Upskilling your trade business with different types of window coverings

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.

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.

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.

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