Building a new home comes with hundreds of decisions – flooring, cabinets, paint colors, lighting, countertops, and more. One detail that often gets overlooked until the last minute? Window treatments.
At Bay View Shade & Blind, we work with many homeowners throughout the building process, and one of the biggest things we help with is timing. Planning ahead for your blinds, shades, shutters, or drapery can make the move-in process much smoother and help you avoid weeks without privacy or sun protection.
When Should You Start Thinking About Window Treatments?
Earlier than most people think.
We recommend starting the conversation while your home is still under construction – ideally when selecting finishes or shortly after windows are ordered. This gives you time to:
- Explore product options
- Budget appropriately
- Understand installation timelines
One of the best places to start is by visiting one of our local galleries. Seeing full-size displays in person allows homeowners to experience the different styles, materials, and operating systems firsthand. From roller shades and cellular shades to shutters and drapery, our galleries help you get a better feel for which treatments will work best for your home, your lifestyle, and your design style.
While we can help with planning and product selection early on, there’s one important thing homeowners should know:
We Can’t Final Measure Until Windows & Trim Are Installed
Even if your home is close to completion, we cannot take final measurements or place product orders until:
- All windows are fully installed
- Interior trim is completed where treatments will be mounted
This ensures your treatments fit correctly and operate properly. Measuring too early can lead to costly mistakes if window openings or trim dimensions change during construction.
Understanding Lead Times
Another important factor to plan for is manufacturing time.
Most custom window treatments typically take:
- 6–8 weeks for shades, blinds, and most standard products
- 12–16 weeks for custom drapery or plantation shutters
These timelines can vary depending on product selection, fabric availability, and seasonal demand, so planning ahead is always recommended.
If window treatments are left until after move-in, many homeowners are surprised to learn they may be waiting several more weeks before their permanent treatments arrive.
Temporary Paper Shades – Free With Any Order
One way we help make the transition easier is by providing temporary paper shades free of charge with any order.
These temporary shades are a simple and effective solution while your custom products are being made. They help provide:
- Privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms
- Sun control in bright rooms
- Peace of mind during move-in
They’re especially helpful for families moving in immediately after construction is completed.
Why Homeowners Love Custom Window Treatments
Beyond privacy and light control, custom treatments are one of the finishing touches that truly complete a home. Professionally selected and installed window treatments can:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Protect new flooring and furniture from UV damage
- Enhance your home’s design
- Add convenience through motorization and smart-home integration
Most importantly, custom treatments are designed specifically for your windows and your lifestyle.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Building a home is exciting – but it also comes with a lot of moving parts. Including window treatments in your planning process early can help eliminate stress later and ensure your home feels finished from day one.
If you’re building a new home and want help planning your window treatments, the team at Bay View Shade & Blind is here to help guide you through the process from start to finish. Call or visit us today!
