Blinds are a kind of window covering that people install on their windows to control the amount of light coming in and restrict unwanted peeping or spying by someone. Usually, they are used in place of curtains. A window blind is made up of hard materials such as wood, plastic, or metal, since these materials can easily be connected with the cables that pass through the blind panels. The blinds panels come in both horizontal and vertical form and in different sizes and shapes so that you can choose as per your requirements.
When it comes to installing blinds, you have the complete right to decide whether you want to install the blinds by yourself via the DIY approach or hire a professional for the project. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed choice. Let’s delve deeper into the pros and cons of each method:
DIY Blind Installation
The DIY blind installation method can give you control over the whole process, from what kind of blinds to choose to how and where to install them. While planning to go DIY, there are some important things to know about the installation of the blinds. Going through the installation process requires some skills and knowledge. If a person has no clue or experience about it, they might face problems and issues and end up spending more time and money than is actually required.
It may take more time when there are many windows to cover. Any person who has a busy schedule and little to no experience will have a hard time installing the blinds by themselves. However, by putting in some time and effort and reading carefully the instructions that come with the blinds, you can easily install blinds by yourself. DIY is a great option for those who are looking to save money. People who have the skills, time, and right tools to install blinds by themselves can go with this approach. However, there are certain kinds of windows bearing complex shapes and designs, and installing blinds for them can be quite challenging.
Taking the DIY route means you’ll be personally handling the installation process. Despite sounding like a simple task, it has both pros and cons that need to be considered before trying to install blinds by yourself. Here’s what you need to consider:
Pros:
1. Saves money: One of the advantages of DIY blind installation is that it saves money over hiring a professional to install blinds, which can be quite expensive, especially when a person has many windows to cover. DIY can help you save a lot of money that can later be used on other parts of home improvements.
2. Complete Control: With the DIY approach, you will get full control over the entire process. You can choose the type of instalment as well as the colour and style that suit you best for decorating your home. At times, it might happen that you do not agree on some matters with the professional. Plus, there might be circumstances where you might need to make an appointment with a professional before getting his services. What even more can go wrong is that their appointed time might not be comfortable for you, as they might be busy with something more important.
3. Sense of Accomplishment: Another benefit of DIY blind installation is that it can give you a sense of accomplishment when you finish working on installing blinds in your household. Installing blinds may seem like very hard and challenging work, but with the right tools and reading the instructions carefully, it can be easy and also be a great experience for you.
4. Great for Future Expansion: Doing this task on your own also allows you to learn new skills and strategies that can be used later for future home improvement projects. In addition, DIY allows you to work at flexible times. You can start and stop working on blinds anytime you want. Moreover, you don’t have to depend on a professional to be available with you all the time. This is a great option for people with busy schedules.
Cons:
1. Mistakes might occur: One of the disadvantages of DIY blind installation is the possibility of making mistakes. Blind installation needs specific measurements and precise placement to function properly. If a person tries to work without proper tools and experience, then the chances of making mistakes increase, and it can result in inappropriate or misaligned blinds.
2. Extra Expenses: Errors can even lead to extra expenses when the blinds need to be professionally fixed or replaced. DIY blind installation can also be the reason for the cancellation of the warranty and return policy that is offered by the company, manufacturer, or retailer. So if you face a problem, you won’t be able to get any refunds.
3. Physical Task: Installing blinds is a time-consuming task that demands physical strength. It includes tasks like climbing ladders, drilling holes in walls, and hanging heavy materials. This can be really challenging for physically weak people and even harder for people who don’t have the knowledge of using any tools.
4. Risk of Damage: Installing blinds on your own is not appropriate for everyone, as there are certain kinds of blinds that require specialised knowledge and equipment that might not be available to average homeowners. Attempting to install these kinds of blinds can be risky, as it may result in damage to the blind itself. This is where the required skills of professional installers come into play, as they make sure that the blinds function properly after being installed and also look attractive as per the design of the room.
Professional Blind Installation
Another great option for getting blinds installed at your home is to get professional help. Being a complicated process that takes a lot of time and energy, it’s advisable to leave this hectic task to professionals only. A professional has the experience, knowledge, and skills to install all kinds of blinds, such as metal venetian blinds, roller blinds, and illusion blinds. They always keep the necessary tools and equipment and master how to use the tools the right way for proper installation.
Professionals know how to take accurate measurements, which is crucial for large and differently shaped windows. They have experience tackling any sort of difficulties that might arise in the installation process and can understand the complexity of different types of windows. Professionals can provide you with the best opinion on choosing the right blinds.
However, there are certain pros and cons to know before you decide to hire a professional. Opting for professional installation means entrusting the task to skilled experts. Here’s what you should consider:
Pros:
1. Professional Expertise: There are many different types of blinds that come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and styles. A professional blind installer can guarantee the blind to be a perfect fit as it is their regular job and they have the experience to measure and fit the blinds accordingly. An unfit blind can result in you compromising on its attractiveness and functionality. A professional also cuts down on the risk of buying blinds that are either too large or too small for your window.
