A broken or malfunctioning window treatment doesn't have to send you to the store for a whole new set of blinds. Consider whether blind repair is right for your situation.
If your windows are your home's eyes on the world, then your window treatments are the lids and lashes. From decorative draperies to functional blinds, window treatments add style to a room, control light and temperature, and provide a level of privacy. But when your blinds break or malfunction, they go from being a useful furnishing to a frustrating eyesore. You might be tempted to rip down those broken blinds and throw them away, before heading off to your local window treatment retailer for a replacement set. In some cases, however, blind repair is a more cost-effective and satisfying option than replacement. Keep in mind a few key factors when making the decision.
Common Blind Issues
Though they're simple to operate, blinds are composed of a number of components--and each of these components is susceptible to malfunctioning or breaking, especially if you don't treat the blinds with care. The string or chain to raise and lower the blinds might become tangled or stuck. The cord-lock might stop locking, meaning the blinds won't stay in the raised position. The tilter mechanism, which controls how much light you let in, could stop working. Or you might move the same set of blinds to a different window only to find that they're too short or too long. Some of these issues need a single replacement part to be resolved; others require more complex repairs. Depending on where you purchased the blinds and who installed them, you might have access to blind repair services. Ask about your problem and what it would take to fix it.
Aesthetics
When deciding between blind repair and replacement, consider the aesthetics of the room. Are these your favorite blinds? Are they a central feature in the room's decor? If the answer is "yes," it might be worth calling in a window blind repair expert to see if they can be saved. However, if your blinds are a number of years old and have seen better days, this might be your opportunity to replace them. If you love the look of the blinds, check whether the retailer still manufactures the same model. Or, jump at the chance to redesign, searching for new horizontal blinds or even Roman shades to update the look of the room.
Cost-effectiveness
How much did you pay for the blinds initially? Did you install them yourself or utilize professional installation services? And how much will it cost to fix the problem? Weigh all of the costs when deciding whether to call in a window blind repair expert. Blinds purchased from a big box retailer might not be worth repairing, because you can buy replacement models for the same cost. However, if you consider your window treatments to be an investment in your home and thus opted for upscale blinds, repair of a single component may be much cheaper than complete replacement. Keep in mind that a blind retailer might offer discounted or even free repair services on blinds purchased from their store as part of their product warranty.
Whether you opt for blind repair or replacement, remember that blinds that are treated properly will look their best and last longer. Raise and lower them with care, rather than tugging and yanking. If the cord tends to tangle, tuck it up out of the way until you need it. Whether you spent $20 or $200 on your window treatments, you want to get the most out of your investment.
Penny Jones is a homeowner and a senior Internet marketing strategist at Prospect Genius, a leader in search engine optimization.
Thanks for such a nice post.
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