In this kind of economy, if there’s one thing that a lot of us are discovering, it’s that we end up spending a lot of money paying people to do things that we can actually teach ourselves to do.
Thanks to television networks like HGTV and online websites like DIY.com, decorating jobs that used to seem impossible are now “step-by-step” probable. Take installing exterior shutters or interior blinds, for example. Either one will help you to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
If it’s a summer task that you’d like to take on, but you’re not sure just how to begin, here are some tips that will make you just about as good as the home improvement experts! Make sure you know what you’re attaching your blinds or shutters to.
Just as with any DIY project involving an interior setting, it’s important to be familiar with what kind of surface you will be working with. After all, if the exterior of your home is made from wood, it’s going to require a slightly different set of mounting tools than if it’s made of brick.
Notably, for this kind of interior project, a corded or cordless drill will be your primary power tool. However, if you are doing an exterior shutter installation and your home has a brick veneer, you will need a hammer drill, masonry bits, and Tapcon® masonry screws, and perhaps some washers.
These are the only tools required in almost all cases:
Four foot level
Tape measure
Corded or cordless drill with bits and the appropriate screws
Screwdrivers
Regardless of whether you are installing shutters or blinds, you will be installing inside or outside mounts. The details will be supplied by the manufacturer and are very easy to follow today. If it’s an interior job, you’ll be using brackets on the trim on your window frame.
In almost all cases, you will have the option of mounting inside a recessed frame or on the room-facing side of the trim. If you are working with exterior shutters, you’ll be using the supplied brackets to install the blinds on the brick or wood or vinyl outside of the window frame.
Before You Order Your Blinds
Once you’re clear on if you’re going to mount from the inside or out, you then need to measure your windows. Since the width of windows or runs of windows vary, in many cases blinds or shutters can be preordered; the manufacturer can make them to your specification.
You will need to know how your vender likes the measurement to be made. If you’re mounting from the inside, make sure to measure the distance between the left and right sides.
If you’re mounting from the outside, it’s up to you to decide how far you want your window treatment to go beyond the actual width of the window; there is more flexibility and room for error outside. In coming to a decision, also make sure to measure the length of the window so that you there will be thorough shade capabilities.
Once you receive your order, you’re now ready to mount the brackets. Regardless of whether you’re working from the interior or exterior of the home, check to see that you have brackets that are compatible with its surface.
Next, mark where the brackets need to go on the exterior part of your window. Use your four foot level so that your product will be level and plumb. Once you have put up the brackets, you can place the exterior window treatments onto them according the the manufacturer’s instructions.
There’s one more thing to remember. Whether it’s Venetian window blinds, wood blinds, roller shades, honeycomb shades, fauxwood blinds, or any of the myriad of other options in between, it’s also a good idea to discuss with the customer service agent your intention for the blinds.
The reason for this is so that they can recommend the kind of blinds that will provide you with the most longevity for your money based on your budget, the climate, and even the placement of where you plan to put your blinds onto the house. These may be some details which you have not considered but your agent deals with them every day
Blinds can be a wonderful, decorative touch and with the right kind of planning, they can last for years to come. Do you have any tips to share with our readers? Scroll down to the comments section and share.
Sarah Danielson is a freelance writer and part time student. In her spare time she likes to go hiking and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.
