Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Apr 28, 2024 10:35 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by small potatoes [NY]) Apr 28, 2024 10:55 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Nicole [PA]) Apr 28, 2024 11:02 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Apr 28, 2024 11:08 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by MikeA [TX]) Apr 28, 2024 11:09 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Tim [CA]) Apr 28, 2024 1:23 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by plenty [MO]) Apr 28, 2024 1:27 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Deanna [TX]) Apr 28, 2024 1:42 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Robert J [CA]) Apr 28, 2024 1:55 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Sisco [MO]) Apr 28, 2024 2:11 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Apr 28, 2024 2:44 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Jim [CA]) Apr 28, 2024 3:50 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Roy [AL]) Apr 28, 2024 4:21 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Apr 28, 2024 4:34 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by 6x6 [TN]) Apr 28, 2024 4:34 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Small potatoes [NY]) Apr 28, 2024 4:56 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Apr 28, 2024 5:45 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by zero [IN]) Apr 28, 2024 7:20 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Marie [MO]) Apr 28, 2024 7:46 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by GKARL [PA]) Apr 28, 2024 7:58 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by BillW [NJ]) Apr 28, 2024 8:19 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by MAT [PA]) Apr 28, 2024 8:28 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Apr 28, 2024 9:09 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Small potatoes [NY]) Apr 28, 2024 11:25 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Apr 29, 2024 9:32 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by Still Learning [NH]) Apr 29, 2024 10:52 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Apr 29, 2024 10:59 AM
Alternative to Blinds? (by PG [SC]) Apr 29, 2024 5:03 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Apr 29, 2024 8:03 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by 6x6 [TN]) Apr 29, 2024 9:47 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Apr 29, 2024 9:55 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by MAT [PA]) Apr 29, 2024 11:04 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Apr 29, 2024 11:53 PM
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 10:35 AM Message:
We put cheap blinds throughout our rentals - better a cheap blind than a towel tacked up with screws and tenants almost never add or ask to add curtains...but per Jeffrey's damage question, it IS true that the one constant we see in almost ALL our units at move-out: at least one damaged blind usually three or four.
BUT if they stay awhile though, even if they don't get damaged they get dusty and dirty and life is way too short to worry about washing blinds.
Curtains are cheap these days and EASY to wash - and I can get heavy, washable black-out curtains on Amazon for not much more than a blind. But then you have the rods too and I suspect they are subject to damage?
So...any ideas about a universal window covering that makes sense? --173.28.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 10:55 AM Message:
In my B rental I washed the 2" faux wood blinds at the last turnover. It wasn't difficult and didn't take long. Placed them in the tub, applied a solution of purple simple green, rinsed them off and hung them back up w/ towel underneath to catch drips. Maybe there were some spots that I had to rub. They had not been cleaned in several years. In a C unit I have, the plastic mini blinds were too far gone to keep. As new tenants moved in over the years I would point out the damage they had and ask if the new tenant wanted me to remove them. No one ever did. I replaced them in 2 rooms w/ 2" faux wood blinds. I think they will stand up to residents. In the LR I went w/ sturdy ornate curtain rods. I hang curtains left over from other residents and offer to leave them up. Some want them, some don't. --67.240.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 11:02 AM Message:
I personally HATE blinds ... probably left over "trauma" from scrubbing my grandma's metal venetian blinds when I was young.
I have curtain rods and I generally supply curtains. Since I quit using the white wrap around slide ones, I've had no trouble. I now have the type that "sits" into an open rod. I buy the curtains at yard sales, the thrift store, left overs from friends and family. --98.237.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 11:08 AM Message:
I've not had a lot of experience with curtains. The first time, the tenants didn't like the curtains and took them down and stored them in the garage. They didn't fold them or protect them and they were wadded up and had motor oil stains on them.
The second house had really cute side panels plus miniblinds and all the tenants liked those and left them up. They had to be washed and ironed between tenants. I'm not a big fan of ironing.