2. Guarantee of Quality: Professional installers have the experience and knowledge to handle different types of blinds. They can guarantee quality and assure you that they will install the blinds in the correct manner, allowing them to function properly. This will save you the time and stress of handling blinds in an incorrect manner and will provide you with the satisfaction that they have been installed in the correct way.
3. Saves Time: Blind installation might look like an easy task, but it can take a lot of your time and energy. Leaving this job for a professional can let you sit back and relax, as they are experts who will take care of the whole installation process. This can be really helpful to those who have a tight schedule throughout the day or can’t handle many tasks concurrently.
4. Save Money: While it may look like hiring a professional can cost you a considerable amount of money, It actually helps you save a lot of money that can be used for future home improvements. Most people try to install blinds by themselves so that they can save on labour costs, but if they make a mistake or damage the blind, it will eventually cost them even more. Professional installers know how to install and have the necessary tools to ensure that there will be no damage in the installation process. It will ultimately save you the cost of repair or replacement.
Cons:
1. Appointments: You have to make an appointment with the installer to come to your home. The time decided by the professional installer may not be the same as it was at the time you had a deal. And because of this reason, you need to reschedule your plan. Things can get really annoying when you hear that the installer has to cancel or delay the installation process. Moreover, the whole process of installation can cause a fuse around the house by moving furniture and making noise while working.
2. Cost: The main disadvantage of hiring a professional is the cost involved in it. It can be really expensive to hire a professional installer especially when you have a lot of windows or your windows have complex designs. The amount can get quite big and it might not fit in everyone’s budget. Also, these installers come with expenses other than the installation charges such as consultation fees and travel expenses.
3. Customization: Another con of hiring a professional is that you can’t customise the blinds as per your wishes. A professional only provides you with limited options to choose from. This doesn’t give you enough control over the designs of the blinds. This will also decrease the chance of you being satisfied as the image you had in your mind for your window might be different from what you get. Other than that if there’s an issue with the blinds then you have to rely on the installer to fix those problems which may lead to additional costs.
4. Discomfiting: Some people get uncomfortable when there is a stranger in the home. This awkwardness becomes scarier when a person is alone with a stranger at home. This is a valuable consideration for people who give importance to their privacy and security. Along with this, when a stranger is at your home, it disturbs your daily routine, and you might not be able to do any of your personal work until the stranger leaves your home.
When To Call An Expert?
Installing blinds yourself can save you money, and it might look like an affordable option to many. Still, there are various points in which it is better to call the expert and leave the process in their hands only. Here are some points on which you should consider calling the expert:
1. If you don’t have enough knowledge or lack experience handling tools for the installation.
2. If the blinds are big, heavy, and have complicated instructions that you are not able to understand at all.
3. If the window shapes are unusual, the windows are hard to reach or need accurate measurements for proper installation processes so the blinds can function correctly.
4. If you don’t have time to install the blinds by yourself and you need to install blinds quickly yet efficiently.
Summary Points
Whether you choose DIY or hire a professional blind installer, both of them have their own pros and cons. While DIY installation can help you save money and give you a sense of accomplishment, It also has the risk of damaging your blinds or home. Calling a professional can give you benefits such as expertise and guaranteed work. The decision to choose between DIY and professional blind installation completely depends on your budget, skills, and experience.
If you are confident and know how to use the tools, then DIY is your way. However, if you are not sure whether you can handle this task, then it is better to hire a professional. Whether you decide to do it on your own or hire a professional, the most important thing is that your blinds should be installed correctly and in the manner you want them installed. So read the pros and cons carefully and choose the best option for yourself and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a professional can be a great option if you have many windows to cover. This can save you time and energy as well.
Yes, installing blinds yourself can be a great option, but only when you don’t have many windows to cover. DIY is considered a very cost-effective way in which you can easily save money and customise the entire process as you want. However, it is always advised to get it done by a professional if you don’t have enough expertise and knowledge about it.
On average, the time taken by a professional to install one blind is usually 20-30 minutes. This time includes the entire process, from bringing the material, measuring it, and placing it; everything is covered. You will find that after installing one window blind, the time required decreases to 10–15 minutes per blind.
There are two ways in which an individual can install blinds. Either you go for the inside mount blinds or the outside mount blinds. The major difference between the two is that one is placed inside the window jamb and the other is placed on the wall above your window.
Venetian blinds are considered the best types of blinds since they provide incredible control over light and are very popular because of their affordability. The blinds consist of horizontal panels that can be easily rotated and managed as per an individual’s needs.
The average cost of blinds in Australia is dependent on the type of blind and the material being used. Here is a table through which you can go through the average cost of different blinds in Australia.
| Type of Blinds | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Roller blinds | $20 – $250 |
| Vertical blinds | $50 – $140 |
| Plantation shutters | $240 – $450 |
| Venetian blinds (wood) | $60 – $190 |
| Venetian blinds (faux wood) | $45 – $160 |
| Venetian blinds (PVC) | $25 – $70 |
| Venetian blinds (aluminium) | $20 – $70 |
| Roman blinds | $55 – $190 |
The different types of blinds used in Australia are roller blinds, roman blinds, venetian blinds, and vertical blinds. All these blinds have their own unique advantages. Some of these blinds may be good at light control and easy maintenance, while others may be affordable and give you UV protection.
