Motorized blinds are a costly investment but each penny is worth it. Given its several advantages and advanced features, they make it an apt choice for a convenient living. These automated blinds are one of the most innovative window treatments on the market radar. Before going into the details of its cost and installation charges, take a look at the advantages they offer.
The Advantages
- Motorized blinds are sleek and stylish looking.
- You can control them from anywhere in the room with the press of a button.
- Set timer and the blinds automatically go up and down letting in sunlight as per weather changes.
- Ensure freedom from unsightly cords and tangling hazards that may pose a risk to both children and animals.
- Reduce electricity bills by minimizing energy consumption.
- Help create a greener environment at home.
- Save your energy and time.
- Offer privacy in a jiffy without you having to run from window to window.
- Gives access to difficult-to-reach windows with a remote control.
Now that you know the advantages, know this that the overall cost of motorized blinds depends upon a variety of factors. They include the type or quality of motor you choose, the size and number of windows at your home, materials used for your window treatment, installation charges, etc. Take a sneak-peek at the cost breakdown of motorized blinds based on the following factors.
6 Cost Factors of Motorized Blinds
- Size and Number of Windows
Whether at home or in office, you should count the number of windows and take measurements of each to get an idea of the sizes of blinds or shades required. Also, it helps in determining the type of motor needed to regulate the blinds efficiently. It is suggested to call up an experienced professional who have the idea of handling window treatment projects.
The expert will take the perfect measurements of windows as its part of their job and make out an estimation of the type of motors required and their costs. The step-by-step procedures followed by an expert include:
Step 1: A metal measuring tape is used for taking the exact measurements of the windows. Note: Soft measuring tapes should not be used.
Step 2: To get a precise figure, round off the measurements to the nearest 1/8th”. Note: Use magnifying glasses for a better visibility.
Step 3: Measure each window even if they look identical. Note: There may be a slight difference in their measurements even if two windows look the same.
Step 4: Do the measurements by width and by height. Note: Avoid flipping the numbers since it’s an easy way out but that will lead to glitches later.
Step 5: Take the right measurements of every window by their height and width for error-free calculations.
Take a note of the above guidelines for your window treatment project. Below we bring to you an average price range as per shade considering an average standard of each shade at 36” by 48”.
- Faux Wood Blind: $30 – $120/blind
- Vinyl Mini Blinds: $25 – $120/blind
- Wood Blinds: $50 – $175/blind
- Roman Shades: $100 – $300/shade
- Aluminum Mini Blind: $25 – $85/blind
- Cellular/Honeycomb Shades: $50 – $100/shade
- Solar Shade: $30 – $100/shade
Materials
The type of material used for the window treatment is a bearing factor on the overall cost. For instance, eco-friendly products like woven fibres or bamboos are quite expensive but they ensure a green initiative for your home. Real wood is yet another expensive material but is more durable than vinyl or faux wood. There are a variety of materials used for blinds like cellulose, wood, fabric, plastic, etc., that dictate the ultimate budget. On an average, the charges for premium designs and materials used for your windows and motorized blinds can go up to $800. However, most home owners pay around $500 for motorized window shades.
Type of Blind Selection
The type of blinds chosen should be figured out by using a blind calculator. The choice of brand for your blinds, their colours, fitting type (outside mount or inside mount), number of panels required, motorized blinds; all determine the overall cost of your window treatment.
Motors
The motors used for the automation technique come at a variety of options which impact the cost. The determining factors include whether the motors run on battery, hard-wired or plug-in, etc. Any battery-powered motors start at a price rate of $270, while other hard-wired motors can go above it.
The Different Motor Brands
- Motorized 2” horizontal blinds made of wood or faux wood or composite).
- 12 V DC with options like Lithium batteries, plug-in or solar.
- 5 years warranty
- Suited for cellular and pleated shades.
- 12 V DC powered by Lithium batteries ,solar or plug-in.
- Somfy 5 years warranty
- Adjustable with horizontal blinds, roller shades, pleated and cellular shades, Roman/woven shades
- 120 VAC directly wired into your home’s electrical system.
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Somfy 5 years warranty
- Compatible with Roman/woven wood shades, sheer horizontals, roller shades.
- 56 dBA
- 27 RPM
- 12V DC Lithium batteries ,plug-in or solar systems. Options are varied.
- Somfy 5 years warranty
- Goes with horizontal blinds, roller shades, pleated and cellular shade, Roman/woven shades,
- 120 AC wired to your home’s electrical system
- Somfy 5 years warranty
- Suited for Roman/woven shades, roller shades, , pleated and cellular shades, horizontal blinds
- 120 VC directly wired into your home’s electrical system
- Operates smoothly and quietly
- Somfy 5 years warranty
- Compatible with roller shades, horizontal blinds, Roman/woven shades, pleated and cellular shades, and projection screens.
- Quiet operation
- 24 DC low voltage, plug and go.
- Backed by Somfy 5 year warranty
Before zeroing down on any particular brand, take into consideration the technical capabilities of the selected motor and how it will impact the price, noise level and speed of operation. Do some research online and check the feedback of other customers on each brand’s online public forum. It will give you a clear understanding of whether the company stands by its products, its warranty policies and its reputation among the customers.
Types of Window Treatments
The market offers a variety of window systems and the options are many ranging from curtains to blinds, shutters, shades, etc. The right way to choose a suitable option is to identify your needs, what suits your home ambience, budget, etc. To enhance your knowledge on window treatments, carry out some research online to learn important facts about window treatments options. For instance, honeycomb and cellular blinds are regarded for their energy efficiency features that act as solar shades and help reduce UV glare.
Installation Charges
Getting the window treatments done by a professional ensures its longevity and durability for a long term. It’s true that DIY projects are a rage now and everyone is opting to learn the intricacies of the task of installation from online and perform it manually. However, a professional can render athe perfection to the work than you can actually deliver.
The estimated cost varies from $35 to $75 per window, depending upon the number of windows you want to get is done by an expert. Before getting hands on with the task, ask for a rough sketch of the total budget from the professional. Learn from them about whether hard-wire shades or blinds suit to your home’s electrical system, the cost of the installation project and other miscellaneous charges related to it.
Regardless of your budget, you can always work out a cost fitting your pockets. The market is inundated with several options but an informed decision will only help you execute your home treatment dreams successfully.
