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Shutter consultation

What To Expect At Your Dover In-Home Shutter Consultation

March 26, 2019

Before you choose what window covering to order, some companies, like Sunburst, start out with an in-home consultation. By bringing products to your home, we can show you how various window coverings would look with your decor. You’ll find how easy it can be to discover the right window covering when you leave the unrealistic showroom.

But what actually goes on during an in-home consultation? And how will meeting a representative in your home enable you to better choose the perfect window treatment? Even though every in-home consultation is personalized, there are some things that you should see.

Detailing A Typical In-Home Shutters Consultation

People looking at window treatment samples.

Start by scheduling an appointment by calling your local representative. If you already know what window covering you want, like our Polywood® plantation shutter, then we will make it a point to bring you different options available for your preferred treatment. We will also show other options, so you can feel confident that your choice matches your ideas.

After we come to your house, we’ll sit down and discuss what you need in a window treatment. We’ll cover issues like your lighting, privacy, and energy efficiency needs, and we’ll ask about hard-to-reach or specialty-shaped windows. Your consultant will also ask about how your windows are used and what aesthetic you want to accomplish. And it’s normal if you don’t know precisely what you’re looking for, as we’ll explain all your options.

We might show you many different samples and contrast each product against each other. Most people should look at a few different ideas, like comparing Polywood with our real-wood Ovation® shutters or picking the best stain to match the walls. We’ll also show you all the options available for the treatment, like available colors, louver sizes, or hidden tilt-rods.

After you decide on a treatment, we’ll find precise measurements of your windows. We usually measure the windows throughout the house—even if you only need to fit treatments for some of your windows. We get multiple measurements because many of our clients ask to be able to order future shutters or blinds with just a phone call. At the end of the appointment, we will walk you through a detailed, written quote, so there are no phantom numbers on your invoice.

Alt text: Sunburst Shutters van at customer's home. 

Red Flags For A Subpar In-Home Shutter Consultation

While we are confident that Sunburst will give you professional in-home consultation, there are some things you should never see from any window treatment company. After all, the quality of your consultation experience reflects the quality of the window treatments.

First, your consultant should be careful and professional. The rep should come to your house as scheduled, ready to present, and offer to prevent floor scuffs with shoe booties. Your rep should always have product and company brochures and pricing information.

In regards to pricing, you should always get a detailed written quote. Don’t accept a guesstimate, jotted down on a blank page or the back of a business card. And never accept pricing information before they take any window measurements. You want to understand how much product and installation should cost. Don’t forget to look at references and online reviews.

You Can Anticipate A Productive In-Home Consultation With Sunburst

At Sunburst, we work hard to match your windows with a quality window treatment. Our reps are always courteous, professional, and knowledgeable. And you won’t see any pricing or craftmanship surprises on the invoice. Just phone your local Sunburst rep at 301-835-1611 to arrange your in-home consultation.