There are a lot of reasons to upgrade your Dallas home’s window treatments – better energy efficiency, more convenience, added beauty… but deciding to upgrade is just the first step! You probably have a lot of questions about the products and process, which is why we’ve put together this quick guide that answers the most common questions we hear during the process of designing and installing motorized blinds and shades.

How Can I Control the Window Treatments?

The beauty of motorized blinds and shades is that you can control them in multiple ways. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Voice: Using a voice control device like Amazon Alexa, you can simply tell the window shades to open or close.
• Dedicated Remote: Add a small remote to your coffee table to close or open the window treatments at the push of a button.
• Smartphone/Tablet: Your smartphone or tablet can control the window treatments from anywhere, anytime.
• Automatic Adjustment: Using sensors for occupancy, light, etc., you can have the window shades automatically adjust throughout the day.

Can I Connect Motorized Shades to My Home Automation System?

Absolutely! If you have an existing smart home automation system (or are considering one for the future), we can integrate smart shades so that they’re a seamless part of the platform.

Can I Have Motorized Shades without a Home Automation System?

Yes, if you want to start small with simple remote-controlled shades, that’s definitely an option. However, keep in mind that if you want to add home automation later, you’ll want to carefully consider which smart shading system you put in place. That way, you can make sure the system can integrate easily in the future.

What Brand Do You Recommend?

There are a lot of excellent smart shading brands out there, and we work with several. If you don’t have a preference on brand, our vote goes to Lutron. They are the leader in lighting and shading technology for a reason—they have versatile options and high-quality products.

SEE ALSO: Stay Cool in Texas with Motorized Blinds and Shades

What are the Color/Pattern/Material Options?

We can confidently say that there is a smart shading or blinds solution out there that will fit your home’s design. Lutron alone has more than 1,500 materials and fabrics to choose from.

Can I Use My Own Drapery/Fabric?

In some cases, it is possible to retrofit smart technology onto existing shades. We can assess your home’s shades and tell you definitively once we know the exact style you have.

Can I Start with One Room then Expand Later?

You sure can. While some homeowners might want to do it all in one take, there’s no harm in trying it out in one area to see how you like the upgrade. Just make sure your window shade installer chooses a platform that is scalable so that you can grow to other areas in the future.

How Loud is the Motor?

Practically silent. These motors are designed to be incredibly subtle so that you don’t even notice they’re at work.

How Much will the Motorized Shades Cost?

As much as we’d like to give you a set, definitive price, there are so many variables that can affect cost. Are you doing one room or the entire house? Are you using your own drapery or picking out new fabric? Will the shades be standalone or part of a full home automation system? The good news is that after a brief conversation with our team, we can develop a personalized quote that will tell you the exact cost of upgrading your home’s window treatments.

How Long Will It Take to Install Them?

Just like with cost, time estimates are going to differ greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. Once you’ve picked out the shading solution you want, it could be as quick as an afternoon installation, or it may take weeks to do the full project (especially if you’re integrating the shades into a full smart home system).

Do you still have questions about motorized blinds and shades? We want to answer them! Call us today at (972) 488-5100 or fill out this quick contact form with your question, and we’ll try our best to give you the information you need.