Having recently moved into a new home, I’ve been busy tackling various home improvement projects. I’ve already fixed a window, purchased new wardrobe and lampshades, and am even considering fixing my shower door. But this week, I decided to tackle the simple task of acquiring a few new blinds.
Most of the blinds in my new home were in good condition, but the one in my son’s room had unfortunately become moldy. Additionally, the kitchen lacked any blinds, and as we face other houses directly, I wanted to install one for privacy in the evenings.
For my son’s room, I opted for a simple plain blind from Argos, thinking it would be adequate for just £20. However, when it came to installing it, I encountered difficulties. I wasn’t sure if parts were missing or if I had bought the wrong type (there are blinds for inside the window and above it), but even with my dad’s help, we couldn’t fix it.
With a long list of other tasks for my dad, I decided to hire a professional blind expert. I contacted Hilary’s, made an appointment, and was impressed with the friendly service. A representative arrived on time, took measurements, and presented a sample book of materials. I only wanted white blinds in both rooms, so the selection process was quick. We opted for a blackout blind in my son’s room and a standard one for the kitchen.
Anticipating a higher cost than the £20 Argos blind, I still expected the price to be reasonable considering the modest size of the windows. However, I was astounded by the final quote. I had estimated around £300, but the total for both white blinds came to a staggering £602.76!
The plain white blackout blind for my son’s room alone was £372.85, and the kitchen blind was £229.91. I was speechless but managed to politely decline the quote, immediately calling my dad to plead with him to try installing the blinds again. While I’m willing to spend money on quality, £600 for two basic white blinds seemed excessive.
This whole experience highlighted the rising trend of DIY tutorials online. People are resorting to tackling tasks themselves because hiring professionals is becoming prohibitively expensive. It raises concerns about safety hazards, as people are attempting fixes they may not fully understand, sometimes leading to incomplete or shoddy work.
I wondered who actually pays nearly £400 for a blind. The Hilary’s representative mentioned being booked solid, so there must be people willing to pay these prices. But I suspect some of them might be in for a shock, just like me.
It seems I’m not alone in my surprise at the cost of blinds. One person online lamented, ‘Carpets and blinds cost so much money man, does anyone want to sponsor me because home ownership has me withered and I’m not even in the f**king house yet.’ A homeowner in the US also chimed in: ‘Just spent $1400 (£1067) on blinds. Let this be a lesson, they DO NOT prepare you for the cost of blinds but you HAVE to have them.’
Clearly, the cost of home improvements is becoming increasingly burdensome, forcing many homeowners to explore DIY options. This trend raises questions about safety, affordability, and the growing gap between what people need and what they can afford.
