You’ve finally decided to upgrade your home’s window treatments. You’ve browsed options online, maybe visited a showroom, and now you’re ready to move forward. But there’s one question that keeps coming up: how long will this actually take?
If you’re planning a remodel, preparing for a move, or working around a specific deadline, understanding the timeline for custom window treatments helps you plan better and avoid frustration.
Understanding the Complete Timeline
For most custom window treatments in Sacramento homes, expect the entire process to take between 2 to 8 weeks from your first consultation to final installation. The exact timeline depends on the type of product you choose and the complexity of your project.
Custom window treatments take longer than grabbing something off the shelf at a big-box store, but there’s good reason for the wait. Each piece is made specifically for your windows, ensuring perfect fit, proper function, and the exact style you want. This precision takes time but delivers results that last for years.
Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown
Initial Consultation and Design Appointment
Your timeline starts with a consultation, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. During this visit, a specialist comes to your home, measures your windows, discusses your needs, and shows you product samples. You walk away with accurate measurements and a clear understanding of your options.
Most companies can schedule this appointment within 3 to 7 days of your initial contact, depending on their availability and your schedule.
Product Selection Process
After your consultation, you’ll review proposals and make your final product selections. Some homeowners decide immediately, while others take a few days to think things over or discuss with family members.
This stage takes anywhere from 1 day to 1 week, depending entirely on how quickly you’re ready to commit. There’s no pressure to rush, but faster decisions do move your project along sooner.
Ordering and Processing
Once you approve your order and provide payment, the company processes your request and submits it to the manufacturer. This administrative step typically takes 1 to 2 business days.
Manufacturing Lead Times by Product Type
Manufacturing is where most of the waiting happens, and timelines vary significantly by product type.
Blinds and Shades: Most horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roller shades, cellular shades, and woven wood shades take 2 to 3 weeks to manufacture. These products have relatively straightforward production processes.
Plantation Shutters: Custom shutters require more complex manufacturing and finishing work. Expect 6 to 8 weeks for most shutter orders. The extra time accounts for precision cutting, assembly, painting or staining, and quality control.
Motorized Options: Adding motorization to blinds or shades may add 1 to 2 additional weeks to standard timelines, as these systems require extra assembly and testing.
Shipping and Delivery
After manufacturing completes, your window treatments ship to the local installer. For Sacramento-area customers, shipping typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though this can vary based on the manufacturer’s location and current shipping conditions.
Installation Scheduling and Completion
Once your products arrive, the installation team contacts you to schedule your appointment. Most companies can schedule installation within 3 to 7 days of product arrival, depending on their calendar and your availability.
Installation itself takes anywhere from 2 hours for a few windows to a full day for whole-home projects. The installer ensures everything fits perfectly, operates smoothly, and looks exactly as you envisioned.
Factors That Speed Up the Process
You can help move your project along faster by being prepared for your consultation. Know which rooms need treatments, think about your priorities for light control and privacy, and have a general budget in mind.
Making decisions quickly after your consultation keeps momentum going. If you need time to think, that’s fine, but each day of deliberation adds to your overall timeline.
Flexible scheduling for both consultation and installation helps too. If you have limited availability, it may take longer to find appointment times that work.
Factors That May Slow Down the Process
Specialty windows like arches, angles, or unusually large openings require custom solutions that may extend manufacturing time by 1 to 2 weeks.
Seasonal demand affects timelines. Spring and early summer see increased orders as homeowners tackle improvement projects. If you’re ordering during peak season, add an extra week or two to standard timelines.
Supply chain issues occasionally impact manufacturing schedules. While less common now than in recent years, certain materials or components may experience delays.
Making changes after placing your order can significantly extend your timeline. If you change colors, styles, or measurements after manufacturing begins, you may need to restart the entire production process.
Planning Your Window Treatment Project
For remodels, order your window treatments as soon as your windows are installed and final measurements are available. This timing ensures treatments arrive around the same time as other finishing touches.
Moving into a new home? Place your order 6 to 8 weeks before your move-in date if possible. You’ll have beautiful, functional window treatments ready when you arrive.
For seasonal updates, order in late winter or early fall to avoid peak demand periods and ensure faster turnaround.
Why Working with Experienced Professionals Makes a Difference
Blinds of Sacramento has served the greater Sacramento area for nearly two decades. This experience means accurate measurements the first time, realistic timeline estimates, and proactive communication throughout your project.
As a woman-owned local business with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, the company treats every customer with transparency and respect. You’ll know exactly where your project stands at every stage, with no surprises or vague promises.
Professional installation ensures your custom treatments function properly from day one, protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind.
What to Expect for Your Project
Most custom blinds and shades take 3 to 4 weeks total from consultation to installation. Custom shutters typically require 7 to 9 weeks. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and work with experienced professionals who communicate clearly throughout the process.
The wait for custom window treatments is worth it. You’ll get products that fit perfectly, function flawlessly, and enhance your home’s beauty for years to come.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning a window treatment project in Sacramento or surrounding areas, schedule your free consultation today. Call (916) 790-8689 or email [email protected] to discuss your timeline and get accurate estimates for your specific project.
Have questions about the process? The team at Blinds of Sacramento is happy to walk you through every step and help you plan your project timeline.