Professional vs. DIY Blinds Installation: Which Is Right for You?

Installing new blinds should make you feel like you are upgrading your windows, as they should provide cleaner lines, softer light, and a more polished feel to your space. However, before you can enjoy all those benefits, you will need to make a significant decision: whether to install the blinds yourself or hire a professional. Most homeowners know whether this will end up being an all-in-one or an all-afternoon task. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both sides helps stores that sell curtains and blinds recommend the best choice for their needs, their homes, and their wallets.

What to consider before you pick an installation type and format

Before anything, customers should know where they are starting from. The window type, the window frame size, the wall material, and the era the house is from all must be considered, and they will affect how big an issue the installation is going to be. Newer condos with clean, new drywall are going to be a lot easier compared to a hundred-year-old houses with all the quirks that come with older homes. Then, factor in all the styles of blinds, the systems of cords, the options for motorization, and the privacy needs, and the decision is going to be a lot more complicated and double-layered than most people are expecting.

What Does Professional Blind Installation Entail?

What does it mean to hire an expert? It starts with taking accurate measurements for frame depth, mount height, and blind orientation, then they get to work with professional-grade precision tools, ensuring that the blinds open and close smoothly and are perfectly even. Then we get to the boring, but necessary, leveling and safety anchoring, and installing the more technical motorized blinds and custom drapery. The best installers even finish with functional testing, ensuring that the blinds are working smoothly and quietly. When they are done, they leave the blinds and no other mess.

Why You Should Hire the Top Blind Installer for Your Home

Working with the top installers gives absolute peace of mind for the homeowner, and for good reason. Professional installers make the process seamless and are practically guaranteed to get you the results you want. Not only do they save time, but they do a thorough job in a fraction of the time, and the homeowner does not have to invest the time themselves. If a professional needs to cover a motorized blind with a drapery, they can do so, and many professional installations warranty their work, ensuring you that the work will perform well long term. There is so much peace of mind, especially for odd window sizes or specialty blinds, as pros will recognize these problem areas before they become complicated and expensive.

When Blind Installation is DIY

There are some situations where it is okay to do it yourself. A DIY project is perfect for temporary blinds, small windows, or lightweight blinds. Then, homeowners have the confidence to do the installation themselves. Someone who knows their way around a toolbox and enjoys DIY crafts they can do themselves will appreciate the cost savings. For some rental units or spaces where perfect installations are not as critical, a DIY installation can be the way to go.

Weighing Professional Installation

Installing blinds yourself can be a fun DIY project; however, sometimes it is better to get it done by a professional. Some people may not have the time to schedule or wait around for a professional to come; however, for a lot of people, the time and added cost to have someone else do it is worth it. Professionals will ensure their work is accurate, saving homeowners time and effort. For many homeowners, especially those who are purchasing premium or custom window coverings, the cost of professional service is worth it.

The Pros and Cons of Installing Blinds Yourself

DIY installations allow for flexibility and provide a small monetary savings. Homeowners can install it to their own schedule and potentially enjoy the hands-on work. However, the risks are real. One wrong measurement can result in wooden blinds being a wasted purchase. Incorrect drilling can potentially ruin the wall or window framing, and even the slightest misalignment can cause the blinds to function poorly or be tilted in a slanted manner. For customers with little experience or who are unsure, the attempt at a DIY blind installation can be a source of frustration.

Blind Types That Require the Best Blind Installation Professionals

Some window coverings simply perform better with the help of a specialist. For example, Roman shades need to have exact tension to be able to open and close smoothly. In addition, Motorized blinds need to be outfitted with a precise alignment, and must have a safe installation of the mounting system in order to have the electronics of the system protected. Professional precision is also a requirement with vertical blinds, oversized blind sets, and custom drapery panels for difficult installations and mounting systems. Bay windows, arched windows, and skylights also require the advanced perfection of the best blind installation teams.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With DIY Blinds Installation

One of the most common mistakes made by those looking to install DIY blinds is underestimating the importance of precise measurements. A common mistake is measuring only once. Forgetting to account for the depth of the frame, measuring the outside vs the inside of the mount, and using the wrong type of screws can lead to hinge splits. Also, fogging the background of the measurement is a common mistake that can lead to crooked blinds and instability of the whole system.

Cost Comparison: Professional vs DIY Blinds Installation

Hidden costs when DIY can really add up. Homeowners often forget to factor in the costs of tools and materials, costs for mistakes, and additional trips to the store. A professional installer costs a little more up front, but it can ultimately save money. Also, blinds that are installed by professionals will last much longer.

How To Make a Decision Based on What’s Best for You

Based on your skills, blind complexity, and the accuracy required from your design, each scenario works differently. For example, homes that have bigger, custom, or custom angle cut windows almost always need a professional install. Lightweight blinds in a standard-sized window are likely manageable for an experienced DIYer.

Curtain and blind stores should recommend installers.

Curtain and blind stores should recommend installers because it creates a smoother experience for the customers. Satisfied customers seal the blinds and leave happy almost every time. Recommending installers creates smoother transactions because stores know that the customers will be able to use the product the way it was meant to be used. It strengthens trust in the brand, reduces returns, and improves the overall experience.

FAQ

1. Is it worth it to pay to have your blinds installed?

Yes, if you want hassle-free and long-lasting blinds, paying to have them installed is worth it.

2 . Can a person install blinds if they’ve never done it before?

Yes. Just know that there will be a learning curve. Also, simple blinds may be easier than complex heavy ones. Those blinds should be left to the professionals for sure. 

3. Why do measurements matter so much?

Small mistakes hold big consequences. It couldn't be truer in the world of window measurements. Window blinds need to be measured with a precision that most people don't have. That's why professionals are so valuable.

4. Is it necessary to have motorized blinds installed by a professional?

Indeed, the motorized systems must be properly aligned and mounted securely in order to keep the electrical parts safe and undamaged.

5. How can I tell if a DIY installation is too complex for the windows I have?

Profession installation is the safest scenario if you possess bay windows, arched frames, wide windows, skylights, or older, uneven frames.