So, you are having some custom window treatments installed soon and you were wondering what kind of work you could expect from your installers?
Good question. Here’s another – How do installers become qualified? What are the training options to acquire their skills?
Naturally, the first choice is a 4 year bachelor program at a prestigious engineering school.
Or, maybe a solid 2 year associate’s degree in the same?
Yeah, I’m pulling your leg.
Realistically, maybe a trade school?
Sorry, but no.
A measure/installer uses basic hand and power tools and must be able to read a tape rule or use a laser measuring device(LMD). They must also have a basic understanding of how residential and commercial construction works. So, a carpenter would be a great choice, right? Yes, but carpenters have demonstrable skills and are much more likely to find work AS carpenters.
Of course, someone who has been installing for years has learned on the job, possibly from another experienced pro. But most pros I’ve known came from other fields and learned the ins and outs by themselves on the job. And they (never me! LOL) probably left a few (or a lot) of mistakes in their wakes.
But it’s not rocket science you say? Nope, it’s not terribly difficult for the mechanically inclined but there is a LOT to know to handle the various situations that can arise.
It has been said (by ME!) that the window treatment industry is like the “storm drain” of the working world. When you were in second grade and your teacher asked the class what they wanted to be when they grew up, there were probably some teachers, lawyers, police officers, firefighters, rock stars and ballerinas but how many blind installers or window treatment consultants?
There is a limited group of people who grew up in the industry. Mom or Dad ran a small business and the kids worked with them. Early in my career, the most knowledgeable and helpful manufacturer’s rep I knew was a woman who had learned the trade in her father’s small, custom drapery workroom.
But most of the retail folks, that is the sales consultants and installers, generally “flowed” into the business on the way out of some other field. That was true for me and many of my colleagues. We learned in the school of hard knocks.
Who, then, will the box store “send” to install your blinds? First, these stores do not actually employ installers. The work is subcontracted to a variety of different small companies and even individuals. Some are highly experienced and really care about results. And others… well… you know! But whoever does your work will probably be working on a tight schedule because time is money and the more jobs, the more pay. And since you probably chose a box store to save money, do the math! Don’t expect your installer(s) to have long conversations or suffer much interference. But definitely keep an eye on them to ensure you get the job done to your satisfaction.
If there is a problem (the corporate world calls them “issues”) and a return trip will be necessary, feel free to request the same or a different pro. If you were dissatisfied with the first job because of the pro’s attitude, sloppiness or perceived incompetence, the installation company will probably honor your request. But getting the same pro on the return trip because you were pleased with their work is less certain due to the often complicated scheduling constraints.
Good luck!