Builder quote for putting up blinds

codsquad

Hi,
I'm a long time lurker, first time poster and wondering whether I could quickly get some advice:

[FONT=&quot]I live in a warehouse flat with massive windows. I've recently purchased some blinds from web=blinds. They've arrived, but we are unable to put them up. The ceiling above the roof is concrete with steel in it (is that called flint?), we have bent 2 drill bits and bust the drill trying to get screws up there.

My question is this, how much do you think a builder will charge to put them up bearing in mind we have done all the measurements and we just need him to drill the holes and put screws in? I haven't ever hired a builder before so have no idea of rates etc.

NB the blinds measure 240cm x 240cm.[/FONT]

Thanks!

toffifee

I think the problem you're having is due to steel lintels. We have the same in our house and have ruined many drill bits and sometimes resorted to glue! We eventually found that cobalt drill bits from a shopping channel seemed to do the trick.

We almost bought recently from webblinds but, given DHs total lack of patience and lack of ability in DIY, in the end we went with Hillary's where they measure and fit for you. (It was during a sale - the cost came to about double).

The hillary's lady came back when the blinds were ready and a chap fitted them. He happened to be her husband. I think she mentioned in the first visit it would be about £35 for him to fit them for non-Hillarys customers, so that might be the kind of price you might pay to someone.

If you're feeling a bit cheeky you could...:
- go to the hillary's website and book an appointment
- when the local rep contacts you, say you don't want fitted blinds any more, but is there any chance he/she could let you have the details of their fitter...?

Good luck.

thescouselander

I think hiring a builder is a probably a bit over the top. As already mentioned it is possible to get drill bits that will deal with the wall but as already mentioned but some appropriate glue may be the answer. Just bear in mind if you use glue removing the blinds may be difficult.

Also you could try a site like my hammer to get a few quotes - you'd be under no obligation to place work with any of the respondents but you should be able to get a good idea of the costs.

toffifee

For a small blind we glued (No More Nails) a piece of wood to the window recess ceiling, painted it to match, then attached the blind to that. Not sure whether it would work for such a big blind though.

codsquad

Thanks for the replies.

RE Hilarys, we've already had them round to measure up as we wanted to use their measurements then order them for cheaper. A little cheeky I know, but the same guy fits as well as quotes so I'm not sure that option is open to use.

I'm going to research getting the appropriate drill bits. We are renters so I'm worried about using glue and it failing and causing damage to the property.

27col

It hardly needs a fitter from a blinds company. Any competent handyman should be able to do the job.

Wildcat391

I don't think your allowed to drill into the steel supports of these warehouse apartment. If your renting, the landlord should get blindsfitted for you.

cubegame

You need a decent SDS drill. Will go through steel lintels like a hot knife through butter.

ormus

as above. a diy/handyman job. you/he must have a SDS drill. essential for this sort of job.

olias

codsquad wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

RE Hilarys, we've already had them round to measure up as we wanted to use their measurements then order them for cheaper. A little cheeky I know, but the same guy fits as well as quotes so I'm not sure that option is open to use.

I'm going to research getting the appropriate drill bits. We are renters so I'm worried about using glue and it failing and causing damage to the property.

Landlord will crucify you for drilling into walls/steel lintels etc - have you got his permission in writing? If not, then expect a huge chunk of your deposit to go when you move out!

Olias