Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>Upskilling your trade business with different types of window coverings
Last updated: 3 January 2025
Upskilling your trade business with different types of window coverings
Window coverings add privacy to building interiors - both commercial and private alike. If you currently provide window and door installation services, it is worth upskilling with window coverings to benefit from the interest.
If you work as a window or door installer, chances are you've heard the phrase "can you just fit this blind for me" before. Getting familiar with different types of window covering will help prepare you for this.
Whether or not you decide to branch out as a dedicated blind/shutter business, or you want to start an external shading business, it is still good to know the jargon.
It is always helpful to offer more services. And one way to do that is by upskilling into a new area.
Installing window coverings is a no-brainer for people that already fit windows and doors. So why not get you and your team trained up to meet the potential demand?
Keep reading to learn about the types of window covering, the different skills needed, and how existing interest could benefit your trade business.
External vs internal trade businesses
Whether you work inside or outside will have a big impact on the way you run your business.
Working outside will involve a different approach. You’ll have to consider factors such as:
The weather
Appropriate clothing
PPE
Training your staff (such as working at height regulations)
Working in a building interior will have its own set of circumstances. You will be in closer contact with your customers but not the general public.
You will also need to work in a live environment, especially when working on larger commercial projects.
For both internal and external window covering installations and maintenance work, you will need to:
Work carefully
Work quickly
Minimise disruption
Keep tidy
To do this, you will need to know your products well and the best installation methods for different window coverings.
What are the 5 best trades to learn and upskill yourself?
Upskilling as a tradesperson While you might be satisfied with your current skillset, there’s a lot to be said for upskilling. For one thing, there are a number of ways it can help your trade business. For example: Reduce your subcontracting costs Helping to protect your reputation Improving your
External window coverings
Being situated on the outside of a property, external window coverings are often used to provide shade for a building. They're usually fitted to go above windows, doors and patio doors.
They can also help to create a very different visual aesthetic.
Some popular options include:
Shutters (timber, aluminium, or uPVC)
External blinds
Louvres
Canopies and awnings
If you want to specialise in installing external window coverings, you should be familiar with all the available options.
This way you can offer your customers the most comprehensive choice and win more work than your competitors.
Internal window coverings
Usually when people think of window coverings they usually think of classic curtains fitted inside the home.
However, internal window coverings are also helpful in improving energy efficiency and changing a the way a room looks.
Some popular options you should be offering your customers include:
Curtains
Blinds (roller or slatted)
Internal shutters
Within the types of window covering designed for interiors, there is often a significant choice. You and your team will need to get familiar with:
Different fabrics
Different colours
Different shapes
Different installation types
Different materials
Automation and integration
There is much to consider. If you're considering upskilling to offer window coverings, it is a good idea to do your homework first.
Installation for different types of window coverings
As a trade business owner, especially when working with window/door installation, you’ll likely employ other fitters.
For people with experience in the decorating or window fitting industry, installing window coverings should be a simple transition for them.
Installation method will vary from product to product. Fitting window coverings could mean:
Installing poles
Assembling frames
Attaching clips and supports
Correct use of product safety devices
Charging batteries
Syncing and integrating motorised blinds
Detailed measurements
When employing new staff, always ensure that you provide sufficient training. Don't forget that the installations your team carry out represent the quality of your business.
When moving into the area of window coverings, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) are a good organisation to consider. They offer a range of training courses across the different types of window covering.
Considering the seasonal impact
If you’re focussing on installing external window coverings, you will need to the impact of seasonality.
Working outside comes with different challenges to carrying out internal installations.
UK weather can be wet and have strong winds
It may not always be possible to carry out installations
Customer demand will change throughout the year
If much of your work is done during the spring, summer, and autumn, you will need to ensure that your business can cope with a potentially quieter period over the winter.
Don't forget that as a Checkatrade member, you can always make your membership work harder to help you get more leads.
Getting more window fitting leads for your trade business
Keep a fuller schedule with more leads for window fitters Whether you're just dipping your toe in, or you've been a tradesperson for years, you need to make sure your window fitting business can be found by more people. Getting more window and door jobs means keeping the leads coming in. Sorting out
Knowing your window treatment options
The services you offer as a window coverings business can be as broad or as niche as you like.
If you have experience in the glazing industry, you may want to offer your customers window treatment options.
Window treatment involves applying a layer to a window. This layer could help to:
Protect furniture from the sun's fading effect
Change the appearance of a room
Enhance privacy
Improve energy efficiency
Reduce solar glare
Window treatments may be applied during the window manufacturing stage. There are, however, treatments that can be applied to windows post installation.
Products such as window film and tinting can also be considered different types of window covering.
You could even offer your customers the option of decorative glazing. This could include adding stained glass sections, patterned glass, or fitting Georgian or Astragal bars.
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
Boost you window coverings business with Checkatrade
Whether your trade business is focussed on external or internal window coverings, or both, you’ll want to attract a steady flow of customers to ensure business success.
Even if window coverings are a side hustle, rather than a main trade, you'll always want a steady flow of leads.
With just under 2 million homeowners searches per month via our website*, being part of the Checkatrade database is a great way to promote your brand and grow your window coverings business.
Along with more work coming your way, other reasons to consider becoming a member are:
Unique profile page - supporting customer reviews and photos of your work
Optimisation for internal and external searches in your chosen trade
Exclusive offers and discounts
Savings on workwear and branding
Guaranteed jobs when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Dedicated trades app for job management and quoting/invoicing
Why not get in touch with us today? We can help start your journey and get you on your way to becoming a Checkatrade approved tradesperson!
* Average figures based on internal data from searches on the Checkatrade.com website in 2024
