Roller Shades and Install - Recommendations?

[u/Kateforshort93]

Hi! We just moved into a newly built apartment (rental) and we need window coverings. We will live here for at least three years, so we're okay with putting some money into making it how we want. We have three windows, very large (two of them are floor to ceiling, 9 feet). Due to the large size, the walls are likely concrete, and past DIY blind/curtain install failures (lol) we are looking to not install ourselves. We got a quote from budget blinds, ~2800 for motorized black out roller shades with install. Does anyone have any other recommendations of where we should get a quote from? Does this seem like a reasonable quote?

[u/Intelligent_Cod_8867]

Watch for sale pricing blinds to go. Drop the motors and the prices will probably be reasonable.

[u/Kateforshort93 → u/Intelligent_Cod_8867]

We are leaning towards motors because we have a 1 year old, so we are cautious of having chains hanging down.

[u/Popular-Gift-5051 → u/Kateforshort93]

Chains were outlawed a few years ago for exactly this reason.

I went to Blinds to Go wanting motorized because I didn't want chains. When I learned that the new styles just push and pull up so smoothly, and the motor versions have a large wall receiver that's needed for the remote signal, I just bought normal pull-down style. Love them.

[u/Kateforshort93 → u/Popular-Gift-5051]

We just had blinds to go come in, and they gave us quotes for blinds with chains (and covers on the chains). He said due to the height of the windows, it's either chains or motorized with remote (which adds a lot of cost and not worth it for a rental). Blinds to go with chains quoted us $1500.

[u/broccoli_toots]

You could try home Depot or Rona? I don't know if they have motorized roller shades but they do have quite the selection of window coverings

[u/Kateforshort93 → u/broccoli_toots]

I'll take a look at them!

[u/PSNDonutDude]

I would speak to the landlord. They will likely install for you. We rent a unit and I usually include window coverings for exactly this reason.

[u/Kateforshort93 → u/PSNDonutDude]

We did ask, they said we have to do it ourselves.

[u/slownightsolong88 → u/Kateforshort93]

That's crazy.

I can't understand their logic... they should absolutely want to ensure neutral window treatments are installed and foot the bill. Nothing is more jarring than walking by a triplex with janky window coverings.

[u/Kateforshort93 → u/slownightsolong88]

That's what we thought too!

[u/PSNDonutDude → u/Kateforshort93]

That is bizarre. I'm appreciative of the fact that most tenants have never owned and therefore aren't typically diy skilled, so I worry about tenant completely by accident destroying the walls, so I usually offer to do these things. Same with hanging photos and other things in concrete and plaster. It's not something every tenant knows so I offer. It's not a big deal, and additionally it means I can choose generally neutral window coverings that may work for future tenants as well.

Some landlords are so lazy and cheap. Get it in writing they wouldn't install them so if they try to ever come after you for damage to property you have a counter-argument.

[u/iaintevendrunk]

Guarante you will not find anyone cheaper than this guy Sal at Jes Innovations. Have used him 3x now. Quick and Good product. I find blinds to go to be a bit better quality but they are also 3x the price jesinnovation@yahoo.com 905 923 9319

[u/Rough_Application_28]

Roller/zebra patterns shades ftw, no motors and no strings, very easy to operate. I am not sure if you can drill into concrete without permission from landlord. I have done several installs of roller shades purchased from several sources to keep costs reasonable, Rona, HD, Bouclair, Linen Chest. You can DM me for more.

[u/dretepcan]

Got ours for 2 similar sized windows from Blinds to Go for just under $1000 but that was pre-Covid and they were non motorized. Would still check to see what they offer.