Don’t Let These Costly Measuring Mistakes Ruin Your Custom Blind Investment

Ordering custom blinds should be an exciting home improvement project, but one small measuring error can quickly turn into a costly headache. Poor measurements are the biggest mistake designers hear about from upset customers and can cause blinds or shades to be mismeasured or ill-fitting. With custom blinds costing anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for an entire home, getting it right the first time is crucial for both your wallet and your peace of mind.

Mistake #1: Assuming All Windows Are the Same Size

There is no such thing as a “standard size” window, and just because all the windows in your room look like they are about the same size doesn’t mean that you can measure one and use that size for the whole order. Even though your windows might look the same, there are sometimes minor variations in window sizes, such as when a window was replaced and might have slightly different dimensions than the others.

Windows can have small variations due to framing or your house settling over time, and sometimes settling or warping makes one area a little narrower or taller than the others. While a small variance might not be noticeable with no blinds in your home, even a slight difference will become noticeable once blinds are installed, and people will notice where one doesn’t fit perfectly or lets in more sun around the edges.

Mistake #2: Making Measurements Smaller Than the Actual Opening

Some people make their measurements slightly smaller thinking that their blinds need to be slightly smaller to fit in the window, but this is the biggest mistake designers hear about from upset customers and will lead to blinds that don’t fit. When you order inside mount window coverings, companies always ask for the exact size of the window opening, edge to edge.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your blinds company wants to know the size of what the blinds should be – leave that to the professionals. The manufacturer will make the necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and operation.

Mistake #3: Not Measuring in Multiple Places

Make sure you measure each window in multiple places, and if you measure the height and the width each in three places, you’ll have a more accurate view of the window’s dimensions than if you measure in only one place. Measure the inside of the window frame in three places for width: across the top, middle and bottom, because not all windows are built perfectly, and measure the narrowest width of the three measurements.

Anytime there is a variance in height or width, order blinds according to the tallest point and the narrowest point to ensure that they’ll cover the entire length of the window, even at its highest point, and that the blinds will fit entirely in the window.

Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Measuring Tools

Rulers, cloth measuring tapes, or yardsticks need not apply! You should always use a steel measuring tape, and if you don’t have one already, pick up a full-sized steel measuring tape at your local hardware store. The best thing to measure windows with is a steel tape measure, as those soft curly sewing measures are not designed for measuring straight lines accurately and are prone to error.

Use a metal tape measure to measure accurately to the nearest 1/8-inch, and you shouldn’t have to bend the steel tape at all to get a proper measurement – rest the edge of the metal tape measure dispenser against the edge of the windowsill or area to be measured.

Mistake #5: Confusing Width and Height Measurements

You wouldn’t believe how often people get the wrong size blinds simply because they mixed up the width and height. It’s easy to get the two confused if you don’t mark them down correctly, which is why it’s helpful to double-check your measurements. Another common mistake is mixing up the width and the height when recording the measurements.

An easy way to avoid this mistake is to use a measuring guide and double check your measurements – as they say in the building trades, “Measure twice, cut once”.

The Financial Impact of Measuring Mistakes

The cost of measuring mistakes extends far beyond the initial frustration. Many people attempt to install blinds themselves to save money, but this can often lead to more money being spent, as the process generally takes longer and there’s a greater chance that something will go wrong – the last thing you want is to have to start from scratch because you made a mistake during installation.

DIY may save you $100–$200 per window upfront, but if you need to rework, you could spend more fixing mistakes than you saved. A local window blind installer knows how to place them perfectly the first time, saving you time and trouble, and they’re far less likely to make mistakes, so you could end up saving money on replacement blinds if you damage yours during the installation process.

Professional Expertise Makes the Difference

For homeowners in the Greater Boston area seeking reliable window treatment solutions, working with an experienced company like Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. can save both time and money. Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience, offering a variety of commercial and residential window covering installs, specializing in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation.

Since 1986, they’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes, with experts who help you choose the perfect fit for your space – it’s more than just décor, it’s about creating harmony and comfort for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for custom blinds sudbury residents can trust, or need service throughout the Boston metro area, professional measuring and installation ensure your investment is protected.

Prevention is Worth the Investment

Professional installers get it right first time, saving you from silly mistakes that could cost more money to rectify, and some blind fitters will offer a warranty and guarantee on their work, which can be hugely beneficial as it means that if anything goes wrong, you know you won’t be out of pocket.

Don’t let measuring mistakes turn your custom blind project into a costly disappointment. Professional installers ensure precise measurements and a perfect fit, in addition to troubleshooting any issues that may arise, saving you time and frustration – if you’re looking for a seamless and hassle-free experience, consider hiring experts. With custom blinds representing a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value, getting accurate measurements from the start is the smartest financial decision you can make.