When it comes to installing curtains and blinds, many Blackburn homeowners wonder whether to do it themselves or hire a professional handyman. While DIY can save money, it often comes with hidden challenges that end up costing more in the long run.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option.
DIY Curtain & Blind Installation
Pros:
- No labour costs — only pay for materials.
- Can be satisfying if you enjoy DIY.
- Flexible timing — do it when it suits you.
Cons:
- Risk of crooked fittings or uneven curtains.
- Using the wrong fixings may damage your walls.
- Time-consuming if you don’t have the right tools.
- Heavy or awkward blinds are difficult to handle alone.
Hiring a Handyman in Blackburn
Pros:
- Curtains and blinds fitted quickly and professionally.
- Correct fixings used for plasterboard, brick, or bay windows.
- Secure, long-lasting results.
- Peace of mind that the job is done right.
Cons:
- Labour costs (though usually very reasonable in Blackburn).
Which Option Is Best?
If you’re confident with tools and only fitting a lightweight blind, DIY might work for you. But for heavy curtains, bay windows, or multiple fittings, hiring a handyman will save you time, hassle, and potential repair costs later.
Where curtain and blind jobs go wrong
Hanging curtains and blinds looks simple until you are up the ladder with a drill. The usual sticking points are measuring — getting both the width and the drop right, and deciding whether a blind sits inside the window recess or on the face of the wall; keeping brackets dead level so the blind does not run off to one side; and choosing fixings that suit the wall, especially around a window where you can hit a hard concrete lintel one minute and soft plaster the next. Heavy, lined curtains add the challenge of fixings strong enough to hold the weight.
Measuring up: the part most people get wrong
Most curtain and blind problems start with the tape measure. For a recess blind, measure the width in three places — top, middle and bottom — and use the smallest, because few windows are perfectly square. Decide early between a recess fit for a neat, built-in look and a face fit that covers the whole window and blocks more light. For curtains, allow extra width each side so they stack back off the glass. Measure twice, drill once.
Professional Curtain & Blind Fitting in Blackburn
I provide a fast, reliable curtain and blind installation service across Blackburn, helping you avoid DIY mistakes and ensuring your fittings are secure, straight, and built to last.