Home - Remodel

I had a window that was very difficult to get to when I needed to open/close the blinds (it had the average mini blinds that you find at any mass store like WalMart ...the one with the drawstring on one side and pole/stick on the other). I needed to open/close it so often that my head was about to explode, so I did what any other geek would do and Googled a solution.

I ran across the Budget Blinds website that had an automatic blinds system with a remote control, so I called them to schedule an appt. to give me the 411.

With no pressure tactics from the sales guy, he showed me all the different styles, fabrics, colors, etc. and I was sold (Hunter Douglas seems to be the only brand who offers this so far). Regarding the remote, I had a choice of a wall switch (no hardwiring...it's just a remote control that looks like a wall switch) or a portable remote (as you see in my video). Although quite pricey, it was the panacea, so I placed my order and awaited my solution to yet another petty problem that was driving me bonkers.

A couple of weeks later the installer arrived and made everything quick and painless. No construction needed as it installed almost exactly as normal blinds would. Even though I'm a geek, I'm mechanically stupid on hardware installations. (If you can do it yourself, then I'd advise buying much cheaper from Blinds.com). After a day of seeing how extremely and ultra-groovy it was, I decided to geek out my upstairs windows with all remote-control blinds.

Each one requires 8 AA batteries that, so far, have lasted me 6 months of a lot of use (your first month's use is playing with them like they're toys and not being able to get enough of the up/down via remote coolness factor....and that doesn't include showing them off when friends come over

Except for the large expense, I definitely give these a huge Groovy vote. On a side note...the reason why the one on the right is white and the over the sliding door is coffee-colored is because there used to be a wall in between the two that enclosed the kitchen. After the blinds were installed and paid for, I decided to tear down the wall to open up the space. Nobody really notices, except me of course, so I chose not to pay to have them switched out to match. The hardware and the fabric parts are two separate pieces in case you ever want to change colors for a much less expensive price than replacing the entire thing. Or just do it yourself for much cheaper from Blinds.com.