5 Tips To Prepare For Blind Installation

New blinds provide a fresh look for any room. Professional installation ensures a good fit and proper hang, but you must take a few steps to prepare for installation day.

1. Choose a Mounting Option

One of the first steps to take after choosing your blinds design, but before scheduling installation, is to determine your mounting option – inside or outside mount. An inside mount is the most common. This is when the blinds are installed inside the window frame with no overhang outside of the window. The less common outside mount is installed above the window and the blinds extend beyond the edges of the window slightly.

2. Measure In Advance

Once you know your mount style you can have the windows measured. Although some opt to measure the windows themselves, it's a better idea to schedule a time for your installer to do this task. They are more likely to take extremely accurate measurements, thus ensuring the best fit. Further, some installation services will only guarantee proper fit if they take the measurements.

3. Remove Old Window Treatments

The old window treatments will get in the way of the installer and must be removed before installation day. Unless you plan to reuse any of the hardware, such as an above window curtain rod, then it must also be removed. Otherwise the old hardware may get in the way and slow installation. Even window treatments you plant to leave up with the new blinds, such as decorative swags, must be removed for installation, although the hardware may stay.

4. Make Small Repairs

Removing old hardware and window treatments will likely result in a few holes and chips around the window frame. It's a good idea to patch and paint these a couple of days before the installer arrives. It can be difficult to make a thorough and attractive repair once the new blinds are in place, since the new hardware can make it more difficult to reach the areas that require patching. 

5. Clear the Area

The final step before installation is clearing the area so that nothing is in the way of the installer. Move any furniture that blocks easy access to the window and take down photos and other wall décor that hangs near the window. Clear the window sills of anything you have set there as well. It's also a good idea to make sure the path through the home and to each window is cleared with no tripping hazards.

Contact a window blind installation service if you need more information.


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