subject: A Wise Blind First Home Buyer [print this page] With an increase in first home buyers making their way into the property market and taking advantage of the current government stimulus bonuses, Victorian industry expert warns many first home buyers will make a costly mistake.
Brett Thomas said that first home buyers often scrimped when it came to blinds but it ultimately ended up costing them more in the long run.
"We've been in this business for a long time and you wouldn't believe how many first home buyers we have who come to us to who are replacing poor quality blinds.
"We usually console them after six months to a year after moving into their new home and don't you know it, the ill-fitting blinds they purchased on the cheap simply didn't last," he said.
Brett said the common problems with poor quality blinds included sun damaged and cracked material, easily broken and hard to replace cords and stiff operating mechanisms.
Brett added that simple roller block out blinds were the most popular with first home buyers because of their durability and affordability.
"A lot of first home buyers will go out and spend maybe $100 on blinds that won't last and look cheap.
"Our advice is to consider blinds at the time of purchasing the new home and build it into the finance, after all it is a long term investment," he said.
Brett said that custom fitting an average sized home costs anywhere between $1500 and $5000 depending on the type of blind.
"It's more than just the initial cost, quality, well-fitted blinds can also save on energy costs.
Save Energy, an initiative of the Victorian Government strongly recommends the use of blinds as an effective insulator against the winter chill and summer heat.
"Not having good blinds is literally just money out the window and for first home buyers, this is the last thing they need," he said.
The most popular window cover choices for home owners at the moment are block out, sheer or translucent roller blinds, which are available in a huge range of colours and cost between $3000 - $5000 to custom fit an average size home.
"New home owners are using a combination of sheer and block out roller blinds because they are able to control natural light and privacy in their home," he said.
Timber plantation shutters are commonly being used as room dividers, giving rooms a natural and modern feel while allowing light to flow throughout the home into hallways and previously closed off rooms.
