New roller blinds - a couple of questions ...

redser7

Hi - we have roller blinds and want to update them. Ideally we'd like to just swap the cloth and keep the rollers that are in good condition. This would also mean we can keep our existing top fitted (in the recesses) brackets to avoid mess and cost. We've had a few quotes so far and I'm amazed at how little they are giving back versus buying and fitting new blinds with new brackets. One guy says we'll save 10 %. The other guy says we'll save 10 euro a blind. I mean there will be no new roller, no new brackets and no labour for the guy to drill/fit the new brackets. Is this just some ploy to get us to take new rollers?

Also, one guy only wants to fit them onto our PVC window frames. I don't want that. I assume he's hoping to save time/money doing it that way?

Also, they were pushing the more expensive patterned cloth. They were up front about it being more expensive, when asked. Their argument was that plain coloured cloth will look garish. I didn't have the neck to point out that their samples book was 75% plain coloured swatches. Is that another ploy or do you think they have a point? We recently painted the kitchen a light grey and thought a solid plain canary yellow would be bold but beautiful Any opinions?

It seems like a mine-field dealing with these companies. There always seems to be some hint of dodginess and a huge difference in cost like some are pulling figures out of the air.

Cheers!

gg2608

Just a few things to bear in mind. Don't let any fitter drill into your window frames unless its absolutely necessary . It could invalidate the guarantee on your windows. Secondly, your post didn't say if you have pull chains, if they do there are new laws which means that all fitters have to comply with these. e.g. the height of chain from floor etc. These apply to all blinds that have cords or chains ( even if getting old blinds revamped) .

redser7

Thanks for the tips

toothie

Would you be brave enough to attempt a DIY? I've seen tutorials for recovering an old roller blind with new fabric on pinterest.

Dave1014

With over 8 years in the blinds business I can say firstly the cost of poles is relatively cheap! It's the fabric and cutting that makes up the costs. Obviously they would like you to buy a more expensive fabric so they can make their sales slightly higher!!

Secondly one of my biggest pet hates is lazy fitters who fix onto PVC. There is no need for it and the holes are there for life. Keep away from them!!
Drill and plug is the best fix.

Thirdly, plain fabrics are by far the most popular. You are the customer and know what you want. Personally if you were going wrong I would not hesitate in telling you!!!

I know that from dealing with competition that some people do just pull figures from the air! Some of them don't want to even look at small jobs.

Tips to avoid though; compare online prices to people fitting them. For the extra few bobs, if something goes wrong the online companies might not cover if under warranty because they will say it wasn't fitted properly.
Ensure child safety as mentioned above with chains. Ensure there is a child safety clip fitted and keep away from cots and chairs, tables or anything kids can climb on to play with it.

Dave

redser7

That's great info, thanks a lot Dave!
I don't mind DIY toothie but like Dave says, if the measurement of he cloth was anyway wrong I'd have no come back. I think some things are worth spending on so don't mind to pay for fitted blinds so long as i get the feeling I trust the guy doing it.
Cheers