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Custom Window Treatments

2010-03-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Blind & Shutter Pros has many different custom window treatments that are custom made and designed to fit any window and window applications. No matter what size or shape your window is, The Blind & Shutter Pros has a window treatment designed to fit. We can build shutters to fit arches, angles, circles (full, half, quarter), triangles and more. Some of our blinds and shades also have the ability to fit specialty shaped windows as well.

Give one of our highly trained decorators at The Blind & Shutter Pros a call and let us show you what options we have for your specialty shaped windows. You'll be astonished with our full line of custom window treatments and how perfectly your new window treatments fit."

Window Treatment Tax Credits

2010-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

In an effort to uncover the same good news that many window covering manufacturers have found regarding interior mounted window coverings qualifying for tax credits, we decided to call four individuals who work for the government and are authorities on the topic; Ray McGowan with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), Allison Dennis & Doug Anderson with Energy Star / Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Martha McRee, of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel with the Internal Revenue Service. Ms. McRee is the principal author of IRS Bulletin 2009-25 addressing this very topic. After reading every code, law and proclamation, and speaking with each of the aforementioned, The Blind and Shutter Pros will NOT make the claim that window treatments qualify for energy tax credits because it is simply not true. In addition, we caution other window covering professionals to take a long hard look at this publication before advertising that window treatments qualify for a tax credit. Thus, misleading the consumer.

Here is why interior mounted window treatments do not qualify for the tax credit as a matter of law:

In order for a product or product category to be covered by the credit, the product must be primarily designed to reduce heat loss or gain of a dwelling unit in or on the dwelling unit. [i.e. insulation is “primarily” designed to reduce heat loss or gain; and while a byproduct of a window covering may be energy efficiency, it is not the product's primary design] For example, page 3 of the IRS Bulletin .03 “Specifically and Primarily Designed” This section explains that drywall or siding [even though they provide an “R” value] would not qualify because these products primary function is to provide structural support.

In order for a product or product category to be covered by the credit, the product must be established and mentioned in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Window Treatments are not mentioned.

If a manufacturer of a window covering is making the claim that their product qualifies as a window improvement, the products performance must be recognized by the NFRC and window treatments are not recognized by the NFRC. The product must also provide a .30 “U” Factor and .30 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

On page 4 of the IRS Bulletin .07, the code states that a “manufacturer must retain a record of its National Fenestration Rating Council rating.” The Blind and Shutter Pros has asked two reputable manufacturers to produce their NFRC ratings and have yet to see one.

Here is a copy of a letter from Allison Dennis with the EPA:

"We are quite sure window treatments are not covered by the tax credit."

"The IRS has not issued specific guidance on this issue yet. However, window treatments are most likely not covered by the tax credits because they do not meet the requirements of the law. They must be 'specifically and primarily designed to reduce heat loss or gain' - and window treatments are specifically and primarily designed for decoration and privacy; and they must meet the 'prescriptive criteria of the 2009 IECC' - and window treatments are not mentioned in the 2009 IECC. In addition, window treatments are not a permanent part of the building envelope and their energy saving performance is climate and season dependent and very highly dependent on the behavior of the occupant.”

Martha McRee, an IRS representative, also believes that interior mounted window coverings do not apply for tax credits.

Please read her bulletin: http://www.budgetblinds.com/

In closing, window treatments don’t qualify for the tax credits!

Buyer beware of any claims being made by Interior Designers, Retail Window Treatment Specialists or Manufacturers who are advertising energy efficiency that turns into TAX CREDITS. They simply do not.

For any questions regarding this posting, please call The Blind and Shutter Pros 888 410 0115

Save Money and Energy With Blinds & Shutters

2010-02-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Here at The Blind & Shutter Pros, we are always looking for ways that we can help save money in your pockets or even help the environment as well with our products that provide heating gain in the winter and insulation and also help keep energy usage down in the summer! All while in turn making the finished project that is your home look beautiful and really designing your job, not just selling you the easiest product to sell. By accomplishing what we hope we first must start at a few steps:

Step 1: Making an appointment with one of our highly trained Decorators. Can be done by calling us or just going to our Find A Designer Page.

