Window Treatments for a New Construction Home

Building a new home means hundreds of decisions, and window treatments often land at the end of the list. But a little planning early saves time, money and a few bare-window weeks after move-in. Here’s what we recommend.

Step 1: Talk to us before the drywall

The most important window treatment decisions in a new build happen before the walls are closed:

• Motorization wiring: If you might want hardwired motorized shades, now is the easiest time to run power to the windows.
• Keypad locations: Wall keypads usually sit next to light switches. Planning them now means no patching later.
• Blocking: Solid wood blocking above windows gives brackets something strong to grab, which matters for heavy drapery and large shades.
• Pockets and recesses: Some homes hide shades in a ceiling pocket or recess so nothing shows when they’re raised. That has to be framed in.

Step 2: Think about each room’s needs

Walk the plans or the framed house and think about how you’ll use each room:

• Bedrooms: Room-darkening fabrics for better sleep. See bedroom window treatments.
• Great rooms: Tall windows often call for motorization. See tall windows and two-story rooms.
• Patio doors: Vertical options or sliding panels. See sliding glass door options.
• Bathrooms: Privacy from the bottom with light from the top. See top-down/bottom-up shades.
• Basement and secondary spaces: Smart, cost-effective choices. See basements, garages and guest rooms.

Step 3: Measure when the windows are in

We take final measurements once windows and trim are installed, because every opening is measured for a custom fit. Custom treatments take a few weeks to make, so schedule the measure as early as you can.

Step 4: Plan for move-in

If you’ll be moving in before your treatments are installed, plan simple temporary privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms, like paper shades. Then we install everything at once, set up PowerView® Automation if you chose it, and show you how it all works. The PowerView® App is required for programmed operation.

A real example

In this new build with top-down cellular shades, tall windows throughout the house got shades that lower from the top, letting light in up high while keeping privacy down low.

Designer tip: Bring your builder’s window schedule to your first meeting. It lists every window size and type in the house, which makes early planning and estimating much faster.

Start early

Whether you’re framing now or a month from move-in, book a free consultation and we’ll help you plan, work with your builder, and have your windows dressed when you get the keys. Our guide to motorized shades is a good place to start if automation is on your list.