Blinds and curtains can feel like a finishing touch, but some decisions belong much earlier in a new build. The useful approach is to separate planning from final ordering: work out what each room needs while the home is taking shape, then confirm the made-to-measure details when the relevant surfaces are ready.
Start with the rooms you will use from day one.
Before choosing a colour for every window, think about your first week in the home. Bedrooms may need privacy and light control immediately. A street-facing living room may need coverage while still feeling bright. Sliding doors need a furnishing that works with everyday access.
Use your floor plan to make a room-by-room list, note the windows that matter most and set an initial budget. You can explore custom blinds and curtains at this stage without locking in every finished dimension.
Plans help start the conversation. They do not replace checking the finished opening and the selected fitting arrangement.
If you discuss an early estimate, ask what it assumes. Product choices, quantities, finished sizes and installation conditions may still change before a final quote can be confirmed.
Coordinate the details that affect the build.
A ceiling-mounted curtain track, a recessed track or a powered system can affect more than the fabric choice. Raise these ideas with your builder and window furnishing supplier while the relevant construction details can still be reviewed.
- Track position: allow for cornices, doors, handles and space for the curtain to gather when open.
- Fixing support: check that the proposed wall or ceiling location can accommodate the selected track or brackets.
- Layering: discuss the space needed for a blind and curtain, or separate sheer and blockout curtains.
- Motorisation: confirm the actual motor, controls and power requirements before any related building work is finalised.
Different systems have different requirements. A battery-operated option and a powered track may need different preparation. For motorised curtains, discuss the track layout, opening direction and control choices together rather than treating power as a later detail.
Book the final measure around the finished surfaces.
The right measuring stage depends on the product and where it will be fitted. Windows, surrounding wall finishes, architraves and any relevant tiling can change the space available. For curtains finishing near the floor, the finished floor level also matters.
Tell the supplier which finishes are complete and which are still to come. Ask whether the opening is ready for a final measure or whether a later check is needed. Any unresolved change should be identified before the made-to-measure order is approved.
A measure may be possible before handover when the relevant work is complete and the builder permits access. It may need to happen later on another project. Agree the visit with the person managing the site rather than assuming access from a handover estimate.
| Plan early | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|
| Room priorities and preferred appearance | Product, fabric, colour and control selections |
| Possible track position and fitting style | Finished dimensions, clearances and suitable fixing locations |
| Desired move-in coverage | Current production timing and an achievable installation arrangement |
Confirm the order and ask about current timing.
Review the written quote room by room. Check the quantity, fabric and colour, fitting position, controls and any agreed installation requirements. Make sure changes discussed during measuring appear in the final details.
Ask when production timing starts, what approvals are still needed and when installation can realistically be arranged. Timing varies with the chosen products and current availability, so an estimate from the early planning stage may need to be updated.
Share your preferred move-in date, but also explain which rooms are essential if everything cannot be completed together. That gives the conversation a practical starting point without assuming a particular completion date.
Keep installation connected to the build schedule.
Before booking the installation visit, confirm that the required surfaces are ready, the windows can be reached and the site is available for the work. Coordinate the visit with remaining trades, floor protection, cleaning and furniture deliveries.
If the build programme changes, let the supplier know promptly. A changed floor finish, window detail or access date can affect the next step. Reconfirm the arrangement rather than relying on the original schedule.
For your appointment checklist, read how to prepare for a measure and quote. This timing plan and that checklist work together: one helps decide when to act, and the other helps make the visit useful.
Planning the windows in your new home?
Tell SK Screens & Blinds about your Sydney project, the rooms you need to cover and the stage of your build. We can discuss your options and a suitable time for a free measure and quote.