Advances in technology and increased demand for smart and connected living have all contributed to rising excitement about motorized blinds.
The benefits are many: The ability to control your shades or blinds with the touch of a button. Freedom from unsightly cords that pose a risk to children and animals. Cost reductions on your home heating bills. Transforming your living room into a media room for the best middle school sleepover ever.
But first? You’ll want to know how much installing motorized blinds costs. In truth, the answer varies greatly depending on a variety of factors including the type of motor you select, the type of window treatment you choose, and the size and number of windows.
Here, we will provide examples by breaking down the cost of the different Somfy motors and examine what you need to consider when factoring in the costs of outfitting your home with motorized window treatments.
Motors
When it comes to choosing which motor will power your new motorized blinds, there are a variety of options to choose from. While motors on the lower end of that price range may at first seem like a steal, it is important to keep in mind that motorized blinds are an investment, enhancing your home’s comfort and livability. Investing the money upfront to purchase a quality motorized system can save you money, time, and headaches down the road.
Often, motors that fall on the lower end of the spectrum have shorter warranties, more mechanical difficulties, and may even be louder. Somfy motors are built to last and to perform, which is why Somfy has been in the motor business for over 50 years. Before you invest in motorized window coverings for your home, make sure the company you’re purchasing from will be around next year. You’ll also want to research the warranty that accompanies your motor; Somfy motors are covered by a full five-year warranty, but this may not be the case with other products.
The price of motorized blinds and shades will vary, depending on whether they are battery, plug-in, or hard-wired. Somfy battery-powered motors (the component we make that is inside your window treatment, not the full motorized shade or blind) starts at $270, and hard-wired options go up from there.
Before making your final decision, it is important to make sure that you have examined the technical capabilities of your selected motor, which will impact price, speed, and noise level. A good warranty is a strong indicator that the company stands by its product and suggests that, should you need assistance, the company will be there to help.
Somfy’s customer support team is always available at (800) 227-6639 to help with any technical issues you run into while enjoying life with your motorized window covering. If you notice a company has made it hard to discover customer support information, there might be a reason.
Window Treatments
Since you are contemplating installing motorized blinds, chances are that you already understand your window treatments will be an investment in your home. As with your choice of motor, you have lots of window treatment options to choose from, and there are a number of factors that will impact how much these window treatments will cost.
With so many options, choosing your window treatment can be a challenge. If you are struggling to decide between blinds, shades, or curtains, try to identify the main needs that you expect your window treatments to solve. For example, cellular or honeycomb blinds help with energy efficiency and solar shades can reduce UV glare.
Below, we consider several factors that will impact how much you can expect to spend on your window treatments.
Materials
One of the main factors that impacts the cost of a window treatment is the material. Before making a decision, consider the tradeoffs between different materials. For example, real wood is one of the most expensive window treatment materials out there, but it can also add more value to a home and is more durable than faux wood or vinyl. Eco-friendly window treatment materials like bamboo or other woven fibers may also be more costly but add value if you are seeking to green your home.