Step 2: Product knowledge, with product knowledge you will be able to make an educational decision based on what your home needs. Example: Want to save money and get a IRS Tax Credit from the government, not a problem! Ask us about our ComforTrack Plus Energy Savings Sidetrack Insulation System. Want to custom design your job on our website so you have an idea what you want by the time our decorator comes out there, not a problem either, why don't you try our Design your own Roller Shade and you can custom design it all RIGHT THERE!

Step 3: Making sure your getting a fair price, again here at The Blind & Shutter Pros we offer our 30 day price match guarantee, so any price for ANY product another company quotes you for in writing, we will honor their lower price and take 5% off the difference of the two quotes! So go ahead and shop us! We know our service, knowledge and price cant be beat!

Step 4: Seeing your home as you always dream.

** To touch further on our Energy Tax Credit through the IRS; our ComforTrack system qualifies for homeowners under section 25 C of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. Purchase with us between December 31 2009 and December 31 2010. Please consult our designer or your tax adviser for further help. Also visit energystar.gov or irs.gov for more info. Our ComforTrack system when assembled will provide an R-Value greater than 2.86 which meets government standards for Tax Credit. ***

Lifetime Guarantee for Composite and Wood Shutters

2010-01-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Blind and Shutter Pros, Southern California's favorite blinds and shutters specialists, are pleased to announce a lifetime warranty on installation, manufacturing and 20 years on all finishes.

When choosing window covering solutions for the kitchen or bathroom there are some important factors to consider? The conditions in these rooms are slightly different than the rest of the house and although aesthetic appeal is important the window covering solution must also be durable and easy to maintain.

The Blind and Shutter Pros window shutters range has been designed as the ideal solution for rooms that suffer from high moisture or humidity content such as kitchens or bathrooms. The Blind and Shutter Pros Composite Shutters blend with every design style from traditional to contemporary. They instantly transform the style of your home and complement any décor.

The Composite and Wood Shutters are extremely resilient and the durable finish makes dents and scratches a rarity. Our Custom Shutters have a lifetime guarantee against defects. The material, finish and manufacturing methods ensure they will look as perfect in 10 years as they do on the day you purchased them.

Built with energy conservation in mind, The Blind and Shutter Pros Composite Shutters are proven to be up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum mini-blinds and have an R-Value of 4.63. They feature our exclusive Astragal flap on each stile (vertical sections) to help block out more temperature and light than any other shutter, and a finish that is UV coated for ultimate protection against the elements.

If you have any questions about your composte or wood shutter operation, don’t hesitate to ask your installer, or you can always call us.

Blinds and Shutters Help Create A Builiding's Optimum Indoor Environment

2010-01-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Blinds, shades, draperies and soft treatments brings better control of building’s lighting and ventilation as well as making better use of solar energy. Automation can also reduce the energy used for a building’s lighting, heating and cooling. California has a warm and sunny climate that presents the need to cool buildings and to achieve the best interaction between climates, buildings and the occupants’ needs.

In schools, for example, many factors can influence the quality of the learning environment including lighting, natural daylight levels and the elimination of glare. All of these factors need to be addressed and work in harmony to create conditions that are conducive to effective learning, a child’s development, health, work-rate and overall success.

To achieve such this environment and whatever the type of building, effective blinds, shutters, shades and windows must be in place. There are many decisions to be made regarding the specification of the most appropriate controls and how they should integrate with other building services. For example, in order to make the most of energy savings using natural lighting, the use of artificial lighting sources needs to be considered and how they harmonize with natural light. Artificial light sources need to be correctly regulated using the most appropriate types of programmed timer systems and presence/ movement detectors. For maximum energy savings, when the indoor temperature is below its threshold and the sun intensity is above its threshold, the blinds should be placed in the position.

