Motorized Window Treatments in Iowa Falls: Your Complete Guide
So often when I bring up motorization for someone they immediately say well, I’m not THAT lazy, but moments later they are realizing benefits besides laziness... We can’t hardly get to that window or it's so heavy to operate alone and a slew of other thoughts. Watching the changes motorization has made over the last 20+ years, 19 in business for myself, from availability in product options, affordability, and function is something that sounds like a ‘back in my day’ story from my Grandpa like the one picking corn on the corn picker barely staying warm from the wind behind the stacking up stalks. I hope to give some insight about motorization in window treatments you didn’t know you needed to know.
I can still remember my first couple of motorized orders. One was in a cool vaulted open cabin with a huge second story window. I was very pregnant with our 2nd, didn’t have scaffolding, and my husband hadn’t been helping me a lot with installations at that time. The customer bought the scaffolding because they would need it for changing batteries in the shades and the clock and when he needed me to hand something up to him I went up the steps to the open loft area next to the window. 10+ years later I don’t remember details like that from a lot of installations but that customer knew they wanted to operate the shade from the ground. I hope they are still enjoying the shade and it is one of the top reasons for motorizing a ‘hard to reach’ window.
The other order- which might be older yet was a handicapped gentleman that could not have gotten to the window and thus would be in a small room with no light without being able to open and close them. It was quite the investment at the time, Somfy motors were about all I had access to at the time. As you can see it's not for the lazy, it's for the impossible. Since those early sales have become a bit more popular, hard to reach isn’t always just a second story window- it might be just behind the couch or above the sink. Families are finding the importance of cord safety for kids and pets and the smart home enthusiasts are always interested.
As you may know I have a local business here in Iowa Falls, Iowa serving a 50 mile radius from here and I am always prepared to help with motorized options!
I carry LaFayette which has its proprietary motor system, Simple Motion. Simple Motion is more affordable than other motors, rechargeable battery powered, a simple remote control, can link to a Bond Bridge, and is good for most homes! From Draper at Home and LaFayette I have availability to Somfy motors who are a bit more expensive but offer a bit more in the bells and whistles department as well as larger sizes and synchronized speed control.
Motorized options are available for most products- my most popular to motorize are roller, cellular, and transitional shades (often called zebra shades). Wood blinds and shutters have a tilt option available and motorized draperies are becoming more affordable. If there is something you want, ask it might be available!
Support your local small business! While I serve a small part of Iowa if you found this and read this far- find a local dealer. Why- If they are anything like me they will do the measuring for you, professional installation, AND programming, can provide after the sale service like help charging or replacing and reprogramming a remote. I have a showroom here in Iowa Falls that I proudly show 3 options, have a couple different remotes to see- you can try before you buy. Amazon doesn’t do that and if you mess your measurements it's your fault. If you’re in my service area I would like to also apply my 19 years (this year) in business and 23 years in window coverings as experience. I can’t believe I’ve done something this long but I keep plugging away learning new products, tricks, and tips along the way some have been the hard way but always end up well for you the customer.
As with any custom window treatment costs vary- product, size, system chosen, features all make a difference as well as 1 or 10… I’m finding it’s more affordable than you often think- while still an investment it's fitting the budget more often than it used to! Many of my customers just want it basic- up/down stop- the timers and in-home integration are add on price points. I have learned just enough to know where it's available. I haven't had much experience setting schedules, voice control, or scenes but with anything else in the tech world sometimes it just takes another app…or the right guy to call.
My process- whether you schedule online, by phone, or in showroom- is to come to the house. There I can see the windows you want to work on and discuss the goals you have for the windows/room and address the budget. I bring the samples with me and hand sample shades, I measure the windows and provide a quote. Depending on the scope of the job I sometimes quote right there in person. Sometimes I have to figure the cost in the office and call or email you back with a quote. No pressure- I want to work with you I hope after the appointment you know that from me and want to work with me also.
I mentioned Iowa Falls and 50 mile radius. That means I’m bringing the same service to all the small towns in the area like Ackley, Hampton, Eldora, Parkersburg, Dumont, Aplington, Geneva, Wellsburg, Steamboat Rock, Hubbard, Radcliffe, Sheffield and everywhere in between. And no, I don’t mind going on gravel…I live there too.
Why not just buy online?
Well, I want to work with you or whoever your local business person wants to work with you. But besides that your risking your measuring skills on an investment for your home, you don’t get to see the samples or try before you buy. We make the installation look easy but honestly that took 15 years and building a very specific tool bag of common needs- it didn’t happen overnight. If it stops working after a couple of months don’t call me…
At Korner Window I offer a free-in home consultation and would be happy to throw the samples in the car and head over. I can be found online at kornerwindow.com you can schedule an appointment on Calendly. I hope you feel informed and not overwhelmed.
A 2-story window we installed, 2 motorized roller shades over the windows for light protection, privacy, energy efficiency and function. With the arch window at the top doing a standard shade over the window was more affordable - and still functional- than arch top treatments to go in the window frame.
With grateful hands
Korin