My third curtain experience, the curtains were missing when I got the house back. They had come with the house when I bought it and were really expensive curtains. Maybe they fit into the tenant's new place?
I dislike the new cordless miniblinds, so I have switched to vertical blinds. The tenants do less damage to them, they seem to stay cleaner with less dust collected, and they are easy to repair if they need it. No one has objected to them. --76.178.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 11:09 AM Message:
I have used roller blinds in the past with good results and about the same cost as cheap blinds. The problem is the younger generation doesn’t know how to operate them. --107.77.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Tim [CA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 1:23 PM Message:
To each his own. I've had blinds get destroyed, but the tenant pays for new ones and installation. Most of the time, tenants haven't damaged them (knock on wood).
I've found a way to clean them when they need it. I put two long screws part way into fence boards a little closer together than the width of the blind. I put one screw about a foot higher than the other (this water run off faster). I hang the blinds on the two screws, spray them down with some 409, let it soak for a while and then hose them off. If they look like they need a little more effort, I use an automotive wheel brush (long and slender with soft bristles) to loosen up any dirt. I let them air dry while I'm doing other tasks. It doesn't take long and I let them soak and dry out while doing other work. I have some blinds that have been in a few rentals for 15 years which is great because they're nice subtle colors - not the plain old white or ivory. --73.2.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 1:27 PM Message:
Only purchased them once. After that the expense is a deduction from the security deposit. If respected they occur no damage. In my better properties I put in two inch white blinds. In my own home there is no damage. It's simple abuse. --172.59.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 1:42 PM Message:
When I could do the $3-$4/window corded blinds, I could treat them as disposable.
When those were no longer available, I pivoted to $10-for-2-panels blackout curtains plus a $3.50 tension rod, and try to get my windows covered for $15/window.
Not everyone likes the color of curtain. Some people like blinds. If that's the case, I'll try and ask for them to return my curtains to me so I can take care of them until they leave, and they replace them with their preferred curtains/preferred blinds on their own dime. --137.118.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 1:55 PM Message:
Excellent topic, one of the best for all landlords!
We all know that the cheap big box store purchased vinyl and metal mini-blinds never holdup in the hands of a tenant! And the larger 1-1/2 inch wooden blind are so heavy, that the pull cords break within a couple years.
So what's the answer? I have a few ideas to consider:
(1) Pull down shades. You can order them cut to any size of have the people at Home Depot or Lowe's cut them in the store for you. The material have different sun blocking levels to allow light without having to open them.
(2) Zebra Blinds. Also a style of pull down, but they also have a duel setting. A) all the way up. B) Partially down Closed or 50% open Box 0r C) all the way closed.
(3) Redi-Shade. They come in paper, with a glue strip for the top to attach. Cheaper than a mini-blind, around $6.
(4) When replacing window, get them with a build in shade/blind between the duel glass sheets. They last forever.
(5) or do what the contractor does (me/Robert). Take you sand blasting gig and frost the inside glass so you can't see thru the glass but allows full light. --47.155.xx.x |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 2:11 PM Message:
I have been buying 2” faux wood blinds for the past 4 years. They hold up well. While they are not indestructible, they don’t get brittle and self destruct either.
They cost $40-$80 each with most of my windows being $40.
Labor is more expensive, the cheapest blinds are not the lowest cost when they need to be replaced annually.
I have gone from replacing every blind at every turnover to replacing 1 blind every 4 turnovers.
--149.76.xxx.x |
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 2:44 PM Message:
If you don't have a sand blasting technique like ROBERT J, I buy a plastic covering with a design that sticks right onto the window. Amazon sells them with various designs to choose from. Saw it on a show where they were selling houses. The view from one of the windows was awful, so the homeowner put one of these in and depending on what you choose, you can't see inside or out, but light is able to shine through.