Over the past two decades, The Blinds and Shutter Pros have satisfied many customers through the joy of providing the right window covering for their needs.
Our range of products include Custom Shutters, Wood Blinds, Faux Blinds, Roman Shades, Woven woods, Cellular Shades and so much more.

Can Window Treatments Add Value to My Home?

2009-09-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Window coverings are unique because they had a much needed dimension to your home. They not only increase the look and curb appeal of your home; they add a finished touch to decorating the inside of a home. But a question any homeowner should ask is what can window treatments do for me in added value?

Well before we get into that, how about we ask about other home investments. If you were to upgrade the cabinet work into your home today or you were too have a beautiful landscape done and pool put in, all of these things would greatly increase the value of your home upon resale, because it is considered an investment. But what about the window treatments, I mean you did spend money on them and they are custom made for your home windows correct? WRONG!

Blinds, shades, draperies and soft treatments are not considered an investment into the home. BUT here is the important and exciting part! SHUTTERS ARE CONSIDERED AND INVESTMENT INTO THE HOME AND WILL BE LOOKED AT IN ANY HOME APPRAISAL AS ADDED VALUE TO YOUR HOME. Once attached to your window, it becomes a "permanent" part of the home, just like granite counters and tile OR hardwood floors. Call us today and learn more about increasing not only your homes curb appeal and warmth, but its value as well.

Need FINANCING for plantation shutters or window treatments?

2009-08-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Financing! Have you ever wanted to purchase those beautiful traditional plantation shutters or window treatments of any sort but just weren't ready for the financial aspect, or needed other amenities for your home first. Well we have the perfect solutions for you and your needs.

For example, you have 10 windows you want to finish and can only afford 2 or 3. Well now we provide you solutions with GE Money Bank for 12 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT financing.

Ask your sales representitive and call us for an appointment at 888-770-0092, we will bring all the necessary forms and have you approved in less than 5 minutes while measuring and quoting your job.

We still ACCEPT ALL major credit cards as well. Check back for more exciting news.

Southern California Designers for Window Blinds and Shutters

2009-08-05T14:55:00.001-07:00

At The Blind and Shutter Pros, our growth has been fueled by our never-ending pursuit for quality, and our desire to satisfy our customers' needs. We use our expertise to make sure our customers get the best window shutters and installation possible.We have become one of the largest Window Covering Companies in California, and we're growing at a healthy rate because of our repeat and referral business.

CLICK HERE to fill the form to the right to schedule a in-home visit with a trained Blind and Shutter Pro.

Welcome to the new BlindAndShutterPro.net!

2009-07-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Blind and Shutter Pros is a locally owned business serving all of California. Our sales force of decorating professionals whom each have years of IN-HOME decorating experience come directly to you. Each of our products is custom made to your specifications and desires. Over the past 24 years, we've helped many customers experience the joy of transforming their homes through providing just the right window covering for their needs.

Our range of products include Shutters, Wood Blinds, Faux Blinds, Roman Shades, Woven woods, Cellular Shades, Silouhettes and so much more.

Because we are the direct manufacturer with over 24 years of direct source relationships we have built with several industry leaders, we're able to provide you truly great quality window coverings at great prices.

You get the whole package - window coverings and our custom service at prices that are always lower than you would pay at 3-Day Blinds, Home Depot, Lowes, Costco or even on the internet.

At The Blind and Shutter Pros, we not only provide window coverings; but we never forget that the business we're in is Service. In fact, our greatest asset is our people and the service we are known for. For years we've operated our business strictly with the goal of providing the best customer service available.

So when you're looking for quality blinds and plantation shutters or other fine window coverings, we hope you'll give us a chance to show you what makes our products and service unique.

Through consistent planned growth, The Blinds & Shutters Pros now has over 30 employees and occupies over 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space, making us one of the nation's leading manufacturers of custom window coverings.

We deliver in a quick, efficient time period. More importantly, our Customer Service Department does care about our customer's satisfaction. Our commitment to you doesn't waver whether the job is a single residential window or a long-term commercial project.