phone calls.

The window treatment industry is extremely competitive and that creates a great opportunity for buyers. In today`s slow housing market these retailers are even more willing to cut a deal as they are nowhere near as busy or doing the huge volume they were before the housing crash of 2008.

Aside from this fact they can buy a better product cheaper than the big boys--why? Because the big boys don`t specialize in window treatments and blind and shutter companies do. I was in the blind and shutter business for over 14 years and still do some sales part time in Georgia. I was amazed early on when I found out how expensive Home Depot, Lowes, and other large retailers were compared to the local companies in Atlanta.

Another fact about these big retailers is that they are much higher on name brands and their low end blinds, shades, and shutters are not well made. For example: You can buy a 32 x 72 blind from Home Depot, pre cut, off the shelf, and hang it yourself for about $30-$40. These low end shelf blinds have the lowest UV rating in the industry at about 150 (UV ratings run from 150-500). This is one reason you see these types of blinds turning yellow after a few months or years in direct sunlight. I was able to sell a blind that not only looked better (better head rails, better custom valances, and better warranty) but was a far superior product for about $50-$60 per window installed (Faux-wood).

In regard to shades, most companies can sell a name brand shade at 20-30% cheaper than the big boys. Shutters are no different; often times shutters range in price from $20-$25 per SQFT at the big retailers; custom shops are in the $16-$19 range (painted not stained).

If you`re considering doing some blinds, shades, or shutters in your newly built or purchased home, take a moment to research custom shops. Home Depot and other large retailers will almost always charge a fee to come give a quote--it is common practice in the business to do so; however, most custom shops will come out for free and leave a no obligation quote. My personal recommendation is that you call three local blind and shutter companies and ask for a quote. Take a week to schedule these appointments and get these quotes--it will be worth your time. Good luck!