I practiced on the office window of my house. Tedious to put on, but adds a flair to my window and I love it. Have also used for a buffet with china cabinet where the tenants stuff always looked a mess. Worked well for showings and the next people left them on. --75.11.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Jim [CA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 3:50 PM Message:
Most of my 2" faux blinds are 10 years old. I have a local company that cleans and repairs them. Like everything else, quality lasts. --146.70.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 4:21 PM Message:
I have given up on blinds and curtains. If they want to hang a Confederate flag over a window, I just ignore it. Life is too short here. --71.207.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 4:34 PM Message:
Roy, if we don't supply window coverings, the tenant will, as you noted - and they will NOT install them properly and there goes the wall all around the windows. DH can hang a blind in a minute or two, assuming the old hardware is not damaged, so he prefers to hang them himself.
We do charge for damage but not dust or dirt on the blinds after a few years of occupancy. And it is hard to clean cheap blinds without damaging them.
How many windows do you guys have that you can spend time washing and waiting for them to dry? A typical unit for us will be anywhere from 5 - 10 or so. And doing 24-hour turnovers doesn't allow for cleaning & drying time. Plus, as Roy said, life's too short to wash blinds :)
I like the idea of moving to vertical blinds - I hate them, but I don't have to live with them. Maybe we'll check into that for the next turnover.
--173.28.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 4:34 PM Message:
When the tenants leave, if the blinds are broken, they pay for them.
That said, I have often wondered if shades would hold up better. --76.129.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 4:56 PM Message:
The most blinds I have in a unit is 6. I have caught big discounts twice. Once jc penny was going out of business and another time when lowe's was swapping vendors. I keep a list of window and door measurements for units where I am seeking an upgrade. They are not urgent and if an item pops up I can snag it. --172.59.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 5:45 PM Message:
What retailer you use for your curtains doesn't matter as much as creating that system of using that same set of curtains repeatedly on your units.
Me I use a gray design that dollar general sells. Why? They are cheaper, DG offers a $5 coupon and I am cheap so I buy two to use it and I own a DG away from me. This is how I make sure my monthly payments stay rolling in. --24.101.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 7:20 PM Message:
I put mini blinds up in the first rental. Tenant didn't like them, took them down and they were all destroyed.
Next tenant we put up curtains. That tenant didn't like them, took them down and that was that.
Have never supplied blinds per my lease. I have bought a lot of them lately from auctions. Mostly for my kid's places. But I put them up in the last two empties I had to keep nosey people from seeing all my stuff inside.
I just let a lot of them pass me by because I didn't want to travel just for blinds at the latest auction.
Maybe I need to get a list of sizes and start stocking up. --107.147.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Marie [MO]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 7:46 PM Message:
I have replaced 2" wood look blinds when they yellow or their cords break. I don't have the patience to clean them. Instead, I prefer curtain rods and black out, neutral design drapes. Almost no one has replaced the drapes and they last awhile. Vertical blinds are easily damaged by children who pull on them. Once you lose a 'blade,' the blind needs to be replaced. Inexpensive mini blinds usually last if put over the kitchen window where they are rarely manipulated. However, the challenge of cleaning them with every moveout is more than I want to tackle. It's amazing how many people leave the drapes (or blinds closed) all the time. --98.156.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 7:58 PM Message:
Curtains on a tension rod. Quick and easy to put up and no damages. --209.122.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 8:19 PM Message:
I third Small potato and Sisco's suggestion of 2" faux wood blinds. They hold up well function and look good from the inside and outside (curb appeal). I've been replacing mini blinds with the faux wood blinds and happy with the result --173.63.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by MAT [PA]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 8:28 PM Message:
I use miniblinds, and don’t sweat it. If the y survive a tenancy, great. If not, I just buy new ones and don’t worry about it. At most, it’s $70 or so which seems pretty minuscule in the bigger picture of a turnover. Of course, if the tenant was a PITA, then I tag their security deposit. If they were an otherwise good tenants, I don’t worry about comping a blind or two. --108.52.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 9:09 PM Message:
To make one of our empty units a more appealing I put some very expensive lace curtain toppers from my house in, just for a showing. The ladies all fell in love with them and asked if they went with the apartment. I ended up having to say yes. That was more than 10 years ago. The curtain toppers are still in there; every showing since the ladies always ask, so I leave them in. They really make the room. I've never been able to find those toppers or anything as nice. A mere pittance to get good tenants.
