The Earlier, the Better!

Are you breaking ground on your DREAM house?
Or finally adding that addition you’ve wanted for years?
Or perhaps remodeling your existing home, to fit your growing (or shrinking) needs?

More and more homeowners are considering automated shading. And the EARLIER you discuss this with our expert Designers here at GWD, the BETTER.
Ya know that old adage, “The early bird gets the worm.” ? We have no issue being the worm in this metaphor. Actually we LOVE being the worm.

When talking to your builder/contractor about your family need for automated window coverings, whether that be hardwired, or battery operated- the early planning stage is ideal! You’ve spent a lot of time picking out your floor plan, upgrades and all the finishings, do not leave the window treatments as an afterthought. Window coverings enhance the overall livability of your home.

Why is this timing SO important?

Planning a Renovation: When a renovation includes new windows or significantly reworking a space, it’s a great idea to bring in a GWD Designer in, early in the process. We love to collaborate with contractors/builders and have solid relationships with many here in Vermont and Upstate New York. We are there to pay close attention and consider all the specifics such as: window depths and mounting areas that lend themselves well to motorized shades and drapery.

General Planning and Design: Even if you’re not planning for hardwired shades, discussing your window treatment needs early with your builder is SO beneficial. This way you can to explore the specific needs- some you might not even know about, such mounting surfaces/depths of window shading, which require specific considerations for depth and framing. It also allows you to integrate your shade choices with other design elements and ensure a cohesive aesthetic. Your builder and GWD Designer should discuss available voltage and location of electrical, to ease with installation of your selected window decor.

Which Window Coverings Can Be Automated? This might surprise you, but everything. Yes, every type of window covering can be automated: blinds, shades, shutters and drapery! Shades, blinds, automated shutters, exterior shades and drapery have a lot in common–they all have motors that operate the adjustments, so you do not have to lift a finger. After that, their individual capabilities have wide range of options that your GWD Designer will discuss with you. The control options range from simple push button or instant adjustments, all the way to voice commands through your smart home device.

Pair your motorized window decor with smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa, Nest Google Assistant, to adjust your window decor by voice commands. Simply ask “Alexa, lower the living room blinds” and sit back and relax. You can even say “Google, raise bedroom blinds at 7:00 am during the weekdays”. No need to search for a remote or get up from the couch. When you connect your motorized blinds to a smart device, you’re in control from any location. Discuss this option with our Designers. We love to make your life easier and safer. We discuss all the benefits of automated shading here.

Talk with your builder.
We partner with many local Vermont/Upstate NY builders, and our president Kelly Clements is a very active member of Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association, and is on the Board of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. It’s important that our GWD Designer can work alongside your contractor, so that the window coverings compliment the builder’s/architect’s/interior designer’s/ homeowner’s needs. Window coverings should not be an afterthought and should not only be grouped into the home decor category. Some types of window coverings are seen as permanent fixtures, like plantation shutters. Home Automation/Smart Home capabilities are considered an major upgrade by many estimators and will increase the value of your home.

List of Builders We’ve had the Pleasure of Working with:

• Peregrine Design Build in South Burlington 802-383-1808
• Green State Builders in Essex Jct, VT  (802) 503-5154
• Bourbeau Custom Homes, Inc. in Swanton, VT (802) 527-0244
• Roundtree Construction in Vergennes, VT (802) 343-5589
• Vermont Construction Company in Colchester, VT (802) 349-5624
• Greg Smith Construction in South Hero, VT – (802) 355-4386
• Red House Building in Jericho, VT (802) 655-0009
• Roots Builder in Waitsfield – (802) 496-4016
• Haven Architecture in Burlington, Vermont – (802) 3104774
• Redstone VT in Burlington, VT – (802) 658-7400
  

Are you ready to chat about ALL the exciting options available to you? So are we. Schedule time with our Designers here.