DIY - Window Treatments

Hi all,

Looking at the half price blinds online website which is the subsidiary of the local WA based ABC blinds - basically their online arm where you order same factory manufactured materials, albeit you measure and order and install all yourself.

I have measured as per instructions for recess, abit more uncertain about the face fit, but generally have all my measurements.

Seems roller blinds, double rollers, verticals, aluminium venetians and PVC 'timber like' are what we will go, just not sure what (given cost differences and unsure of what is more timeless/modern these days). However, am leaning towards the PVC timber in bedrooms, bar a double roller in master bedroom, perhaps verticals in the alfresco and laundry (as those sliding door areas), and roller blinds in all the big living room areas. Maybe double roller blinds for the theatre, although being an awning window we aren't 100% sure (due to the winder getting in the way in the recess). Do roller blinds or anything get annoying for some, or do you find it worth having a double roller (blockout + sunscreen)? They are a lot more expensive and I am not sure how often you would want the sunscreen up as opposed to saving money and just having a single roller blind (blockout) that you raise or lower.

Anyway, back to the topic: just wondering how hard it is - for anyone who has done it - for someone who never uses a drill to pick up a drill and predrill holes and drill screws to hold up said brackets for all the blinds? It seems besides the measurement part, if you can drill bracket screws in that's the job done.

Having never used a drill I'm assuming common sense, but am just abit uncertain as being a new WA house there's obviously steel lintels in the recesses - but beyond that would be brick? So am abit confused by a) what type of drill I need, and b) what type of drill head type - for steel, or for brick/masonry, would I go with, given the two materials abut each other?

Lastly - in general how does one go about installing said brackets? It seems from videos you predrill a pilot hole - in which case can I use my impact driver (xmas gift) - to drill a hole smaller than the screw (slightly), and then do you need to use plugs, or just use said drill to get the screws into the pilot hole?

The videos look pretty easy on both halfpriceblind's website and bunnings etc, but they never seem to show them putting any screw plugs in, or the finer details for those who are 'green' to the area. Everyone says it isn't rocket science so I somehow feel like this is do'able, but drilling into a new house somewhat puts me off. I know it will most likely be a lot cheaper than a custom made and install job by a company?

Any tips and advice for a newbie?

With measurement I notice they take 10mm off your measurements for venetians for example, but only 2mm for rollers, so my main worry is if your off a few mm for roller blinds you'll be in trouble. Mainly as you have to estimate the remaining few mm when you use a tape (since you have to bend your tape to touch the other end and can't full straight it out). Any tips for measuring?

Any other alternatives as well? I did see blindsonline - but the prices seem more expensive. Great looking blinds, but we may move out in a years time for interstate travel so I wanted quality at a reasonably affordable price (as if rented they may get trashed pretty quickly).