--75.11.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Apr 28, 2024 11:25 PM Message:
MAT, the problem w replacing mini blinds often is that the brackets often need swapping because the new ones don't fit in the existing ones. Makes it more of a pain. I think the other problem w mini blinds is that they are off the shelf items and longer than needed which might lead to them being yanked aggressively. --172.59.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 9:32 AM Message:
Biggest issue is the new blinds (no cords) always look crooked when hanging and lift crookedly, etc. I hate them. Crooked blinds drive me nuts (a little too nuts.)
DH pointed out that verticals would clackety-clack in the wind if they opened a window. 99.9% of our tenants never open a window but it could happen. --173.28.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 10:52 AM Message:
I buy the HD blinds and have curtain rods hung if they want to add their own curtains. My issue is 50% if the new cordless blinds stop raising all the way up within 1 year. I’m not sure why I worry about it because most of my tenants never raise them. I brought 2 home from my last turnover and need to see if I can find a video showing how to get the spring mechanism working again. --136.179.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 10:59 AM Message:
If I were more handy-capable, I'm thinking the self-stick window film might actually be the way to go. I've seen a few tenants add it for privacy and it really works and doesn't damage the window or frame at all.
It doesn't add room-darkening but that's usually only needed in one bedroom...
Hmmm. --173.28.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by PG [SC]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 5:03 PM Message:
Just put in 8 Walmart-LT$10 each - 1 inch vinyl cordless light filtering - standard size no special cut to length or width - Attached Holding clips to the window casing not the window frame. I Leveled the clips - install was easy .
Problem was determining a standard width that covered the window panes and looked good. Note-I did not put the blinds inside the casing. This allowed me to use a cheaper standard width. Most of my tenants stay a few years - good choice for my B unit.
--184.20.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by OREO [WI]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 8:03 PM Message:
WMH: I believe the self stick adds a small amount of energy saving as well! I may use it on the front door glass of my home. You can also get it in colors. It would make the door look like you ordered it with stained or etched glass. --75.11.xx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 9:47 PM Message:
Some double pane windows can get damaged by using window film. My understanding is that it can cause the seal to break on the double pane. --76.129.xxx.xx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 9:55 PM Message:
this stuff is just decorative, 6x6. It goes on with water, no glue. --173.28.xx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by MAT [PA]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 11:04 PM Message:
Small Potatoes, you’re right, I had forgotten about that from the last turnover that needed new blinds. Drove me crazy that I had to redo the brackets and drill new holes. Up until that point, II hadn’t needed to do that. Probably turned a one hour job into a three hour job. --108.52.xxx.xxx |
Alternative to Blinds? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Apr 29, 2024 11:53 PM Message:
W,
We've been thru every iteration of window coverings.
I like the 2" Plantation blinds but they are expensive.
I stick with mini blinds on EVERY window. Disposable. Easy. We usually only replace 1 or 2 per turnover, usually broken because they are flimsy. Once the new style brackets are installed they just snap in.
Just did clean up from a horrible eviction. Only replaced 2 blinds in kids' rooms. (next to beds)
We use only white. Less likely to show dust. Turn them flat and vac with a brush attachment.
We used to wash them in the tub but no more. Easier replace.
I want the home looking good from the street and crisp and clean when toured.
Vertical blinds make prospects under 45 gag. The attachment point is flimsy and cracks, the holders crack, and the tracks are trouble. I won't allow them for patio doors, etc.
My prospects don't like drapes. They held odor, wrong colors, perceived as germy, and cost more than minis.
BRAD
BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx |
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